If you are looking for which racecourses to visit whilst in London, we look at the best horse racing courses close to the capital.
Some of these London racecourses are well-known worldwide, while others are smaller and more local.
Many of these famous British racecourses host some of the biggest horse racing festivals, and some are the most fashionable events in London’s sporting calendar.
Many people like to visit a horse racing fixture whilst on vacation in London.
If you are a regular racegoer check out our guides to all UK horse racing venues or Irish racing venues.
Our London Racecourses guide explains all the leading racecourses in and around London and the M25.
Find out more about London Racecourses:
Contents
London Horse Racing Tracks
Here is a list of all the horse racing tracks in London:
Kempton Park
Kempton Park racecourse is an impressive racecourse in Surrey, London.
Kempton Park is the nearest horse racing venue to Central London.
The Kempton Park offers flat racing and steeplechase (National Hunt) races throughout the year. Its most famous race on Boxing Day every year is King George Chase, which many greats have won over the years, including the famous grey Desert Orchid.
Kempton racecourse also boasts its train station, with direct rail connections from London Waterloo on the Shepperton branch line; this ease of travel is another great asset.
Kempton Park also skirts the A308 and the A316, with the latter very close to the M3 motorway.
Check out our comprehensive guide to Kempton Park Racecourse for more information on tickets, fixtures and betting opportunities.
Sandown Park
Sandown Park Racecourse is on the outer fringes of the capital in Esher, Surrey. It hosts top-quality jumps and flat meetings, its most iconic flat is the Group 1 Coral Eclipse Stakes, whilst one of many great jumps races include the brilliant and exciting 2-mile chase, The Tingle Creek.
Sandown Park is within the M25 London Orbital and is very close to Hampton Court Palace in southwest London.
Esher train station is only a ten-minute walk to the London racecourse, 25 minutes from London Waterloo.
For horse racing fans looking to travel by car, it is easily accessible via the A3 and the A309.
Check out our comprehensive guide to Sandown Park Racecourse for more information on tickets, fixtures and betting opportunities.
Epsom Downs
Epsom Downs Racecourse is in the heart of Surrey and was voted the best racecourse in London. It is stunning and well-known throughout the world.
Epsom Downs usually welcomes up to 130,000 spectators on the biggest race days, which include the Epsom Derby and Epsom Oaks.
Epsom train station is a little way out from the racecourse, but the venue operates a shuttle bus to and from the station for the biggest race days.
Check out our guide to Epsom Downs Racecourse for more information on tickets, fixtures and betting opportunities.
Ascot
Ascot is based in Berkshire – although not in the capital – it is certainly a must-visit if you fancy visiting an iconic racecourse and stables near London.
Ascot Racecourse is one of the most historic British racecourses in the world and attracts approximately 600,000 spectators annually.
Over 33% of the UK’s flat Group 1 races are staged at Ascot Racecourse.
Ascot is outside the M25 London Orbital, but it’s just as easy to visit by train, being on the South Western Railway line from London Waterloo, with connections taking 52 minutes on average.
For horse racing fans looking to travel by car, it is easily accessible via junction 6 of the M4.
Check out our comprehensive guide to Ascot Racecourse for more information on tickets, fixtures and betting opportunities.
Royal Windsor
The Royal Windsor Racecourse is another iconic horse racing track to visit near London.
Windsor Racecourse is situated on the banks of the picturesque River Thames.
Whether you are a first-time visitor to the capital or you’ve always fancied a day at the races with family or friends, if visiting Royal Windsor Racecourse, it should be paired with a trip to Windsor Castle.
The Windsor & Eton Riverside station offers direct rail links to London Waterloo, and a popular transportation route to the race track is via quintessential river taxis.
Check out our comprehensive guide to Royal Windsor Racecourse for more information on tickets, fixtures and betting opportunities.
Newbury
Newbury racecourse is a little further afield but is easily reachable from the capital with trains via Reading.
Newbury is a stunning racecourse that hosts top-quality flat and national hunt races yearly. Its turf has been graced in recent years by top racehorses, including the brilliant Frankel, winner of the Lockinge, as well as a memorable weight-carrying performance by Denman in the Coral Gold Cup.
Check out our full guide to Newbury Racecourse for more information on tickets, fixtures and betting opportunities.
Lingfield
A little further South of London, Lingfield racecourse hosts all-weather, turf and jumps racing.
Lingfield is a small and picturesque village worth a visit; it is easy to get to via car (and not far from Gatwick Airport) and has a train station.
Racing quality has improved over the years, hosting some key Derby and Oaks trials and the All-Weather Championships.
Check out our comprehensive guide to Lingfield Racecourse for more information on tickets, fixtures and betting opportunities.
Brighton
Although Brighton racecourse is not situated in Greater London, it is one of the most popular horse racing tracks near London and is popular with residents and holiday-makers.
For any tourists visiting London, it is only a short train ride away to Brighton, and it can be coupled with a visit to the very British Seaside town. Why not make a few days of it?
Check out our comprehensive guide to Brighton Racecourse for more information on tickets, fixtures and betting opportunities.
Popular Questions
Is Horse Racing Popular in London?
Horse racing is very popular in London with many visitors to the capital wanting to attend a horse racing festival.
The popular horse racing meetings give viewers the chance to dress to impress and ladies’ day meetings are a great fashionable day out.
With hundreds of betting shops in London, it is a popular sport watched by Londoners.
Should racegoers bet before attending a London Racecourse?
Racegoers are able to wager bets at all of the horse racing venues near London.
If you are a punter who likes to place bets to maximise best odds guaranteed bonuses there are many London betting shops available to wager bets inside.
Here are some of the major bookmakers in London who accept and payout on horse racing bets:
- Betfred bookmakers in London
- William Hill bookmakers in London
- Paddy Power bookmakers in London
- Ladbrokes bookmakers in London
- Coral bookmakers in London
With 623 betting shops in London, you will most likely find one situated on most high streets close to your location.
What is the difference between flat racing, steeplechase and national hunt races?
A flat racing event is a run that does not include jumps. The race is based on stamina, speed and the jockey’s skill.
National hunt racing, otherwise known as jumps racing, is an event where horses need to clear hurdles and fences.
There are 60 national hunt racecourses across the UK, with a few located in London.
Final Thoughts on London Racecourses
London is blessed to be surrounded by some of the top horse racing venues in the world.
Racegoers who visit London love the choice of the many amazing racecourses only a short distance from the capital via a great public transport network.
London’s biggest horse racing meetings attract massive, particularly the 2024 Royal Ascot Festival, which is iconic worldwide.
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