A day at the races is enjoyed by many people in the UK, not just in the summer when Flat racing takes centre stage, but also for Jumps racing throughout the winter.

Here is a look at the five best racecourses in the UK to visit.

Aintree

I AM MAXIMUS flies home like a SERIOUS horse to win the Randox Grand National!

The horse they call Moo Moo at home ❤️🤣 pic.twitter.com/6ELFDbZOMH

— Aintree Racecourse (@AintreeRaces) April 13, 2024

Aintree Racecourse in Merseyside is home to the most famous steeplechase in the world, the Grand National. The £1 million race takes place annually in April, and millions tune in on television across the UK to watch the race which is ingrained in British culture. In 2023, they saw I Am Maximus prevail for Irish Champion Jumps’ Trainer Willie Mullins.

The National Hunt racecourse is known for being friendly, and it is just a stone’s throw away from Liverpool city centre, so you can enjoy your evening there following your afternoon racing.

Ascot

As a royal racecourse, Ascot is considered the most glamorous horse racing venue in the UK. The main grandstand is an impressive visual structure. It is considered a premier racecourse, and one that attracts the best Flat and Jumps horses.

If there is one meeting you should look to aim for, it is Royal Ascot, which takes place in June. There is a strict dress code at this meeting, as fashion is just as important as the racing itself.

Cheltenham

Cheltenham Racecourse is the home of Jumps racing. Thousands make the pilgrimage to the Gloucestershire-based venue for the Cheltenham Festival, the biggest week of the year in the sport.

If you are lucky enough to attend any of the four days of the Cheltenham Festival, you will soon realise how important it is to every jockey, trainer and owner. If the latter is something you have ever considered, it is likely to motivate you to get involved. Horse racing ownership does not have to be expensive, as there are some great syndicates that allow you to buy shares in racehorses in the UK. You can do so with RaceShare today from as little as £33.

Epsom

The most prestigious Flat race in the world is the Derby. This race has been imitated around the world, with versions now taking place in France, Germany, Ireland and the USA. The original Derby has been running at Epsom Racecourse since 1780.

Epsom is a short train journey away from major London terminals, so it is very easy to get to. It is famous for its fair in the middle of the racecourse which ensures there is entertainment for all on race days.

York

If you live in the north of England, York Racecourse is likely to be one of the closest premier racecourses to you. It is described as “the Ascot of the north”. It stepped in to host Royal Ascot in 2005 when Ascot was being redeveloped.

🏆 MOSTAHDAF WINS THE JUDDMONTE INTERNATIONAL 🏆@FrankieDettori makes all aboard the Prince Of Wales’s Stakes winner in the @yorkracecourse showpiece, with Nashwa second, and Paddington third 😲

@ShadwellStud | @hissa_hamdan | @JuddmonteFarms pic.twitter.com/u0z5MobNwE

— Racing TV (@RacingTV) August 23, 2023

York put on Flat racing from April through to October, with their highlight being their Ebor Festival in August. This includes the Juddmonte International, a race that attracts the best middle distance horses from across Europe. The content was won in 2023 by Mostahdaf for UK trainers John and Thady Gosden.

Enjoy your next visit to one of the above five racecourses. You are sure to be in for a great day’s racing and entertainment.