South West Racecourses

Across the Greater London, home counties and South West region there's a long and auspicious history of horse racing, featuring two of the UK’s biggest venues – Ascot and Epsom – amongst others. Some of the most important races in the UK are hosted here, and with the changing times horse racing has reinvented itself as a great family day out. Many race days now feature live music from household names, as well as child-friendly activities and food & drink.

Ascot Racecourse 

Ascot is one of the leading racecourses in the UK – hosting more than a third of the highest tier of horse races. Primarily known for hosting the Gold Cup and its flagship racing event, Royal Ascot, the course boasts a close relationship with the Royal Family and the highest of UK society. 

Notable races

• The Gold Cup – June
• King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes – July
• Shergar Cup – August

Getting to Ascot Racecourse

Ascot Racecourse is just a seven-minute walk from Ascot station. Trains run to Reading and London every 30 minutes, with extra trains on busy race days.

Epsom Downs Racecourse

Notable races

Don’t miss these races at Epsom:

• Great Metropolitan Handicap – part of the April Meet
• Coronation Cup, The Derby, and the Princess Elizabeth Stakes – part of the Epsom Derby

Getting to Epsom Racecourse

Epsom station is easily reached from London Waterloo and Wimbledon. It’s a 10-minute taxi away on most race days, but you can take a shuttle bus during the Derby Festival.

Sandown Park Racecourse

Notable races

The most popular racing events at Sandown include:

• Tolworth Novices’ Hurdle – January
• Eclipse Stakes – July
• Tingle Creek Chase – December

Getting to Sandown Racecourse

Just a short walk from Esher station, the racecourse has its own entrance at the southwestern end of platform four, open exclusively on race days.

Kempton Park Racecourse

Notable races

• Betway Handicap Chase – February
• Sirenia Stakes – September
• King George VI Chase - December

Getting to Kempton Park Racecourse

Kempton Park station borders the entrance to the racecourse, with two trains an hour on weekdays and Saturdays.

Exeter Racecourse 

Known locally as Haldon Racecourse because of its location at the peak of the Haldon Hills, Exeter Racecourse was created during the reign of King Charles II – his love of the sport resulted in a series of racecourses across England. Nowadays, it serves as one of the highest-altitude National Hunt racecourses in the UK.

Notable races

Exeter Racecourse holds the annual Haldon Gold Cup in November.

Getting to Exeter Racecourse 

Exeter St Davids is the nearest station to the racecourse. A free coach operates on race days to take you to the racecourse.

Royal Windsor Racecourse

Windsor Racecourse has hosted formal race meets since 1866 but has a history dating back as far as Henry VIII. Boasting one of only two figure-of-eight courses in the UK, the racecourse occupies an enviable position on the River Thames.

Notable races

Getting to Royal Windsor Racecourse

Taxis are available from Windsor & Eton Riverside station to the racecourse, but the river taxi is a great alternative – especially in the summer. Taking just 10 minutes from Barry Avenue Promenade (a short walk from the station), you’ll get to enjoy the meandering River Thames and the on-board bar.