There are many excellent racecourses within a short drive of London, so visitors to the city are able to enjoy horse racing as part of their stay. Each course has its own distinct character.
Ascot
One of the easiest racecourses to get to, a train from Waterloo Station takes 45 minutes to get to Ascot and then it is just a 5 minute walk up the hill to the grand main entrance of this royal racecourse. Ascot is famous for the fact that it was originally started by Queen Anne in the early eighteenth century. She was riding out from Windsor when she came across the heath at Ascot (about 6 miles away) and declared it might be an excellent spot for horse racing. 300 years later, her descendants still come to watch the races during 'Ascot Week' at the beginning of the summer.
Brighton
Less than 2km from Brighton Station, in the Kemp Town part of the city, Brighton's racecourse is an excellent, if somewhat odd flat racing venue. It is not a full circuit like most racecourses, but actually forms a U shape instead. Despite this oddity, Brighton racecourse is well attended throughout the year. Being on the south coast, the going is on average a little softer than most british racecourses. Above all, visitors can enjoy the added attractions of this great seaside city when visiting the races at Brighton.
Epsom
Home of the Derby, Epsom Downs Racecourse is famous the world over. It is easy to get to by car, being situated between Junctions 8 and 9 of the M25 motorway. Trains are also a good option with three local mainline stations (Epsom, Epsom Downs andTattenham Corner) all delivering you to the area. During the Derby Festival a shuttle bus runs from Epsom station but for the rest of the year you will need to catch a local bus (Metrobus 460 or 480), take a taxi or enjoy a brisk 25 minute walk to get to the racecourse. Once there it is likely that you will be impressed by the grandstand which was recently refurbished to a very high standard.
Goodwood
In mid july every year, the 'Glorious Goodwood' festival brings 100,000 racegoers to Goodwood for a week of dressing up, being seen and having fun. It really is one of the highpoints of the English social calendar and is one to add to your diary if at all possible. General Admission starts from just £15 per person. The racecourse sits on the edge of the Goodwood Estate, in Chichester, West Sussex. This estate is home to a motor racing course, airfield, stately home and all manner of exciting things to see and do. Well worth a day out.
Newbury
This is one for serious horse fans. The proximity of many top class trainers who have their stud farms on the surrounding rolling downs, makes Newbury a racers racecourse. Not too much in the way of pop bands, celebrity guests and so on. What they focus on at Newbury is the racing. They get the best horses and the best trainers to come. This is where racegoers really see the finest that the sport has to offer. The countryside here is utterly magical too. Trains run from Paddington and take about one hour and 10 minutes to get to Newbury Racecourse Station.
Are you looking for last minute racing tips? Have fun, but please remember to bet sensibly, only putting down as a stake money that you can afford to lose.
No comments:
Post a Comment