London plays a major role in the sporting world, with numerous high-profile events taking place in England’s capital. Alongside its incredible sporting scene, London is also special for a range of other aspects, ranging from its sightseeing to the rich heritage of the royal family. Whilst seeming like a complete city on the sporting scene, London has a lack of horse racing opportunities in the city, though there are some notable courses not far from its centre.
The United Kingdom’s horse racing scene is unique, and is one of the most famous sports across the whole Country. What makes the sport so special is the prestige that follows it, with its rich traditions remaining at the core. Across the United Kingdom, there are many infamous racecourses, each with a unique story, many of which are accessible from London. This article will explore some of the most notable racecourses close to London.
Ascot Racecourse
Ascot Racecourse is one of the most notable in the United Kingdom and is among the closest to London. The course has gained a notable reputation in horse racing, partly due to the Royal Ascot racing festival. The Ascot Racecourse provides both flat and jumps racing, attracting fans of either side of the sport.
The Royal Ascot festival is one of the most popular racing events on the calendar, which is held annually in June. The Royal Ascot festival differs from other major meetings, such as the Grand National, in that it has many ties to the royal family, including appearances by members of the royal family.
In terms of transportation, the Ascot Racecourse is close to the Ascot station, which has a direct train from London Waterloo.
Epsom Downs Racecourse
Located on the North Downs in Surrey, the Epsom Downs Racecourse stands as one of the oldest racecourses in the United Kingdom. The Epsom Downs Racecourse was first run in 1661 and still stands today, showcasing its longstanding traditions. Alongside its ancient history, the Epsom Downs Racecourse has gained a notable reputation as the home of the Epsom Derby. This race is widely regarded as Britain’s premier classic race, with many racegoers travelling to Surrey to watch the races and do some horse racing betting.
Across the racing season, the Epsom Downs Racecourse attracts millions of spectators, with a range of interesting meetings on top of the Derby. The Derby is undoubtedly the biggest meeting at the course, which has been run on the course since 1780. The racecourse has seen numerous iconic races, as well as huge moments outside of the racing, including the 1913 suffragette protest, when Emily Davidson stepped on the track during the Derby.
For the racing fans in London looking to attend the Epsom Downs Racecourse, there is a direct train from London Victoria/London Bridge to Tattenham Corner, a 10-minute walk from the racetrack.
Kempton Park Racecourse
For those not looking to travel far outside of the city centre of London, the Kempton Park Racecourse may be the best option. This racecourse is the closest to London, although it may not host as many popular meetings as the previous tracks mentioned. The Kempton Park racecourse is located southwest of London in Surrey, and will host both National Hunt and flat races. Since its foundation by The Jockey Club in 1878, the Kempton Park Racecourse has become a notable track in Britain.
The best racing event that takes place at the Kempton Park Racecourse will take place each year on Boxing Day, when the King George VI Chase is held. This event is one of the biggest National Hunt races on the calendar each year and is distinct from other outings, with an overall pleasant vibe as everyone is in a festive mood. The racecourse is also a very popular night-racing track, made possible by the range of floodlights surrounding the course.
The Kempton Park Racecourse is located about 16 miles from central London, making it the most accessible track on this list in terms of distance. The course has its own station, Kempton Park, located beside it, which can be accessed by trains coming directly from London Waterloo.
Final Thoughts
Despite not featuring any major racecourses actually in the city of London, there are a range of incredible options you can visit just a short distance from it. Horse racing enthusiasts from the city often make the short trips to these popular racecourses to catch the action live trackside, with advanced transportation options available. Each course surrounding London is different, with a unique story of its origins, and atmosphere at the track, not to mention the difference in racing. Whether it’s the Epsom Downs or the Royal Ascot Festival, these courses are all special and play their own part in contributing to the racing scene in Britain.
