When it comes to horse racing, London may not have a racecourse right in the heart of the city, but it’s surrounded by some of the most historic and prestigious tracks in the UK, all just a short journey away.
Whether you’re a first-time racegoer, or simply looking for a memorable day out, London offers easy access to world-class racing experiences. From the royal elegance of Ascot to the thrilling flat and jump meetings at Sandown and Kempton Park, these nearby racecourses provide the perfect mix of tradition, excitement, and accessibility.
In this guide, we’ll take you through the very best racecourses within reach of London, where the racing is top-tier and the atmosphere is electric.
Ascot Racecourse
Ascot Racecourse is one of the most famous and stylish racecourses in the UK. It’s located in Berkshire, just under an hour from London, making it easy for people from the capital to visit. The track hosts both flat racing in the summer and jumps racing in the winter. It’s a right-handed course, known for its long straight and impressive facilities.
The biggest event at Ascot is Royal Ascot, held every June. It’s a five-day festival with top-class races, including the Gold Cup, and it’s attended by the royal family. People also go for the fashion, fun, and lively atmosphere.
Another major day at Ascot is British Champions Day in October, which features some of the best horses and jockeys of the year. With year-round racing, great food and drink, and a mix of sport and style, Ascot is a must-visit for anyone interested in horse racing.
Epsom Downs Racecourse
Then there is also the Epsom Downs Racecourse, which is one of the oldest and most famous racecourses in England. It’s located in Surrey, just about 45 minutes from central London. The course is best known for hosting The Derby, one of the biggest and most important flat races in the world. This race has been run at Epsom since 1780 and attracts top horses, jockeys, and racing fans from across the globe.
The racecourse is set on the beautiful Epsom Downs, giving visitors wide views of the countryside. It’s a left-handed track and is known for its unusual shape and uphill finish, which makes racing here exciting and unpredictable.
The Derby Festival, held every June, is the highlight of the year and includes other top races like the Oaks. There are also other race days throughout the season, making Epsom a popular day out for both serious fans and casual visitors.
Kempton Park Racecourse
Kempton Park Racecourse is a popular racecourse located in Sunbury-on-Thames, just inside the M25 and around 40 minutes from central London. It hosts both flat racing and jumps (National Hunt) racing, and it’s one of the few UK tracks with an all-weather surface, meaning races can take place all year round, even in adverse conditions which would normally affect plentiful meetings across the nation.
Kempton is best known for the King George VI Chase, a famous jump race held every year on Boxing Day (26 December). It’s one of the biggest races in the National Hunt calendar and attracts top horses and large crowds.
The course has evening and weekend meetings, making it a great choice for a fun and relaxed day (or night) at the races. With good transport links, modern facilities, and plenty of racing throughout the year, Kempton Park is an easy and exciting choice for anyone near London.
Sandown Park Racecourse
Finally, there is Sandown Park Racecourse, a well-known and much-loved racecourse in Esher, Surrey, about 30 minutes by train from central London. It hosts both flat racing and jumps racing, making it a great all-round venue for horse racing fans.
One of the biggest events at Sandown is the Coral-Eclipse Stakes, a top-class flat race held in July. It also hosts important jump races like the Tingle Creek Chase in December. These races attract some of the best horses and jockeys in the sport.
Sandown is known for its welcoming atmosphere, smart facilities, and scenic setting with views of the London skyline. It also holds evening race meetings, often with live music after the racing, making it popular with younger racegoers and groups of friends.
Conclusion
While there may not be a racecourse in central London, the capital is surrounded by some of the best tracks in the country. These courses offer easy access, exciting race days, and something for everyone, whether you’re a seasoned racegoer or just looking for a great day out.
Can’t make it to the track? You can still catch all the action by watching racing replays today and stay up to date with the latest results and standout performances. However you choose to enjoy the sport, the London area has you covered for top-quality racing all year round.
