1. Cheltenham
Set in the heart of the Cotswolds countryside, Cheltenham has been running since 1815 and is today one of the largest and best-known racecourses in the country, bringing in crowds of 68,000 every year. The racecourse is best known for hosting the iconic Cheltenham Festival in March, which is one of the biggest events in racing and features several Grade 1 National Hunt races, including the Cheltenham Gold Cup.
Alongside its iconic festival, the racecourse also hosts several other race days fixtures throughout the year and family fun days for the kids to enjoy too. Additionally, Cheltenham is also home to The Centaur, a multi-purpose auditorium used for a variety of entertainment events, including concerts and comedy shows. You can check out what’s on here.
2. Ascot
Founded by Queen Anne in 1711 and nestled in the beautiful Berkshire countryside, Ascot Racecourse has a huge sense of English heritage and tradition. Home of the renowned Royal Ascot Festival every summer, it is still closely linked to the royal family today, with the five-day event featuring royal processions, and attendance of the Queen and other prominent members of the royal family. Drawing in crowds of 300,000 every year, it’s one of the most highly anticipated racing events on the calendar and the best-attended in Europe.
While best-known for the Royal Ascot, the racecourse is host to 26 days of prestigious racing events throughout the year, including 32 Grade 1 events and both Flat and National Hunt fixtures.
3. York
With a rich history dating back to the Roman period, the award-winning York Racecourse is one of the UK’s oldest and most highly regarded, and the third biggest in terms of prize money. Recently voted Flat Racecourse of Year, the racecourse hosts 17 Flat racing fixtures throughout summer, including three Group 1 races and the popular four-day Yorkshire Ebor Festival in August. With these world-class racing events situated in its stunning grounds, York is considered one of Britain’s premier racecourses and draws in huge crowds of around 350,000 each year.
Whether its Cheltenham, Ascot or York races you attend this year, each one of these iconic UK racecourses offers sporting excellence and some of the highest-profile occasions to include in your social calendar this summer.
Want to experience the excitement of its prestigious events and soak up the race-day atmosphere this summer? Here at Accor Hotels, we have several ideally located hotels near York racecourse for you to choose from for your stay.
