Known as the Roodee by racegoers, Chester Racecourse was the first recorded location where a prize was presented to a winner of a horse race – back in 1512 at a Chester fair… Talk about a fun fact, right? Hosting nail-biting events throughout the year, Chester’s biggest crowd-puller is its three-day festival in May. Where you’ll witness some of the best jockeys from the UK, Ireland, France and beyond go furlong to furlong in iconic races like the Chester Cup, the Ormonde Stakes and the Chester Vase. Whether you’re soaking up the historic, hallowed ground with family or betting against the odds with friends, our Chester hotels are your steppingstone to unforgettable horse racing at this world-famous location.
Chester Races
Places to stay
Chester Racecourse hotels? When sheer convenience and comfort matter most, it has to be Premier Inn every time.
Our Chester Central North hotel and Chester (Railway Station) hotel are a 10-minute hop, skip and jump away by car to Chester Racecourse.
Our Chester Central (South East) hotel is also a short distance too, at only 15 minutes away by car.
Relax with breakfast, dinner and drinks after the horse racing
We’ve also got a restaurant on site or just next door to most of our hotel locations.
From our unlimited Premier Inn Breakfast (which allows up to two kids to eat for free per paying adult), to world-inspired menus crafted with passion, flavour-filled meals that excite the senses await.
So, grab that annual racing programme, mark in your dates and lock in that booking at one of our nearby hotels.
Things to know about Chester Racecourse
Chester dress code
Each enclosure has its own dress code. From relaxed attire to three-piece suits and cocktail dresses, make sure you match the style guide set out for each race meeting. There’s even a best-dressed competition!
Chester ticket prices
It all depends on which event you attend and where you spectate. Enclosure tickets start at as little as £10 online, topping out at around £170 online. You can also turn up on the day and get tickets on the gate – they’re subject to availability and you might pay a little more than the online price.
Food and drink at Chester
From third-party traders to owned outlets, every enclosure hosts its own food and drink offering for each event. To cater to everyone’s taste, the bars are stocked with a variety of refreshing beverages, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic.
Chester Racecourse FAQs
How do I get to Chester Racecourse?
Pick between trains, planes and automobiles! By train, Chester’s train station is just a six-minute taxi ride away from the racecourse. There’s Chester Park and Ride if you’re looking for somewhere to park locally – only a 15-minute bus ride away. If you’re flying in, the nearest airport is Liverpool John Lennon Airport, 40 minutes away by car.
Is Chester Racecourse accessible?
Suitability does vary across the racecourse. There are several policies and services in place like a complimentary companion pass, viewing platforms, dedicated team members at the Accessibility Reception and blue badge parking. For more information, Chester Racecourse has a detailed accessibility guide online that talks you through everything you’ll need to know.
Is Chester Racecourse the oldest racecourse in the world?
In short, yes! Established as a racecourse in 1539, it’s officially the oldest racecourse in the world… If only the paddock walls could talk, we’d love to hear their stories!
What is the history of Chester Racecourse?
From being submerged under water in the river Dee during Roman times, to starting the early chapters of horse racing as a sport, Chester Racecourse is a magical location steeped in equestrian history.