Rated as one of the best courses in Europe, York Racecourse has a long and interesting history. In fact, racing in York can be traced all the way back to the Roman days of Emperor Severus – over 2,000 years ago! Skip forward a few years, in 1731 York Racecourse officially opened at Knavesmire. Fun fact? Its first grandstand was built in 1754 and paid for by 250 enthusiastic patrons with the humble sum of five guineas each. Through the years, the charming horseshoe-shaped course has grown from strength to strength, with races like the Gimcrack Stakes and Group 1 Juddmonte now a popular staple in the British racing calendar. Whether it’s a festival meeting at York races with your nearest and dearest, or an entertainment-filled race night with colleagues from work, our York hotels are a sure winner every time.
York Races
Places to stay
For the perfect sleep environment and value from your first booking, our hotels close to York Racecourse have you covered.
Our York City (Blossom St South) hotel is just under 10 minutes away by car.
Or just over 10 minutes away by car is York City (Blossom St North) and York City Centre (Layerthorpe).
Relax with breakfast, dinner and drinks after the horse racing
Don’t want to be heading out in search of food the evening before, or morning of? We totally get it. We have a restaurant on site or just next door to most of our hotels – offering a delicious spread of options. From unlimited breakfast (with free brekkie for up to two kids with every paying adult), to world-inspired gastro favourites on our evening menus.
Famous for delivering blissful sleep night after night, start planning your York race-day with great-value rooms at Premier Inn – only a click away!
Things to know about York Racecourse
York dress code
Think jackets and ties for men in the County Stand – there isn’t a dress code for women in this enclosure. The Grandstand and Paddock have no formal dress code, although it’s encouraged to take the lead from the County Stand. The Clocktower Enclosure? Relaxed as you like it.
York ticket prices
Depending on the day and the stand you watch from, prices do vary. For smaller events, you’ll pay around £10 for the cheapest ticket. For bigger days, like at the Ebor Festival, expect to pay around £80 per spot in the County Stand.
Food and drink at York
With buffets, bistros and bars, there’s a huge amount of choice. Whether you want to grab a burger or fancy a traditional roast, feel like sampling a seafood platter or sitting down to a three-course meal, York Racecourse eateries have all this and more.
York Racecourse FAQs
How do I get to York Racecourse?
The racecourse is easy to access by car, whatever direction you’re coming from. There are also plenty of shuttle buses ready to take you from York railway station to the event. Or, you could avoid any traffic jams by getting your steps up on a 30-minute stroll from York railway station.
Is York Racecourse accessible?
York has several measures in place to make sure your visit goes smoothly. From Radar locks in their accessible toilets and raised platforms with step-free access across each enclosure, to prioritised parking for Blue Badge holders.
What is the history of York Racecourse?
From Roman racing over 2,000 years ago and the Pope visit in 1982, to racing on a frozen river Ouse in 1607, horse racing in York is packed with fascinating (and unusual) stories that go back further than you might believe!
Can you pay on the day at York Racecourse?
Even though it’s recommended to book in advance to avoid disappointment, you can buy tickets on the gate – subject to availability.