Across the Greater London, the Home Counties and the South West region there's a long and auspicious history of horse racing, featuring two of the UK’s biggest venues, Ascot and Epsom, amongst others. Some of the most important races in the UK are hosted here, and with the changing times horse racing has reinvented itself as a great family day out. Many race days now feature live music from household names, as well as child-friendly activities and food & drink.
Ascot Racecourse
Ascot is one of the leading racecourses in the UK, hosting more than a third of the highest tier of horse races. Primarily known for hosting the Gold Cup and its flagship racing event, Royal Ascot, the course boasts a close relationship with the Royal Family and the highest of UK society.
Notable races
Some of the top races held at Ascot in 2026 include:
King George Weekend on 24 to 25 July
Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup on 8 August
Fireworks Spectacular Family Raceday on 31 October
Getting to Ascot Racecourse
Ascot Racecourse is just a seven-minute walk from Ascot station. Trains run to Reading and London every 30 minutes, with extra trains on busy race days.
Epsom Downs Racecourse
Epsom Downs Racecourse | Image credit: Images George Rex Epsom Downs Racecourse is one of the UK’s best-known racecourses and home of the Derby, a globally anticipated race that is now more than 200 years old. The course features some of the fastest sprint racing in Britain, with its long downhill straights.
Summer Afternoon Racing with Ellie Sax After Party on 14 August
Bank Holiday Family Raceday on 31 August
Glass Times Afternoon Racing on 10 September
Getting to Epsom Racecourse
Epsom station is easily reached from London Waterloo and Wimbledon. It’s a 10-minute taxi away on most race days, but you can take a shuttle bus during the Derby Festival.
Sandown Park Racecourse
Sandown Park Parade Ring | Image credit: George Redgrave
Located at Esher in Surrey, Sandown Park Racecourse is one of the most popular racecourses, hosting both racing and music, with regular concerts after race days.
Big names, including Spandau Ballet, UB40, and Madness, have all played at this popular venue.
Notable races
The most popular racing events at Sandown Park in 2026 include:
Killik & Co. Family Festival Friday on 28 August
Jump Season Opener on 8 November
Betfair Tingle Creek Festival on 4 and 5 December
Getting to Sandown Racecourse
Just a short walk from Esher station, the racecourse has its own entrance at the southwestern end of platform four, open exclusively on race days.
Kempton Park Racecourse
Kempton Park Racecourse enjoys more than 210 acres of grounds with two lakes and an all-weather main racing track.
The racecourse hosts racing throughout the year but is known for its busy post-Christmas race days, featuring the King George VI and Kauto Star Novices’ Chases.
William Hill Wild Wild West Raceday on 5 September
Floodlit Racing on 5 October
Ladbrokes Christmas Festival on 26 and 27 December
Getting to Kempton Park Racecourse
Kempton Park station borders the entrance to the racecourse, with two trains an hour on weekdays and Saturdays, so it’s a great choice among South West racecourses for an easy day out by train.
Exeter Racecourse
Known locally as Haldon Racecourse because of its location at the peak of the Haldon Hills, Exeter Racecourse was established during the reign of King Charles II, whose love of the sport resulted in a series of racecourses across England. Nowadays, it serves as one of the highest-altitude National Hunt racecourses in the UK.
Notable races
Exeter Racecourse has a busy 2026 jumps season, with popular race days including:
Season Opener on 15 October
Best Mate Chase Day on 20 October
Haldon Gold Cup Day on 6 November
Pasty & Pint Raceday on 16 November
Getting to Exeter Racecourse
Exeter St Davids is the nearest station to the racecourse. A free coach operates on race days to take you to the racecourse.
Royal Windsor Racecourse
Windsor Racecourse has hosted formal race meets since 1866 but has a history dating back as far as Henry VIII. With its riverside setting and rare figure-of-eight course, it offers one of the more distinctive horse racing days out in the region.
Notable races
Some of the upcoming events at Royal Windsor Racecourse in 2026:
Madness Live After Racing on 13 August
Peter Pan Drone Show on 3 October
Getting to Royal Windsor Racecourse
Taxis are available from Windsor & Eton Riverside station to the racecourse, but the river taxi is a great alternative, especially in the summer. Taking just 10 minutes from Barry Avenue Promenade (a short walk from the station), you’ll get to enjoy the meandering River Thames and the on-board bar.
Plan your horse racing day out with SWR
Many of these racecourses in the South West are easy to reach by train, with nearby stations and onward travel options helping you get closer to the action without the stress of driving. Explore our flexible range of ticket types to find the best option for your journey.
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