
Chester Racecourse Roodee
Experience the thrill of horse racing at the world's oldest operational racecourse, established in 1539. A historic venue with a vibrant atmosphere.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Vibrant atmosphere, great outfits

Chester Racecourse Roodee
Best Time
Vibrant atmosphere, great outfits

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience the thrill of horse racing at the world's oldest operational racecourse, established in 1539. A historic venue with a vibrant atmosphere.
"Great fun day out if you dont bet too much ha, good atmosphere, great looking outfits."

🎯 Book Tattersalls for Special Occasions
For a special day, Tattersalls offers a premium experience.
💰 Save with Roodee Enclosure
The Roodee enclosure is a budget-friendly option with a great atmosphere.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Roodee Enclosure
Silver Ring
The most affordable way to experience the historic racecourse, offering a lively atmosphere and good views of the action.

Tattersalls Enclosure
Main Grandstand Area
Offers a more premium experience with better facilities and closer views of the racing. Ideal for those wanting a special day out.

Gin Garden
Near the racecourse
A popular spot for drinks and food with a buzzing atmosphere, offering views of the races on giant screens.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Tickets in Advance
Understand Enclosure Options
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Tattersalls for Special Occasions
For a special day, Tattersalls offers a premium experience.
💰 Save with Roodee Enclosure
The Roodee enclosure is a budget-friendly option with a great atmosphere.
📱 Check Dynamic Pricing
Ticket prices vary; book early to potentially save money.
🚗 Consider Parking Options
Little Roodee car park is recommended and affordable.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Tattersalls for Special Occasions
For a special day, Tattersalls offers a premium experience.
💰 Save with Roodee Enclosure
The Roodee enclosure is a budget-friendly option with a great atmosphere.
📱 Check Dynamic Pricing
Ticket prices vary; book early to potentially save money.
🚗 Consider Parking Options
Little Roodee car park is recommended and affordable.
☕ Bring Your Own Water Bottle
Stay hydrated, especially on warm days.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Chester Racecourse offers a historic racing experience with a lively atmosphere, particularly praised for its special events and hospitality. While some visitors find ticket and refreshment prices high due to dynamic pricing, many still enjoy the vibrant social scene and the unique charm of the world's oldest operating racecourse.
"We had such a lovely time in the gin garden. The service was great. The food was decent and the atmosphere was buzzing. It was too busy to get to the actual racecourse but we did see it in the giant screens. And enjoyed seeing each horse before the races. Great day out."
Caroline Sankey
"Rip-off Chester.
My wife and I visited last Friday, as I needed to tick the course off.
The racing was nothing special, 3 class 4 races and 5 class 5 races. When I checked the ticket prices 2 weeks before the meeting I couldn't believe that they were asking £32 for a Tattersalls ticket and £17 for the Roodee enclosure (silver ring). Although excessive I was going to get the Tatts tickets. However, when I came to book them a few days later(10 days prior to the meeting) the prices had increased to £39 and £20. Apparently they operate dynamic pricing. What a joke!
There was no way I was going to pay £39 each for rubbish racing. I'm not sure I've ever paid that for Group 1 meetings before, other than Royal Ascot and the Cheltenham festival.
We, therefore, bought tickets for the Roodee enclosure (well done Chester, you just lost yourselves £24 - £40 instead of £64).
Once in the course you are then met with your next rip off, £5 for a racecard - why?
Followed by the usual racecourse beer prices plus a bit more as it's Chester, £6.45 to £7.95 for a pint.
If you want a cup of tea it's £3.50.
Looking across to Tatts I couldn't see any extra facilities that would have justified paying an additional £19 per ticket.
This racecourse really does have serious delusions of grandeur. Ascot it is not!
Bearing in mind the view from the road and the fact that there is a pub (The Architect) with a huge garden a few yards away, I would suggest saving your entrance fee and having a beer in the pub.
By the way the photos that I have posted are from a long way along the road on the way to the Little Roodee car park (recommended - £5 for 6 hours). You can get a far better view of the course and big screen just up the road.
I, for one, am certainly glad that I never have to return to this course again."
Tony Wright
"Amazing experience at the White Horse at the weekend (31st May 2025) for a hospitality experience. Summer was our waitress for the day and she was so attentive literally nothing was too much trouble.
She was on it with drinks orders and even topping up our ice and water as it was a warm day. She definitely deserves some recognition as this level of service for her age is normally non existent. She has definitely made us want to visit again.
Food was delicious too, excellent!"
Tracie Owen
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Chester Racecourse is easily accessible by car and public transport. The nearest train station is Chester, which is a short walk or taxi ride away. For drivers, the Little Roodee car park is recommended and offers affordable rates.
Yes, parking is available. The Little Roodee car park is a popular and cost-effective option. It's advisable to check the racecourse website for specific parking arrangements on race days.
Absolutely! Chester Racecourse is located very close to the city center, making it a pleasant walk from most hotels and attractions. It's a great way to soak in the city's atmosphere before the races.
Besides trains, local buses serve the area around Chester Racecourse. Taxis are also readily available from Chester station and around the city.
The racecourse generally offers good accessibility. It's recommended to contact the racecourse directly in advance to discuss specific needs and arrange any necessary assistance.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices vary significantly based on the enclosure and the specific race day. The Roodee enclosure is the most affordable, while Tattersalls is more premium. Dynamic pricing is in effect, so booking in advance is recommended to potentially secure better rates.
Tickets can be purchased directly from the official Chester Racecourse website. It's the most reliable source for booking and often offers early bird discounts.
The Roodee enclosure is the most basic and budget-friendly, offering a lively atmosphere. Tattersalls is a more premium enclosure with better facilities and closer views of the racing.
While not always mandatory, booking in advance is highly recommended due to dynamic pricing and to guarantee entry, especially for popular race meetings.
Gates typically open a few hours before the first race. Specific timings vary by race day, so it's best to check the official Chester Racecourse website for the schedule of your chosen date.
🎫 🏇 Onsite Experience
The atmosphere is generally described as buzzing and vibrant, especially on summer race days and during special events like Oktoberfest. It's a place for socialising, enjoying good food and drink, and experiencing the thrill of racing.
Yes, there are numerous food and drink options available, including pubs, cafes, and hospitality packages. The Gin Garden is a popular spot for refreshments.
Absolutely. There are on-course bookmakers and tote facilities available for you to place your bets on the races.
While there isn't a strict formal dress code for all enclosures, many visitors enjoy dressing up, especially for Ladies' Day or summer meetings. Smart casual is generally acceptable, but check the specific enclosure guidelines if you're aiming for a more formal look.
Definitely! It's a popular destination for groups of friends, offering a fun and social day out with racing, food, and drinks. The Gin Garden is particularly recommended for groups.
📸 📸 Photography
Great photo opportunities exist throughout the course. Capture the historic architecture, the vibrant crowds, and of course, the racing action. The areas around the parade ring and the grandstands offer excellent vantage points.
Generally, personal cameras are allowed. However, professional photography equipment may require special accreditation. It's best to check the racecourse's policy on photography before your visit.
Yes, you can see the horses in the parade ring before each race, which is a fantastic opportunity for close-up shots. During the races, the track itself provides dynamic photo moments.
Visitors often share photos of stylish outfits, group celebrations, the racecourse architecture, and exciting racing moments. The vibrant atmosphere is a common theme.
Capturing the speed and excitement of horse racing can be challenging but rewarding. Using a camera with a fast shutter speed and practicing your panning technique will help.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For a more relaxed family experience, look into hospitality packages that might offer dedicated spaces or easier access to amenities. The Roodee enclosure can be a good option for families looking for a more casual and lively environment. It's always a good idea to check the racecourse's schedule for any family-specific events or promotions.
💰 Budget Travelers
To further save money, consider packing your own snacks and non-alcoholic drinks if permitted (check the racecourse's policy). Alternatively, explore food options outside the racecourse grounds before or after your visit. Parking at the Little Roodee car park is also a more affordable option.
🥂 Groups of Friends
Consider booking tickets for the Tattersalls enclosure if your group wants a more premium experience, or opt for the Roodee for a more relaxed and cost-effective celebration. Many groups enjoy dressing up, adding to the festive feel of the day.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into History: Chester Racecourse's Legacy
This historical significance means that Chester Racecourse isn't just a venue for racing; it's a living piece of history. The architecture and layout often reflect different eras, providing a fascinating backdrop for a day out. For those interested in the heritage of sport, Chester offers an unparalleled experience, connecting the present-day thrill of the races with its storied past.
Navigating the Enclosures: Your Chester Racecourse Experience
For a more elevated experience, the Tattersalls Enclosure provides enhanced facilities and often closer views of the racing action. This is a popular choice for those looking to make their day at the races a bit more special, perhaps for a celebration or a more refined outing. Beyond these, hospitality packages and specific areas like the Gin Garden offer curated experiences with food, drinks, and entertainment, often featuring large screens for viewing the races.
When choosing your enclosure, consider what aspects of the race day are most important to you. Are you looking for the most economical way to attend, a premium viewing experience, or a dedicated social hub? Researching the specific amenities and atmosphere of each enclosure on the Chester Racecourse website will help you make the best choice for your visit.
The 'Chester Rip-Off' Debate: Value for Money
This has led some to suggest that the course has 'delusions of grandeur' and that alternative venues might offer better value. However, others find the atmosphere and overall experience justify the cost, particularly for special occasions or when enjoying hospitality packages. The Oktoberfest event, for example, was described as 'loads of fun' with a better vibe than Ascot.
It's important for potential visitors to be aware of these differing perspectives. Researching ticket prices in advance, considering the Roodee enclosure for a more budget-conscious experience, and factoring in the cost of refreshments can help manage expectations and ensure a positive visit.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit