Horse racing news: Cheltenham alternatives - Britain’s cheapest racecourses
An article from the Online Betting Guide has revealed the cheapest race day tickets in the UK.
The list ranks Britain’s racecourses from best to worst based on various factors, including ticket prices.
Cheltenham, Aintree, Ascot and others alike all score highly, but racing is a sport enjoyed by millions across the country.
For many, these top courses are often out of budget. In response, we’ve rounded up some more affordable alternatives.
From Britain’s most scenic racecourse to the world's oldest racecourse, Sports News Blitz’s horse racing writer Callum Close takes a look at Britain's top-10 cheapest race tickets.
10 - Fakenham
To start us off we travel to Norfolk, where the price of a single adult ticket is £12.50. This provides access to the paddock, bars and catering options as well as trackside views of the action.
Fakenham also offers a day member ticket, which grants access to all areas of the racecourse.
Members also have their own bar and restaurant by the finish line, their own area in the grandstand and some catering units within their area.
If you purchase Day Member tickets you can also pay an additional £8 and park in the Day Members car park too.
The track boasts a unique ‘figure of 8’ layout but was ranked 47th on the overall list.
9 - Newton Abbot
Situated in Devon, admission to Newton Abbot would cost you £12.
The course enclosure ticket includes a gated play area for the children, a picnic area, Alfresco fast food, a bar, an on-course bookmaker and a Britbet betting outlet.
Under 18’s go free with a booking made in advance.
Paddock Enclosure tickets cost £20 and take prime position at the racecourse.
The grandstand overlooks the winning post and patrons can enjoy seeing the horses up-close in the Parade Ring before and after races.
There is a selection of restaurants and bars available within the Paddock Enclosure too.
Newton Abbot ranks 50th on the overall list, however.
8 - Hexham
With Hexham Hosting 14 race days across the year, the Northumberland course ranks 43rd on the overall list but has the eighth cheapest admission price.
Costing £12, the paddock enclosure ticket gives racegoers access to ‘Britain’s most scenic racecourse’ with easy access to bars, food outlets, bookmakers, a betting shop, a parade ring and the winners' enclosure.
They also offer a club enclosure ticket (£20) which provides all of the above plus a unique viewing area and bar.
7 - Stratford-On-Avon
This national-hunt course lies south of Birmingham and the cheapest admission costs £11.25
The centre enclosure ticket comprises the centre of the racecourse, taking you really close to the action.
It is the only area where racegoers are permitted to bring their own food and drink.
Tickets for the main enclosure start at £17.60 and offer the racegoer access to all the public areas including the Grandstand, Parade Ring and Pre Parade Ring.
Under 18’s go free in both enclosures.
Stratford ranks 49th on the overall list.
6 - Chester
The oldest racecourse in the world sits 4th on this list.
Situated in Cheshire, Chester Racecourse is an all-flat course that runs multiple prestigious races such as the Chester Cup, Chester Vase and the Cheshire Oaks.
Tickets start at £10 and this would get you access to all the standard facilities a racegoer would expect.
There is no dress code for the Roodee Enclosure and it is perfect for family days out.
Chester ranks 7th on the overall list.
5 - Bangor-on-Dee
Flying the flag for Wales, Bangor-on-Dee is the sole Welsh representative within the top 10 cheapest admission prices.
A ticket here costs £9.75 and provides racegoers with all the typical amenities as well as a lot of freedom for racegoers.
Patrons in this area are welcome to bring a picnic (including alcohol) or BBQs.
And as if things couldn’t get any better, dogs are also permitted in this enclosure.
Gazebos and parasols are permitted within a specific area of the Open Course at an additional cost of £10 per gazebo.
Bangor ranks 47th on the list.
4 - Catterick
Catterick, situated in North Yorkshire is a dual-purpose course that hosts both flat and jumps racing.
Admission into Catterick would cost you £8 and it would get you access to the Course Enclosure.
It is a picnic enclosure that has a bar facility and an outdoor play area for children as well.
Grandstand & Paddock tickets cost £17 and provide exclusive access to a range of bars as well as views of the action from two grandstands.
Catterick ranks 26th on the list.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Real Madrid news: Kylian Mbappe rediscovers his magic as Real Madrid triumph over Las Palmas
3 - Beverley
Yorkshire’s Beverley is an all-flat racing course that sees its action throughout the summer.
Ticketing options range from £7 to £25, with a choice of three enclosures.
The Picnic Enclosure puts you right into the heart of the racing action.
You can drive your car close up to the track and enjoy a family picnic while you watch the races, or enjoy a drink and a bite to eat at The Hurn Bar. Tickets cost £7.
The Grandstand & Paddock cost £16 and it is the largest enclosure.
It gives access to the Rapid Lad Grandstand and Touch Above Bar, as well as offering a lively atmosphere and a great range of bars and eateries.
Exclusive access to the 1690 and Terrace Bar with the best vantage point to watch the racing action unfold is provided with the Premier Enclosure ticket.
This costs £25, allowing you to access all three enclosures.
2 - Wetherby
Similarly to the previous two courses - Wetherby is in Yorkshire.
It is a national hunt course that boasts three enclosures with tickets starting at £6.
The course enclosure offers views of the final furlong, as well as catering and betting facilities.
There is also a small children’s play area coupled with acres of grass for the kids to run around in.
Costing £19.50, the Paddock Enclosure lets racegoers visit the pre-Parade Ring and Parade Ring to pick their fancy. A trackside view is also included.
The Premier Enclosure provides access to all areas as well as exclusive bars and restaurants. A ticket here would set you back £27.50.
Wetherby ranks 32nd on the list.
1 - Pontefract
To top the list and complete an all-Yorkshire top four, is Pontefract.
The course hosts flat racing and is located just south of Leeds.
Pontefract Racecourse offers a wide range of ticketing options, including family tickets.
The cheapest ticket is £6 and that would get you access to the Picnic Enclosure. However, the price varies depending on the day and time of year.
This is the same for the Premier Enclosure and the Grandstand & Paddock Enclosures too, which both offer exclusive facilities.
Interestingly, Pontefract ranks lowest of this top-10 in the overall list. It places 52nd.
READ NEXT: NBA news: The NBA’s dominance faces a new $5 billion global challenge with an F1-inspired league
