High on Lansdown, with some of the best views from any racecourse in Britain, Bath is a fantastic place to experience your first day of racing. Whether you're booking tickets, working out what to wear, or simply wondering what to expect, our beginners guide has you covered from start to finish.
Get race day ready by watching our short 10-minute intro video, then browse the helpful details below to plan a fantastic first trip to Bath.
Click to watch the video
At Bath Racecourse, we host exciting Flat racing from April through October. You can find all of our upcoming fixtures on our What’s On calendar, with tickets available directly through our website, via our sales team, or online through Seat Unique for VIP dining.
When booking, you can choose from a range of tickets and enclosures - dedicated areas of the course offering varying levels of viewing, shelter, and amenities:
Want to find out how we fit in to UK racecourses? Check out A Guide to UK Racecourses.
While many racegoers enjoy getting glammed up for a trip to Lansdown Hill, our golden rule is that you wear whatever makes you feel comfortable and confident. Plenty of guests choose to dress up for our feature summer fixtures, which always adds to the fantastic atmosphere.
Different enclosures may have specific dress codes, particularly across hospitality areas, so please check for details when purchasing your ticket. As our racing calendar runs through the spring and summer months, we recommend bringing suncream, sunglasses, and a hat to enjoy the sunshine. Please bear in mind that standard general admission areas are primarily outdoor and standing, so comfortable footwear is key for getting around the track. Should the weather turn, there are plenty of comfortable indoor areas to retreat to.
Gates generally open around two hours before the first race, giving you plenty of time to explore the course, grab a drink, and soak up the atmosphere high on Lansdown Hill.
Exact race times vary by fixture, so always check our website ahead of your visit for the up-to-date schedule.
Getting into the venue is quick and easy - simply show your printed ticket or have your e-ticket ready to scan on your phone. Seating in general admission areas is informal and unreserved, so if guaranteed seating is a priority, consider upgrading to a hospitality package.
Once inside, you can watch the horses parade, grab a bite from our food stalls, or check out our Starter Guide to Racing Terms to get familiar with track talk.
Placing a bet is a traditional part of the race day experience, and we have multiple options on site whether you prefer fixed-odds bookmakers on the rails or Tote pool betting. Before placing a wager, take a moment to study the racecard to review horse form and jockey colours.
For a complete guide to placing bets and understanding odds, visit our main Betting at Bath page, read our comprehensive Horse Racing Betting Guide, and learn How to Read a Horse Race Card. Always remember to gamble responsibly and set limits for your day out.
You'll find a brilliant variety of food and drink options located right across the course, ranging from lively outdoor bars to casual street food vendors serving up quick bites on the go.
If you are looking to elevate your experience, our premium hospitality packages offer restaurant dining and private box experiences. Already booked a general admission ticket? You can easily contact our team to upgrade your package ahead of race day if you fancy something extra special, like The Roof Garden Restaurant, which offers panoramic views and a delightful dining experience.
Please note that food and drink cannot be brought into the racecourse, unless explicitly stated for specific event days. Picnics are permitted in the car park.
Getting up to Lansdown Hill is straightforward, with full directions, train links, and shuttle bus details available on our Getting Here page. While we offer free parking on site, race days are naturally very busy - we strongly advise allowing extra time for arriving and departing to account for local traffic.
Our venue is accessible to all, with full facility details on our venue accessibility page. If you need specific support or guidance, please contact our team ahead of your visit or speak to a member of staff on the day.
First established in 1811 by the Lansdown family, Bath is one of the oldest venues in the country and sits 780 feet above sea level, making it Britain's highest Flat racecourse.
Across the sport as a whole, all Thoroughbreds born in the Northern Hemisphere share an official birthday of 1 January to make tracking their age simple! Want to test your knowledge further?
Explore our Horse Racing Trivia or dive into Our Sport in Numbers.
Attending the races is an exciting and welcoming experience for everyone. Whether you're a seasoned racegoer or a first-time visitor, the vibrant atmosphere and thrilling races promise a memorable day out.
We encourage you to book your tickets in advance so you can start planning your race day. For more information, check out our race schedules, ticket booking, and hospitality options.
