Planning a Trip to Historic Bath Racecourse

Bath is full of historic sites, so it should come as no surprise that Bath Racecourse is one of the oldest in the country

Races have been held here since way back in 1811, and in the two-hundred-plus years since then, the venue has developed a reputation for being one of the finest in England. Today, twenty-two races are held each year, and with a location that’s just two miles from the city centre, a visit should be high on the list of anyone spending time in Bath. Here, we’ll run through everything first-time visitors need to know, including where to stay, the benefits of using an introductory offer on wagers to get familiar with horse racing, and what to do after the day of racing has concluded. It’ll set you up for a great trip to this historic venue, which we’re confident won’t be your last!

Find Your Event

As mentioned above, there are twenty-two races held at Bath Racecourse each year. All of these races take place between early April and the end of October, so if you’re visiting during that period, then there’s a strong chance that there will be a fixture you can attend. In truth, you can attend any of the race days and have a great time, but if you’re looking to attend a prestigious race, then try to make it to the Lansdown Fillies' Stakes or Beckford Stakes, which are the two most notable events on the Bath Racecourse Calendar. They take place in April and October, respectively.

Where to Stay

Bath Racecourse’s convenient location — it’s just two miles from the city centre — means you can stay anywhere in Bath and simply travel to the racecourse on the day of the event. As one of the UK’s leading tourist destinations, you’ll find a whole host of accommodation types available, from guesthouses to luxury five-star hotels. So really, it comes down to your preference. Just remember that, since Bath is a popular place, it’s best to book your accommodation as soon as you know that you’ll be visiting to ensure you get your preferred room.

What to Wear

Unlike other racecourses, Bath Racecourse does not have a strict dress code that attendees need to adhere to. Their only real rule is that you can’t wear sports team attire or offensive fancy dress costumes. With that being said, it’s important to remember that attending the races is an opportunity to get dressed up in smart attire — and that’s an opportunity that the majority of guests take full advantage of. As such, it’s recommended that ladies wear a dress and that gentlemen wear smart trousers with a blazer, or something equally smart.

Racing Fun

You might be attending Bath Racecourse in order to have a fun social day with friends, but don’t forget the main point of the event is the horse racing. You don’t need to be an expert to enjoy horse racing, but it helps if you have some understanding of what’s going on. It’s recommended to watch some races before you attend and to use a betting offer to back your selection for victory. Depending on the race, there may also be expert tips available online, so you can have a clearer understanding of which horse is expected to do well during the race.

After the Races

The action at the racecourse will be the highlight of your day, but the fun doesn’t stop once the racing is over. If anything, it’s just getting started. Following the conclusion of the racing, look at making the short journey back into the centre of Bath to enjoy a night exploring the city’s wonderful range of pubs and restaurants. From there, you can head back to your centrally-located hotel fully satisfied with the day, and ready to explore some of the city’s other attractions, such as the Roman Baths, Bath Abbey, and Pulteney Bridge on the following day.