Ripon Racecourse Events

Ripon Racecourse hosts Horse Racing 🏇 events.

Ripon Racecourse Travel & Parking

🏟️ Address: Ripon Racecourse, Boroughbridge Rd, Ripon, North Yorkshire, HG4 1UG, United Kingdom Directions in Google Maps

Due to the rural location of the venue and the parking available on arrival, Ripon Racecourse is most easily reached by car. There are also shuttle buses that collect/drop racegoers off from the centre of Ripon, and from the bus station here, you can reach areas further afield across the country.

Below you can find general information on travel and parking for Ripon Racecourse. Individual events may have additional/restricted services available, and so we recommend clicking through to the event and viewing the Travel & Parking tab for event-specific information.

🅿️ Parking

Ripon is most easily accessed by the A1 (M). Traffic does build up around the entrance in the lead-up to the first race so it is advisable to arrive in plenty of time.

There are 2 entrances into the racecourse for cars:

Main FREE Car Park - giving access to the Club or Paddock Enclosure and also the Course if you are planning on walking into the centre at a price per person
Cars on Course - allows you to drive into the centre of the racecourse at a price per car carrying up to 4 adults

There is a limited number of disabled parking spaces on-site so it is advisable to arrive early to ensure guaranteeing a space. The ground is level from parking through to both the Paddock and Club ticket gates.

🚖️ Taxi

The racecourse is approximately 2 miles from the centre of Ripon which is a short taxi ride or a relatively easy walk. Taxi companies in Ripon include:

P&P Cars - 01765 608532 or freephone 0800 032 8192
Radio Cars - 01765 692999 or 01765 606860

🚍 Coach & Bus

There is a shuttle bus that collects racegoers from the coach park opposite Ripon Bus Station before dropping all guests off at the racecourse. Multiple runs will be made throughout the periods of service, with additional buses in place for feature racedays.

Ripon Bus Station has multiple public bus connections to locations where there are links to all parts of the UK and further afield:

36 – Leeds – Harrogate – Ripon
70 – Northallerton – Thirsk – Ripon
142, 143 – York – Boroughbridge – Ripon

🚆 Train

The nearest railway stations are Harrogate (11 miles - connects with No. 36 bus), Thirsk (11 miles - connects with No. 70 bus), and York (27 miles - connects with No. 142, 143 buses).

Ripon Racecourse Hotels & Accommodation

Attracting a fair amount of tourists throughout the year to its scenic and historic location, Ripon is among the more expensive cities to visit in the UK. As a somewhat upscale destination, it offers plentiful upscale accommodation. However, there are more reasonable options for those on a smaller budget too. Plus, there is a full range of accommodation options to be found from country estates to caravans if you are willing to look beyond the city.

📍 Where To Stay

Although Ripon is technically a city due to the fact it is home to a cathedral, it is more similar in size to a small town which means its highlights are all concentrated in the city centre. Those visiting Ripon for the first time may, therefore, wish to stay in the historic city centre where you will be within walking distance of its cultural attractions, shops, restaurants, and bars. Surrounded by scenic countryside, those who prefer peace and quiet to the city action might be more relaxed on the outskirts of the city.

To experience life in a traditional market town, consider staying in nearby Harrogate instead. Home to tea rooms, gardens, traditional pubs, heritage buildings, and Turkish baths, the town is perfect for a typical English (and slightly Turkish) stay in the UK. Centred between Ripon and Leeds, it’s the ideal base for exploring Nothern England’s best large and small cities.

For the full northern city experience, look no further than Leeds. A thriving student town with a youthful, edgy, and artistic culture, there’s never a dull moment here. Shop in its cool stores and boutiques, explore its museums and galleries, and party ‘til the early morn if you have the energy left!

If you’re more of a country bumpkin than a city slicker, find your haven in the North Yorkshire countryside known for its vast farmlands and rolling hills. Ripley and Thirsk are two of the region’s most charming villages to stay in this area. Both offer traditional bed and breakfasts, caravan parks, and country halls alike.

Alternatively, opt to reside in the Nidderdale AONB a few kilometres west of Ripon. As a designated Area of Natural Beauty, it will certainly please those looking for scenic landscapes. Pateley Bridge and Grassington are two of the area’s most popular villages to stay near, both of which also offer everything from farmhouses to caravan parks.

About Ripon Racecourse

Ripon Racecourse is a thoroughbred horse racecourse used for flat racing and is located just outside of Ripon in North Yorkshire, UK. Due to the beautiful green surroundings, the course is affectionately known as the "Garden Racecourse".

Racing was first held at the current site in August 1900 though racing in Ripon has been taking place since 1664 with the original location hosting the first-ever race exclusively for female jockeys in 1723. Since moving to the current site, the course has developed into a venue that stages a selection of flat racing fixtures during the season each year and offers a thrilling yet relaxed atmosphere to racegoers from savvy regulars to buzzing newbies!

🍔 Food & Drink

Ripon Racecourse offers a fantastic range of bars and eateries offering a delicious selection of food and drink to suit all appetites. The Paddock Enclosure has the Fountains Cafe which offers some tasty hot and cold meals. The Club Enclosure has the Silks & Saddles Bar offering a delicious meat and seafood buffet and the Club Restaurant with a fabulous a la carte menu. There are many street food outlets and in the Course Enclosure, racegoers can bring their own BBQs and picnics.

💂 Entry Gates

Gates open 2 hours before the first race
Please use the entrance indicated on your ticket e.g. Club or Paddock

🚽 Toilets

There are toilet facilities conveniently located throughout the racecourse in all enclosures.

🧑‍🦽 Disabled Facilities

Disabled toilets - there are ample disabled toilets throughout the racecourse and within the bar area. They are clearly indicated but if unsure of location please ask staff for help
Event mobility - there is complete disabled access in the Paddock Enclosure as it is completely flat. There is a disabled raised viewing point located in the paddock area near the finishing posts. In the Club Stand, there is a lift allowing access to both the 1st and 2nd floor with further viewing points reserved for disabled customers. The Course Enclosure is an open grassed enclosure and provides the ease of parking your car a few yards away. There is a sloped area providing great viewing options for all but it is mainly comprised of flat land which ensures accessibility

Ripon

Horse Racing

Ripon Racecourse

Ripon Racecourse Events

Ripon Racecourse hosts Horse Racing 🏇 events.