Tips For a Day Out At Newbury Racecourse

Swindon may not have its own racecourse, but it is lucky enough to have one of the UK's most prestigious next door. Newbury Racecourse is said to have been Queen Elizabeth's favourite racecourse. If you know just how much the recently departed monarch loved horse racing, that opinion will carry plenty of weight.

You don't need to be a horse racing expert to enjoy a day at Newbury races. This top-drawer racecourse offers something for everyone, regardless of their experience with racing.

We'll run through some handy tips below that will ensure your trip is a great experience from beginning to end.

When To Go

Newbury hosts both flat and jumps races throughout the year, so whenever you're planning to visit, you'll likely find some action taking place.

You can have a great time at any race, but if you want to experience the best of the best, plan your trip around one of the racecourse's major events. Newbury's biggest flat race is The Lockinge Stakes, which takes place in mid-May. The biggest jump race is The Hennessy Gold Cup, which runs towards the end of November.

These two, in particular, are worth checking out, but as we said, you can attend any race and have a great time.

Where To Stay

If you're coming from further afield, then spending the night (or two) in Newbury is recommended. This will give you a chance to get to the racecourse stress-free and experience the after-race atmosphere.

There's no shortage of places to stay. If you're looking for the most convenient accommodation, you can always stay at the racecourse's on-site hotel. You'll also find plenty of hotels and B&Bs within a couple of kilometres of the venue, particularly in the centre of Newbury.

Dress Up

Newbury doesn't just offer the chance to enjoy some world-class racing; it's also an opportunity to dust off your favourite gladrags and get all dressed up.

There's very much a dress code at Newbury, though how strict it is will depend on the type of ticket you have. If you're in the general enclosure, the only absolute rule is no sportswear. However, that only covers the bare minimum. It's best to think of 'smart casual' on the lower end and 'wedding attire' on the upper end. Basically: you can underdress, but you can't really overdress.

Understanding the Action

Spending a day at Newbury can be enjoyable, even if you know nothing about horse racing. But you'll get more from the day if you understand the sport. There are horse racing racecards that'll tell you which action is taking place in the coming days. Tune in to some of the races, and you'll have a good idea of what to expect when you finally get to Newbury.

You can also read up on some expert tips on which horses have a good chance of victory and make the most of free horse bets to back your selection to win. If you have a chance, try to position yourself towards the finish line during races, it has the best atmosphere.

Extend Your Stay

If you're coming from further afield, it can be a good idea to extend your trip so you can enjoy all the local attractions in Newbury and here in Swindon. There are some fantastic eateries and pubs in both towns, and you'll also find the famous Donnington Castle.

Also, if you're a fan of the hit TV show Downton Abbey, you must visit Highclere Castle, which - you guessed it - serves as the exterior of the Downton Abbey estate.

Whenever you decide to go, you'll find there's much to love about a trip to Newbury Racecourse, which is rightly known for being one of the best horse racing spots in the country.