Great Yarmouth Racecourse has been part of life on the Norfolk coast for more than 300 years and has earned its place among historic English horse racing tracks.
Racing in Great Yarmouth can be traced back to the early 18th century. Today, the horse racecourse continues that long tradition with an exciting programme of Flat racing throughout the summer months.
Its location is part of what makes Great Yarmouth special. Situated close to the town’s famous seafront, the horse race track combines the excitement and heritage of British racing with the atmosphere of one of Norfolk’s best-known coastal destinations.
Great Yarmouth is proud of its racing heritage, with the first events recorded more than 300 years ago in 1715.
The original course was close to the Nelson’s Monument at South Denes. Its popularity was boosted by the coming of the railways, and it was moved to its current North Denes site in 1920 to make way for the then buoyant fishing industry.
One of the biggest racing highlights of the Great Yarmouth calendar is the Eastern Festival. The most valuable race is the John Musker Fillies' Stakes which is run over a mile and a quarter during the flagship Eastern Festival meeting in September.
Held over three days in September, the festival brings together competitive racing and a lively atmosphere as the summer season approaches its conclusion.
Among its sporting highlights is the John Musker Fillies’ Stakes, one of Great Yarmouth’s best-known races and an important fixture in the British Flat racing calendar.
For racing fans working their way through a list of British racecourses, the Eastern Festival is an excellent opportunity to experience Great Yarmouth at one of the biggest points in its season.
