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2025 fixtures announced at Great Yarmouth Racecourse
2025 fixtures announced at Great Yarmouth Racecourse
Welcome to the Races

Everything a beginner needs to know before going

Beginners Guide to Racing

Your First Day at Great Yarmouth Races

New to horse racing? Great Yarmouth Racecourse is a great place to experience your first raceday and discover what makes Britain’s horse racing tracks so exciting.

Great Yarmouth is one of the distinctive coastal horse racing tracks in England, with a history stretching back more than 300 years. Set on the Norfolk coast, just a short distance from Great Yarmouth’s famous seafront, the horse racecourse combines summer Flat racing with a friendly and relaxed atmosphere.

You don’t need to understand stats, form or betting before you arrive. From seeing the horses up close in the Parade Ring to finding a spot by the rail as they race towards the finish, there’s plenty to enjoy on your first visit to the racecourse.

Our beginner’s guide covers everything you need to know before your visit, including what to wear, where to eat and drink, how betting works and what to expect when you arrive.

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The crowds in front of the grandstands ready for entertainment at Great Yarmouth Races

Bookings & Visiting

At Great Yarmouth Racecourse, we host atmospheric Flat racing throughout the summer season from April to October. Browse all of our fixture dates on our What’s On calendar - tickets are easy to purchase on our website, via our sales office, or through Seat Unique.

When booking, you can pick from a selection of ticket types and enclosures:

  • Grandstand & Paddock Enclosure: Entry to Grandstands 1 and 2, picnic lawns, catering stalls, and views of the Parade Ring.
  • Premier Enclosure: Access to the Lord Nelson Grandstand, Trafalgar Restaurant, Victory Bar, and prime home-straight views.
  • Centre Course Hospitality: Specialised marquee dining packages inside the track oval on select major fixtures.

Want to learn more about how we fit in to UK racecourses? Check out A Guide to UK Racecourses.

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dresses and outfits at the races

What Should I Wear to the Races?

There is no strict uniform for a day trackside; while lots of visitors like to dress up, we always say the best outfit is the one you feel comfortable and confident in. If you do enjoy putting on your finest attire, our Style Awards are a brilliant highlight of the summer calendar!

Different enclosures may have different dress codes, so do check for details when purchasing hospitality or grandstand tickets. As our season runs during the warmer months, packing suncream and a sun hat is recommended. However, there is often a fresh breeze off the Norfolk coast, so a lightweight layer is always handy. Most general admission areas are standing-only, so consider your footwear carefully when planning your outfit. If you need a break from the elements, there are plenty of indoor areas to stay warm and dry.

Horses walk past the crowds in the parade ring at Great Yarmouth Races

What to Expect Trackside

Our gates open around two hours before the first race, giving you ample opportunity to grab an ice-cold drink, stroll to the parade ring, and find a spot by the rail.

Make sure to check our website for your fixture's exact race times before travelling.

Entry at the gates is quick - just present your paper ticket or digital e-ticket for scanning. General admission tickets cover unreserved seating and lawn areas, with reserved seating exclusively available via hospitality packages.

Enjoy the seaside vibe and decode the racecard using our handy Starter Guide to Racing Terms.

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Crowds at Great Yarmouth Races in front of the betting boards and Tote

Placing Your First Bet

Whether you’re having a flutter with the trackside bookmakers or placing a Tote bet, wagering adds a splash of excitement to every race. A quick look at your racecard will reveal jockey colours, horse ages, and recent form records.

Learn the ropes on our main Betting at Great Yarmouth page, explore our expert Horse Racing Betting Guide, and learn How to Read a Horse Race Card. Always gamble responsibly.

Tables in the restaurant at Great Yarmouth Racecourse

Where to Eat & Drink

Our racecourse has multiple different bars and food outlets which you can visit during the races, including seafood, pulled pork and so much more!

To elevate your day further we have a number of hospitality options available including our restaurant and private boxes. For more hospitality information, please visit our hospitality page.

Throughout July and August 2026 we have had pints available on course from only £5 and kids have got free ice creams! Its always a great value day out and we are one of the best racecourses in uk in terms of value.

Picnics are allowed to be brought into the racecourse in the General Enclosure on selected days, with the exception of alcohol.

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Race goers at Great Yarmouth Racecourse

Travel & Access

Reaching our coastal course is easy, with full travel details, taxi options, and bus/rail links provided on our Getting Here page. We offer free on-site parking, though we kindly remind racegoers that traffic can be heavy on race days, so please budget extra time for getting in and out of the venue.

Accessibility features across the course are detailed on our venue accessibility page. If you require any additional support, please contact our team directly or speak to our on-site stewards.

making the most of a day at the races yarmouth

Practical Race Day Advice

  • Soak up the seaside atmosphere: Race days are all about relaxing, dressing up, and enjoying the sun with great company. Get stuck in and cheer your horse all the way to the line!

  • Visit the paddock: Head to the Parade Ring before a race to see the horses up close. It’s the best spot to admire their athleticism and pick a favourite based on how confident they look.

  • Layer for the coast: Coastal breezes can roll in off the sea, so having a light jacket or extra layer on hand is always a good idea.

  • Bring backup footwear: If you're wearing heels on the grass lawns, slipping a discreet pair of flip-flops or flats into your bag will keep your feet pain-free all day.

  • Look out for big events: Our popular summer feature days often host extra activations, from photo backdrops to live music after racing.
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A group of race goers dancing to music at Great Yarmouth Races

Fast Facts & Racecourse Trivia

With racing roots stretching back to 1715, Great Yarmouth holds the title of the UK racecourse located closest to the sea. It was right here on our turf in 1998 that international superstar Dubai Millennium made his winning racecourse debut by 5 lengths!

On the national stage, jockeys cover vast distances, with 8 furlongs making up a single mile.

Dive into more detail using our Horse Racing Trivia and Our Sport in Numbers guides.

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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.

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