Local food lovers’ guide: Direct to Yorkshire’s hidden restaurants
15 June 2026
Lifestyle
By Grand Central Rail
14 minute read
04 June 2026
Summer is finally here, and what better way to celebrate than with a thrilling race day with your significant other, or perhaps friends you haven’t seen in forever? Discover some of the best racecourses in London and the North East, just a short journey away from major stations.
A quick round-up of venues to enjoy horse races in London & the North East
- Epsom Downs
- Kempton Park Racecourse
- Sunderland Greyhound Stadium
- Newcastle Racecourse
Horse races in London
Discover some of the best London horse racing venues, along with a timeline of their featured events happening this summer.
Epsom Downs
Epsom Downs is home to the Betfred Derby Festival, where you can witness some of the world’s most impressive flat racing.
It is a Grade 1 racecourse, holding a crowd of 130,000 people. The venue operates seasonally from April to September and hosts several themed events throughout the summer featuring live music:
The Betfred Derby Festival: 5 & 6 June 2026 (Ladies Day on Friday 5 June, followed by Derby Day on Saturday 6 June)
Summer evening racing with Melvin Odoom: Wednesday 1 July 2026
Summer music night presenting Abba Revival: Thursday 9 July 2026
Summer music night presenting Fleetwood Enchanted: Thursday 16 July 2026
Summer music night presenting Everswift: Thursday 30 July 2026
Extend your day in Epsom
If you’re planning to head to the area nice and early, discover things you can do below to extend your race day in London further:
Visit Hobbledown Adventure Farm Park
Enjoy nature walks through the historical Epsom and Ashtead Commons
Explore the Horton Arts Centre and Country Park
Browse the Bourne Hall Museum and learn the history of Epsom
Experience a live show at the Epsom Playhouse
Visit the Original Cockney Museum
Kempton Park Racecourse
Kempton Park Racecourse is situated in Sunbury-on-Thames and features flat and jump racing throughout the year. Unlike most racecourses in the UK, a lot of the races here are held in autumn and winter due to the course’s synthetic all-weather track.
The venue does, however, host regular summer evening races, with a rare afternoon race for one day in August and a featured Wild West themed day in September:
Afternoon Racing: Monday 10 August 2026
Evening Racing: Held on select days from June to September 2026
William Hill Wild Wild West Raceday: Saturday 5 September 2026
Extend your day
Explore things to do in the area and extend your summer race day at Kempton Park:
Explore the historical Hampton Court Palace and the accompanying maze
Enjoy nature walks at Busy Park and admire the woodland gardens, quaint ponds and free-roaming deer
Take a boat trip along the Thames from Walton-on-Thames or Sunbury
Browse the Kempton Steam Museum and Waterworks Railway (right on the edge of the racecourse)
Spend a few hours at the London Wetland Centre and witness wildlife thrive
Horse racing in the North East
If you’re heading to the North East this summer in search of race day thrills, discover some of the best locations below, complete with event timelines and ways you can extend your day in the area.
Sunderland dog racing
Fancy a night at the dog races for something different? Sunderland Greyhound Stadium hosts races all year round, but they often hold featured seasonal events throughout the year, including summer deals and fixtures:
Winning Deal Summer Special: £10 general admission including a printed racecard, pie and peas and a promotional drink (available on select Fridays throughout summer 2026)
Country Rodeo at the dogs: Country-themed party after the day's raves with line dancing (Friday 31 July 2026)
Extend your day in Sunderland
Explore things to do near the racecourse to extend your day in Sunderland further:
Take a stroll through Roker Park
Discover the striking Penshaw Monument
Take in the sea views at Seaburn and Roker beach
Take a tour of the Stadium of Light (home to Sunderland A.F.C)
Explore the beautiful Hylton Castle
Newcastle Racecourse
Newcastle Racecourse is famous for its outdoor flat racing and themed events throughout the summer months. On select days like Ladies Day and Plate Day, you can even enhance your race-day experience with a bottomless brunch, enjoying 90 minutes of prosecco, beer, cocktails or soft drinks!
Discover the events to pick from when planning a summer race-day in Newcastle:
Deleval Trophy Day: Saturday 20 & Sunday 21 June 2026
Gosforth Park Cup Night featuring DJ Ladebare: Friday 26 June 2026
Northumberland Plate Day featuring Day Fever: Saturday 27 June 2026
Ladies Day sponsored by Say When!, featuring live music from Bongo’s Bingo and N-Trance: Saturday 25 July 2026
Summer Afternoon Racing: Friday 31 July 2026
Summer Evening Racing: Thursday 20 August 2026
Things to do near Newcastle Racecourse
- Take a walk through Jesmond Dene Park and discover historic ruins, waterfalls and the petting zoo
- Enjoy cosmic-themed mini golf at Mr Mulligan's Space Golf
- Explore art galleries and historic pubs in Ouseburn Valley
- Spend an hour or so at Weetslade Country Park
Getting there with Grand Central
If you’re planning to avoid the traffic and enjoy a few drinks on race day, we recommend taking the train. Most racecourses are usually situated slightly outside of the city centre, so you may have to get on a connecting train or jump in a taxi once you reach the main station.
We serve major stations in both London and the North East, including London King’s Cross and Sunderland Station.
Experience race-day thrills this summer
Whether you’re just back from uni and heading to Epsom Downs with friends, or you're planning a night at Sunderland Greyhound Station with your other half, we want to help you make the most out of your day.
Book direct to race-day thrills in London and the North East, and enjoy a relaxing journey with Grand Central.
Enjoy an extra 25% off Advance tickets with our Student savings, and save up to 50% with a valid Railcard.
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