Direct to bank holiday breaks: quick trips from London in 2026
17 July 2026
By Grand Central Rail
17 minute read
13 July 2026
Summer is officially here, and what better way to spend a weekend than a day at the races? Horse racing in Yorkshire provides a top-class day out, with plenty of amazing venues to visit.
Whether you’re looking for a fun date activity with your favourite person or trying to plan a long overdue catch-up with friends, a race day in Yorkshire could be just the solution.
Discover the top horse racing venues in Yorkshire below, complete with summer event dates and ways to extend your day in each area.
A quick round-up of venues to enjoy horse racing in Yorkshire
- York Racecourse
- Thirsk Racecourse
- Doncaster Racecourse
- Pontefract Racecourse
York Racecourse
York Racecourse is a staple of horse racing in Yorkshire. Situated on the Knavesmire, it is officially the third-largest racecourse in the UK by total prize money and can hold up to 60,000 visitors.
The famous summer events attract thousands from across the country every year, offering first-class flat horse racing in York and exciting live entertainment.
Major summer 2026 events include:
Music Showcase Weekend: Combining afternoon racing with evening live music events! Craig David presents TS5 on Friday 24 July 2026, and Tom Grennan features on Saturday 25 July 2026
Sky Bet Ebor Festival: An ultimate highlight of horse racing in Yorkshire, with key dates including the Juddmonte International, Ladies Day, Coolmore Nunthorpe Stakes and the Sky Bet Ebor, 19 - 22 August 2026
Head to our Instagram to be in with a chance to win 2 x tickets to Craig David at York Racecourse on 24th July, along with 2 x return train tickets to York on us!
Extend your day in York
If you’re planning to head to York early, after the races or even for the whole weekend, discover all the things you can do below to extend your trip further:
Visit the Puzzling World of Professor Kettlestring and enjoy 10% off with our partner perks
Enjoy a CitySightseeing tour (get £3 off your tour when you show a valid Grand Central ticket)
Explore York Minster
Enjoy an innovative escape room experience at GR8escape York
Take a cruise along the River Ouse
Visit York’s oldest street, The Shambles, and discover the many cosy pubs along the way
Take a stroll from the city centre along the River Ouse straight to York Racecourse
Enjoy drinks at Thor’s Tipi after your day at the races
Discover days out by rail in York with Grand Central!
Thirsk Racecourse
Thirsk Racecourse is located in the charming market town of Thirsk and is largely considered a cornerstone of English horse racing.
Dating back to 1612, the course is drenched in history. In 1940, the venue hosted the famous St Leger, the world’s oldest classic horse race, marking a huge milestone for the track.
Explore what’s on at Thirsk Racecourse this summer:
Summer Family Day: Enjoy a family day out at the races with free kids' entertainment on Friday 24 July 2026
William Hill Summer Cup: A real summer highlight featuring live music, food stalls & bars on Saturday 1 August 2026
Superhero Family Day: Visit Thirsk Racecourse for a fun-filled family day of superheroes and princesses on Friday 7 August 2026
Country Music Night: Enjoy all the country vibes with line dancing, a bucking bronco, and a live country band on Friday 14 August 2026
All Creatures Great & Small Family Day: Celebrate Thirsk’s heritage as the home of famous vet James Herriot on Friday 28 August 2026
Ladies’ Day: Experience style and glamour at the Ladies' Day on Saturday 5 September 2025
Extend your day in Thirsk
If you’re planning to make the most of your day in Thirsk or even extend your trip to a full weekend, explore all the things you can in and around the area:
Spend a few hours at Manor Park Farm
Explore Thirsk Museum
Visit the famous World of James Herriot
Go and see the impressive White Horse of Kilburn
Explore Sutton Bank National Park Centre
Visit St Mary’s Church
Stroll around Zillah Bell Gallery
Discover our cheap train tickets to James Herriot Country.
Doncaster Racecourse
Doncaster Racecourse holds two of Britain's annual Group 1 flat races, including the world-famous St Leger Stakes.
It is one of the oldest racecourses in England, with races recorded dating back to the 16th century. Fast-forward to the present day, where the racecourse features a packed schedule each and every summer.
Explore some of the main events for summer 2026:
The Ultimate 80’s Live: After-racing live music part of the Meadowhall Summer Saturday Series on Saturday 18 July 2026
The Go Racing in Yorkshire Summer Festival: Support New Beginnings, the Yorkshire-based racehorse retraining and rehoming charity, on Thursday 23 July 2026
Yorkshire Day: Featuring Steve Bracknell Indie Rock party DJ set on Saturday 1 August 2026
Betfred St Leger Festival Sunday Funday: Enjoy Sunday summer horseracing at Doncaster Racecourse on Sunday 13 September 2026
Extend your day in Doncaster
Thinking of extending your day in Doncaster and exploring all this city has to offer? If so, discover some of the best things to do below:
Enjoy a spot of shopping at the Frenchgate Shopping Centre
Take a leisurely stroll through Potteric Carr Nature ReserveExperience an array of activities at Doncaster Dome (Ice Skating, Swimming, Cycling & Fitness)
Explore the historic Doncaster Wool Market and try food from diverse vendors
Visit the Cusworth Hall & Museum
For more inspiration, check out our blog to discover more activities to enjoy in and around Doncaster.
Pontefract Racecourse
Pontefract Racecourse is a thoroughbred horse racing venue. Being 2 miles long, it is the longest continuous flat racing circuit in Europe!
The layout was originally horseshoe-shaped, but was reworked into a full oval circuit in 1983. Today, visitors are spoilt for choice when it comes to the array of exciting summer series:
Music Night & Beer Festival: Enjoy live horse racing in Pontefract, followed by a beer festival and a live Queen tribute band on Friday, 17 July 2026
Summer Soundtrack Family Day: A day of fun for all the family, plus a live performance from Mcflusted on Sunday 26 July 2026
Sky Bet Sunday Series Family Day: Enjoy racing and family-friendly entertainment on Sunday 16 August 2026
Extend your day in Pontefract
Want to make the most of your time in Pontefract? Explore things to do in addition to your race day:
Explore Pontefract Castle
Visit the Pontefract Museum
Take a trip to Farmer Copleys
Have a stroll through Friarwood Valley Gardens
Explore the Magistrates Antique Centre & Market
Visit the Elizabeth Love Museum
Discover the beautiful All Saints Church
Getting there with Grand Central
Race days in Yorkshire have never been easier! Skip the traffic and expensive taxi fares, and hop on a train to your day out at the races. Grand Central serve all these areas, stopping at the following stations:
Experience horse racing in Yorkshire this summer
Experience the thrill of horse racing in Yorkshire this summer with Grand Central. Find your tickets today and enjoy a relaxing journey ahead of a fun-filled day. Enjoy an extra 25% off Advance tickets with our Student Savings, and save up to 50% with your Railcard.
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