Racecourse

Pontefract Racecourse is famous in the racing world for its continuous flat racing circuit which used to be one of the longest in Europe at 2m and 125yds but was beaten by York’s Royal Ascot circuit in 2005. It’s also known for its impressive facilities with modern plush bar areas and refreshments in every single one of its four enclosures. This makes for a fantastic atmosphere and the perfect introduction to thoroughbred racing in Yorkshire.

The four enclosures are:

• The Premier Enclosure, which is in the Main Stand and has access to a covered Grandstand, the Parade Ring, Pre-Parade Ring and Winners Enclosure. There is also a champagne bar, lounge bar and 2 restaurants.

• The Grandstand & Paddock Enclosure which is the largest and most popular and also offers access to the Parade Ring, Pre-Parade Ring and Winners Enclosure. There are a variety of licensed bars which serve snacks as well as a self service restaurant.

• The Silver Enclosure is situated approximately 100yds from the Winning Post and offers a lounge bar and 2 further bars which also serve hot snacks.

• In the Picnic Enclosure visitors can bring their own food or visit the Tea Bar for some cold snacks. The Picnic Enclosure is particularly popular with families, especially on Sunday Family Days.

Pontefract Racecourse Admissions

The racecourse is open from April until October with gates opening at around 11.30-12noon except for evening races.

Admission prices on the day vary according to which enclosure you are opting for. The Premier Enclosure is £21, the Grandstand & Paddock £14, the Silver Ring £7 and for a car with 4 occupants in the picnic ring the charge is £12 or £5 per person. Under 18s go free in every enclosure and there are discounts available for OAPs on the day. Advanced booking is recommended for groups and Family Day with further discounts available depending on the size of the group.

Pontefract Raceday Packages

Hire private boxes or buy a special Racegoer Package as a gift experience for someone special! On Sundays there is also a BBQ Package as well as a Family Ticket which costs just £20. Themed Days are also popular and these include Singles Night, Ladies Day and the Season Finale Package which offers luxury packages at discount prices to celebrate the end of the season.

Pontefract Racecourse for Kids

Sundays are Family Days at Pontefract Racecourse with loads of fun activities for the children! Have a go on the funfair, visit the circus, get your face painted and help yourself to free sweets! If that isn’t enough there is also a bouncy castle, playground and boating lake and if you visit the Raceday Office kids get a free activity pack too! For younger children there is even a crèche so that mum and dad can have a bit of time to themselves!

Getting to Pontefract Racecourse

The racecourse at Pontefract is just half a mile from Junction 32 of the M62, follow the brown motorway signs.

Pontefract Racecourse is one of Pontefract’s leading attractions offering a fantastic day out for all the family!