Cartmel Racecourse
A unique racecourse nestled in a charming village, offering a funfair, picnic freedom, and thrilling jump racing.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Slightly less busy than Saturdays.
Cartmel Racecourse
Best Time
Slightly less busy than Saturdays.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A unique racecourse nestled in a charming village, offering a funfair, picnic freedom, and thrilling jump racing.
"Cartmel Races is an experience everyone should have at least once in their lifetime."
🎯 Pack a Picnic Basket
Bring your own food & drinks (incl. alcohol!) for a budget-friendly day. :foodie:
🪑 Bring Camping Chairs
Comfortable seating is key for enjoying the picnic atmosphere. :chair:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Unique Village Setting
Cartmel Village
Racecourse nestled within a charming village, offering boutique shops and pubs right on your doorstep.
Bring Your Own Picnic
Grandstands and Picnic Areas
Enjoy your own food and drinks, including alcohol, making for a budget-friendly and personalized race day.
Family Funfair
Course Side
A dedicated funfair adds to the carnival atmosphere, perfect for keeping younger visitors entertained.
Thrilling Horse Racing
The Racecourse
Experience exciting jump racing with a unique track layout that circles the village.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Village Charm
Picnic Paradise
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Pack a Picnic Basket
Bring your own food & drinks (incl. alcohol!) for a budget-friendly day. :foodie:
🪑 Bring Camping Chairs
Comfortable seating is key for enjoying the picnic atmosphere. :chair:
🎟️ Course Tickets are Best
Cheaper and better for families, with funfair access. :ticket:
☔ Don't Forget an Umbrella
UK weather is unpredictable; be prepared for sun or rain. :umbrella:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Pack a Picnic Basket
Bring your own food & drinks (incl. alcohol!) for a budget-friendly day. :foodie:
🪑 Bring Camping Chairs
Comfortable seating is key for enjoying the picnic atmosphere. :chair:
🎟️ Course Tickets are Best
Cheaper and better for families, with funfair access. :ticket:
☔ Don't Forget an Umbrella
UK weather is unpredictable; be prepared for sun or rain. :umbrella:
🚗 Check Car Park Access
Two car parks available; bus/coach goes to inner course. :car:
🤝 Volunteers are Amazing
The staff and volunteers are incredibly friendly and helpful.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Cartmel Racecourse is lauded for its unique village setting and incredibly friendly atmosphere, making it a standout experience. Visitors rave about the freedom to bring their own food and drinks, the funfair, and the overall relaxed, family-friendly vibe. While some find prices for on-site purchases a bit high, the ability to picnic and the value of 'Course tickets' are major draws.
"Visited this track for the first time as an owner and loved it. Very unique in that all of the activities are in the centre of the course with the track running around the perimeter. It was like a country fare with more eateries than I have seen at any other track. Great views of the track from many parts of the course. The staff were really friendly including the catering team and the stewards. Amazing day out."
Gerry Croall
"Cartmel Races is an experience everyone should have at least once in their lifetime. Booking tickets through the official website was straightforward and hassle-free. The races themselves were thrilling to watch, creating an exciting and memorable atmosphere.
The volunteers were incredibly kind and helpful, adding a welcoming touch to the event. There were also plenty of excellent food stalls, all maintaining good hygiene and offering great quality.
Overall, a fantastic day out!"
Akhil_Itty
"Visit the race course twice over the Bank holiday
Saturday was very busy, where the Bank Holiday Monday seem a little bit less busy.
Depending on how your getting there, you have access to 2 car parks.
Bus / coach takes you into the inner course , where the car park is a little walk into the course.
Betting was easy with alot of stands to purchase your slips
There was a fair and plenty of food and drink outlets.
Prices in my opinion were over priced !!!
Plenty of toilets and alot of staff on hand to help.
Most people took chairs, gazebos with tables for there own food and drink, family friendly.
I believe there could be a charge for gazebos, please check
Getting out at the end of the races was ok
2 pictures of the course and a picture of tge square at Cartmel
The village was very busy"
Chris Watson
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Cartmel Racecourse is easily accessible by car, with two main car parks available. Public transport options include buses and coaches that take you directly to the inner course. The nearest train station is in Grange-over-Sands, about 5 miles away, from where you can take a taxi or bus.
Yes, there are two car parks available for visitors. The bus/coach drop-off point is also on the inner course. Be aware that car park charges may apply, though specific details aren't always readily available online.
While specific camping facilities directly at the racecourse might be limited or seasonal, there are caravan sites and camping options in the surrounding areas near Cartmel Racecourse. It's best to check the official Cartmel Racecourse website or local directories for the most up-to-date information on camping and caravan sites.
The address for Cartmel Racecourse is Cartmel, Grange-over-Sands, Cumbria, LA11 6QF. It's centrally located within the picturesque village of Cartmel.
Yes, public transport is an option. Buses and coaches can take you directly to the inner course. For train travel, the nearest station is Grange-over-Sands, from which you can arrange onward travel.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
You can purchase Cartmel Racecourse tickets directly through the official Cartmel Racecourse website. Booking online is described as straightforward and hassle-free, ensuring a smooth entry to the races.
Yes, there are different ticket options. 'Course tickets' are generally cheaper and recommended for families, offering access to the funfair area. 'Paddock tickets' provide access to a different side of the track.
Ticket prices can vary depending on the day and type of ticket (Course vs. Paddock). While some reviews mention prices being a bit high, the 'Course tickets' are noted as being cheaper and offering great value, especially for families. +1
Absolutely! One of the most praised aspects of Cartmel is that you can bring your own food and drink, including alcohol. This makes it a very popular choice for a relaxed and affordable day out.
Opening hours for Cartmel Racecourse vary depending on the specific race day schedule. Gates typically open a few hours before the first race. It's best to check the official Cartmel Racecourse website for the exact timings for your chosen date.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The atmosphere at Cartmel Racecourse is often described as a proper fun day out, with a carnival feel combined with relaxing horse racing and a beautiful setting. It's known for being family-friendly and welcoming. +1
Yes, there are plenty of food and drink outlets, including numerous eateries. However, many visitors opt to bring their own picnics, which is a popular and encouraged practice. +1
Cartmel Racecourse is highly recommended for families. The 'Course tickets' offer access to a funfair, and the ability to bring your own food and drink makes it a relaxed and enjoyable experience for all ages.
Betting at Cartmel Racecourse is straightforward, with numerous stands available to purchase your slips. You'll find a good selection of bookmakers on-site to place your wagers.
Yes, there are plenty of toilets available throughout the racecourse, ensuring comfort for all visitors. Staff are also on hand to assist with any needs.
📸 📸 Photography
The unique setting of the racecourse within the village offers many picturesque opportunities. Capture the action on the track, the vibrant funfair, and the charming village architecture. The open course areas provide great vantage points for race photography.
Yes, you can take photos of the horses during the races. The open nature of the course allows for good views of the racing action. Remember to be respectful of the horses and jockeys.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, professional or commercial photography may require prior permission. Always check the specific rules on the day or on the Cartmel Racecourse website if you have professional equipment.
For capturing the racing action, a telephoto lens can be beneficial. For wider shots of the village and course, a standard zoom lens or even a smartphone camera will work well. Consider a weather-sealed camera if rain is forecast.
You can find stunning Cartmel Racecourse photos on Instagram by searching hashtags like #CartmelRacecourse and #CartmelRaces. TikTok also features many short videos showcasing the vibrant atmosphere and scenic views.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Packing picnic essentials and camping chairs will enhance the family experience, allowing you to set up a comfortable base. The relaxed atmosphere and the unique setting within the village also offer a pleasant environment for a family outing. Remember to check the weather and pack accordingly, as there's limited shelter on the course.
💰 Budget Travelers
Choosing 'Course tickets' over 'Paddock tickets' is also a cost-saving measure, and they still offer a great race-day experience with funfair access. Bringing your own picnic and chairs means you avoid the often-inflated prices of on-site food vendors.
couples
After the races, you can stroll hand-in-hand through the picturesque village, explore its independent shops, or enjoy a drink at one of the traditional pubs. The relaxed atmosphere makes it an ideal setting for a memorable date.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Unique Cartmel Experience
The most celebrated aspect of a day at Cartmel is the freedom to bring your own food and drink, including alcohol. This policy transforms the race day into a more relaxed, picnic-style event, akin to a country fair. Visitors are encouraged to bring camping chairs and set up their own base, creating a comfortable and personalized experience. This significantly reduces the cost of a day out compared to other racecourses, making it a popular choice for families and budget-conscious travelers.
Beyond the picnic culture, Cartmel also features a funfair, adding to its carnival-like ambiance. This makes it particularly appealing for families with children. The 'Course tickets' are often recommended for families as they provide access to this area and are generally more affordable than 'Paddock tickets'. The overall vibe is one of fun, relaxation, and community, making it a standout destination for horse racing enthusiasts and casual visitors alike.
Planning Your Visit: Tickets and Logistics
When it comes to logistics, Cartmel Racecourse offers two main car parks, and bus or coach services will take you directly to the inner course. For those arriving by train, the nearest station is Grange-over-Sands, from which onward travel via taxi or bus can be arranged. It's worth noting that while specific caravan sites directly at the racecourse might be limited, there are caravan and camping options available in the vicinity of Cartmel.
A crucial tip for any visitor, especially during the unpredictable British weather, is to pack an umbrella. While the open course offers great views, it also means limited shelter from sun or rain. Bringing your own seating, such as camping chairs, is also highly recommended to maximize comfort, especially if you plan on enjoying a picnic.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit