Festival Zone at Aintree

Who it suits

• Groups of friends who want the atmosphere of the National at the best price.
• Racegoers who like live music and a party feel.

Ticket prices

Prices rise for later ticket windows.

Check availability on the official site

Where your ticket takes you

• General admission to the Festival Zone.
• Views of the closing stages of every race.
• The Rum & Ginger Bar and live music in the Aintree Pavilion.
• Food and drink outlets and betting.

Not included

• The Parade Ring and the horsewalk terraces.
• Reserved seats in the grandstands.

The view

You watch the closing stages of every race from the Festival Zone, with big screens showing the rest of the course, including the Grand National fences.

Food and drink

The Festival Zone has its own bars and food outlets, so you don’t need to leave it all day. The racecourse is cashless except for on-course bookmakers, and you can’t bring your own food or drink; picnics are only allowed in the car parks.

Facilities

Dress code

There’s no official dress code at the Grand National, though many racegoers dress up, especially on Ladies Day (Friday).

Getting in

On Grand National Day 2026 the gates opened at 10am (11am on Opening Day). Merseyrail runs every seven and a half minutes from Liverpool Central and Moorfields to Aintree station, a short walk away. Bring nothing bigger than a small handbag: there’s no left luggage.

Accessibility

Free personal assistant tickets are added if you send a current PIP, DLA, AA or AFIP award letter. For the Grand National, accessible parking in the County and Steeplechase car parks must be reserved. The Princess Royal Stand and Festival Zone are fully accessible; the Earl of Derby and Lord Sefton Stands have lifts, but their terraces don’t. Call 0151 522 2921.

Full accessibility guide for Aintree

Children and families

At the Grand National children need a ticket and pay full price. Book child tickets by phone on 0344 579 3001 after buying an adult ticket: up to two children per adult ticket, with 200 child tickets a day.

Tips

• Book early: prices rise in later ticket windows.
• Choose Thursday for the cheapest Festival Zone tickets.
• Bring a card or phone: the course is cashless.

Upgrading

To see the horses before each race, upgrade to the Earl of Derby or Lord Sefton Terraces (from £59), next to the horsewalk. For a guaranteed seat for the big race, book a reserved grandstand seat, from £65 in the West Tip Seats.

Questions people ask