The Roodee at Chester

Who it suits

• Families with children, who go free and can run about on the grass.
• Groups who want a picnic and camping chairs in the sun.
• Anyone who wants the cheapest way to see racing on the oldest racecourse in the world.

Ticket prices

Chester’s published starting price. Prices rise for the May Festival and other big days; 2027 prices weren’t on sale when we checked.

Check availability on the official site

Where your ticket takes you

• The open course in the middle of the track, where picnics and camping chairs are allowed on the grass.
• The Dee Stand on the far side of the track.
• Views from both sides of the track, including the first sight of the horses coming out of Castle Bend.
• Food and drink outlets and betting.

Not included

• The Paddock, Parade Ring and Winners’ Enclosure.
• The main grandstand, Tattersalls and County areas.

The view

You watch from the grass in the middle of the course or from the Dee Stand, with a 360-degree view of Chester’s tight, round track. You’re first to see the horses come out of Castle Bend into the home straight, though you’re further from the winning post than in the grandstand.

Food and drink

Bring your own picnic, or use the bars and food stalls.

Facilities

Dress code

There’s no dress code in the Roodee, the only area of the racecourse without one. The only rule is no offensive clothing or offensive fancy dress. Bring wellies and a brolly if rain is forecast.

Getting in

Use the Open Course gates (Gates 8 and 9 off the car park area). Gates usually open two hours before the first race. Unlike the rest of the course, you can bring a picnic into the Open Course.

Accessibility

Accessible toilets are in both the general admission and hospitality areas. For level access avoid the steep Dee Stand steps and use the Tattersalls Fast Track Lane at Gate 4. A free Companion Pass is available with a full-price adult ticket; call 01244 304 600.

Full accessibility guide for Chester

Children and families

Children aged 17 and under go free with a ticket-holding adult, and don’t need a ticket. On Family Fun Day and Roman Day there are free fairground-style activities for children in the Roodee.

Tips

• Bring a picnic and camping chairs; it’s the only enclosure where you can.
• Pick Family Fun Day or Roman Day if you’re bringing children.
• Bring cash or a card for the bookmakers, and dress for the weather: much of the Roodee is open grass.
• If you want to see the horses in the Parade Ring, you’ll need a Tattersalls ticket or better.

Questions people ask