20Oct 2026
Best Mate Chase Day
Named after the three-time Gold Cup winner.
From£18
Tickets
Meetings and tickets for 2026/27
The Jockey Club cancelled Exeter’s scheduled 15 October opener on 2 October. The 20 October Best Mate Chase remains listed while ground conditions are monitored; the Haldon Gold Cup follows on 6 November.
Exeter fixturesSeason 2026/27
6Nov 2026
Haldon Gold Cup Day
The Haldon Gold Cup, an early-season two-mile chase won in the past by Viking Flagship, Best Mate and Azertyuiop, with live music after racing. Day one of the West Country Weekend with Wincanton.
From£30
Tickets
16Nov 2026
Pasty & Pint Raceday
A very Devon raceday.
From£18
Tickets
22Nov 2026
Sunday at the Races
Afternoon jumps racing, with dedicated pre-booked buses from Exeter and Newton Abbot.
From£18
Tickets
The 15 October 2026 Season Opener was cancelled due to ground conditions; the Jockey Club said on 2 October that it was monitoring conditions for the 20 October Best Mate Chase. Check the linked fixture calendar for changes. Hospitality with course-facing views starts from £135.
Big racing
Haldon Gold Cup Day in November.
A racing weekend
The West Country Weekend: Exeter on Friday, Wincanton on Saturday.
Something local
The Pasty & Pint Raceday.
Bringing children
Exeter offers free entry to under-18s at all fixtures.
Which enclosure should you choose?
Exeter has one General Admission enclosure plus separately booked hospitality restaurants and boxes.
Hospitality
Private Boxes
Course-facing private suites with balcony access, private bar and Haldon Premier admission; available at every fixture.
Dining
Desert Orchid Restaurant
Course-facing restaurant with views of the finish, winning post and Parade Ring, reserved tables and a four-course meal.
Haldon Gold Cup
Iddesleigh Gallery
A separately sold Premier Restaurant Experience for selected fixtures, with views of the finishing straight and winning post.
General admission
General Admission
One public enclosure for every fixture, including grandstand viewing, the Parade Ring, Winner’s Enclosure, food outlets and bars.
Compare every enclosure side by side: prices, views, bars and food, dress codes and entrances.
Dress code at Exeter Racecourse
Exeter encourages racegoers to choose comfortable clothes suited to their own style. Its official guidance gives jeans, sweatshirts and clean trainers as examples, as well as suits and dresses for those who prefer a smarter occasion. Fancy dress should be appropriate and non-offensive because unsuitable outfits can lead to refusal of entry. Much of a raceday is spent in uncovered areas, so check the forecast and bring layers or an umbrella when needed.
Official clothing advice — checked 14 October 2026.
What will the trip cost?
A quick estimate for your group. Where we have confirmed a ticket price it’s filled in; otherwise add the price from the racecourse’s booking page. Change any figure to match your plans.
Getting to Exeter
Exeter Racecourse is on Haldon Hill, off the A38. Dedicated raceday buses link the city and Newton Abbot with the course.
From Exeter
Greenslades operates pre-booked race buses from Exeter St Davids and Exeter city centre. On Haldon Gold Cup Day, Friday 6 November 2026, they depart at 11am and return from the course at 4:40pm; purchase a seat in advance.
From Newton Abbot
A dedicated race bus also runs from Newton Abbot station. It shares the published 11am departure and 4:40pm return on Haldon Gold Cup Day, 6 November 2026; check the relevant fixture page for other dates.
By local bus
The regular Service 39 runs from Exeter Bus Station towards Newton Abbot and stops at Exeter Racecourse on the A38. The stop is on a fast road: follow the racecourse access instructions, do not cross the A38, and ask staff about the return stop on the back road.
By car
The course is on Haldon Hill, about five miles south-west of Exeter on the A38. Use the Jockey Club directions and parking page for the event you are attending.
Parking at Exeter Racecourse
Exeter provides free parking at every race fixture, but its car parks can fill quickly on major days. Most vehicle parking is on grass with some uneven ground, followed by a short walk to the entrance. Accessible parking is beside the Haldon Stand; display a valid disability badge in the windscreen. Coaches and buses have free hard-standing parking near the taxi rank. Follow the signed approach from the A38 and allow extra time for traffic on busy meetings.
Official parking advice — checked 14 October 2026.
Coming by train?
Book trains to Exeter St Davids or Newton Abbot.
Hotels near Exeter Racecourse
Exeter has city-centre hotels, historic pub rooms and guest accommodation across a range of styles. Staying in the city also gives you restaurants, the Cathedral and Quayside within walking distance; the racecourse is outside the city on Haldon Hill.
Exeter city
These named properties put you close to the historic centre, Cathedral, shops and restaurants. The Rougemont is directly opposite Exeter Central station; the others are in or near the centre.
- City Gate Hotel, characterful pub hotel with 20 boutique bedrooms
- The Rougemont Hotel Exeter, city-centre hotel opposite Exeter Central station
- Hotel Indigo Exeter, city-centre hotel with 104 rooms and Dottie’s restaurant
- Turks Head, historic pub with six boutique bedrooms
Haldon and Kennford
For a countryside base nearer the racecourse, Lord Haldon Hotel is on the outskirts of Exeter and has a restaurant as well as rooms.
- Lord Haldon Hotel, country house hotel with 24 bedrooms
Find a hotel
Compare hotels in Exeter and south Devon.
Affiliate link: we may earn a commission if you book, at no extra cost to you.
Evenings in Exeter and Devon
Exeter’s centre and historic Quayside have independent restaurants, pubs and places for live entertainment, so you can make an evening of a city stay.
- Quayside dining
On the Waterfront
Set in a historic building on Exeter Quay, this pub and restaurant is known for handcrafted pizzas and locally sourced food. Choose a table inside or, when conditions allow, dine outside beside the water.
- City-centre pub
Turks Head
A historic pub close to Exeter Cathedral, with an on-site microbrewery, food and six boutique bedrooms. It works for a locally brewed pint and a meal before returning to your city-centre room.
- Independent restaurant
Harry’s Restaurant
Harry’s is an independent Exeter restaurant serving a broad menu in a friendly, lively setting. Visit Exeter notes its long local following; it is a city-centre option for a sit-down dinner.
Things to do while you are here
Exeter’s Cathedral, museum, underground passages and riverside Quayside are all city attractions, separate from the racecourse on Haldon Hill.
Exeter Cathedral
The city’s Gothic Cathedral is a central landmark with a long history and distinctive architecture. Visit Exeter recommends exploring the building and Cathedral Green, where guided Red Coat city tours also begin outside the West Front.
Royal Albert Memorial Museum
RAMM brings together local history, art, natural history and collections from around the world in its Victorian building. It is a substantial indoor visit in the centre, useful when Devon weather turns.
Underground Passages and the Quayside
Take a guided tour through Exeter’s medieval water passages, then walk about 15 minutes from the centre to the historic Quayside. The riverside area has waterside pubs and cafés, boat trips, walking and cycling routes.
On the day
Useful things to know at Exeter.
10:40amGates open for Haldon Gold Cup Day, Friday 6 November 2026.
12:40pmFirst race for Haldon Gold Cup Day, Friday 6 November 2026.
Exeter Racecourse Haldon Gold Cup Day event page; checked 2 October 2026.
Wrap up
The course is high on Haldon Hill and exposed to the weather.
Under-18 entry
Exeter’s visitor information says under-18s have free entry to all fixtures. Check the event booking page for any ticket reservation steps.
Betting is optional
You don’t need to bet to enjoy the day. If you do, you must be 18 or over; set a limit before you arrive.
Families and groups
Exeter Racecourse says children under 18 receive free entry at all fixtures.
Free entry
The racecourse’s FAQ and ticket information state that under-18s are admitted free to all Exeter fixtures. The published 2026 Haldon Gold Cup day page lists gates open at 10:40am, the first race at 12:40pm and last race at 4:10pm.
Help on the day and afterwards
In an emergency
Call 999 and give the address, Exeter Racecourse, Haldon Hill, Kennford, Exeter, EX6 7XS. Then tell a member of staff.
Racecourse office
Call 01392 832599.
After your visit
Official results are on the BHA results page.
A little history
- 1804The earliest records of racing on Haldon Hill.
- 1982The Haldon Gold Cup is first run.
More Exeter guides
Compare the enclosuresPrices, views, dress codes and entrances side by sideAccessibilityParking, viewing areas, toilets and personal assistant ticketsYour first racedayHow a day at the races worksOther racecoursesPlan a trip to another course
Prices, dates and travel details were checked on 2 October 2026. The racecourse can change prices, times and arrangements, so check your booking page before you pay. This is an independent guide, not connected to Exeter Racecourse or The Jockey Club. Some links may earn us a small commission if you book, at no extra cost to you; this never decides what we recommend.