Grandstand & Paddock Enclosure at Fontwell Park

Who it suits

• First-time racegoers who want to move between the Grandstand, parade ring and finish without booking a hospitality package.
• Visitors who want the broadest choice of public bars, food outlets and on-course betting areas on a standard ticket.
• People who want to compare the horses in the parade ring and then watch them pass close to the home straight and winning post.

Ticket prices

These are advance prices shown on the official ticket page for 21 October 2026, not season-long rates. Fontwell says buying in advance saves an average £5 against the gate price, but it does not publish one fixed on-the-day admission amount. Children under 17 are free with a paying adult, up to three children per adult; some feature and live-after-racing events are excluded.

Check availability on the official site

Where your ticket takes you

• Public Grandstand areas with views of the home straight and finishing line.
• Paddock, parade ring and winner’s enclosure viewing before and after each race.
• Public bars, eateries and on-course betting outlets are included with admission.
• Standard free parking is at the main entrance; Centre Course parking is an optional, separate car ticket.

Not included

• A reserved seat or restaurant table. Seating across public areas is limited and mostly outdoors.
• Entry to the private Premier Viewing suite unless you buy that named ticket or a relevant hospitality package.
• Picnic food outside Centre Course. No drinks, alcoholic or non-alcoholic, may be brought into any part of the venue.

The view

The admission listing highlights close views of the finish, home straight, parade ring and winner’s enclosure. Fontwell’s figure-of-eight chase course crosses itself, so horses come past the public areas in an unusual pattern; follow the map and stewards if you want to see different fences. The Paddock and Grandstand public areas are reached from the main entrance. Wheelchair viewing platforms are located beyond the Nickle Coin Grandstand and trackside of the Premier Grandstand. Most public seating is limited and outdoors, so plan to stand for much of the afternoon unless you have booked a package that includes a reserved seat.

Food and drink

Public admission includes access to the racecourse’s public bars and food outlets; the number open depends on the fixture.

Facilities

Dress code

There is no strict dress code in the Grandstand & Paddock enclosure. Fontwell says clothing should be relaxed and comfortable, but its meetings are outdoors and the season is cool, so bring warm and waterproof layers. Fancy dress is allowed here if it is not offensive. Sporting team shirts are not allowed anywhere under the published dress guidance.

Getting in

Use the main entrance and main car park off Fontwell Avenue, postcode BN18 0SY. The gates normally open two hours before the first race, though feature and festival dates may open earlier; the event page has fixture-specific times. Tickets are emailed and can be scanned from a phone or printed. Online sales stay open during the fixture and the on-gate ticket point accepts card payment only.

Accessibility

Most facilities are at ground level, with wheelchair access to public areas and toilets. Accessible parking is in the grass-surfaced Main Car Park near ticket collection and the turnstiles; stewards direct drivers to a space, subject to availability. Wheelchair platforms are beyond the Nickle Coin Grandstand and at the trackside of the Premier Grandstand. A small number of wheelchairs can be borrowed, first come, first served. A personal assistant gets free admission when accompanying a paying guest with accessibility needs; bring supporting documentation to collect that ticket. Early entry 15 minutes before gates can be arranged in advance by emailing info@fontwellpark.co.uk.

Full accessibility guide for Fontwell Park

Children and families

Children under 17 go free with a paying adult, with up to three children per adult. The child ticket is collected from the ticketing office or turnstile on the day. Fontwell notes exclusions for some Festival fixtures and Live After Racing events. If attending one of those special events, the relevant fixture listing sets the ticket terms.

Tips

• For a weekday visit, the 21 October 2026 page listed standard admission at £21 in advance; use the specific fixture listing because admission prices change.
• Arrive before the first race if you want to watch the parade ring and then find a viewing spot for the home straight.
• Bring a payment card for food and drink. If you want to use cash with bookmakers, withdraw it before arrival because there are no cash machines.
• On weekends, leave folding chairs at home unless you need one for medical reasons; public seating is limited.

Upgrading

For a suite and balcony with an included drink and racecard, book Premier Viewing. For a meal or reserved table, book the Premier Lounge Restaurant or another hospitality package in advance.

Questions people ask