Raceday Admission at Kelso

Who it suits

• First-time visitors who want the standard Kelso experience and do not need a reserved hospitality table.
• Racegoers who want to move between track viewing, the Parade Ring, the Winners Enclosure, stands and public catering.
• Families: children aged 17 and under are admitted free when accompanied by a responsible adult.

Ticket prices

The official booking page said advance tickets save £5 and the gate price is £26 for Family Fun Raceday on 4 October 2026. Other fixtures publish their own prices. Accompanied children aged 17 and under are free.

Check availability on the official site

Where your ticket takes you

• Kelso’s single public enclosure, with track viewing and public racecourse facilities.
• The Parade Ring and Winners Enclosure, where racegoers can watch the horses before and after a race.
• The three level huddle viewing platforms, which overlook the Parade Ring and Winners Enclosure.
• Two raised viewing ramps, one by Younger Stand and one beside Tweedie Stand, with views across the track.

Not included

• A reserved table, meal or private hospitality room; book one of the hospitality packages separately.
• Trackside Parking, a separate per-car picnic parking ticket.

The view

The single public enclosure lets you choose between the track and the close-up horse areas. Kelso’s two raised ramps—by Younger Stand and beside Tweedie Stand—look out over the track; three round huddles provide level viewing over the Parade Ring and Winners Enclosure. There is also stepped viewing at the Parade Ring and Winners Enclosure. Move around between races and choose your position for the next one. Public admission does not promise a reserved seat, so bring a layer to stand outside and take a break in one of the indoor bars when the weather turns.

Food and drink

There are several ways to eat or get a drink in the public area; meals in hospitality rooms are sold separately.

Facilities

Dress code

Kelso says it does not stipulate a dress code; smart casual is the norm and some visitors dress up for Ladies Day. The racecourse covers a large outdoor area and warns visitors about unpredictable Scottish weather, so comfortable shoes and warm, waterproof layers are sensible. There is no need to buy formal racewear to use the public enclosure.

Getting in

The main entrance is one mile north of Kelso town centre. Bring your ticket; if you leave during racing and want to re-enter, Kelso says to scan out first. For Family Fun Raceday on Sunday 4 October 2026, the gates open at 11:30am and the first race is at 1:45pm. The booking page states advance tickets save £5 and must be bought by noon the day before, subject to availability. The terms prohibit knives, fireworks, smoke canisters, air horns, cans, poles and glassware in enclosures; Kelso does not publish a bag-size limit.

Accessibility

Most public enclosure surfaces are tarmac; Kelso aims to provide firm flat alternatives across gravel sections. Three level huddle platforms overlook the Parade Ring and Winners Enclosure, with two raised ramps for track viewing. Accessible toilets are on both floors of Tweedie Grandstand and the ground floor of Younger. Blue Badge priority spaces are at the front of the car park, subject to availability. Guide and assistance dogs are permitted in public areas. Kelso does not publish a personal-assistant ticket procedure; contact 01573 221221 or info@kelso-races.co.uk to discuss arrangements. A digital racecard is available in the Raceday Ready app and works with some reading software.

Full accessibility guide for Kelso

Children and families

Accompanied children aged 17 and under are admitted free to every Kelso fixture and do not need a child ticket in advance; collect a wristband at the main entrance. Children under 18 must be with an adult. Under-12s may not enter the Parade Ring or Winners Enclosure during racing without the safety officer’s express permission. The Family Fun Raceday on 4 October 2026 lists activities including inflatable games, face painting and magic, plus free ice-creams for the first 200 children to arrive.

Tips

• The current Family Fun Raceday listing shows £21 advance and £26 on the day; fixtures can have different ticket prices, so use the matching ticket listing.
• Visit the Parade Ring before the first race to see horses being prepared, then use a huddle platform for an accessible view of the winners afterwards.
• Bring a waterproof layer and comfortable shoes. Most of the experience is outdoors, and the course itself advises dressing for changeable Scottish weather.
• Keep your admission ticket with you and scan out before leaving if you expect to return later in the afternoon.

Questions people ask