Families
Grandstand Picnic Enclosure at Newcastle
A relaxed, family-friendly enclosure with plenty of lawn space for casual viewing: the most laid-back way to spend a day at Newcastle.
Photo: Bill Henderson, CC BY-SA 2.0, cropped
Who it suits
- Families with young children who want space to relax on the grass.
- Groups who want a casual, low-cost day out.
Ticket prices
| Ticket | Price |
|---|---|
| AdultVaries by raceday; cheaper online in advance | On the booking page |
| Under-18sWith an adult, most racedays | Free |
The cheapest of Newcastle’s three enclosures.
Where your ticket takes you
- The Grandstand Picnic Enclosure, with spacious lawns.
- Casual viewing of the racing.
- Bars, food and betting nearby.
Not included
- The Parade Ring and Silver Ring Bar (Grandstand & Paddock).
- Colonel Porter’s Grandstand and the Premier lawns.
The view
You watch from the lawns in a relaxed setting. For close-up views of the horses before each race, choose the Grandstand & Paddock.
Food and drink
The Picnic Enclosure is the most relaxed place to eat on the course, with lawns to sit on and food outlets nearby.
Bars and food
Bars and food outlets close by.
Picnics
Plenty of lawn space for a relaxed day.
Facilities
Lawn space
Room to spread out on the grass.
Betting
Betting facilities nearby.
Dress code
No dress code: come as you like and dress for the weather, as much of the enclosure is outdoors.
Getting in
Book online in advance; the racecourse no longer offers ticket collection on the day except for carers. Parking is free on grass. Buses 43 and 44 from Haymarket stop just outside the Racecourse Road entrance.
Accessibility
Newcastle has accessible parking next to the turnstiles (free for Blue Badge holders, bookable in advance), ramped access to each enclosure, lifts to all floors, accessible toilets, and a viewing area over the Parade Ring and finish. Personal assistants get in free: buy a full-price ticket, then claim the free badge at the turnstiles with proof of your needs.
Children and families
Children aged 17 and under go free with an adult, except at some festival fixtures and Live After Racing events. Family Fun Days add free entertainment.
Tips
- Pick a Family Fun Day for extra entertainment.
- Bring layers: much of the day is spent outdoors.
- Upgrade to the Grandstand & Paddock if you want to see the Parade Ring.
Upgrading
You can move up to the Grandstand & Paddock for the Parade Ring and the Silver Ring Bar, or to the Premier Enclosure for every public area. Upgrading is cheapest if you book the better ticket online in advance.
Questions people ask
Is the Picnic Enclosure good for children?
Yes, it’s the most family-friendly enclosure, with lots of lawn space, and under-18s go free at most racedays.
Can I see the Parade Ring?
No, the Parade Ring is in the Grandstand & Paddock and Premier enclosures.
Is there a dress code?
No.
Can I buy tickets on the day?
Book online in advance; it’s usually cheaper, and there’s no ticket collection on the day.
Other enclosures at Newcastle
Compare all the enclosures side by side · Back to the Newcastle guide
Sources
Checked on 4 October 2026 against:
- Newcastle: Beginners’ guide to racing (enclosures)
- Ticketmaster: Newcastle Racecourse venue information
- Newcastle: FAQs
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