Cars to Course Parking at Pontefract

Who it suits

• Drivers who want to park within the Picnic Enclosure rather than use the general park car parks.
• Families carrying picnic supplies, blankets or equipment who would prefer to unload close to their viewing area.
• Groups of up to four adults travelling together who are content to spend the day in the Picnic area.

Ticket prices

2026 prices shown on the racecourse admission page and applicable both in advance and at the gate. Booking in advance guarantees a space, but not a specific position; spaces are limited.

Check availability on the official site

Where your ticket takes you

• Vehicle entry into the Picnic Enclosure, not general parking elsewhere in Pontefract Park.
• Picnic Enclosure admission for up to four adult occupants in the vehicle.
• The Pavilion cafe, terrace, toilets and Tote facilities within Picnic.
• Children under 18 accompanied by a ticketed adult are admitted free; this does not turn the car ticket into Premier or Grandstand admission.

Not included

• Access to the Parade Ring, Grandstand & Paddock or Premier facilities.
• A reserved position beside the rails; the booking guarantees a space, not a particular parking spot.
• Admission for more than four adult occupants. The venue page specifies up to four adults per car.

The view

Your vehicle is parked inside the Picnic Enclosure, the open grassy area that the course describes as popular with racegoers who like to park by the rails. This makes it easier to keep picnic items nearby, but Cars to Course does not promise a rail-side pitch or a fixed view. The venue says the Picnic car area can fill early on Sunday meetings. Use the Pavilion terrace or other public viewing space if your allocated parking position does not provide the view you want.

Food and drink

The car ticket is not a food package; bring a picnic if you want one or use the Picnic outlets.

Facilities

Dress code

There is no separate dress code for Cars to Course; this ticket uses the Picnic Enclosure, where the racecourse does not publish a formal code. Choose footwear for grass and walking around a parkland venue, and plan for wet or uneven ground. If you want to visit Premier using another ticket, that enclosure has a smart-casual request excluding scruffy jeans, shorts, T-shirts, sportswear and trainers.

Getting in

Follow the vehicle directions and signs to the Picnic Enclosure rather than the public Grandstand & Paddock entrance. The official map labels the Picnic site and gives its what3words location as formless.performs.weeded. The racecourse does not publish a separate barrier opening time for Cars to Course; general times are noon midweek, 11.30am Sundays and 4.30pm for evenings, with fixture pages showing exact schedules. Keep your booking confirmation ready for staff at vehicle entry.

Accessibility

The course states all enclosures have step-free access, accessible toilets and viewing ramps. The Picnic area is grass and the parking position is not specified in advance, so its exact route and distance from the Pavilion may vary. Contact the racecourse on 01977 781307 about access needs before buying the car option. A free personal-assistant ticket can be applied for once the disabled racegoer has bought admission; the policy requires supporting eligibility evidence, and a Blue Badge by itself is not accepted.

Full accessibility guide for Pontefract

Children and families

The included Picnic admission covers up to four adult occupants; accompanied under-18s are admitted free to every enclosure. The £30 Family Ticket on 2026 Family Days was a separate Grandstand & Paddock product and did not include the Picnic car park. Families using Cars to Course should therefore distinguish the car entry from other family admission offers.

Tips

• Book ahead if you specifically need a space inside Picnic; Sunday parking can fill well before the first race.
• The ticket guarantees a parking space only, not a position by the rail or beside the Pavilion.
• One Cars to Course ticket covers a car and up to four adults. Add separate adult tickets if your group exceeds the published allowance.
• For 2026, the charge is £20 midweek, Monday evening or Ladies Day and £25 Sunday or Friday evening.
• If you only need to park at the racecourse, the FAQ says general park parking is free; Cars to Course is the paid drive-in option.

Questions people ask