Private Hospitality Boxes at Pontefract

Who it suits

• Groups of eight or more who want their own room, balcony and bar rather than a shared hospitality table.
• Businesses entertaining clients or colleagues with space for a meal, drinks and a working meeting before racing.
• Celebrations that need a choice of dining package, buffet or box-only hire.

Ticket prices

2026 prices per person and subject to VAT. Standard rates apply except 22 May, 17 July and Ladies Day on 5 August, which are premium fixtures. Minimum eight guests. Box-only hire is also offered but its rate is not published on the racecourse page.

Check availability on the official site

Where your ticket takes you

• A private room in one of 18 Dalby Stand boxes or the Pipalong Room in the Main Stand, subject to booking.
• Private balcony viewing; Dalby boxes look down the straight or over the Parade Ring, while Pipalong looks directly at the winning post.
• All-inclusive packages include an admission badge, food chosen for the package, racecard and pen.
• Hospitality guests can visit the Parade Ring and public areas covered by their included admission badge.

Not included

• Admission and food in the box-only option unless added to the booking; box-only charges are distinct from badges and catering.
• Your own food or drink inside private boxes; Pontefract does not permit it.
• A published fixed rate for box-only hire, annual boxes or bespoke conferencing; the racecourse quotes these by enquiry.

The view

The Dalby Stand contains 18 boxes that can be opened into spaces for parties from 10 to 150 people. Hospitality material says views run down the finishing straight or across the Parade Ring. The Pipalong Room is the only box in the Main Stand and holds up to 25, looking directly towards the winning post. Each hospitality facility is described as having a private balcony, but exact room allocation and orientation depend on the booking. Ask for the room layout when comparing box options.

Food and drink

All-inclusive rates bundle admission with one of four meal formats. Box-only hire lets a group add catering but does not allow visitors to bring their own food or drink.

Facilities

Dress code

Private box packages include a Premier badge, so the racecourse’s Premier smart-casual request applies: no scruffy jeans, shorts, T-shirts, sportswear or trainers; it does not demand a jacket and tie. For a business lunch or celebration, neat smart-casual clothing will fit both the room and the public enclosure. Wear comfortable shoes if you expect to walk out to the Parade Ring, and bring a coat for balcony viewing.

Getting in

The hospitality page asks guests to contact the racecourse about box availability and booking. Your package includes admission, and visitors should use the Premier entrance shown on the venue map unless their confirmation gives a different instruction; the Dalby Stand and Main Stand are identified on the course plan. Typical opening guidance is noon for midweek afternoons, 11.30am Sundays and 4.30pm evenings, with fixture pages giving the specific schedule. The course requires a minimum of eight guests; full payment is due six weeks before the event and badges are sent after payment.

Accessibility

The course states that all enclosures have step-free access, accessible toilets and viewing ramps, and that lifts in the Main and Dalby stands serve every floor. Hospitality areas have balconies, but the booking page does not describe step-free access onto every balcony; confirm the room, lift route and suitable seating with the hospitality contact. Complimentary personal-assistant admission can be booked in advance after the attendee buys a valid ticket. The policy requires qualifying supporting evidence and matching photo ID; a Blue Badge alone is not accepted.

Full accessibility guide for Pontefract

Children and families

The private-box page does not publish a child price for its Gold and Silver packages; all-inclusive rates are stated per person and the booking minimum is eight guests. Accompanied under-18s are free for ordinary public admission, but a child using a hospitality meal package should be included in the party count and price confirmed with the hospitality team. The separate Park Suite and Sunday Special pages publish their own children’s rates; those should not be assumed for a private box.

Tips

• All 2026 private-box bookings have a minimum of eight guests; Dalby boxes can be combined for larger parties, and Pipalong holds up to 25.
• Standard all-inclusive prices range from £102.50 + VAT for Silver Buffet to £149 + VAT for Gold Dining per person.
• Only 22 May, 17 July and 5 August 2026 are identified as premium dates; other fixtures use standard rates.
• The box-only price is not published, so ask for the room hire, badges and catering as separate line items.
• Bring a list of guests and dietary needs when booking; menus for 2026 were not published on the hospitality page when checked.

Questions people ask