Grandstand, Paddock & Picnic Enclosure at Thirsk

Who it suits

• Families: accompanied under-18s are free, there is a permanent adventure playground, and the family ticket covers two adults with children on eligible meetings.
• First-time racegoers who want the Parade Ring and Winner’s Enclosure viewing along with betting, food outlets and live music.
• Groups who prefer a relaxed enclosure with no dress code and the option to bring their own picnic.

Ticket prices

Prices are 2026 figures from Thirsk Racecourse. The advance discount ends at midnight two days before the fixture; thereafter tickets are sold at the daily rate online or on the gate. The Family Ticket requires at least one child and is not available for Saturday meetings. Accompanied under-18s are free.

Check availability on the official site

Where your ticket takes you

• Use the Grandstand, Paddock & Picnic entrance for the enclosure. Premier badge holders can also enter this side before moving into their own enclosure.
• See the Parade Ring and Winner’s Enclosure, and use the grandstand viewing, parade-side areas and viewing stands around the course.
• Visit James Herriot Hall, Bar 67, the Family Stand and Phoenix Bar, the Saddle Room Café, the betting ring and William Hill shop.
• Take picnics to the marked picnic area; it is the only public enclosure where outside food and drink are allowed.

Not included

• Premier-only bars and restaurant rooms are outside this ticket; pay the on-day upgrade fee for Premier, which the course does not state publicly.
• The Park & View vehicle area requires its own ticket; ordinary enclosure admission does not let a car enter the trackside picnic parking area.
• A family ticket is not valid without at least one child in the party and excludes Saturday meetings.

The view

This enclosure spreads around the public grandstand, paddock and picnic side of the course. You can watch from the grandstand or marked viewing stands, then walk over to the Parade Ring and Winner’s Enclosure. The bandstand lawn adds a social spot between races, and the official map marks a separate picnic area with a Park & View zone beside the track. It is a broad outdoor layout, so plan a few minutes to move between the entrance, betting ring, food outlets and parade side.

Food and drink

Buy food across the enclosure or bring a picnic for the designated picnic area; all picnic items must stay and be eaten there.

Facilities

Dress code

There is no dress code in Grandstand, Paddock & Picnic. Wear comfortable shoes for walking between the grandstand, Parade Ring and picnic area, and bring a layer for the open lawns. Keep picnic items together because food and drinks from outside can only be consumed in the signed picnic area, not in the stands, bars or elsewhere in the enclosure.

Getting in

Enter at the Grandstand entrances on Station Road. If bringing picnic items or permitted alcohol, use the Picnic Entrance nearest the coach park; the course says items brought through the main Grandstand entrance are not allowed into the picnic area. Alcohol with a picnic is limited to four cans of beer or cider, or one bottle of wine or fizz per person; spirits are prohibited. First entry only, and bag searches may be made at management discretion. Fixture-specific gate times are not stated as one standard time.

Accessibility

The official map marks accessible parking and viewing points in the public enclosure, plus accessible toilets and first aid. Thirsk says its complimentary personal assistant ticket is arranged using its Digital Access Card process; contact the Access Officer on 01845 522276 or info@thirskracecourse.net for a ticket and to discuss the best viewing point. General car parks are close to the entrances, while the signed Park & View area is for the separate car ticket. The public map does not describe step-free routes between every viewing point and outlet.

Full accessibility guide for Thirsk

Children and families

Accompanied under-18s are admitted free and should be added as a complimentary e-ticket when booking. The Family Ticket covers two adults plus accompanied children on non-Saturday meetings, at £25 in advance or £30 on the day in 2026; the party must include a child. The permanent playground is free, as are the children’s activities the course advertises for Saturday meetings, Family Days and school holidays. The course says no dining package is included for a child’s free admission ticket.

Tips

• For a family on a non-Saturday fixture, compare the £25 advance or £30 on-the-day family ticket with individual tickets; it covers two adults and accompanying children.
• Advance discounts end at midnight two days before the meeting. Tickets then move to the daily rate online or at the gate.
• Carry picnic items through the Picnic Entrance, not the main Grandstand entrance, and keep everything in the marked picnic area.
• Do not bring spirits or a barbecue. The picnic alcohol limit is four cans of beer or cider, or one bottle of wine or fizz per person.
• Allow time between races to walk from the viewing stands to the Parade Ring; the trackside picnic area is farther along the public side.

Upgrading

The course says Grandstand, Paddock & Picnic racegoers can upgrade to Premier on the day for a designated transfer fee. Premier badge holders can also move into this enclosure, including its public bars and picnic facilities.

Questions people ask