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Lingfield Park Grandstand
Lingfield Park Grandstand
The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide

Your essential walkthrough for a seamless day

Beginners Guide to Racing

Step Into the World of Racing

Lingfield is one of only a handful of British courses offering both turf and all-weather racing, set among Surrey woodland. If this is your first time at the races, our guide covers tickets, dress codes and everything in between.

Take ten minutes to watch our handy race day video guide, then read on for practical information to help you plan your first visit to Lingfield Park.

Video Click to watch the video
The crowds sitting out in front of the grandstands at Lingfield Park Races

Ticket & Visit Guide

At Lingfield Park Racecourse, we host year-round dual-code racing, featuring All-Weather Flat action, Turf Flat, and National Hunt jump racing. You can browse all upcoming fixtures on our What’s On calendar, with tickets available directly through our website, via our sales team, or online through Seat Unique.

When booking, choose from a variety of dedicated enclosures offering distinct viewing experiences:

  • Grandstand Enclosure: Wide trackside lawn access, entry to public bars, and view of the Parade Ring and Winners' Enclosure.
  • Hospitality & Hotel Suites: Premium dining in the Trackside Restaurant and private views from the Grandstand Suites or Marriott Hotel.

Want to learn how Lingfield fits into the national circuit? Read A Guide to UK Racecourses.

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A group of gents in suits at Lingfield Racecourse

How to Dress for the Races

When choosing what to wear to the races, prioritise whatever makes you feel comfortable and confident above all else. Guests regularly opt to dress up for our feature fixtures and live music nights, which creates a vibrant, celebratory atmosphere.

Different dress codes apply depending on your ticket, particularly within hospitality and restaurant areas.

Staging All-Weather and Turf racing throughout the year, we advise dressing for the season - suncream and sunglasses for summer afternoons, and warm coats and boots for winter meetings.

As standard admission areas are largely standing-only, picking comfortable shoes is key to enjoying your visit. If the weather changes, you can pop inside to our spacious indoor areas to keep warm and dry.

Race goers watching on from the fences at the trackside at Lingfield Park

The Race Day Flow

Gates generally open two hours before the opening race, allowing plenty of time to explore the venue, visit the parade ring, and enjoy the pre-race build-up. Race times change depending on the code and day, so verify your fixture timings online beforehand.

Present your e-ticket on your phone or a printed paper ticket for smooth gate entry. Standard general admission does not include reserved seating, so consider upgrading to hospitality if you prefer a guaranteed table.

Take in the sights, explore the food options, and check our Starter Guide to Racing Terms.

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Horses racing past the grandstand and the betting stands at Lingfield Park

Betting Basics

Racegoers can choose between traditional bookmakers in the betting ring or convenient Tote points located around the stands. Grab a racecard to check out runner statistics, jockeys, and official ratings before placing a wager.

Learn more on our main Betting at Lingfield Park page, read our Horse Racing Betting Guide, and find out How to Read a Horse Race Card. Always gamble responsibly.

One of the bars at Lingfield Park at night

Refreshments & Dining

With numerous outlets spread across the venue, grabbing food and drink during your visit is seamless. Pick up quick, tasty options from our pop-up street food traders and bars located around the track.

If you want to celebrate in style, you can reserve dedicated hospitality in advance or contact our guest services team to upgrade your general admission passes before the event. The Pavilion Restaurant offers a diverse menu and a comfortable dining experience.

Please note that external food and drinks cannot be brought onto the racecourse, except where race days specifically state otherwise.

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Some of the course walkways at Lingfield Park

Getting to the Course & Access

All travel guidance, including direct rail and bus links, can be found on our Getting Here page. While free parking is available on site, race days naturally see higher traffic volumes, so please build in extra time for getting onto and off the estate.

We strive to make our venue accessible to everyone, with details provided on our venue accessibility page. For specific support, you can reach out to our team before you travel or speak to staff upon arrival.

A group of racegoers in sun hats at Lingfield Park embrace

Smart Tips for Racegoers

  • Throw yourself into the fun: Putting on your best outfit and getting together with friends is what racing is all about. Join in the roar of the crowd as the horses charge down the home straight!

  • Get up close at the Parade Ring: Head over to the paddock 15 minutes before post time to watch the horses walk around and get a real sense of their size and power.

  • Explore the course: Move around between races! Try watching one race from the finish line rail and another from the grandstand seating for a different perspective.

  • Pack comfy flats: With plenty of walking between the stands, parade ring, and tracks, carrying a pair of flip-flops or flat shoes in your bag is a great backup for heels.

  • Look out for activations: On our main feature race days, take advantage of extra photo walls, live entertainment, and pop-up food outlets.
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A race goer holding up a bottle of bubbly at Lingfield Park

Race Day Tidbits & Fun Facts

Opened in 1890 by the Prince of Wales (later King Edward VII), Lingfield Park was granted royal permission to use the Prince of Wales feathers in its crest and was historically nicknamed 'Leafy'.

Within wider flat racing, Sir Gordon Richards holds the all-time record for riding 4,870 winners.

Browse through our Horse Racing Trivia and Our Sport in Numbers guides to impress your friends.

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Attending the races is an exciting and welcoming experience for everyone. Whether you're a seasoned racegoer or a first-time visitor, the vibrant atmosphere and thrilling races promise a memorable day out.

We encourage you to book your tickets in advance so you can start planning your race day. For more information, check out our race schedules, ticket booking, and hospitality options.

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