Thirsk Racecourse
Overview
Get closer to the action at Thirsk Races! Situated in the picturesque market town of Thirsk in North Yorkshire, Thirsk Racecourse combines a rich heritage with modern facilities. The venue offers a flat, left-handed oval track of about 1 mile and 2 furlongs, with a straight 6-furlong chute and a 3-furlong finishing straight, making for exciting finishes and competitive racing. Whether you're a seasoned racegoer or new to the sport, Thirsk welcomes you - with family days, feature Saturdays, evening meetings, hospitality packages, and a friendly atmosphere.
Contact details
Thirsk Racecourse Station Road Thirsk North Yorkshire Yorkshire and the Humber YO71QL GB
Access Card notes
Thirsk Racecourse offers the following facilities for our racegoers: • Wheelchair accessible • Accessible viewing platforms at the Parade Ring and track side • Accessible parking • Accessible toilet facilities • Complimentary admission ticket for a Personal Assistant • Sunflower benches
Nimbus operates the venues Access Registration Scheme on their behalf. The venue or event has their own Digital Access Pass. *The information in this listing is submitted by the provider*.
A free registration is available at this venue as an alternative to an Access Card. Please use the link below to begin your application. Please note, if you already have an Access Card, you don't need to apply again. Simply provide your name and Access Card ID number to the venue. Click here to start your registration
Access guidance
- All entrances are accessible for those with mobility requirements. Racegoers who may have difficulty with standing or queuing, or who have an Access Card with the Standing/Queuing symbol, can make themselves known to our stewards who will ensure they are given priority entry and supported as needed. Around the Parade Ring and main public spaces, rest points and railings suitable for leaning are available for those who need to limit standing.
- If you find standing or queuing difficult, please make yourself known to a steward on arrival. Our team can assist with priority entry at the turnstiles and direct you to seating or resting points close to entrances, the Parade Ring, and viewing areas. There are benches and leaning points available around the racecourse, and stewards are positioned throughout the site to offer support where required.
- Some race meetings at Thirsk Racecourse can be busy, particularly Saturday fixtures and feature race days. If you experience difficulty with large crowds, we recommend attending one of our quieter weekday meetings, which tend to be less crowded and more relaxed. On arrival, please speak to a steward if you require assistance. Our team can help you identify less busy routes, quieter viewing areas, or seating away from high-footfall areas wherever possible.
- Thirsk is a compact and easily navigated racecourse, but some guests may still find certain distances challenging. Accessible parking areas are located close to both the Premier and Grandstand Entrance to minimise walking distances. From the Premier Car Park to the Premier Enclosure is approximately 100 metres; From the Grandstand Car Park to the Grandstand Enclosure is approximately 50 metres (distances do vary depending on your route). The nearest railway station is Thirsk (0.5 miles / 15-20 minutes on foot). On racedays we provide a complimentary shuttle bus service between Thirsk Station and the racecourse from two hours before the first race until one hour after the last race. There is lots of seating available and stools placed around the Parade Ring. The rail surround at the Parade Ring can be used as a support to lean on of required. Our Stewards can also guide you to rest points, seating, or the most direct route across the site.
- If a racegoer requires urgent toilet access, please speak to the nearest steward. They will direct you promptly to the closest facility and, where appropriate, support you in moving ahead of any queues. We provide accessible toilets in all enclosures, with additional accessible facilities on the first floor of the Hambleton Stand by the entrance to the Thomas Lord Restaurant.
- We welcome registered assistance dogs and if you let us know you are coming we can make sure we have a water bowl available, however all of the bars and catering outlets will fill your bowl if you want to bring one. There are some grassed areas within the enclosures which dogs are welcome to use, and in addition there is grass in most of the car parks.
- Essential companions/carers receive free entry alongside a full-paying ticket holder. You can contact us in advance and provide us with your Access Card number when you buy your tickets in advance and we'll add a companion ticket to your booking. If you have already booked your tickets please contact by phone / email and provide us with your ticket order number and your Access Card ID and we'll add a companion ticket to your order. Alternatively on the day simply show your Access Card / Digital Access Card confirmation email at the entrance when you arrive.
- Our Racecourse Map can be found on our website, or if you would like a copy sent to you in advance please contact the Racecourse Office. Clear signage is used throughout all enclosures to help with wayfinding. Race information, safety announcements, and updates are displayed on multiple large screens, including two permanent big screens and additional temporary screens on busier racedays. Our Stewards will also support anyone having difficulty to direct them or guide them to the area they wish to access. We can provide a racecard in PDF format on request to those that use PDF text to speech applications.
- Information is relayed via our public address system, which covers all enclosures clearly and consistently. CCTV race coverage is also shown on screens throughout the grounds. Race-specific information can be accessed via our complimentary printed Racecards or the Raceday Ready App which is accessible on mobile devices.
- We aim to provide an accessible and enjoyable experience for all visitors. Our team receives ongoing training in accessibility awareness, and stewards are on hand throughout the day to offer assistance, directions, or help with mobility concerns. For any additional accessibility queries before your visit, please contact the Racecourse Office on 01845 522276 or at info@thirskracecourse.net and our team will be happy to advise.