Great Yarmouth Racecourse
Great Yarmouth racecourse is situated just a few minutes walk from one of the many sandy beaches that have made this Norfolk town famous. The town was once a busy port, but is now home to many attractions, making it a popular holiday destination.
History
Great Yarmouth has been home to horseracing since the 18th century, the first racecourse having been built in 1810 to allow soldiers based in the barracks to race their horses. In 1819 a monument was constructed to commemorate Nelson’s victory at Trafalgar, and more recently the 2004 grandstand was also named in Nelson’s honour.
Great Yarmouth Racecourse
The racetrack you see today was created in 1921 and has thrilled race-goers ever since then, despite a short break during World War II . Since the Northern Racing Group bought the circuit, a lot of money has been put into improving its facilities, including the recently constructed Lord Nelson Grandstand.
The Racing Season
The racing season lasts from March to October each year, offering 23 days of thrilling flat racing. Of these, the most popular are the Rhythm and Rock nights, Bank Holiday Family Fun Day and the September Eastern Festival. In 2007 around 15,000 people visited the racecourse during the festival and watched the likes of Frankie Dettori compete in some nail-biting races. The course also offers children’s entertainment during half terms and other school holidays. Great Yarmouth racecourse offers many different packages, costing from just £22 per person, which gives you free parking, admission, food, a welcome drink, a programme and a £2 Tote voucher. Annual Badges cost from £260 single membership and £425 joint membership and enable you to attend all the fixtures at Great Yarmouth, car parking access, as well as access to the Premier Enclosure and Lord Nelson Grandstand.
The Course
The track is a narrow, left-handed ovular circuit with a long run-in of five furlongs, which is part of the one mile course. It is a flat and level course highly suited to galloping, especially for horses that are large and long-striding. Owing to Great Yarmouth’s close proximity to Newmarket, the course often plays home to runners from the major training centre so the racing is always above average and you are almost guaranteed a fantastic race.
The Enclosures
The Grandstand and Paddock Enclosure offers a selection of food outlets, bars and betting kiosks as well as access to the Parade Ring and Main Grandstand. Tickets for the Premier Enclosure allow you to view races from the Lord Nelson Grandstand, as well as access to the Premier Enclosure Lawn and Stand which is right next to the Parade Ring and Winners’ Enclosure. You will also be able to eat at the Trafalgar Restaurant and drink at the Victory Bar, both of which afford fantastic views of the racetrack. Ticket holders can also enjoy the new Hoops Champagne Bar, which has a pretty lawn, which can be enjoyed during the warmer months. Dress code at the Grandstand Enclosure is casual, but for the Premier Enclosure it is smart/casual with those in football kits or ripped clothing being refused entry.
Tickets
Entrance to the Grandstand Enclosure on a normal raceday costs £12 and £19 to the Premier Enclosure. For Rhythm and Rock nights or the Eastern Festival, tickets to the Grandstand Enclosure cost £14 and £21 to the Premier Enclosure. It is well worth going online if you can because discounts are available through the Great Yarmouth racecourse website. All those under the age of 16 have free entry if they are accompanied by a full-paying adult. There is a 20% discount for group bookings of 15 or more.
Access
The racecourse is north of Great Yarmouth itself, but is easily accessible by road, rail and air.
- By road: The course can be reached by the A47 from the North and Midlands, and the A11 or A12 from the South. The racecourse is well signposted from Great Yarmouth.
- By rail: Great Yarmouth railway station is about a mile from the racecourse itself, so is within walking distance, although it is also a cheap trip in a taxi!
- By air: The racecourse can receive helicopters if consent has been given by the management. To make arrangements for this contact details are available on the Great Yarmouth racecourse website here.
Contact Details
Great Yarmouth Racecourse
Jellicoe Road
Great Yarmouth
Norfolk
NR30 4AU
Tel: 01493 842 527
Fax: 01493 843 254