BEVERLEY RACECOURSE - LADIES DAY
Course: Beverley Racecourse – Ladies Day
🎫 Ticket & Value: £20 Grandstand & Paddock
👀 Track View: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🍔 Food: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
🍺 Guinness: ⭐️⭐️
⭕️ Parade Ring: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🏇 Runners & Riders: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
🎉 Atmosphere: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
⭐️ Overall Experience: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
👍🏻 Best for: Atmosphere 🎉
We arrived at Beverley Racecourse for its biggest fixture of the year, Ladies Day, not entirely sure what to expect. Yet any doubts were quickly dispelled. The usually quaint and historic market town was transformed, as thousands descended on the Westwood dressed to impress. On a Wednesday afternoon in August, it felt more like a bustling Saturday at York. The celebrations began the moment we stepped inside, with the unmistakable pop of champagne corks setting the tone for the day.
The atmosphere was second to none — arguably the best we’ve experienced so far. With a Grandstand & Paddock ticket, you’re placed right at the heart of the action. The stands were buzzing with colour: women in elegant dresses and fascinators, men in sharp suits, and groups of friends all soaking up the occasion. The betting ring was lively from the first race, while the compact layout of the course meant the crowd felt close-knit without being cramped. Bars were understandably busy, but staff kept queues moving efficiently and ensured drinks continued to flow.
The track view from the Grandstand offered a superb vantage point across the Westwood. From here, you could watch the field sweep around Beverley’s distinctive tight, oval track before tackling the demanding uphill finish — with the winning post right in front of you. Another highlight was the ability to walk up to the Parade Ring, where you could secure a prime spot against the rail. This not only gave a head-on perspective of the action down the straight but also added variety to the race-day viewing experience.
Food options were varied and fairly priced. Highlights included Greek gyros (£12–£16 depending on filling) and stone-baked pizzas at £11.50, conveniently located beside the Parade Ring with plenty of covered seating and tables available.
Unfortunately, the Guinness was a weak point. Served in cans across the bars at £6.60 each, quality varied. While some bars served a decent pint at the right temperature, others — notably the Paddock Bar — fell short. This is an area Beverley could certainly improve upon before our next visit.
The Parade Ring itself was a standout feature. Spacious and well designed, it sits at the top of the racecourse alongside the weighing room, with tiered viewing for spectators. Full access around the ring allowed racegoers to watch horses being saddled from every angle before they made their way onto the track. After the first race, the upstairs Paddock Bar opened to all ticket holders, and its balcony delivered one of the most unique views of the day: a bird’s-eye perspective over the Parade Ring with the racecourse stretching out in the distance — simply fantastic.
The runners & riders were packed with northern racing talent, including Sam James, Clifford Lee, Danny Tudhope and Jason Hart. Local Yorkshire trainers and owners were well represented, too, with Seb Spencer and Craig Lidster among those on the card — the latter celebrating a smart win with Ardius Invicta. The accessible Parade Ring layout also made it easy for fans, especially younger racegoers, to meet jockeys for photos and autographs both before and after races.
For just £20, the Grandstand & Paddock package on Ladies Day at Beverley offers excellent value, but it’s the atmosphere, parade ring, and track views that truly elevate the experience. The buzz of the crowd, the accessibility of the horses and jockeys, and the sweeping sightlines over the unique Westwood track make this fixture a must-visit. Despite the shortcomings on the Guinness front, Beverley more than delivers on charm, energy, and unforgettable race-day moments.
