Racing · Lansdown · May–September

Bath Racecourse

England's highest flat racecourse — 310 metres above the city, with views over Bath and the surrounding countryside. Flat racing from May to September, evening and Saturday meetings. Tickets from £10.

Address
Lansdown Road, Bath BA1 9BU
Type
Flat racing on a left-handed oval
Altitude
Highest flat racecourse in England (310m above sea level)
Season
May to September (evening and Saturday meetings)
Transport
Shuttle bus from Bath Spa station on race days; no on-site public transport otherwise
Tickets
From £10 (general admission), Members Enclosure from £25

Visiting Bath Racecourse

Getting there

Bath Racecourse sits on Lansdown Hill above the city — a 15-minute drive from the city centre but not walkable. On race days, a shuttle bus runs from Bath Spa station to the racecourse (included in some ticket packages; check the racecourse site when booking). Driving: car parking on site, free. Taxi from the city centre runs £12–18 each way; Ubers in Bath are limited, particularly late evening after racing ends — pre-book a cab.

What to expect on the day

Bath races are informal by flat racing standards. Evening meetings (May–August) draw a young and sociable crowd; Ladies' Day and themed Saturday meetings are the dressier occasions. The view from the track is exceptional — the racecourse overlooks the city and surrounding countryside at 310 metres. General admission covers the main grandstand and the apron in front of it. The Members' Enclosure has additional bar facilities and better view of the finishing line.

Dress code

No formal dress code for general admission. Smart casual is standard for evening meetings. Ladies' Day applies a suggested smart dress code (shorts and trainers discouraged); the Members' Enclosure requires smart dress on all days. The hilltop location means it can be cold even in summer — bring a layer regardless of the forecast.

Betting

On-course bookmakers take cash and card. Tote (pari-mutuel) windows are available throughout the enclosures. Minimum bet: typically £2. For pre-race form, the Racing Post is the standard reference. The six-race evening card typically runs from 5:30pm to 9pm.

Combining racing with a Bath visit

Evening race meetings typically run from around 5:30pm. This leaves a full day to visit the city before heading to Lansdown Hill. The Roman Baths open at 9am; Thermae Bath Spa has afternoon slots; the Circus and Royal Crescent are free and accessible any time.

One day in Bath itinerary Things to do in Bath

Stay in Bath for the races

For evening race days, staying in Bath overnight avoids the late-night cab problem. Central Bath hotels are a 15–20 minute drive from the racecourse. Book ahead for Saturday meetings and Ladies' Day, which draw larger crowds.

Hotels in Bath →

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Bath Racecourse — frequently asked

Where is Bath Racecourse?
Bath Racecourse is on Lansdown Road, Bath BA1 9BU — on Lansdown Hill above the city, about 2 miles from the city centre. It is the highest flat racecourse in England at approximately 310 metres above sea level. There is no direct public transport to the course except the shuttle bus on race days (runs from Bath Spa station). Driving is the most straightforward option, with free on-site parking.
When is Bath Racecourse open?
Bath Racecourse holds flat racing from May to September. Race meetings are a mix of evening meetings (typically starting around 5:30pm, ending around 9pm) and Saturday afternoon meetings. The racecourse is not open to the public on non-race days. The full 2026 fixtures calendar is at bath-racecourse.co.uk.
How do I get to Bath Racecourse by public transport?
On race days, a shuttle bus runs from Bath Spa station to the racecourse — check the racecourse website for timings when booking, as the schedule varies by meeting. On non-race days, there is no direct public transport to the course. A taxi from the city centre costs approximately £12–18 each way. If taking a taxi home after evening racing, book a cab in advance — demand is high immediately after the last race and local taxi availability in Bath can be limited late evening.
What is the dress code at Bath Racecourse?
General admission has no strict dress code — smart casual is the norm for evening meetings. The Members' Enclosure requires smart dress on all race days. Ladies' Day and select themed meetings suggest dressier attire but enforce nothing in general admission. The hilltop setting means the racecourse is exposed to the wind — bring a jacket regardless of summer temperatures in the city below.

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