If you’re based in the capital and fancy a flutter beyond the hustle and bustle of Soho, you’re in luck — some of the UK’s most iconic racecourses sit just a short drive away.
Whether you’re drawn by the glamour of Royal Ascot, the heritage of Epsom, or the festive buzz of Kempton’s Christmas meeting, London’s racing scene offers something for everyone.
And if you’re planning a day at the races, it’s worth checking out the latest horse racing free bet offers available from UK bookmakers to make the experience even sweeter.
Here’s a closer look at the best racecourses near London — each offering a unique blend of history, spectacle, and world-class racing.
Ascot Racecourse
One of the most famous sporting venues in the world, Ascot is a dual-purpose racecourse renowned for its prestige and pageantry. While Royal Ascot in June steals the spotlight with five days of top hats, fashion, and flat racing royalty, the Berkshire track also hosts standout events across the year.
British Champions Day brings the flat season to a thrilling close each October, while the Grade 1 Clarence House Chase in January is a key jumping highlight and a major stepping stone to the Champion Chase at Cheltenham.
Epsom Downs Racecourse
Perched on the rolling Surrey hills, about 19 miles from Central London, Epsom Downs is the historic home of The Derby — arguably the most prestigious race in world racing.
First run in 1780, the Derby is one of the five British Classics and forms part of the famous Derby Festival, held each June.
The meeting also features The Oaks, another Classic reserved for three-year-old fillies. With its unique camber and testing downhill finish, Epsom remains one of the most distinctive and celebrated courses in the country.
Sandown Park
A true all-rounder, Sandown Park is another dual-purpose track that attracts both flat and jumps racing’s biggest names.
The Surrey venue, which is roughly 18 miles from the city, stages around 23 fixtures annually, with highlights including the Eclipse Stakes in July — a premier middle-distance contest for flat stars — and the Tingle Creek Chase in December, a must-watch for jumps fans.
Set in Esher, Sandown’s accessibility and first-class facilities make it one of the most popular racecourses for London-based punters.
Kempton Park
The closest racecourse to central London, at approximately 14 miles, Kempton Park, has long been a festive favourite among racing fans.
Its Christmas Festival draws huge crowds every year, headlined by the King George VI Chase and the Christmas Hurdle on Boxing Day — two of the most important fixtures in the National Hunt calendar.
Away from the jumps, Kempton’s all-weather flat track provides a regular dose of quality racing throughout the year, making it a cornerstone of the London racing circuit.
Royal Windsor Racecourse
Often overshadowed by its regal neighbour, Ascot, Royal Windsor has enjoyed a resurgence in recent seasons.
The return of jumps racing in the last year gave the track a major lift, with the Berkshire Winter Million festival — co-hosted with Ascot — proving a huge success.
Windsor remains a favourite summer destination too, thanks to its Monday night flat meetings, which combine laid-back riverside charm with competitive action.
