From the Fighting Fifth Hurdle to summer flat racing, Newcastle's Gosforth Park has something on the calendar all year round. New to racing? Our beginners guide walks you through booking tickets, dress codes, and what to expect on your first visit.
Check out our 10-minute introduction video to see how a race day comes together, then explore the section below for top tips on visiting Newcastle for the first time.
Click to watch the video
At Newcastle Racecourse, we host exciting dual-code racing all year round, featuring premier All-Weather Flat racing and historic jump fixtures. Explore our What’s On calendar to select your date - tickets can be secured directly online, via our sales team, or through Seat Unique.
When booking, pick from a range of ticket options and enclosures:
Curious where Newcastle sits in the wider racing world? Check out A Guide to UK Racecourses.
Our main recommendation for what to wear is simple: choose an outfit that makes you feel comfortable and confident. Plenty of racegoers love to go all-out with their outfits for major events like the Plate Festival or Ladies Day.
Certain hospitality options and private suites do require formal dress, so please check ticket conditions when booking.
As we race year-round across both Flat and All-Weather tracks, attire should match the season - bring sun protection for summer days, and warm layers for crisp North East winter fixtures.
General admission areas do not feature standard seating, so sensible footwear is essential for standing and moving around trackside. If you need shelter from the elements, our extensive indoor facilities have you covered.
Gates open roughly two hours ahead of the first race, leaving loads of time to grab refreshments, check out the horses in the paddock, and enjoy the buzzing crowd. Race times vary by event, so check our website for your fixture's up-to-date order of running.
Entry is quick via e-ticket scans on your phone or printed passes. Seating in standard enclosures is unreserved, so book a hospitality package if you require guaranteed dining seating.
Explore the venue, soak up the North East atmosphere, and glance through our Starter Guide to Racing Terms.
There are plenty of betting options across the venue, from pitch bookmakers offering fixed odds to Tote pool betting windows. To make informed picks, check your racecard for horse form, draw positions, and jockey stats.
Visit our main Betting at Newcastle page, read our dedicated Horse Racing Betting Guide, and learn How to Read a Horse Race Card. Please remember to gamble responsibly.
There are numerous food stalls and bars scattered around the enclosures, offering everything from fast casual street food to cold drinks on tap.
For a luxury trackside experience, check out our hospitality and box packages. If you hold general admission tickets but decide you want a dining upgrade, simply get in touch with our team before the big day. The Park View Restaurant is known for its delicious food and scenic views of High Gosforth Park.
As a rule, picnics are permitted in the designated picnic area, however no drinks are allowed to be brought on site.
Check out our Getting Here page for a full breakdown of travel routes, public transport connections, and local bus links. There is widespread free parking on site, but given the scale of our race days, we politely advise allowing extra time to account for traffic arriving and departing.
Information on our accessible facilities is published on our venue accessibility page. If you need any advice or assistance, please get in touch with our team beforehand or speak to a steward on the day.
Hosting over 80 meetings a year as a premier dual-code track, Newcastle is home to the historic Northumberland Plate - originally known as the 'Pitmen's Derby' before moving to Saturdays in 1952.
On the flat, the incomparable Frankel stands as an all-time great, finishing his career completely undefeated across 14 races.
Explore more fascinating details in our Horse Racing Trivia and Our Sport in Numbers hubs.
Attending the races is an exciting and welcoming experience for everyone. Whether you're a seasoned racegoer or a first-time visitor, the vibrant atmosphere and thrilling races promise a memorable day out.
We encourage you to book your tickets in advance so you can start planning your race day. For more information, check out our race schedules, ticket booking, and hospitality options.
