If you’re a fan of horse racing, or even just looking for a great day out, the North East of England has plenty to offer. From historic courses steeped in tradition to more modern venues with lively atmospheres, the region is home to several top-quality racecourses that cater to everyone from seasoned punters to casual spectators. Whether you’re in it for the thrill of the finish line or just the chance to enjoy a pint in the sun while watching the action unfold, there’s a raceday experience here with your name on it.
Here’s a look at some of the best horse racing venues in the North East, and what makes each one special.
Newcastle Racecourse
Let’s start with the region’s flagship venue. Newcastle Racecourse, set within the beautiful surroundings of High Gosforth Park, is a real gem. It’s one of the busiest tracks in the country, hosting over 60 race meetings a year, including both flat and jump racing.
What sets Newcastle apart is its all-weather Tapeta surface, the only one of its kind in the UK outside Wolverhampton. This means racing goes ahead regardless of weather, making it a reliable option all year round. The course has a great reputation for staging competitive races, with the Northumberland Plate Festival in June being its biggest event. Known locally as the “Pitmen’s Derby”, the Plate Day draws huge crowds and combines top racing with a brilliant social atmosphere.
Newcastle also hosts Ladies Day, which is as much a fashion and social event as it is about racing. If you’re after a lively crowd, entertainment, and a touch of glamour, it’s hard to beat.
Sedgefield Racecourse
If you prefer jump racing, Sedgefield should definitely be on your list. Tucked away in County Durham, it’s a smaller, more intimate track, but that’s part of its charm. It’s the kind of place where you can get up close to the action, chat with other racegoers, and enjoy a relaxed, friendly day out.
Sedgefield offers National Hunt racing throughout the year and is especially enjoyable in the autumn and winter months. The course itself is undulating and can be tricky for some horses, which adds an extra element of excitement when trying to pick a winner.
The Durham National, held in October, is the standout race of the season, an endurance test over three and a half miles that often produces dramatic finishes.
Redcar Racecourse
Over on the coast, you’ll find Redcar Racecourse, a flat racing venue with a loyal following. It’s known for being a family-friendly course, with lots of themed days and entertainment that make it a great choice for all ages.
Redcar might not have the glitz of some bigger tracks, but it makes up for it with a warm welcome and proper grassroots racing. The Two-Year-Old Trophy Day in October is the highlight of the year, attracting promising juveniles and a good crowd to boot.
Another plus? It’s only a short walk from the beach, so you can easily make a weekend of it with a seaside break.
Catterick Racecourse
Just over the border in North Yorkshire (but still very much part of the wider North East racing circuit), Catterick is another dual-purpose course with a reputation for being competitive and good value.
Catterick hosts both flat and jump racing, making it a versatile venue worth visiting year-round. It’s a proper racing crowd here—people who are there to enjoy the sport rather than pose for the cameras—and that makes for a cracking atmosphere.
It’s also worth noting the Catterick Dash in October, one of the fastest five-furlong races in the country. Blink and you’ll miss it.
Hexham Racecourse
Set in one of the most scenic locations in British racing, Hexham Racecourse offers a racing experience like no other. Perched high above the market town of Hexham in Northumberland, this is jump racing at its most picturesque.
The course itself is a bit of a stamina test, with its undulating terrain and long uphill finish. It’s not the easiest track for horses or jockeys, but it makes for thrilling viewing.
Hexham tends to attract a local crowd, and the atmosphere is always relaxed and welcoming. It’s particularly popular in the spring and summer when the views across the Tyne Valley are at their best. If you’re after a quiet, rural day at the races with plenty of charm, this is the place.
Planning Your Raceday
What makes horse racing in the North East so enjoyable is the variety. You can go from the modern, high-capacity experience of Newcastle to the traditional, intimate feel of Sedgefield or Hexham, all within an hour or two’s drive. There’s something for every kind of racing fan, whether you’re looking to check the horse racing odds and try to win some money, love the horses, or just want an excuse to get out and do something different.
Most courses offer excellent hospitality packages, from grandstand tickets to fine dining options, and there are usually plenty of promotions for families, students, and groups. The key is to check the race calendar and pick a meeting that suits your style—be it a midweek flutter or a big weekend blowout.
Final Thoughts
Horse racing might be one of Britain’s oldest sports, but in the North East, it’s anything but outdated. With a mix of tradition, variety, and a genuine sense of community, racecourses in this part of the country offer some of the best days out you’ll find.
So whether you’re a lifelong racing fan or a curious first-timer, get yourself to the rails. You might just catch the racing bug—and with views like Hexham’s or the buzz of Newcastle on Plate Day, who could blame you?