Uttoxeter Racecourse Guide: Planning Your Race Day

Experience the Thrill of Uttoxeter Racecourse

Set amidst the picturesque Staffordshire countryside, Uttoxeter Racecourse is widely celebrated as one of the UK’s leading National Hunt racecourses. Offering year-round jump racing, it combines top-tier sporting competition with a warm, welcoming Midlands atmosphere. The racecourse hosts around 25 fixtures each year, drawing racing enthusiasts, casual spectators, and groups celebrating special occasions from across the country.

The crown jewel in Uttoxeter’s racing calendar is undoubtedly the Midlands Grand National, held annually every March. This demanding four-and-a-quarter-mile steeplechase tests stamina to the absolute limit and regularly serves as a stepping stone for contenders heading towards the Aintree Grand National. Alongside this flagship fixture, the venue plays host to vibrant Ladies Days, festive family fun days, music nights, and popular craft beer and cider race days. Whatever fixture you choose, thorough preparation ensures a seamless and memorable day at the track.

Choosing the Right Enclosure

Uttoxeter Racecourse offers several distinct enclosures tailored to different budgets and race day preferences:

• Premier Enclosure: Providing prime views of the finishing post, the parade ring, and the winner's enclosure, this enclosure offers access to exclusive bars, premium viewing lawns, and high-quality viewing areas. It is the premier choice for visitors seeking an elevated racing experience.
• Grandstand & Paddock Enclosure: The hub of race day energy, this area delivers excellent grandstand viewing, close-up access to the parade ring where you can inspect the runners before each race, and varied betting rings.
• Centre Course Enclosure: An open grass area situated inside the track rails, this enclosure is typically open on peak weekend fixtures and family days. It is particularly popular with families who prefer an informal, relaxed afternoon watching the horses leap past.

What to Wear: Dress Codes Explained

While Uttoxeter embraces a friendly, relaxed atmosphere, dress codes vary depending on your chosen enclosure and fixture:

In the Premier Enclosure, smart casual attire is encouraged. Many gentlemen wear collared shirts with smart trousers or tailored jackets, while ladies often wear dresses, smart separates, or stylish hats, especially on Ladies Day. Fancy dress, sportswear, ripped jeans, and trainers are generally not permitted in this enclosure.

In the Grandstand & Paddock and Centre Course enclosures, dress codes are much more casual. Neat jeans and trainers are commonly accepted, and sensible layers are always advisable given the unpredictable British weather. Comfortable footwear is essential regardless of enclosure, as you will spend a fair amount of time walking between the parade ring, bookmakers, and track rails.

Travelling to Uttoxeter from Burton upon Trent

Uttoxeter Racecourse is easily accessible from Burton upon Trent, making Three Queens Hotel an exceptionally practical location to stay before or after your race day.

By Car: The drive between Burton upon Trent and Uttoxeter Racecourse takes approximately 25 to 30 minutes. Drivers can follow the A38 northbound towards Derby before joining the A50 westbound directly to Uttoxeter. The racecourse is clearly signposted from the main bypass roads, and extensive parking is available on-site at the venue.

By Public Transport: Burton upon Trent railway station sits just one mile from Three Queens Hotel. Train services connect through Derby to Uttoxeter station, which is conveniently positioned adjacent to the racecourse gates, allowing visitors to walk directly onto the course within minutes of arrival.

Dining and Evening Drinks in Burton upon Trent

After a thrilling afternoon watching horses clear fences at Uttoxeter, Burton upon Trent offers a rich culinary scene to round out your evening. World-renowned as the capital of British brewing, Burton’s town centre is home to historic taprooms, traditional real-ale taverns, and contemporary pubs where you can sample celebrated local ales alongside visitors and locals alike.

Located just a short five-minute walk from Three Queens Hotel, the bustling town centre features an extensive selection of independent bistros, steakhouses, Italian eateries, and Indian restaurants. Whether you are celebrating a winning flutter over a sit-down meal or relaxing with friends at a cosy town pub, Burton’s food and drink offerings cater to all tastes and budgets without having to travel far.

Stay at Three Queens Hotel

Ensure your race day trip is comfortable, convenient, and restful by booking your stay at Three Queens Hotel. Located on Bridge Street in Burton upon Trent, our hotel features 62 well-appointed bedrooms designed to cater to solo visitors, couples, families, and groups traveling together.

We offer a comprehensive selection of room configurations, including Single, Standard Double, Executive Double, Standard Twin, Executive Twin, Family, Quadruple, Mews Apartment, and a distinctive four-poster Suite. Every room features an en-suite private bathroom with complimentary toiletries, a flat-screen TV with Freeview channels and radio, tea and coffee making facilities, a hair dryer, and a direct dial telephone.

Guests traveling by car can take advantage of our free on-site parking, avoiding the hassle and expense of town-centre parking meters. Free WiFi is available throughout the hotel to help you study the racecards, check results, and coordinate your plans. Our reception is open from 8:00 am to 10:00 pm, supported by a night porter from 10:00 pm to 8:00 am to assist guests returning from late evening dinners in town. We also provide daily housekeeping and a 24-hour dry cleaning and laundry service, ensuring your race day attire stays pristine throughout your trip.

Ready to plan your Staffordshire racing getaway? Browse our full selection of comfortable hotel rooms and book your race day stay today at Three Queens Hotel.

Planning a visit? Book your stay at Three Queens Hotel & Lodge.