Uttoxeter Racecourse Race Day Guide: Tips & Stays

The Excitement of Uttoxeter Racecourse

Set amidst the scenic Staffordshire countryside, Uttoxeter Racecourse is celebrated as one of the leading National Hunt jump racing venues in the UK. Renowned for its friendly atmosphere, top-tier horse racing, and picturesque track, it attracts thousands of racing enthusiasts throughout the year. The venue's crowning jewel is undoubtedly the historic Midlands Grand National, held each March, but the course also hosts an exhilarating calendar of themed fixtures, family fun days, and summer evening meetings.

Whether you are a seasoned racing fan studying form or planning a lively weekend getaway with friends, a day at Uttoxeter offers an unforgettable day out. To help you get the most out of your visit, we have put together this essential race day guide, from travel and enclosures to dining in the local area.

Getting to the Track from Burton upon Trent

Uttoxeter Racecourse is conveniently situated around 15 miles northwest of Burton upon Trent, making Burton an ideal base for your racing weekend. Positioned along the bustling A38 corridor, Burton upon Trent lets you avoid the heavy traffic congestion immediately surrounding the racecourse on major festival days while keeping travel times under half an hour.

By Car: Driving from Burton upon Trent takes approximately 25 to 30 minutes. You can take the scenic B5017 route directly across the Staffordshire countryside into Uttoxeter, or head via the A38 north to the A50 west. Uttoxeter Racecourse provides dedicated trackside parking on race days, but heading back to Burton afterwards guarantees an easy onward journey.

By Train or Taxi: If you prefer to leave the car behind, Uttoxeter railway station is positioned adjacent to the racecourse, with a dedicated walkway connecting the platform straight into the venue. Burton upon Trent railway station is located just one mile from Three Queens Hotel, offering regional rail connections or straightforward taxi arrangements to get you directly to the paddock gates.

Race Day Essentials: What to Know Before You Go

To ensure your afternoon runs smoothly, keep these key race day tips in mind:

• Timings: Gates typically open two hours prior to the first race. Arriving early gives you ample time to collect racecards, explore the course, watch the horses parading, and secure a prime viewing spot along the rail or grandstand.
• Tickets and Badges: Booking your tickets in advance online is strongly recommended, especially for flagship fixtures like the Midlands Grand National or live music nights. Digital tickets can usually be scanned directly from your mobile device.
• Cash and Cards: Most betting rings, merchandise stands, and admission gates operate on cashless card payment systems, though traditional trackside on-course bookmakers still accept cash bets. Carrying both cards and cash gives you the greatest flexibility.
• Weather Preparation: As a National Hunt track, racing takes place across autumn, winter, and spring, as well as select summer dates. British weather can change quickly, so check the forecast before setting out and dress accordingly for open-air grandstands.

Enclosures and Dress Codes Explained

Uttoxeter offers several enclosures tailored to different budgets and experiences:

• Premier Enclosure: Offers the best views of the winning post, access to premium viewing lawns, and entry to all public areas of the racecourse. The dress code here is smart casual; gentlemen often wear collared shirts or jackets, and smart jeans or chinos are typically acceptable. Fancy dress and sportswear are strictly excluded from this enclosure.
• Grandstand and Paddock: The most popular enclosure on the course, providing close-up views of the parade ring, winners' enclosure, and grandstand terracing. The atmosphere is vibrant and informal, with no strict dress code, though racegoers often embrace the chance to dress up.
• Centre Course: Often opened during peak weekend fixtures and family days, the Centre Course is situated inside the racing oval. It offers a relaxed, picnic-style setting ideal for families and informal get-togethers.

If you are travelling in your best raceday suit or dress, Three Queens Hotel offers a convenient 24-hour dry cleaning and laundry service, and every room features a hair dryer to ensure you look your sharpest before heading trackside.

Dining and Evening Drinks in Burton upon Trent

After a thrilling day cheering your selections past the post, Burton upon Trent is the perfect place to unwind and celebrate your winnings. Globally renowned as the brewing capital of the world, Burton is packed with historic heritage and a fantastic selection of dining options.

Because Three Queens Hotel is situated just a 5-minute walk from Burton town centre, guests can easily stroll to a wide variety of independent restaurants, modern bistros, and international eateries. Whether you are craving an authentic curry, traditional gastropub fare, Italian pasta, or wood-fired pizza, you will find excellent culinary choices right on your doorstep. Burton is also home to world-famous historic alehouses where you can sample regionally brewed real ales and craft beers while reviewing your racecard highlights from the afternoon.

Your Comfortable Base: Three Queens Hotel & Lodge

When attending the races, having comfortable, hassle-free accommodation makes all the difference. Located at 1 Bridge Street in Burton upon Trent (DE14 1SY), Three Queens Hotel & Lodge offers a relaxed and practical setting for solo racegoers, couples, and racing syndicates alike.

With 62 rooms spread across the property, we feature a diverse range of room types. Guests can choose from Single, Standard Double, Executive Double, Standard Twin, and Executive Twin options, as well as spacious Family rooms, Quadruple rooms, an independent Mews Apartment, or an elegant four-poster Suite. Every single room is en-suite with a private bathroom, complimentary toiletries, a flat-screen TV with Freeview and radio, tea and coffee making facilities for a refreshing brew, and direct dial phones. Daily housekeeping ensures your space remains fresh throughout your stay.

Our reception is staffed from 8:00am to 10:00pm, supported by a dedicated night porter from 10:00pm to 8:00am, ensuring around-the-clock support no matter what time you return from your evening in town. Racegoers will especially appreciate our free on-site parking, providing peace of mind for your vehicle throughout your weekend, alongside complimentary high-speed WiFi to check racing results and plan your journey.

Explore our full selection of comfortable hotel rooms to find the ideal layout for your party. Ready to secure your race day accommodation? Book your stay directly online or contact our reception team at 01283 523800 or frontdesk@3queenshotel.co.uk.

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