Salisbury Races

The Salisbury Races are set in the middle of the picturesque and classically British Wiltshire countryside, and within view of one of the area's most stunning landmarks - Salisbury Cathedral. Every year, the racecourse hosts 16 flat race meetings for thoroughbreds, as well as a race day for Arabian Horses. The Salisbury Races Racecourse was voted the "Best Small Racecourse in the South West 2002" by the Racecourse Associations Racegoers Club. And, although the course is small enough to be able to view the track from most areas, a giant screen has been added - so none of the racing action can be missed. As well as being a popular racecourse, there are also modern business facilities available for conferencing, as well as private banqueting with bars, restaurants and private catering facilities - available all year round.

Salisbury Races Information

The Salisbury Races course is a Flat type, right-handed, and is partly straight with a prominent pear-shaped loop. The bends are particularly tight, with the finishing straight heading uphill - a real test of a horses stamina. The straight part of the course is over 1 mile long, with the horses often reaching very impressive speeds, and really suits gallopers - although they must be able to see out the trip when they head to the uphill finishing straight. When the going is soft, low numbers are often favoured. There is one cash machine available at the course, which is outside the office and can only be used by Members and those in the Tattersalls Enclosure. There is a strict smart casual dress code at the Salisbury races, and no shorts, tracksuits, trainers, t-shirts, jeans or sports or football shirts are allowed, unless smart jeans. Although a jacket and tie for gentlemen visitors is not considered essential, collared shirts are. Children under the age of 16 that are accompanied by a fully paying adult are admitted free to the Salisbury Races, and there is often entertainment provided at some of the more family orientated fixtures throughout the year, which may include crèche facilities. The last race at Salisbury depends on the time of the first race, but many of the afternoon meetings hold the last race around 5pm, with the last race for evening meetings held around 9pm. Racegoers may only bring their own food into the Course enclosure, where picnics are permitted. Please be aware that bringing alcohol from outside the Salisbury Races into the course is completely prohibited at all times. Visitors may not bring their own pets to the races, with Guide Dogs being the only exception.

Getting There

By car, the Salisbury Races can be found in the A3094, and is well signposted from there. Car parking at the course itself is free, but staff advises that race goers allow plenty of time for their journey and to park - as weekend meetings are known to be very busy making access by car in and out of the course more difficult than usual. The nearest railway station to the course is Salisbury Station, with the distance between the course and the station around 4 miles. On most race days a complimentary bus service runs to and from the station and the course, although the times vary.