Haydock Park Racecourse

I may as well start this review with the obvious — I’m not a gambler! It seems that there’s only a small percentage of people who actually go to the races for the gambling side of things; like me and hundreds of others, it’s about the atmosphere.
We visited on the Betfred Sprint Cup for a 21^st birthday recently. As it was my first time, I didn’t know what to expect; massive hats and well dressed women alongside men drinking too much and pawning their wedding rings? Well, I almost got that — I didn’t see anyone crying over a lost gold band, at least.
The venue is large and you have to be prepared to walk. You’ll find plenty of bars, a few food places, and around two places to buy a coffee. If you do buy a coffee, be prepared to be ridiculed by the ‘lads’ who are there mainly to get wasted. Judgmental, me?
Overall, it was a great day, despite the predominantly overcast weather. I definitely wasn’t dressed as well as the other ladies, but I didn’t feel too out of place! The thing that really needs a shout-​out at Haydock are the wedges you can buy from the baguette stall outside; question me now, thank me later.
A great alternative to the usual night out.

We were fortunate to visit Haydock Park races as guests of a corporate sponsor of the raceday. We were therefore treated to hospitality in the Park Suite restaurant which was lovely. There was an excellent buffet and waitress served drinks throughout the whole afternoon. The Park Suite has its own balcony overlooking the final furlong and it’s a great place to watch the race from, the roar of the crowd as the horses approach the winning post is quite something. Watching the races on television never really captures the sound and atmosphere, really exciting! Prices for the public enclosures vary from meeting to meeting but for the bigger meetings the ‘top’ enclosure, the Premier Enclosure, costs £48, the County Enclosure £30, Tattersall’s £22 and the Newton Enclosure £13. Each enclosure has its own dress code and it’s worth noting that the Newton Enclosure does not provide access to the parade ring or winner’s enclosure. There are many and varied dining options, from the humble burger from a van to Champagne and seafood in the Pink Lounge. There are also several bars dotted around the various enclosures. The weather was pretty poor on the day we visited so we didn’t spend too much time at the parade ring or wandering around but my general impression is that it is a nice racecourse, not as classy as York which we went to last year but well laid out and quite smart, especially around the parade ring area. We have visited several other racecourses including York, Perth, Cartmel, Beverley, Ayr, Carlisle and Kelso, and Haydock certainly ranks as one of the best in our experience. It’s a fun day out, give it a try! :-)

Haydock Park is a brilliant racecourse in the North West which has racing all year round. I like this racecourse because unlike many others they do cater for a wide range of people (including me)! I’ve been to a couple of racecourses when you feel like you have to wear a hat — notably Aintree. I’m not a big fan of that.
There are private hospitality suites and restaurants available for customers to relax before or during the racing. Rooms are available for small parties or huge parties up to 400 people.
It’s a great day or evening out even if you’re not a gambler, the atmosphere is really fun and chilled out.

Now I’m not much of a gambler, I don’t agree with it. I much rather buy something of value than waste in on a whim and against odds. However a day at the races doesn’t have to be about gambling, it is a fantastic day out. If you are on the right side of the weather Haydock is a perfect way to spend a Saturday with some mates.
Housed in an accommodating 127 acres of lush parkland, Haydock Park Racecourse is ideal for any form of events which you may actually witness during your visit. The fully licensed bars are sure to keep one occupied during the merrymaking process as you enjoy the spectacle of a race bets or no bets. You might be able to crash a wedding as the venue holds up to 500 guests for banquets, balls, and wedding reception dinners. I hear they’re even licensed for civil ceremonies.
There are also a plethora of non race day events that you might want to put in the diary. JLS are playing there for those of you who are 13 and of the female persuasion. Other events include wedding fairs books fairs so on and so forth.
I however would recommend you get yourself down for a day at one of the race days with a group of friends as it will be cheaper per head. I went with a few mates and we had a blast… so get yourself down for a galloping good time.

Haydock Park is a very popular horse racing course which is often featured on channel 4 racing. The racecourse is located in Newton-​le-​willows just off junction 23 of the M6, the course is next to the Ashton area of Wigan, Wigan Town centre is approx 15 minutes drive away. There are a number of hotels close by including a Premier Inn, Holiday Inn and a Thistle.
The course held 28 race days last year and regularly attracts large crowds, the clientele is mixed, there are often large groups of men and women. Prices and dress codes vary, the cheapest stand is £9 on a Saturday, the Premium stand is £43.