Aintree Racecourse
Home to The Grand National
The UK’s Top Horse Racing Venue
Located in Aintree, Liverpool this renowned course is a major name in the sporting world – most popular for holding the Grand National. Although Aintree has played host to other major events over the years the Grand National is most definitely the highlight.
With steeple-chasing first introduced at Aintree in 1836, the Grand National is now recognised as the world’s greatest steeplechase. The actual course is considered to be one of the hardest to complete. With daunting fences to tackle even the most accomplished have their work cut out. Renowned fences include The Chair, Foinavon and Becher’s Brook. All of which hold their own unique story. Unlike other courses, all fences are covered with spruce sourced from the Lake District.
The racecourse is also a staple piece within the horse racing world thanks to its affiliation with The Jockey Club; the UK giants.
Look forward to the Grand National 2026Â with amazing hospitality with fabulous restaurant facilities, outstanding views and refreshments served regularly.
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Aintree Racecourse Hospitality
Witness world-class jump racing action at one of the greatest National Hunt courses year on year with our VIP tickets & hospitality packages for the Randox Health Grand National. The electric atmosphere that comes hand in hand with an important race day can be felt throughout all of Liverpool.
Indulge in fine dining experiences, savour delicious afternoon teas and network with important clients, or guests over champagne receptions. There’s no better way to experience all the magic of Aintree Racecourse!
Aintree Racecourse Hospitality for the Grand National in 2026
Aintree Racecourse News
The Grand National returns to the iconic Aintree Racecourse once again in 2026, and the thousands who will attended the racing over the course of the three days will most certainly not disappointed.
Plenty of history has been made in previous years. For example in 2024, Willie Mullins, is one of horse racing’s most successful trainers, added to his extensive list of race wins on the opening day thanks to Il Etait Temps in the Close Brothers Manifesto Novices’ Chase and Impaire Et Passe in the William Hill Aintree Hurdle. Sans Bruit was this year’s winner of the Red Rum Handicap Chase, fending off competition from pre-race favourite Saint Roi who had to settle for a second place finish in the end.
Ladies Day that year saw yet more racing action take centre stage at Aintree. There were no surprises in three of the races on day two. Firstly, Inothewayurthinkin lived up to being the pre-race favourite in the Mildmay Novices’ Chase, ahead of Iroko and Heart Wood. The Novices’ Hurdle and the Melling Chase were both won by the pre-race favourites, with the winners being Mystical Power and Jonbon respectively.
On the final day in 2024, known by horse racing fans as Grand National Day, finally arrived on the Saturday. I Am Maximus won the Grand National race for the very first time, but it was not the first time that trainer Willie Mullins had won this prestigious race. This was the second win for Mullins, whose maiden success came in 2005 with Hedgehunter.
Brighterdaysahead was the favourite for the Novices’ Hurdle, and went on to win ahead of runner-up Staffordshire Knot and Bugise Seagull in third place. In the Liverpool Hurdle, pre-race favourite Flooring Porter lost out on the win by ending up in 5th place – instead it was Strong Leader who crossed the finish line first to claim the win.
Discover more about the winners of this illustrious race by taking a read of our Grand National Festival facts and figures.
There is no better way to enjoy all of the enthralling action to come at the 2026 Grand National at Aintree in style than with one of our VIP Hospitality Packages. Make your experience even more memorable with Eventmasters.
Watch our exclusive interview with legendary jockey Bob Champion
Discover more about Aintree Racecourse
Aintree Music Nights
As previously mentioned Aintree has played host to a number of exciting events over the years. A highlight is live music from the Aintree Music Nights. The nights are dedicated to superb racing and electric live music from major artists. What an ideal setting to enjoy both racing and music, a perfect combination. On Aintree’s turf, the night is a perfect addition to your summer social calendar, filled with incredible racing and brilliant music acts. Get together with friends, colleagues or family and enjoy a night worth savouring. Previous headliners have included Deacon Blue, Tom Jones, Craig David, Madness, Jess Glynne, and Kaiser Chiefs.
Community Projects
The people of Liverpool are brought closer together through Aintree’s community programme. Designed to use the magic and power of the Grand National to do wider good for the local community the programme has been a major hit. The programme focuses on five important themes that are aimed to help adults and children with wider social issues.
The themes include:
- Health and Wellbeing
- Mental Wellbeing
- Community Engagement
- Disability
- Horseracing education
A Game of Golf
Horse racing isn’t the only sport enjoyed at Aintree Racecourse. Located centrally this makes for an ideal setting for a game of golf with a difference. The idyllic views create a perfect ambience for any golf enthusiast. The 30 bay floodlit driving range and 9 hole golf course provide plenty of opportunities to get a hole in one.
Those that want to mix their love for football and golf can enjoy a game of footgolf. The 9 hole course allows the sporting enthusiasts around you to enjoy a wide variety of other sports.
Historical Performances
Aintree Racecourse has hosted many other great events over the years. The British Grand Prix was staged there on five occasions in 1955, 1957, 1959, 1961 and 1962. The motor racing circuit also held 11 non-championship Formula 1 races. These were known as the Aintree 200 and were first won in 1954 by Stirling Moss.
Many concerts have also taken place there. Michael Jackson concluded the European leg of his 1987-1989 Bad World Tour at Aintree. In 1988 he performed to an audience of 125,000 people. Other recorded performed include McFly, Pink and The Chemical Brothers.
Racecourse Redevelopment
Aintree Racecourse underwent a £35 million redevelopment project and the results were spectacular. Aintree now have two new Grandstands named The Earl of Derby and The Lord Sefton Stand. The new Parade Ring, Winners Enclosure and Aintree Pavilion offer a first class racing experience for all.
Visitors can sample the magic of Aintree Racecourse by visiting the visitors centre between the months of May and October.
Racing at Aintree
Alongside the prestigious Grand National, four other signature races take place over the Grand National fences at Aintree Racecourse.
• The Topham Chase
• Foxhunters Chase
• Grand Sefton Handicap Chase
• Becher Chase
Travelling to Aintree Racecourse
Please use the map provided by Google for further information.
By Train:
Taking the train is one of the most direct methods of travelling to Aintree Racecourse. The Aintree Station is directly opposite the racecourse where Merseyrail trains will arrive and leave on a regular basis.
In the city centre, you can use Lime Street Station, which is a short walk away from Liverpool Central Station.
By Car:
The postcode for the Aintree Racecourse is as follows: L9 5AS.
From the south, you will need to leave the M6 at Junction 21A, before joining the M62 west. Leave the M62 at Junction 6 before going onto the M57 where you can then follow signs for the Aintree Racecourse.
If you are coming to the racecourse from the north, you will need to leave the M6 motorway at Junction 26 before joining the M58. Then follow the signs to the racecourse itself.
If you are coming from the Mersey Tunnels, you should follow signs for Preston and then the A59 before you can then follow signs for the Aintree Racecourse.
By Bus:
There are numerous bus services that will be able to reach the Aintree Racecourse. They are the 300, 310 and the 345.
By Air:
The closest airport to the Aintree Racecourse is the Liverpool John Lennon Airport (approx. 18 miles), which is a 20 minute drive away (approximately). If you would rather, you can take the bus to the Liverpool South Parkway Merseyrail Station where you can catch a train to Aintree (Please note that you will have to change at Liverpool Central or onto the Ormskirk Train at Moorfields).
Manchester Airport is a 45 minute drive away (approximately).
Aintree Racecourse FAQs
Can I use cash on race day?
No, the Aintree Racecourse is a cashless venue. You are however able to use cash when placing bets with the bookmakers on site.
What is the dress code for race days at Aintree Racecourse?
The dress code at the Aintree Racecourse is quite flexible. You can wear a sweatshirt, pair of jeans and trainers, whilst you can also come dressed formal wear such as a suit or a dress. Fancy dress is also allowed, but it is advised that you do NOT wear clothing that is offensive.
Where will I be able to park at Aintree Racecourse?
Please note that parking needs to be pre-booked when attending any of the three days of the Grand National. On non-Grand National meetings, parking will be available free of charge with parking available at the West Tip for spectators.
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