What’s a more classic outing than a day at the races? You can take in all the excitement of guessing who’ll win or lose while enjoying some time outdoors together with friends or family.

But if you’ve never been to the races before, you might not know where to start when planning your day out. Or maybe you’re returning to the races but want to make the most of every minute.

Whatever the case, we’ve put together this handy guide to planning your best possible day out at the races.

1. Pick your racecourse and date

If you’d like to try a day at the races, the first step is deciding what course you’ll head to. You might decide based on distance or what facilities are available. You can also take a look to see whether there are any special events on any particular days. Some racecourses will have events that include elements other than racing, like music!

It’s wise to take a good deep dive through a racecourse’s website. They’ll usually explain a lot about what you can expect and what you can do at their location.

2. Decide on the type of experience you’d like

Once you’ve chosen your destination, you’ll need to think about what kind of experience and mood you’re looking for. Do you mostly want to relax, chat in the fresh air, eat some food, and watch from a distance? Or do you want to be up close and personal, looking at the horses in the parade ground to predict who’ll win or lose?

Your answers will dictate what kind of ticket you’ll buy. When you’re ready to purchase, take a look at what enclosures (seating areas) are available at your chosen racecourse. Each enclosure will have a different vibe. They might have different views, different food options available and different rules. The most expensive enclosure will often have a more formal dress code, and the most casual enclosure might allow picnics, while others don’t.

Finally, make sure to buy your tickets early – at least a week ahead of the date you plan to go!

3. Book transportation

A day out at the races can be a big event, involving dressing up to the nines and treating yourself to some nice food and drink. So, you don’t want to be rushed or stressed, and you want to make sure you get good seats.

With that in mind, you’ll want to get to the racecourse before the races start. To avoid the hassle of trying to navigate to the course through traffic or dealing with public transit, larger groups are better off hiring a coach or minibus to get them to and from the racecourse smoothly.

That way, your day out can start as soon as your transport arrives. Rather than dealing with mapping your way to your destination, you can relax, chat or take some pre-race photos.

Take a look to see when gates open on the day of your visit, and schedule your minibus to arrive at the course before it gets busy. Then you’ll have an opportunity to explore before the crowds arrive.

4. Make plans for food and drink

You don’t need to plan your food and beverage consumption down to a T, of course. But you’ll want to know in general whether you’re bringing your own food (if that’s allowed in your enclosure) or whether you’re getting your food at the course. Again, take a look to see what kind of dining is available in your enclosure.

Of course, if you are bringing a picnic, be sure you have checked what is and isn’t permitted. Can you bring beverages in glass bottles? Is outside alcohol permitted? Check all the details to ensure you’re within the rules.

If you are planning on picnicking on the grass, check whether items like picnic blankets are allowed for more comfort.

5. Check the weather

The weather can make a huge difference in your enjoyment of a day out. If it’s sunny and you’re in an area without overhead cover, bring that sunscreen to keep yourself safe and avoid any potential sunburn later on. If it’s rainy, don’t forget an umbrella. And if it’s chilly, be sure to dress warmly. If you’re going with more formal attire, you might want to wear a warm underlayer.

6. Dress appropriately

It’s hugely important to check the website of your chosen racecourse to see what attire is expected and permitted in the enclosure you’ve chosen. This isn’t just because you could be denied entry if you haven’t met the dress code. It’s also because it’s nice to know what everyone around you will be wearing. For example, in some enclosures, more formal attire isn’t absolutely required, but it might still be what most people have chosen.

And if you are going for a more formal look, have fun dressing up for your special day out!

7. Check any other rules or expectations

Browse through your racecourse’s website to make sure there are no other rules about what you can or can’t take in. For example, you might be allowed food in some areas.

8. Bring the essentials

We’ve already discussed a few items that you could want to bring. But there are more things you might want to have with you just in case.

For example, if you’re not so close to the racetrack, maybe you’ll want to bring some binoculars. And it’s always recommended to bring cash as well as a card for payment.

Lastly, you might want a power bank for your phone if you’re planning on taking photos all day!

Call on Star Coaches to start your day out at the races just right

When you’re investing so much time and effort into planning the perfect day out, you’ll want to make sure your day goes as smoothly as possible. Star Coaches is here to help with exactly that. We’re a trusted, experienced private hire coach service in Leeds with four decades of experience under our belts.

We pride ourselves on our professionalism, safety and value. Rely on us to get you to and from your day out at the races, and you can relax and enjoy yourself from the very start of your journey.

If you’re keen to start planning your fantastic day out at the races, you can request a quote online. We’re also happy to help if you have any questions. Just reach out to us by emailing info@star-coaches.com or calling 01924 477111.