Cartmel Racecourse

Against the backdrop of the beautiful English Lake District, it is possible to sample national hunt racing in its most original format at Cartmel Racecourse. Cartmel accurately rekindles the social gathering tradition of the original steeple to steeple chases, and only stages National Hunt (jump) racing.

Cartmel Racecourse

Cartmel Racecourse - Jump Racing

The Racecourse at Cartmel is a sharp and narrow left handed oval. It is unique in the UK as the home straight unusually veers off and dissects the main oval. The main circuit measures just over one mile and one furlong and the run-in (the distance from the last fence to the finish line) is known as the longest in the country at just over 4 furlongs.

The steeplechase course at Cartmel Racecourse has 6 fences; these include an open ditch and a water jump. The hurdles course has four obstacles. However, the course is narrow around the last hurdle so the final obstacle is removed during steeplechase races, and then rebuilt for hurdle events. The narrow track, sharp nature of the bends, stiff fences and undulating contours make it difficult to win from off the pace.

Cartmel Racecourse Facilities

The Paddock Enclosure
This enclosure at Cartmel Racecourse contains the Grandstand and Paddock, Parade Ring and Winners Enclosure, Marquee Village and the new Cartmel Restaurant. The main racecourse office is also located in this Enclosure. Holders of a Paddock Enclosure ticket can move freely over to the Course Enclosure at the track crossing point.

The Course Enclosure
This enclosure is situated on the opposite side of the finishing straight from the Paddock. The main features of this Enclosure is the fairground, trade stands and market stalls. Transfers are possible to the Paddock Enclosure at the track crossing point if you are in receipt of a Paddock Ticket or Upgrade Ticket.

Tickets for the enclosures can be booked in advance from the Cartmel Racecourse website and this is recommended as the six days racing per year can really sell out fast. There are a great variety of places to eat and drink at Cartmel Racecourse suiting all tastes and styles and we have highlighted some of them below for our readers.

The Grandstand Restaurant – The ultimate dining experience at Cartmel Racecourse, in the form of the Grandstand Restaurant. This restaurant can be found on the first floor of the Grandstand itself (within the Paddock Enclosure) and boasts panoramic views of the racecourse, finishing line and the parade ring, with its own private viewing balcony.
The Grill Restaurant – This year the new Grill Restaurant at Cartmel Racecourse is open for business.
The Grill Restaurant will provide racegoers with a casual atmosphere in which to enjoy a superb buffet style meal, whilst having all the fun of the evenings racing.
Chasers Restaurant – This restaurant is available as an alternative to the Cartmel Restaurant and is located within the corporate hospitality marquee in the Paddock Enclosure. Each marquee is complete with private bar facilities, CCTV and a Tote courier. Serving an extensive buffet lunch, it will provide racegoers with a casual atmosphere in which to enjoy a leisurely race day.
Champagne, Seafood and Salad Bar – Serving Champagne, a selection of wines and a comprehensive range of seafood and salad, this bar offers racegoers an alternative to the grandstand Restaurant. Situated in the food court area, this relaxed and informal style bar/restaurant is ideal for all racegoers looking to enjoy the meeting at a more leisurely pace.

Cartmel Racecourse Directions

Leave the M6 at Junction 36 and follow the A591 then A590 towards Barrow in Furness for about 10 miles. On race days, AA signs direct to the racecourse from the motorway and these must be followed. The last few miles to Cartmel are along narrow country lanes. On race days they can be very congested and at peak times it can take some time to travel from the M6, so please allow yourselves plenty of time and arrive early.

We enclose an interactive map complete with route planner below to help you in planning your directions.

View Larger Map

Cartmel Racecourse Dress Code

There is no official dress code at Cartmel Racecourse but we do suggest dressing smart if you intend to venture inside or take advantage of any of the hospitality packages available.

Cartmel Racecourse is one of the smaller racecourses in the UK, but is able to attract crowds in the region of 25,000 people for the six race days held during the year. We really suggest that you get down there and check out Cartmel Racecourse, one of the forgotten crown jewels of the season.

Make every day a winner!