London is home to some of the United Kingdom’s best attractions, but everyone living in the English capital sometimes needs a break from city life. For sports lovers, heading out to enjoy a day watching horse racing is a favourite pastime.
There’s just something about getting dressed up and looking your best at the races which Londoners seem to love. And with promotions such as a tote sign up offer giving attendees the chance to place wagers on all the action, they help to make the experience that bit more exciting.
With some of the country’s most famous tracks on the city’s doorstep and easily accessible, here are a few upcoming events which die-hard fans and newcomers can look forward to in the coming months.
Season finale, Epsom Downs, September 27th
The flat season comes to a close in early autumn, as horse racing fans start to prepare for the start of the National Hunt season. With that in mind, a trip to Epsom Downs for its final event of the year is one to target for Londoners.
Home to one of the five British Classics, Epsom is one of the oldest racecourses in Britain, with the first Derby held in 1780. Although Londoners will have to wait until June 2027 if they want to watch the showpiece, September’s finale still features seven competitive races, with direct trains from London Victoria and London Waterloo making travel to and from the course easy for those in central London.
British Champions Day, Ascot, October 17th
Ascot might be most famous for its glamour and five days of action in June, but October sees top-level racing return to Berkshire for the sport’s richest meeting. This year’s British Champions Day has an incredible £4.35 million in prize money available to win across six races, with both the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes and Champion Stakes surpassing the £1 million mark.
The grand finale of the flat season has a variety of different races in store, catering to sprinters and stayers alike. With incredible hospitality and entertainment on offer during and after the racing is over, there are plenty of reasons to make the hour-long trip from Clapham Junction or London Waterloo for autumnal racing.
Tingle Creek Festival, Sandown Park, December 4th and 5th
As the world heads into the Christmas period, jump racing takes centre stage, with plenty of options for those in the capital. Sandown Park is 15 miles from central London, but direct trains to Esher from Waterloo, Clapham Junction, and Wimbledon help to make the journey feel easy.
For those searching for a day at the races in early December, the Tingle Creek Festival is worth the trip. The Saturday features two Grade 1 races in the form of the Tingle Creek Chase and the Henry VIII Novices’ Chase, as some of the most promising middle-distance runners in the sport compete over one mile and seven furlongs.
Christmas Festival, Kempton Park, December 26th and 27th
For those looking to get out of the house and enjoy some live sport following a hectic Christmas Day, Kempton Park is a perfect escape. The action gets started on Boxing Day with the King George VI Chase, one of Britain’s most famous races, before Kauto Star Chase Day, named after the legendary two-time Cheltenham Gold Cup winner, follows on December 27th.
Over 25,000 people made the trip for the 2025 edition, drawn in by the entertainment and festive atmosphere. Accessibility is a huge draw for the two-day festival, particularly for Londoners, with direct 40-minute trains to the racecourse available from both London Waterloo and Clapham Junction.
