Chester Racecourse
The Roodee
England's oldest surviving racecourse, with racing on the Roodee beneath the city walls since the 16th century. The May Day and summer weekend meetings are lively and festive.
Chester Racecourse, also known as the Roodee, is a meadow on the western side of the city walls beside the River Dee. Racing here is recorded as early as 1539, and it is considered the oldest racecourse still in use in England. The oval track is only about 1.8 km long, making it one of the shortest flat tracks in Britain, and spectators enjoy excellent views. The May Day meeting in early May and the summer Saturday race days are glamorous social occasions, with tickets priced roughly £20 to £100. On non-racing days, you can take in the whole view from the city walls.
Opening hours
Season May–Sep, per match schedule
Nearby sights
- Grosvenor Museum
- Chester Castle
- Chester Town Hall
- The Rows
- Storyhouse
- Chester Cathedral
- Chester City Walls
- Old Dee Bridge