York Racecourse is committed to providing an accessible environment for all, including persons with disabilities. Our aim is to provide our valued racegoers with a memorable day’s experience and the desire to return soon.

We have an Accessibility Companion scheme in place where parties comprising of one racegoer who needs physical assistance to get around the course and an accompanying Accessibility Companion will only be charged for a single admission.

To view and download our Access for all guide please click here.

COUNTY STAND ENCLOSURE

Parking

The designated disabled car parks are on Knavesmire Road adjacent to the County Stand Enclosure  and off Bishopthorpe Road, adjacent to the old factory, and are free to orange/blue disabled badge holders. (Follow signs for ‘C’ car park.)

Viewing

Raised race-viewing platform for approximately 10 wheelchairs in front of the County Stand Lawn, with good views of the final straight and the winning post.

Annual Badgeholders and Day Members have specific accessible viewing areas on the first and second floor viewing balconies of the Ebor Stand (6 wheelchair positions on each floor).

There is also a smaller viewing platform for wheelchair users overlooking the Parade Ring.

Wheelchair users visiting the private boxes in the Melrose Stand have access, over a 3” high door threshold, to the viewing balconies.

Wheelchair users visiting the Owners & Trainers Club can gain access by using the lift within the Melrose Stand.

There is a lift access platform to the higher floors in the County Stand entrance foyer.

Toilets

Accessible toilets are available on every floor of the Ebor Stand, the upper three floors of the Melrose Stand, in the County Stand foyer and by the Weighing Room Lawn. Whilst radar keys are available, racegoers are encouraged to bring their own radar keys with them.

Tote betting

Tote betting facilities are available on each floor of both the Ebor, Melrose and Gimcrack Stands, and adjacent to the Champagne Lawn. There is a wheelchair accessible counter located on the ground floor of the Ebor Stand, opposite the Rockingham Bar.

Catering

Wheelchair accessible catering is available in the Gimcrack Dining Room, the Ebor Stand and the Champagne and Seafood Bar.

Our ‘Dine and View’ Voltigeur Restaurant on the third floor of the Knavesmire Stand has wheelchair viewing facilities on the viewing terrace. Admission for this restaurant is pre-booking only.

Taxis

There is a taxi rank outside the Sir Henry Cecil gate entrance. We also have a buggy to transport people requiring assistance along Racecourse Road on racedays.

GRANDSTAND & PADDOCK ENCLOSURE

Parking

The designated disabled car parks are on Knavesmire Road adjacent to the County Stand Enclosure and off Bishopthorpe Road, adjacent to the old Terry’s factory, and are free to orange/blue disabled badge holders. (Follow signs for ‘C’ car park.)

Viewing

The Knavesmire Stand has wheelchair viewing facilities from a glass-fronted terrace on the first mezzanine floor.

Whilst the Bustardthorpe Grandstand has stepped terracing with front access only, there is an ample area of level lawn to the front, by the running rail.

Toilets

There are accessible toilets on the ground floor, first mezzanine and 2nd floor of the Knavesmire Stand. Further accessible toilets are situated in the perimeter buildings adjacent to the Knavesmire Stand courtyard, and in the Bustardthorpe Stand. Whilst radar keys are available, racegoers are encouraged to bring their own radar keys with them.

Tote betting

Are available on every floor of the Knavesmire Stand and in the William Hill betting building behind the Bustardthorpe Grandstand. Kiosks are also placed on the Roberto Lawn and, at large meetings, on the Bustardthorpe lawn. There is a wheelchair accessible counter located on the ground floor of the Knavesmire Stand.

Catering

Wheelchair accessible catering is available on the ground floor of the Knavesmire Stand, in the 1731 Pie Shop, and a range of fast food is available from various outlets behind the stand. Fish & Chips and snacks can also be obtained in the two ground floor bar areas in the Bustardthorpe Stand.

Taxis

Whilst there is no specific taxi rank for this area, it is some 75 metres from the Grandstand & Paddock disabled entrance. We also have a buggy to transport people requiring assistance along Racecourse Road on racedays.

CLOCKTOWER ENCLOSURE

Parking

Our designated free disabled car park is on Knavesmire Road. (Follow signs for ‘A’ car park.) The accesible entrance to the Clocktower Enclosure is some 80 yards away, across the running track.

Viewing

This is an open grassed enclosure which slopes down towards the running rail. It is possible to view the racing from an almost continuous vantage area which includes the winning post.

Toilets

Accessible toilets are provided in the range of single storey buildings set into and behind the grassed area of the enclosure. Whilst radar keys are available, racegoers are encouraged to bring their own radar keys with them.

Tote betting

Dependent upon the size of the meeting, a range of mobile pool betting units is deployed at the rear-most end of the public area. They are, however, present on every raceday.

Catering

A range of fast food is available from several outlets in the enclosure.

Taxis

Whilst there is no specific taxi rank for this area, it is some 75 metres from the Grandstand & Paddock disabled entrance. We also have a buggy to transport people requiring assitance along Racecourse Road on racedays.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Admission

Parties comprising of one racegoer who needs physical assistance to get around the course and an accompanying carer will only be charged for a single admission. This must be done at least 5 days in advance of the raceday you are wishing to attend.

Assistance dogs are welcome to attend with their owners without additional charge subject to production upon entry of a valid identification document from Assistance Dogs (UK) or an equivalent international organisation.  A separate ticket is not required however owners should notify the racecourse in advance upon booking their raceday tickets so that any necessary arrangements can be made.

Travelling by Train

York is easily accessible by rail and all areas of the railway station are accessible without the use of stairs. There is a taxi rank directly outside the station, the racecourse is some 1½ miles distance away from the station. There is a wheelchair accessible shuttle bus service which runs reguarly thoroughout the raceday between the station and the racecourse.

Tote betting

Tote staff are happy to help anyone in difficulties over placing a bet. Please feel free to ask for assistance from one of our many staff at the Tote windows.

Baby changing facilities

There are four baby changing sites. One is situated on the ground floor of the Knavesmire Stand and there are two further sites in the perimeter buildings behind the stand. A further facility is situated in the accessible toilet area on the ground floor of the Ebor Stand.

Dress Code

Racegoers at York like to make it a special occasion and choose to dress accordingly. Gentlemen are required to wear a jacket, collared shirt and tie in County Stand. Most gentlemen would choose to wear smart trousers and formal shoes to complete the look. So whilst there is no formal restriction on wearing jeans and trainers, these are rarely seen in the County Stand.

In Grandstand and Paddock and Clocktower Enclosure the dress code is more relaxed; shorts and t-shirts are worn by racegoers enjoying the sun. The only common sense restrictions would be those of taste and decency for example regarding style and slogan t-shirts. Bare chests are not acceptable.