The Grand National 2026
April 11, 2026 @ 4:00 pm
The Grand National is the world’s most famous steeplechase, a truly iconic event in the horse racing calendar that captivates millions globally. Held annually at Aintree Racecourse in Liverpool, England, it is renowned for its challenging fences, thrilling finishes, and the unique atmosphere it creates. The 2026 Grand National Festival promises three exhilarating days of world-class National Hunt racing, culminating in the spectacle of the Grand National race itself.
This guide provides essential information for fans planning to attend the 2026 Grand National Festival, including dates, venue details, ticketing, travel, and accommodation.
When is The Grand National 2026?
The 2026 Randox Grand National Festival will take place over three days:
- Thursday, April 9, 2026: Randox Opening Day
- Friday, April 10, 2026: Randox Ladies Day
- Saturday, April 11, 2026: Randox Grand National Day (featuring the Grand National race)
The Grand National race on Saturday, April 11, 2026, is confirmed to take place at 4:00 PM GMT.
Where is The Grand National 2026?
The Grand National Festival is held at its historic and beloved home:
- Venue: Aintree Racecourse
- Location: Ormskirk Road, Aintree, Liverpool L9 5AS, United Kingdom
About Aintree Racecourse
Aintree Racecourse has been home to the Grand National meeting since 1839, establishing itself as a firm favourite in the British sporting calendar. The course is famous for its unique and formidable fences, such as Becher’s Brook, The Chair, and Valentine’s Brook, which present an unparalleled test of horse and rider. Beyond the thrilling racing, Aintree offers a vibrant atmosphere, especially on Ladies Day, which is known for its fashion and style. The festival typically accommodates over 150,000 passionate horseracing fans across the three days.
How do I get tickets to The Grand National 2026?
Securing tickets for the Grand National Festival is highly competitive due to immense demand. The Jockey Club, which operates Aintree Racecourse, implements a structured sales process.
- Ticket Sales: Tickets for the 2026 Grand National are already on sale. Early booking is highly encouraged to secure your place.
- Official Channels: Tickets and hospitality packages can be purchased online via the official Grand National website (The Jockey Club).
- Ticket Types and Prices (Approximate, subject to change and availability):
- Enclosure Tickets: Prices vary significantly by day and enclosure.
- Opening Day (Thursday): Generally the most affordable day, offering a great way to experience the festival. Standard grandstand seats might start from around £97.
- Ladies Day (Friday): A popular day for fashion and racing. Standard grandstand seats might range from £143 – £189.
- Grand National Day (Saturday): The most expensive and sought-after day. Standard grandstand seats can range from £143 – £230. The cheapest section, The Embankment, costs approximately £45.
- Hospitality Packages: For a premium experience, various hospitality packages are available, offering enhanced amenities, catering, and exclusive access. These can range from approximately £399 to over £1,000 per person, depending on the package (e.g., Silks Restaurant, Tiger Roll Suite, McCoys).
- Booking Limits: Grandstand badges may be limited (e.g., a maximum of 10 per customer).
- Enclosure Tickets: Prices vary significantly by day and enclosure.
- Important Note: It is highly anticipated that many popular ticket categories, especially for Grand National Day, will sell out quickly. Always purchase tickets through official channels to avoid fraudulent sales.
How do I get to Aintree Racecourse?
Aintree Racecourse is located just outside Liverpool and is well-connected by various transport links. Public transport is highly recommended during the Grand National Festival due to high traffic and limited parking.
- By Train:
- The easiest way to reach Aintree is by train. The nearest station is Aintree Station, which is directly opposite the racecourse (less than a 5-minute walk).
- Merseyrail trains run frequently (every 15 minutes) between Liverpool Central Station and Aintree Station.
- From Liverpool Lime Street (mainline station), it’s a short walk to Liverpool Central to catch the Merseyrail train towards Ormskirk.
- By Bus:
- Aintree can be reached by bus services 300, 310, and 345 to and from Liverpool. Check Merseytravel for further information on bus routes.
- By Car & Parking:
- Aintree Racecourse is located on the A59, just one mile from the M57 and M58 (linking to the M62 and M6). Follow the A59 to Liverpool and yellow/tourism signs as you approach.
- Postcode for Sat Nav: L9 5AS (for the main entrance via Grand National Avenue).
- Parking: On-site parking at Aintree is limited for the Grand National Festival and must be purchased in advance. It is not available for purchase on the day. Contact the booking line for enquiries.
- By Air:
- Liverpool John Lennon Airport (LPL): The nearest airport, approximately a 20-minute drive by road. You can also take a bus to Liverpool South Parkway Merseyrail station, then a train to Aintree (changing at Liverpool Central or Moorfields).
- Manchester Airport (MAN): Approximately a 45-minute drive by road.
Where to Stay During The Grand National 2026?
Liverpool and its surrounding areas offer a wide range of accommodation options. Booking well in advance is highly recommended due to the immense popularity of the Grand National.
- Near Aintree Racecourse:
- Pros: Closest proximity to the venue, potentially walking distance for some hotels.
- Examples: Stables Inn Aintree, Premier Inn Liverpool North, The Park Hotel, Orrell Park Hotel.
- Liverpool City Centre:
- Pros: Excellent transport links to Aintree via Merseyrail, wide array of hotels (budget to luxury), extensive dining, shopping, and nightlife. Ideal for those who want to explore Liverpool’s attractions.
- Examples: Titanic Hotel Liverpool, Novotel Liverpool Paddington Village, Radisson RED Liverpool, Premier Inn Liverpool City Centre (Albert Dock).
- Other Well-Connected Areas:
- Consider areas along the Merseyrail Northern Line for easy access to Aintree.
Booking Tips:
- Book Early: Hotels in Liverpool and near Aintree will be in extremely high demand and prices will be significantly inflated during the Grand National Festival. Secure your accommodation as soon as your game attendance is confirmed.
- Check Transport Links: Prioritize hotels with easy access to Aintree Station or other public transport.
- Use Reputable Booking Sites: Utilise well-known platforms like Tripadvisor to find and compare options. Always verify reviews.
- Review Cancellation Policies: Be aware of cancellation policies, especially when booking far in advance for such a high-demand event.
Helpful Links for Planning Your Visit to The Grand National 2026
- Official Grand National Website (The Jockey Club)
- Aintree Racecourse Visitor Information
- Merseyrail (Local Train Service)
- Merseytravel (Local Public Transport)
- National Rail Enquiries (For train travel across the UK)
- Liverpool John Lennon Airport (LPL)
- Visit Liverpool (Official Tourism Site)
- Tripadvisor (Accommodation & Reviews Liverpool)
- The Jockey Club Social Media (for Aintree & Grand National updates):
Enjoy the unparalleled excitement and tradition of The Grand National Festival 2026!