Sandown Park Racecourse (Esher)

The main stand at Sandown Park Racecourse

Sandown Park Racecourse, nestled in the leafy county of Surrey, Esher, is one of the UK’s most cherished and historic racing venues. Just 15 miles from Central London, it offers a picturesque setting for both thrilling horse racing and a wide array of other events, from major concerts and exhibitions to conferences and private functions. This guide provides essential information for visiting Sandown Park, understanding its unique characteristics, and navigating the experience of attending events here.

History and Design

Sandown Park Racecourse has a long and distinguished history in British horse racing, with its first race meeting held on April 22, 1875. It quickly gained a reputation for being a high-class sporting venue, notably becoming the first enclosed racecourse in the country to charge for attendance and to feature an exclusive members’ enclosure. This innovative approach helped shape the modern racecourse experience.

The course has undergone significant improvements over the years, including a £3 million building programme in 1972, with the improved racecourse officially opened by the Queen Mother in September 1973. A further £23 million renovation was unveiled in 2002, adding the new Eclipse Pavilion, grandstand canopies, and improved walkways. Sandown Park is uniquely situated in a natural amphitheatre, allowing for excellent views of the racing action from the stands, which sit atop a hill. It is one of the few racecourses in the UK that still offers both National Hunt (jumps) and Flat racing.

Venue Highlights and Amenities

Sandown Park Racecourse offers a versatile and well-equipped venue for various events:

  • Dual-Code Racing: Hosts both Flat and National Hunt racing throughout the year, attracting top horses and jockeys.
  • Event Spaces: Features a wide range of indoor event spaces, including the large Surrey Hall (up to 1,500 reception capacity), Esher Hall, Gold Cup Suite, and various smaller suites and private boxes, suitable for conferences, exhibitions, weddings, and parties.
  • On-site Accommodation: The Sandown Park Lodge offers comfortable and convenient on-site hotel rooms, many with views of the pre-parade ring and stables.
  • Free Parking: Provides complimentary parking for up to 3,000 cars, a significant advantage for visitors.
  • Royal Connections: Known as being a favourite course of the late Queen Mother, with several of her famous horses having raced there.
  • Accessibility: Committed to making the course accessible, with facilities for disabled guests and accessible parking.

Key Information

Official Name: Sandown Park Racecourse
Location: Esher, Surrey, England, UK
Opened: April 22, 1875
Owner/Operator: The Jockey Club
Address: Portsmouth Road, Esher, Surrey, KT10 9AJ, United Kingdom

Major Events Hosted

Sandown Park is renowned for its prestigious racing fixtures and has also become a popular venue for other large-scale events:

  • Horse Racing Highlights:
    • Coral-Eclipse Day (July): A major Group 1 Flat race, a highlight of the Flat racing calendar.
    • Betfair Tingle Creek Festival (December): A premier National Hunt meeting featuring the Grade 1 Tingle Creek Chase.
    • Bet365 Jump Finale (April): The final big race meeting of the National Hunt season, featuring the Bet365 Gold Cup.
    • Other key races include the Brigadier Gerard Stakes, Tolworth Novices’ Hurdle, and Celebration Chase.
  • Live Music & Entertainment: Frequently hosts “Live After Racing” concerts with major artists, comedy nights, and family festivals.
  • Exhibitions & Conferences: Its large halls and flexible spaces make it a popular choice for trade shows, expos, and corporate events.

Getting to Sandown Park Racecourse

Sandown Park is well-connected by road and rail, making it easily accessible from London and the surrounding areas.

  • By Train:
    • Esher rail station is just a 10-minute flat walk from the main entrance. Trains from London Waterloo run regularly (approximately every 15 minutes).
    • On race days, visitors can often cross the centre of the course or use a complimentary race day minibus service from the station.
    • Important: Esher station is outside London’s Zones 1-6; Oyster Cards are not valid. A paper ticket must be purchased in advance.
  • By Car & Parking:
    • Address for Sat Nav: Enter ‘Portsmouth Road’ rather than the postcode (KT10 9AJ) to be directed to the main car park, which is just off Esher High Street (A307) and directly in front of the main entrance.
    • From London: Take the A3 and follow brown venue signs to Sandown Park. Exit onto the A307.
    • From M25: Exit at Junction 10 and follow the A3 towards London, then exit onto the A307.
    • Parking: Complimentary parking for up to 3,000 cars is available in the centre of the racecourse (accessed via the More Lane entrance). Note that the course may be temporarily closed for approximately 10 minutes before and after each race for horse crossings. Paid parking is available in the main Portsmouth Road car park. Coach parking is free.
    • Electric Car Charging: Four Polar “fast charge” points are available in the main car park.
  • By Bus:
    • Several bus stops are located along Portsmouth Road, within 150 metres of the venue.
  • By Air:
    • London Heathrow Airport (LHR): Approximately 12 miles away by road.
    • London Gatwick Airport (LGW): Approximately 25 miles away by road.
    • Sandown Park also has a helipad; contact the racecourse in advance for helicopter arrivals.

Tickets at Sandown Park Racecourse

Tickets for race meetings, concerts, and other events at Sandown Park can be purchased through various channels:

  • Official Racecourse Website: The primary source for all event tickets, hospitality packages, and general admission. Visit the Jockey Club Sandown Park website for fixture lists and booking.
  • Ticketmaster: For major concerts and non-racing events, tickets may also be available through Ticketmaster.
  • Hospitality Packages: A range of hospitality options, from private boxes to restaurant packages, are available for both racing and other events. These often include admission, food, drink, and dedicated service.
  • Annual Badges/Memberships: For frequent visitors, annual badges or memberships offer access to all race meetings and other benefits.
  • Important Note: Always purchase tickets through official channels to ensure validity and avoid fraudulent sales.

Where to Stay Near Sandown Park Racecourse

Esher and the surrounding Surrey area offer a variety of accommodation options, including on-site convenience and charming local hotels.

Booking Tips:

  • Book Early: Especially during major race meetings or popular events, accommodation in the area can book up quickly.
  • Check Transport Links: Verify the ease of travel from your chosen hotel to Sandown Park, particularly if relying on public transport.
  • Use Reputable Booking Sites: Utilise platforms like Booking.com, Expedia, or Tripadvisor to find and compare options. Always verify reviews.
  • Review Cancellation Policies: Be aware of cancellation policies, especially when booking far in advance.
TripAdvisor

Helpful Links for Planning Your Visit to Sandown Park Racecourse

To ensure a smooth and enjoyable visit to Sandown Park, here are essential official resources for your trip:

Enjoy your visit to Sandown Park Racecourse!

Last Updated on July 21, 2025 by Sports Tourist

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