Carlisle Racecourse, set in scenic Cumbria at Blackwell, offers the best of both worlds when it comes to horse racing. The course hosts exhilarating Flat races from April to August and stages some spectacular National Hunt events from September to March. With highlights from the two major equine disciplines there will hardly be an argument when choosing Carlisle Racecourse as the destination for your next race day outing.
Address: Carlisle Racecourse, Durdar Road, Carlisle, Cumbria, CA2 4TS
Phone: 01228 554 700
Racing at Carlisle is a truly longstanding tradition, seeing as the first race recorded in the area dates back to 1599. The race was conducted at Swift, the racing venue used prior to the opening of the racecourse we know today, and was titled the Carlisle Bell - named after the bells awarded to race winners traditionally during the Elizabethan era.
In 1904 Carlisle Racecourse was moved to its present day Blackwell location, where it has thrilled and entertained its visitors ever since. Always seeking to improve from the very beginning, Carlisle racecourse erected its first grandstand shortly after opening its doors and established the first Tote betting system on a British racecourse in 1929. Since 2002 Carlisle Racecourse offers a new, state of the art grandstand, which allows spectators to feel the festive atmosphere of the races even deeper.
Note: Carlisle Station is only two miles from the racecourse. While there is no shuttle service, taxis and busses - lines 65 and 66 - are readily available to aid you with your transfer.
Alternatively:
North & South: Leave the M6 at Junction 42. Follow signage to Dalston. Turn right after about two miles at the staggered junction and you should see the racecourse.
West: Take the A595 towards Carlisle. Straight through Thursby roundabout. Follow signs to Dalston. There is ample signage indicating the location of the racecourse.
Swifts Restaurant: Located on the first floor if the Edinburgh Woollen Mill Grandstand, Swifts Restaurant is only available to visitors with a premier enclosure's badge. It seats up to 150 people and awards a great view over the racecourse. It is essential to book well in advance before your race day.
Boxes and Packages: Carlisle Racecourse offers a range of private hospitality packages, ranging from the exclusive Platinum package to the more casual Bronze package, to be enjoyed in one of the courses intimate private boxes.