Chepstow Racecourse

Short Introduction

Chepstow Racecourse is a racecourse and events venue near Chepstow in Monmouthshire, South Wales.

It is one of Wales’ best-known racecourses and is especially associated with the Welsh Grand National. The course hosts both jump racing and flat racing, so it can appeal to regular racing fans as well as visitors looking for a sporting day out, hospitality, music nights or special events. Chepstow Racecourse describes itself as a dual-purpose venue and home of the Welsh Grand National.

Location: Chepstow, near the Wye Valley
Postcode: NP16 6EH is given by the racecourse as the best sat nav postcode for car park access
County: Monmouthshire

What You Can See and Do

Chepstow Racecourse is mainly a race day and events venue, so the experience depends on what is happening when you visit.

On a race day, you can watch live horse racing, enjoy the atmosphere, follow the runners and use the food, drink and hospitality areas around the course. If you are new to racing, it can still be enjoyable as a social day out because you do not need to understand every detail to enjoy the spectacle.

The racecourse also hosts non-racing events, venue hire and hospitality, so it can be useful to check the current programme before planning your visit.

Chepstow is a particularly good racecourse to include on a South Wales or Wye Valley trip because it is close to the border, the Severn Bridge and several scenic and historic places.

Making the Most of Your Visit

Check the fixture or event before travelling. A quiet non-race day and a major race day will feel completely different.

If you are going to a big meeting such as the Welsh Grand National, plan travel and arrival time carefully. Larger events can mean more traffic, fuller car parks and busier food and drink areas.

If you are new to racing, it is worth reading the basic race day information before you go. Decide whether you want a relaxed general admission day, a restaurant package, a hospitality experience or a special event visit.

Chepstow also works well as part of a short break because you can combine the racecourse with the Wye Valley, Chepstow Castle, Tintern Abbey or nearby countryside.

Practical Information

Chepstow Racecourse is on the A466 Chepstow to Monmouth road, not far from the Severn Bridge. The racecourse advises drivers to exit the M48 at Junction 2 and follow the brown racecourse signs. It also notes a special race day bus service from Chepstow Train Station and from Newport on selected race days.

The racecourse gives NP16 6EH as the best postcode to access the car park by sat nav.

Before travelling, check:

Race day or event date
Gate opening times
Parking arrangements
Public transport or race day bus details
Food and drink options
Dress code or hospitality rules
Accessibility
Weather forecast
Ticket type and entry area

Race days, transport and event arrangements can change, so always check the latest racecourse information before setting off.

How Long to Allow

For a race day, most people should allow half a day to most of the day, depending on the number of races, travel time and whether you are eating there.

For a major event or hospitality visit, allow longer and avoid planning anything too tight afterwards.

If you are only attending a non-racing event, the time needed will depend on the event itself.

Budget Tips

Race day costs can vary depending on the meeting, ticket type and whether you choose general admission, restaurant packages or hospitality.

Before booking, check:

Advance ticket options
Group rates
Hospitality packages
Food and drink costs
Parking or transport costs
Whether children’s tickets or concessions are available
Whether the event includes music or extra entertainment

If you are staying overnight, book accommodation early for major race meetings.

Food, Drink and Nearby Facilities

Chepstow Racecourse has food, drink and hospitality facilities on race days, but what is available may depend on the event and ticket type.

Chepstow town also has pubs, cafés, restaurants and shops, while nearby areas offer additional places to eat before or after your visit.

If food is important to your day, check whether you want casual food, a restaurant booking or hospitality before you buy tickets.

Nearby Attractions and Rainy-Day Alternatives

Chepstow Racecourse is an outdoor sporting venue, so weather can affect the comfort of your day.

Nearby attractions and places to visit include:

Chepstow Castle
Tintern Abbey
Wye Valley
Caldicot Castle
Forest of Dean
Raglan Castle
Newport
Bristol
Monmouth

If the weather is good, the Wye Valley, Chepstow Castle and Tintern Abbey can add a scenic or historic element to your trip. If the weather is poor, look at indoor cafés, shopping, museums or hospitality options connected with your race day.