Folkestone Races

The only horse race venue in Kent, Folkestone Racecourse is situated some 4 miles from the port town of the same name and occupies a beautiful rural location. Perfect for days out, the course, although small, is renowned for boasting excellent facilities and in providing a welcoming atmosphere for both National Hunt and flat race fixtures. Close to Ashford and just 90 minutes from Central London Folkestone Races provide a premier race day experience in the South East.

Folkestone races attract a knowledgeable crowd of racegoers, particularly for the principle races such as the United Hunts Meeting, an evening fixture in May for amateur riders which draws many point-to-point enthusiasts.

The steeplechase track is regarded as particularly challenging in winter and on the hurdles a long run between the last two jumps favours horses with previous flat experience. The Hunter Chase meeting in May is nicknamed the ‘flying pigs’ chase in honour of those horses with no previous jump form but which tend to do well.

Flat racing at Folkestone has its own challenges, particularly in navigating the considerable undulations on the 6 furlong straight course. With tight bends too, front runners tend to do well and the big gallopers find little time to hit their stride.

As a racecourse where surprises can happen, Folkestone races adds to the excitement on raceday and with boundless hospitality options, Folkestone remains a very popular venue with first time racegoers as well as seasoned racing enthusiasts.

Admission to Folkestone races costs £12.00 in advance and £17.00 at the gate. Exceptions include the highlight of the social calendar, Ladies Evening which costs £15.00 and £20.00, and for students and senior citizens, for whom a raceday at Folkestone costs just £10.00, payable on the day. Children under 16 get into the races for free when accompanied by an adult to a maximum of two children per adult. Access to the picnic park costs just £5.00 per car and £5.00 per adult, providing further options for a family fun day out at the races.

Hospitality is something Folkestone does well and in combining business with pleasure, the range of options for corporate hospitality is impressive. Facilities are available to hold a business meeting or conference in the morning and enjoy the races in the afternoon or evening. A range of superb suites can be found within the Glover Stand. These incorporate a balcony to the front, overlooking the course and finishing post and balcony to the rear overlooking the Paddock.

Typically a fully inclusive hospitality package will include private room hire with waitress service, race cards for all guests, badges to allow admission to all public areas of the course, CCTV so no-one misses any of the action, buffet or three-course meal, tea and coffee, and car parking. Pre-paid drinks packages can also be arranged. Summer packages start from just £49.50 per person.

Stylish dining and horseracing are natural bedfellows and there is something uniquely special about enjoying the races from a position within an elegant and stylish dining environment. Such an environment is provided by the Lookout Restaurant, which, as the name suggests, offers superb views over the course. Enjoy first class racing, and terrific food and wines to match with up to 8 friends or colleagues with the Restaurant Package, which for £46.00 per person for weekday events and £52.50 for evening and weekend meetings, offers admission, a three-course meal and racecard.

If enjoying the races from the comfort and atmosphere of a good bar is more your style then there are plenty of those to choose from too, including the bar above the Paddock Brasserie which combines log-fire ambience with terrific course views.

Further options include the Glover Bar, under the grandstand, the County Bar, open to annual members, trainers and owners, and the popular bar within the Spitfire Pavilion. Additional dining options are provided by the Seafood Bar and Fish and Chips.

Folkestone races certainly provide ample opportunities for spending some quality leisure time but the facilities at the course are equally amenable to celebrations, and other private events at any time.

A dedicated events organiser is on hand to deal with any requests for hosting private events and suitable events spaces in conjunction with the right hospitality packages help define Folkestone Racecourse as a premier conference and event space in the South East.

The Lookout Restaurant and other dining facilities and bars may be booked for any private banquet, function, product launch, promotion or corporate gathering and a selection of bars or marquees provide a range of alternatives depending on the nature and style of the event. A conference package is available for a Day Delegate Rate of just £29.95 per person. This includes full day room hire, tea and coffee on arrival and accompanied by biscuits for morning and afternoon breaks, buffet lunch, jugs of water, pads and pens, and use of audiovisual equipment.

The stylish ambience of the course and wonderful rural location provide the ideal backdrop to weddings in particular and since the course is licensed to conduct civil ceremonies too the whole day can be hosted at Folkestone Racecourse. For summer weddings, a trackside marquee can host the evening celebrations and during the winter months, the Spitfire Pavilion provides a stylish alternative. Wedding packages are available for up to 160 guests.

Accommodation options may also be suggested for those who have some time to spend in the area and there are a number of B&Bs and hotels in nearby Folkestone, perfectly placed to offer accommodation on a visit to Folkestone races.

This website is operated by Websitebrokers Limited and is not affiliated to any one racecourse or group of racecourses.