Spring bank holiday racing returns to Cartmel

One of the great occasions in Cumbria’s sporting calendar is back this month with the return of spring bank holiday horse racing at Cartmel Racecourse.

It’s the first time in four years that racing has been held at the iconic course in South Lakeland over the final holiday weekend in May in the usual fashion.

Cartmel’s season gets underway on Saturday, May 27 with more racing on Monday, May 29 plus an evening meeting on Wednesday, May 31, all in the incomparable surroundings of the south Cumbrian course, a strong contender for the most picturesque in the country.

Race days at Cartmel are the ideal fun family day out in a carnival-style atmosphere. Feel free to bring your own food and drink to make the most of your day. Or take advantage of the numerous tasty food and beverage options on offer around the course.

Gates will open at 9am on all race days – noon for May 31’s evening meeting – and, for those who aren’t bringing their own picnic, the Louis Roederer Restaurant will open at 11.30am.

A new addition for 2023 is the Paddock Lawn Tipi which has a covered area with its own bar and offers views overlooking the home straight. Demand is high so book now.

Racecourse director Geraldine McKay said: “We simply can’t wait to welcome back racegoers for the start of our 2023 season. It’s been far too long since we held a bank holiday race meeting at the end of May in the way we usually do.

“Cartmel really is a course like no other, partly thanks to our beautiful location, but also because of the welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere that our visitors help create.

“As usual we’ve got a host of delicious food and drink options, trade stalls and the funfair, all of which make for a fantastic day out for families during half-term.”

Race times are as follows:

Saturday, May 27

13.40 | 14.15 | 14.45 | 15.20 | 15.55 | 16.30 | 17.05

Monday, May 29

14.20 | 14.55 | 15.30 | 16.05 | 16.40 | 17.15 | 17.45

Wednesday, May 31 – evening meet

17.50 | 18.20 | 18.50 | 19.20 | 19.50 | 20.20 | 20.50

The course, already a firm favourite with regular visitors, sits in picturesque parkland next to Cartmel Village, home of the famous Cartmel Sticky Toffee Pudding, and is just a stone’s throw from the edge of the Lake District National Park, plus it is dog-friendly.

Offering unparalleled views from the crowds, Cartmel’s course encircles the enclosures ensuring that there are no ‘blind spots’ and, for those wanting to get a closer look at the action, giant video screens are erected in several locations.

How to get there

Leave the M6 at junction 36 and take the A590 towards Barrow until you reach the turn off for High Newton, then follow the yellow event signs.
Parking is available on site. For details or to book visit the ‘plan your visit’ section of the racecourse website.
By train, travel to Cark-in-Cartmel then take a taxi. Taxis will be in demand so it is advised to book in advance.

Where to stay:

Lots of hotels and B&Bs are available in the area. For more information see the plan your visit section of the racecourse website.

Four camping areas are available at the racecourse, plus space for caravans and motorhomes but these fill up quickly. Find out more on the racecourse website.

Safety information

The parkland around the course has beautiful ancient oak trees, but it is not a good idea to sit beneath or climb on them as they can break.
Children are free to paddle in the beck which flows through the Paddock Enclosure, but please ensure they are supervised. The beck is also not suitable for washing up or drinking as animals use it up and downstream.
First aid posts are situated in the Paddock and course enclosures.

Barbecues

Barbecues are welcomed but they must be extinguished 30 minutes before racing begins to ensure the horses are not affected by the smoke.
Take care not to scorch the grass by using stones, and dispose of your barbeque in a metal bin when it is fully extinguished.
Gas barbecues and canisters are not permitted.