GO horse racing in and around liverpool

Liverpool is the home of the most famous steeplechase in the world, The Grand National. But you can be one of the lucky 60,000 to watch the action direct from its home at Aintree [map] ... if you get tickets of course.

If you don’t manage to make it to the big one, why not pay a visit to the famous Aintree Racecourse anyway to watch other meetings or even take the Grand National Experience at the visitors centre. Here you can discover how the idea of the National was born, thanks to Liverpool hotelier William Lynn and Captain Becher.

You can also get the inside story on what jockeys wear under their colours, the famous characters that have added splendour to the race, and historic events which once led to the race being marked as suitable only for scoundrels.

Among the interactive delights featured are the Race of Champions, a specially simulated Grand National race that you can bet on, and the Weighing Room, where you can sit in the jockeys’ weigh-in chair.

Once you’ve sampled life at the famous Aintree Racecourse why not visit one of the other splendid courses located close to Liverpool.

Chester Racecourse [map], known as The Roodee, is the oldest in the country and is overlooked by Chester’s historic walls. Horse racing here dates back to the 16th century and the highlight of the year is the three-day meeting in early May.

If you’re using public transport to get about, then there is a frequent Merseyrail service to Chester from Liverpool Lime Street and Liverpool Central station.

With dozens of meetings each year, Haydock Park [map] is another racecourse well worth a visit for avid fans. It is situated just four miles from the M62, and less than one mile from junction 23 of the M6, making it just perfect for long-distance drivers to find.

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