Racecourses typically have a lot of large green spaces surrounding their extensive grounds so they make excellent places for dog walking. While racecourses are typically owned privately, many generously open their surrounding fields to dog walkers hoping to get a bit of exercise. Some racecourses also offer free parking for dog walkers with Cheltenham Racecourse offering a specific dog walking parking lot. While many racecourses allow dogs to roam free off lead, it’s important to have control over your dog at all times, as there are bound to be horses about.
Ascot Racecourse
Ascot Racecourse is a dual purpose racecourse for both flat and National Hunt racing and is best known for the Royal Ascot, which is held over a series of days in June. When the racecourse is not hosting a race, it opens its doors to dog walkers, allowing members of the public to use Ascot Heath next to racetrack for free. Visitors may park on Ascot High Street and walk through the tunnel by the main entrance to access the Heath with over 1.7 miles of space to explore. There is also a small play park for children.
Bath Racecourse
Bath Racecourse in Somerset offers flat racing and is a great place for dogs to stretch their legs on non-race days with sweeping views of the countryside. Access via the racecourse is only permitted on non-race days and visitors must strictly stick to the public rights of way around the racecourse.
Cheltenham Racecourse
Cheltenham Racecourse known for its National Hunt racing and annual Cheltenham Festival in March, allows members of the public to walk their dogs for free in the vast fields and green spaces behind the racecourse. There is even a car park available to dog walkers so long as they are happy to fill out a free permit form to use it. The car park is open from dawn until 7pm or dusk (whichever is earliest), however, it is not advisable to go on race days.
Epsom Downs Racecourse
Epsom Racecourse is a flat racecourse home to the famous Derby Stakes in June. The racecourse allows members of the public to walk their dogs on the downs every day, however, the areas accessible may be limited on certain race days. They also ask you to keep your dog on the lead from morning until noon as the horses from the training facilities will be out doing their exercises. After this, dogs are free to explore off lead, but please keep them under control at all times as some visitors may still be riding horses for fun.
Uttoxeter Racecourse
Uttoxeter Racecourse is a National Hunt course based in Staffordshire and is an oval shaped course. The racecourse allows dogs and their humans to walk on the path around the course when there are no races or private events taking place. Please note that the racecourse is closed to dog walking in the month of August. Dogs must remain on leads at all times and owners must pick up after their dogs.
Warwick Racecourse
Warwick Racecourse is a National Hunt track with a nine-hole golf course and golf driving range within the track. The racecourse kindly opens to dog walkers on non-race days with plenty of space around the racetrack for dogs to explore, including grassy areas, a small wood, and a track that goes all the way around the racecourse.