Doncaster Racecourse And Exhibition Centre
Doncaster Racecourse And Exhibition Centre
Doncaster Racecourse And Exhibition Centre
4
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
About
The official TripAdvisor page for the big friendly racecourse in the North of England. 36 racedays throughout the year. Also a multi-use sports, conference and entertainment venue. Holding international music concerts one day, and large corporate conferences the next. We're also a popular wedding venue, too. Find out more on our website.
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- Amanda MScotter, United Kingdom31 contributionsFirework carnage !!!We visited firework night here for the first time and unfortunately wont be returning. The firework show itself was brilliant and the funfair was great but with over 9000 people attending it was absolute carnage. On arriving we parked up on a muddy field full of potholes which the poor stewards were trying to warn people about, then walked through to the two turnstiles where you scan your tickets, which wouldn't scan one of mine and a poor man had to put them all in manually on an iPad, which took about an extra 15 mins (luckily there was no queue behind me at the time). When we finally got through, we made our way to the funfair but i really needed the toilet and had no idea where they were. I think there needs to be signs up to direct people that haven't been before. We finally found them after nearly tripping about 3 times over the fairground electrical cables tapped to the floor. My son is registered blind and found this a real struggle. They need to be illuminated even for people that have full vision. The crowds were way to overwhelming, i really think there should be a limit on less people able to attend as when we tried to get some food, the queues were absolutely mental. We decided to try and get a seat at 6pm an hour before the fireworks were due and were really lucky to get the last few remaining seats. People must have been sitting for hours before lol. I would recommend just standing for the fireworks and turning up late as when the 15 min firework show finished the car park took 40 mins of very angry people trying to get out as everyone that came later could get out first as they let the people at the back go first. I felt so sorry for the stewards as there were some absolute idiots going the wrong way and cutting across in front of others etc all trying to get out at the same time. I really think they need to have a better roped off system for the carpark at events like this.Visited November 2023Travelled with familyWritten 5 November 2023
- Adrian GLeeds, United Kingdom12 contributionsFabulous family funWe had a wonderful day out for Father’s Day. The food was superb in the restaurant & excellent value. We had a great view of the horses and two winners paid for the day out! Our daughter loved the entertainment: dancers in the restaurant & then magicians and a Disney Princess show in the main hall. The organisers have clearly given it a lot of thought and it shows Highly recommended.Visited June 2024Travelled with familyWritten 5 July 2024
- Chuffin- N1 contributionA day at the racesAbsolutely awesome day, brilliant atmosphere all day, high energy wonderful experience. My first trip to the races in a very long time. Staff are incredibly accommodating and friendly, cannot do enough to help especially within the Premier suite, reasonable prices too. Wonderful day out cannot wait to go back xx thank you to all the wonderful staff, hope to see you again soonVisited July 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 23 July 2024
- JFox52 contributionsGreat Day Out - Keep the Beer Flowing ThoughFabulous place, great weather and lovely people. Went with friends to the event sponsored by UNISON and had a great time. Really well organised and very professional. The prices were not too bad and the Western Event afterwards was excellent with folk really participating and getting into the swing of things. The only downside was that again (come annually) some of the bars ran out of draft beer quite early on. You would think that for a place this size the stock control would be tightly regulated and folk wouldn’t have to go to different bars (often on separate floors) for a drink. The staff were apologetic and well-mannered at all times despite some rants from drinkers - including the odd racist comments which have no place in our societyVisited August 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 7 August 2024
- Carl Taylor16 contributionsHospitality was fantastic.As an Annual Member I attend the Racecourse regularly, but have to say that this year’s St Leger meeting was fantastic. In particular, we had a meal in the Home Straight Restaurant on Leger Saturday and the food and service were exceptional. The hospitality team really attentive and were all friendly. Would definitely recommend having a meal at a race meeting at Doncaster and we will definitely be returning for more.Visited September 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 16 September 2024
- brad3131Sheffield, United Kingdom142 contributionsLadies Day - St LegerWe were there on ladies day - St lever. The sun was shining which makes the day go well. We had Grandstand tickets and no problem getting table and chairs for our group of girls. Plenty of different food outlets to choose from but a bit expensive. That's how they get you because you need to eat and can't take anything in with you because they search your bag on entry and it can't be any bigger than A4 size! Drink service was abit slow and no variety of tonics with gin. Be careful when buying drinks as they tried to charge me more even though I had ordered exactly the same drink! Overall we had a lovely girle day and placed a few bets and won and lost. At the end of the races Marvin Humes did a DJ set which was really good so we ended up dancing and singing before our mini bus home.Visited September 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 17 September 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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4.0
1,098 reviews
Excellent
519
Very good
339
Average
112
Poor
60
Terrible
68
Yorkie
2 contributions
Jan 2020
We went to the races at Doncaster for the first time in a good few years and sad to say it certainly hasn't improved in that time! After finding out it was a huge £22.50 to get in the paddock enclosure we decided to go in the family/picnic enclosure instead for a still overpriced £10. I remember going to the great Yorkshire chase day as it was then and found a busy atmospheric place rather than the oh so quiet subdued one last Saturday! Even with the very modest attendance in the family enclosure there wasn't enough seats to go round, worse still was the paltry food offering of only sausage rolls at a ridiculous £4.70 or crisps! Nothing whatsoever for vegetarians and not even the usual chip/burger van outside. Gone was the separate cafe of yesteryear with its large seating area and choice of snacks/meals.The racing itself was fine and exciting as ever but
afraid to say nothing else was up to standard !
afraid to say nothing else was up to standard !
Written 27 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thomas
Liverpool, UK1 contribution
Jan 2022 • Solo
Went on Doncaster racecourse website and told you had to pay on line costing me £30. Arriving at the main entrance walked past it as big signs directing you to grandstand entrance, arriving at entrance told to go back to the main entrance, with crowds of others. After queuing to get in at the desk I noticed almost everyone paying, and was informed that it cost £22.50 with a concession which I could get, and then told to scan in after waiting in the crowd queuing. I went to the main desk spoke to a nice lady who said she would get me a manager to speak to. Seems I was not very important and I was sent away by the nice lady with a £5 voucher for a drink, I hope the manager was working on updating the website, hiring someone to direct his customers, hiring someone to direct you to the scanner, and looking into the £2.50 I am still shortchanged. Maybe if he had taken the time to speak to me I wouldn’t have bothered to write this review. Does the customer still come first, in my experience it’s not hard and I think I will go to Market Rasen next time I go to the races.
Written 29 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The Travels Of Francis
Nottinghamshire, UK1,309 contributions
Jul 2019 • Friends
Went to the races with friends, they booked us tickets and we then found it was to with a live gig afterwards, Madness brilliant.
The racing was great, thrilling from start to finish, I think our woman got a place winner nearly every race, she was made up.
I didn’t get many winners, but we enjoyed a brilliant day out, then on to the main event.
It was roughly about £5 a pint, can’t remember what wine was on, don’t think she had many.
Then I saw it, somebody had a 2 pint cup of beer, I had to ask, were do you get one of those from ?.
Found it ordered 4 of em for the gang, didn’t want to drop them, that would have been £40 down the drain.
People will moan about the toilets and the ques, course there will be some, it was very busy.
After a few hours the gents toilet floor was swimming, you couldn’t get near to wash your hands it was that busy.
Didn’t spoil a top day out, it’s the second time been to the races to watch a gig, enjoyed both experiences, keep checking the listing to see if there is anyone else worth seeing this year.
Love a day at the races.
The racing was great, thrilling from start to finish, I think our woman got a place winner nearly every race, she was made up.
I didn’t get many winners, but we enjoyed a brilliant day out, then on to the main event.
It was roughly about £5 a pint, can’t remember what wine was on, don’t think she had many.
Then I saw it, somebody had a 2 pint cup of beer, I had to ask, were do you get one of those from ?.
Found it ordered 4 of em for the gang, didn’t want to drop them, that would have been £40 down the drain.
People will moan about the toilets and the ques, course there will be some, it was very busy.
After a few hours the gents toilet floor was swimming, you couldn’t get near to wash your hands it was that busy.
Didn’t spoil a top day out, it’s the second time been to the races to watch a gig, enjoyed both experiences, keep checking the listing to see if there is anyone else worth seeing this year.
Love a day at the races.
Written 1 June 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Paul W
Manchester, UK19 contributions
Nov 2022
Went the races in the restaurant to celebrate my 60th birthday and would like to thank Doncaster for organising such as wonderful day. The food was high standard and the whole day was enjoyable from the moment we arrived to the momnet we left. I know it isnt the cheapest option but for a special occasion I really would recommend the restaurant 3 course meal option. You get a table for the full day a great view of the racing and service to the table for drinks and bets. Fantastic day all round and will be back again for another trip sometime.
Written 29 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chris L
Gainsborough, UK57 contributions
Jul 2023
Such a shame the people running the course are only interested in the experience that the wealthy people 'upstairs' receive ! In the Grandstand once again a lousy experience from stroppy jobsworths to useless bar staff untrained and just drowning while the bar manager snears watching them struggle as he leans back and chuckles to his self . Problems with the codes on the Grandstand Package meant queues getting out of control until they reluctantly opened another bar with experienced staff on. Every time I've been it's the same with the temp staff untrained and drowning,imagine queuing for ages to pay ludicrous prices and extra for some plastic levy they carefully hide from guests till you pay. Food in the food court was grim of course no bar open on this level. I'm sure things will improve when its a prestige meeting but what was served up yesterday was pathetic.
Written 28 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
d_mengella
Preston, UK191 contributions
Jun 2021 • Couples
10/10 staff/stewards … friendly and helpful. Booked the home straight restaurant. On entering after escalators to level 3 I was politely informed that my jeans were not usually allowed and next time must be trousers…. Shown to our table and handed a glass of Prosecco…. Choice of 3 courses and to be honest i thought contract catering would be offered…. I was wrong…. All courses were fab.. restaurant standards apart from the chicken dish which whilst cooked well was bland. My pudding of caramel tart with blackberry and vanilla ice cream was outstanding.
Hour or so later followed by coffee and scones with clotted cream and jam.
House Sauvignon was poor but at £21.00 standard.
Overall excellent value at £95.00 per person including food and your table for the day.
Service was polite and always checking on us if we needed anything.
I go racing often and Doncaster is yet the best.
Well done
Hour or so later followed by coffee and scones with clotted cream and jam.
House Sauvignon was poor but at £21.00 standard.
Overall excellent value at £95.00 per person including food and your table for the day.
Service was polite and always checking on us if we needed anything.
I go racing often and Doncaster is yet the best.
Well done
Written 4 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
v0nney1
Horncastle, UK63 contributions
Aug 2021
Great concert atmosphere. Staff were really good, efficient and kind providing a light hearted atmosphere. It felt safe and very clean. The concert was fantastic. Rag n Bone Man! The security were great and when offered a bite to eat they were extremely professional in refusing any form of gratuity. Well done management should be proud of all the support staff and the safety they have acheived considering peoples fears around large venues following bombings and Covid 19. We had a greta time there.
Written 15 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bondi1929
42 contributions
Jan 2022
Disgraceful facilities at this racecourse,. Shouldn't actually have been surprised as it is owned by Arena Leisure . I have also been to Newcastle recently and also Worcester some years ago also owned by them and they are similar. No investment made at these courses which have become run down and you could be forgiven for thinking you were back in the 1940s. Cold and miserable in Grandstand main hall at Doncaster and beer served from just one bar in plastic glasses at extortionate prices. The entrance price you pay for these dross facilities is £27.50. To be honest you'd be much better staying at home in the warmth and using that entrance fee to have a bet. They don't even run a shuttle bus to the course from the station. Probably my worst experience at a racecourse for some time along with Newcastle where I have also been in the last month. The facilities even for owners is just as awful at Newcastle. I think racegoers should boycott Arenas racecourses until they improve them and invest in them.
Written 30 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Shazfig
Nottingham, UK4 contributions
Jan 2020
Booked a special celebration for 14th Jan and as it was a quiet day we were allocated a table in the Royal Box. Two nights at the Hilton Garden Inn with a view of the racecourse, plus an incredible day at the races at a very reasonable price. A big, big thank you to James Lee for organising such a wonderful day for us!
Written 30 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Amanda M
Scotter, UK31 contributions
Nov 2023 • Family
We visited firework night here for the first time and unfortunately wont be returning. The firework show itself was brilliant and the funfair was great but with over 9000 people attending it was absolute carnage.
On arriving we parked up on a muddy field full of potholes which the poor stewards were trying to warn people about, then walked through to the two turnstiles where you scan your tickets, which wouldn't scan one of mine and a poor man had to put them all in manually on an iPad, which took about an extra 15 mins (luckily there was no queue behind me at the time).
When we finally got through, we made our way to the funfair but i really needed the toilet and had no idea where they were. I think there needs to be signs up to direct people that haven't been before.
We finally found them after nearly tripping about 3 times over the fairground electrical cables tapped to the floor. My son is registered blind and found this a real struggle. They need to be illuminated even for people that have full vision.
The crowds were way to overwhelming, i really think there should be a limit on less people able to attend as when we tried to get some food, the queues were absolutely mental.
We decided to try and get a seat at 6pm an hour before the fireworks were due and were really lucky to get the last few remaining seats. People must have been sitting for hours before lol. I would recommend just standing for the fireworks and turning up late as when the 15 min firework show finished the car park took 40 mins of very angry people trying to get out as everyone that came later could get out first as they let the people at the back go first. I felt so sorry for the stewards as there were some absolute idiots going the wrong way and cutting across in front of others etc all trying to get out at the same time.
I really think they need to have a better roped off system for the carpark at events like this.
On arriving we parked up on a muddy field full of potholes which the poor stewards were trying to warn people about, then walked through to the two turnstiles where you scan your tickets, which wouldn't scan one of mine and a poor man had to put them all in manually on an iPad, which took about an extra 15 mins (luckily there was no queue behind me at the time).
When we finally got through, we made our way to the funfair but i really needed the toilet and had no idea where they were. I think there needs to be signs up to direct people that haven't been before.
We finally found them after nearly tripping about 3 times over the fairground electrical cables tapped to the floor. My son is registered blind and found this a real struggle. They need to be illuminated even for people that have full vision.
The crowds were way to overwhelming, i really think there should be a limit on less people able to attend as when we tried to get some food, the queues were absolutely mental.
We decided to try and get a seat at 6pm an hour before the fireworks were due and were really lucky to get the last few remaining seats. People must have been sitting for hours before lol. I would recommend just standing for the fireworks and turning up late as when the 15 min firework show finished the car park took 40 mins of very angry people trying to get out as everyone that came later could get out first as they let the people at the back go first. I felt so sorry for the stewards as there were some absolute idiots going the wrong way and cutting across in front of others etc all trying to get out at the same time.
I really think they need to have a better roped off system for the carpark at events like this.
Written 6 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
My friend has had to cancel last minute for August meeting (due to family issues) in Home straight restaurant. Do I go on my own as a single female or try to get my money back which I don't think will happen.
Written 24 July 2024
Can anyone suggest what time we should Rock up of we want to get close to the stage for a live music event ? I'm taking my 10 year old and concerned if we don't turn up early enough we will be so far back she won't see a thing ? But also dnt wanna be to early that we are stood around all day as we arent going for the races ??
Written 4 August 2022
Hi, does anyone know if taxis wait outside after events or are we better to prebook one to get back to our hotel please ?
Written 27 May 2022
Pre-book your taxi, also arrange to meet it a little way past the course.
There are double yellow lines outside.
Written 30 May 2022
I cant seem to find the information online what's the difference between grandstand, Premier and county please looking at getting tickets to one of the music concerts.
Written 16 January 2022
We stood in the Grandstand area and it was social distancing at the time. It is worth it to avoid standing amongst cross of people. We went to see Rag and Bone Man there.
Written 17 January 2022
Is the dress code strictly enforced in the county enclosure? I’m going to James on Saturday after the races, so planning on wearing smart jeans, shoes and a shirt...seems jeans are a no no but heard the dress code isn’t enforced
Written 13 August 2019
We saw people wearing jeans but it’s up to you I guess if you want to risk it!
Written 20 August 2019
Does anyone know what time the concerts finish after the racing? I’m going to the James concert at Doncaster Races in August and would appreciate any information to help arrange transport. Thanks in advance
Written 25 July 2019
The concert will finish about 10.30 but make sure you book your taxi in advance it’s a long wait for taxis on a concert night and it’s easier to be picked up in wicks car park enjoy
Written 29 July 2019
can you tell me the prices of beer and wine in the grandstand?
Written 16 May 2019
We was there yesterday. Cider was £5.60 a bottle beer was around £5.10 a bottle and we saw wine at around £23 a bottle. A pitcher of Pimm's was £23.50. hope this helps.
Written 21 July 2019
Anyone who has been to a concert after the races, I was just wondering how it works. As in, after the races and when the stage has been put to up, when are you able to make you way to the standing area at the stage? Are you able to just go straight there or do you queue? Never been to a concert after a race so not sure what to expect. Thanks in advance
Written 17 March 2019
They open the gates to different enclosures at staggered times ,and you just walk through
Written 4 May 2019
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