Chelmsford City Racecourse
Chelmsford City Racecourse
4
About
Chelmsford City Racecourse is the UK’s newest racecourse and the home of horseracing in Essex, but it’s so much more than that. Chelmsford City Racecourse become one of the busiest racecourses in the UK, thanks to its highly acclaimed All Weather Polytrack surface that will play host to a massive 43 fixtures in 2024.
Duration: More than 3 hours
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- Tristan FFarndon, United Kingdom12 contributionsGreat choice of facilities for any racegoer, excellent staff tooThis was our 2nd time to the course; we'd not been for a few years, last dining in the restaurant. This time we were there as part of owners and trainers, which gave us more time to experience all areas of the course-we were very impressed with all the facilities and we found all the staff very helpful and clearly enjoy working at the course. The food and drink selection was also excellent-hot, tasty and good size portions which all helped make the race evening a memorable one- thankyou.Visited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 30 October 2023
- Louise H92 contributionsExpensive FireworkVisited for Firework night. Huge event, lots of food stalls, few fairground rides and stalls. Everything was very expensive. £10 a burger, £10 noodles, rides £5 a child. Vip area, clean and spacious. Fireworks were quite good but only about 15 minutes, disappointing for the number of people and cost.Visited November 2023Travelled with familyWritten 5 November 2023
- Teresa F5 contributionsGreat experiance exceptional staffWe used to visit the race course several times a year but have had to cut back due the price increase. However this month 15th feb I booked a VIP experience With a private tour and 3 course meal at the club restaurant . From start to finish staff and service was truly outstanding this place really knows how to treat punters and guests! The tour was fantastic ! Jane and sue made our evening full of onsite, knowledge and passion highly recommend this and would book again just for this. Club restaurant was lovely but the main course was stingy ! One baby carrot one blob of potatoe sorry but this was a let down although lovely , having to order cheese board due to being hungry was not good, the staff at the restaurant were outstanding couldn’t do enough and the tote lady’s - Sharon lovely . This is a great place to come and relax and feel valued it’s great for couples and family’s my only grip is the rising costs it is a Experiance it’s a wonderful night /day but do feel when under 18s go free to racing there should be some concession In the restaurants for under 18s at the moment we cannot take our family here for a lovely evening In fairwood any more as £75 per person even children is just to much and it’s a shame.Visited February 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 16 February 2024
- Del BLeigh-on Sea, United Kingdom29 contributionsDisappointedFamily day event, Good Friday, lots advertised for the kids but in reality not a lot. Very busy the event was sold out. £20 per adult, kids go free but only to the outside, no entry to grandstand. If you wanted to go in there the price rises to £30, no issues with that, but they then charge for the kids. Family of 4 -£40 outside, grandstand for family of 4 -£120. 6 mobile food outlets the queues were ridiculous waited 65 mins in line for food. Worse still only 1 outlet did hot drinks. Whilst i accept this probably didnt have anything to do with the Race Course, but if they didn't have any others supplying hot drinks, the Course itself could of done something. Another downside to the outside being very limited opportunity to see the racing, although if the grandstand was open then a good view is available. Always enjoy coming here but disappointed with todays event.Visited March 2024Travelled with familyWritten 31 March 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
480 reviews
Excellent
204
Very good
109
Average
83
Poor
31
Terrible
53
Stuart R
Doncaster, UK6 contributions
Mar 2020
Although the staff are excellent I'm afraid this was my first and last visit. I go to lots of race meetings and this place just isn't a real racecourse! Viewing doesn't allow for most of any race to be seen (except for on tv) because the buildings (no proper stands) are situated on the inside of the track. Therefore only the last couple of furlongs can be seen. Its obvious the track has been built with a view to selling pictures to betting shops rather than catering for racegoers, people who love horse-racing. Those who attend must be people who just like a night out and a meal. Those who are into horseracing would do just as well by going into a lcal bookies shop and watching on television. I honestly can't imagine any "racing" person who's been here once wanting to go again. Sorry about this negativity, the staff are all great, but its not a raceourse, just an awful soul-less venue from a racing point of view.
Written 13 March 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.
Vino7
Rettendon, UK324 contributions
Jul 2023
Went to Chelmsford racecourse for the first time for the Queen Charlotte, stakes with friends who own a lot of horses and a livery. We had a table in the Queen Charlotte marquee with a four course menu and a glass of champagne on arrival . the first course was the smallest bit of smoked salmon I have ever seen with a couple of Dabs of horseradish sauce you then have to wait until after each race has finished for your next course which takes at least an hour then roast chicken some small roast potatoes and a bit of broccoli for your main course, then a dessert followed by two cheese biscuits and a small selection of cheeses. Obviously they want you to drink loads in between. you have to queue at the end of the marquee to place a bet twice our friends couldn’t place one as the queue was so long and the race had started He also commented that you couldn’t hear the race commentary as it was totally muffled. All you could do was watch three small television screens also next to the marquee is an area that looks like a total building site and obviously hasn’t been worked on for a long time and could do with screening off all this for £90 a ticket we won’t be returning
Written 11 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.
Del B
Leigh-on Sea, UK29 contributions
Mar 2024 • Family
Family day event, Good Friday, lots advertised for the kids but in reality not a lot. Very busy the event was sold out. £20 per adult, kids go free but only to the outside, no entry to grandstand. If you wanted to go in there the price rises to £30, no issues with that, but they then charge for the kids. Family of 4 -£40 outside, grandstand for family of 4 -£120. 6 mobile food outlets the queues were ridiculous waited 65 mins in line for food. Worse still only 1 outlet did hot drinks. Whilst i accept this probably didnt have anything to do with the Race Course, but if they didn't have any others supplying hot drinks, the Course itself could of done something. Another downside to the outside being very limited opportunity to see the racing, although if the grandstand was open then a good view is available. Always enjoy coming here but disappointed with todays event.
Written 31 March 2024
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.
Emma B
essex56 contributions
Jun 2022 • Couples
Recent visit for Clockstock was all in all a good one but so many things this venue needs to improve on!
1) Ridiculous queues for food and drinks! Now I appreciate its inevitable but some organisation wouldn’t go a miss! Why not have pints poured and waiting to go? Have actual adults with a clue working behind the bar as apposed to agency staff who are barely out of nappies and way out of their depth! Also the prices for food and drinks are insane, £9 for a burger and £9 for a single Jack Daniels and £11 for a double daylight robbery. All I heard all day was people complain about the prices of things
2) The lack of toilets for an event this size was madness. Queued for an hour to go for a wee, eventually the security took pity and let us use the VIP toilets but there was 2 of each male and female so 6 toilets in VIP?! Waited for 35 minutes in here. They can’t cope with an event of this size
I’ve been to so many events here as it’s local but the costs and the queues are so frustrating, wish there was an option to pre order and then collection points to get them from! Would save so much time. Each bar needs a manager to see what’s happening here. Lots to improve on
1) Ridiculous queues for food and drinks! Now I appreciate its inevitable but some organisation wouldn’t go a miss! Why not have pints poured and waiting to go? Have actual adults with a clue working behind the bar as apposed to agency staff who are barely out of nappies and way out of their depth! Also the prices for food and drinks are insane, £9 for a burger and £9 for a single Jack Daniels and £11 for a double daylight robbery. All I heard all day was people complain about the prices of things
2) The lack of toilets for an event this size was madness. Queued for an hour to go for a wee, eventually the security took pity and let us use the VIP toilets but there was 2 of each male and female so 6 toilets in VIP?! Waited for 35 minutes in here. They can’t cope with an event of this size
I’ve been to so many events here as it’s local but the costs and the queues are so frustrating, wish there was an option to pre order and then collection points to get them from! Would save so much time. Each bar needs a manager to see what’s happening here. Lots to improve on
Written 26 June 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.
Thank you for your feedback, all comments are important to us.
Due to the sheer volume of visitors to Clockstock it is inevitable to experience some queuing time, however we are working extremely hard to improve our guests experience by looking into ways of managing and reducing queues at the bars.
I am sorry you found the drinks expensive, our prices are competative and relative to the events industry.
We do have lots of toilets in different areas onsite, and meet the criteria for providing facilities for the expected capacity. Although for Clockstock we provided extra facilities, unfortunately for a huge event there will be some unavoidable queuing, and I am sorry you experienced this on this occasion.
Written 15 July 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
CumbrianCowboy
Cambridge, UK40 contributions
Jan 2022 • Friends
Firstly I think it’s important to open with a compliment. All the staff, except the humourless dog handler, were very friendly. Whether employed by the course, or working for the various betting outlets, security etc, all nice. Well done. (And of course having the legendary Derek Thompson as compare is never a bad idea.)
However, your entry to the course, and I say this as a first time visitor, sets a very bad tone.
We had to go through a Covid check to begin with. Not something I like, but certainly not their fault. The law is the law, unless of course you’re a member of the cabinet.
I just wonder what sort of clientele Chelmsford gets that it requires a sniffer dog to to review people coming in, and having to give security official ID and to stand in front of facial recognition cameras when you hand it over!! This was my first visit remember, and I’m already thinking am I going to get out here uninjured, never mind with a winner!!!
Second bugbear has to be the seating, or rather lack of it. Why get 3 times as many people in as there is seats for them to be comfortable on? It was a cold night, the option to sit outside with a beer wasn’t realistic, if you could get served that is, which brings me neatly on to bars.
Why have mega long queues at one bar but have one bar closed? 🤷♂️
Lastly, as the main building is in the centre of the track, you don’t ever get a full course view, unless by looking at the tv coverage. It’s a badly laid out track I think.
I was going to add my sadness that the amazing Jamie Spencer didn’t get a winner, but not even I could blame Chelmsford for that.
I want to give new tracks a chance, but this just wasn’t a good experience for me, sorry Chelmsford.
However, your entry to the course, and I say this as a first time visitor, sets a very bad tone.
We had to go through a Covid check to begin with. Not something I like, but certainly not their fault. The law is the law, unless of course you’re a member of the cabinet.
I just wonder what sort of clientele Chelmsford gets that it requires a sniffer dog to to review people coming in, and having to give security official ID and to stand in front of facial recognition cameras when you hand it over!! This was my first visit remember, and I’m already thinking am I going to get out here uninjured, never mind with a winner!!!
Second bugbear has to be the seating, or rather lack of it. Why get 3 times as many people in as there is seats for them to be comfortable on? It was a cold night, the option to sit outside with a beer wasn’t realistic, if you could get served that is, which brings me neatly on to bars.
Why have mega long queues at one bar but have one bar closed? 🤷♂️
Lastly, as the main building is in the centre of the track, you don’t ever get a full course view, unless by looking at the tv coverage. It’s a badly laid out track I think.
I was going to add my sadness that the amazing Jamie Spencer didn’t get a winner, but not even I could blame Chelmsford for that.
I want to give new tracks a chance, but this just wasn’t a good experience for me, sorry Chelmsford.
Written 1 February 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.
Dear Customer,
Thank you for your comments, we value all our customers and feedback.
The security entry requirements have been put in place for the safety of our customers and staff alike, and is a practice that is currently being increasingly recognised and used in the hospitality and events industry.
I am sorry for the disappointment on not managing to find a seat, we are a large venue and provide hospitality tables to book in advance to guarantee a table with waitressing service, or there are spare tables in the Sports Bar available on a first come first served basis. Queues at the bar are rare, however it is something we will continue to monitor and improve if necessary.
Feedback we receive from our customers is extremely positive, as the Grandstand is situated right on the finishing line with ease of access onto the terrace for the final straight, and the Parade Ring, along with other areas of the track. With the large screen and plans for a second screen imminent, we are delighted to provide a first class viewing experience for our customers.
Written 24 February 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
147Scholar
London, United Kingdom14 contributions
Aug 2021
Bad event management! Long queues for drop off, approx an hour. Outside had to queue an hour for a drink at bar, missed two races completely and no social distancing in queues. Actually heard racecourse staff blaming agency staff for queues saying they’d lost too many employed staff because of lockdown! Poor excuse for bad management, either get agency staff in earlier for training or simplify the bar menu! A Prosecco and Pimms stand would have helped! Alternatively allow visitors to bring their own! Prices were £28 for a bottle of warm Prosecco, about the same for a pitcher of tap Pimms! Felt staff morale was low, and certainly not friendly. Left early to go elsewhere.
Written 27 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.
Teresa F
5 contributions
Feb 2024 • Couples
We used to visit the race course several times a year but have had to cut back due the price increase. However this month 15th feb I booked a VIP experience With a private tour and 3 course meal at the club restaurant . From start to finish staff and service was truly outstanding this place really knows how to treat punters and guests! The tour was fantastic ! Jane and sue made our evening full of onsite, knowledge and passion highly recommend this and would book again just for this. Club restaurant was lovely but the main course was stingy ! One baby carrot one blob of potatoe sorry but this was a let down although lovely , having to order cheese board due to being hungry was not good, the staff at the restaurant were outstanding couldn’t do enough and the tote lady’s - Sharon lovely . This is a great place to come and relax and feel valued it’s great for couples and family’s my only grip is the rising costs it is a Experiance it’s a wonderful night /day but do feel when under 18s go free to racing there should be some concession In the restaurants for under 18s at the moment we cannot take our family here for a lovely evening In fairwood any more as £75 per person even children is just to much and it’s a shame.
Written 16 February 2024
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.
Louise H
Essex92 contributions
Nov 2023 • Family
Visited for Firework night. Huge event, lots of food stalls, few fairground rides and stalls. Everything was very expensive. £10 a burger, £10 noodles, rides £5 a child. Vip area, clean and spacious.
Fireworks were quite good but only about 15 minutes, disappointing for the number of people and cost.
Fireworks were quite good but only about 15 minutes, disappointing for the number of people and cost.
Written 5 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.
Jennifer K
1 contribution
Aug 2022
I went to see steps at this venue. Adequate toilet facilities. Very hot day but of course you cannot bring any drinks in not even water which is tough. Concert was good but only lasted just over an hour when it was advertised as lasting 2hours ??? People had taxis & buses booked but had quite a wait to leave because of the shortness of the set. I love steps but would I have gone if I had known it was to be so short. Probably not to be perfectly honest. Disappointing to say the least !
Written 16 August 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.
Thank you for your feedback,
I am delighted you enjoyed the concert, we received some excellent feedback and Steps enjoyed visiting Chelmsford.
Our concert timings are for all support acts, Dj's and background music, the artists set times are set by them, therefore as stated on our website all times are approximate.
Please note free tap water is available from all our bars, and we do allow a small sealed bottle of water to be brought into the racecourse.
Written 7 September 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Rachel K
1 contribution
Jun 2023
I’m afraid that I have only had two experiences of the Racecourse. Both times have been with my staff and both times have been disappointing. I was refunded at Christmas after our party was a washout with racing cancelled due to the poor weather and then no alternatives laid on (even some music) – we were made to feel really uncomfortable by staff who obviously considered they would be getting away early while we were stuck waiting for our return transport and we were treated very rudely when ordering drinks. We were asked to leave the main area and move to the smaller bar where staff made it clear that they were not happy for us to be there.
At this time I had already booked the Tipsy Tea for my ladies at work – this was greatly anticipated as it was for our 25th Birthday which could not happen in lockdown and took a lot of preparation and effort to organise. We had high expectations on the day but it was a catalogue of disasters with no glasses available in the marquee when we arrived and a single plate of sandwiches between eight– we did not even get our afternoon tea on the bone china cake stand and we had all the same cakes with no choices and had to request a plate of scones. Drinks were served in the incorrect glasses and to top it all I could not get a single receipt for any drinks throughout the afternoon which is not useful.
I have been offered a voucher as compensation to use at the racecourse but quite honestly I am not sure I will be risking booking any more disappointing events here in the future. It is such a shame
At this time I had already booked the Tipsy Tea for my ladies at work – this was greatly anticipated as it was for our 25th Birthday which could not happen in lockdown and took a lot of preparation and effort to organise. We had high expectations on the day but it was a catalogue of disasters with no glasses available in the marquee when we arrived and a single plate of sandwiches between eight– we did not even get our afternoon tea on the bone china cake stand and we had all the same cakes with no choices and had to request a plate of scones. Drinks were served in the incorrect glasses and to top it all I could not get a single receipt for any drinks throughout the afternoon which is not useful.
I have been offered a voucher as compensation to use at the racecourse but quite honestly I am not sure I will be risking booking any more disappointing events here in the future. It is such a shame
Written 12 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.
Thank you for your feedback,
I am very sorry that your two experiences did not live up to your expectations, and very unfortunate that these incidents which are very rare at the racecourse affected you.
It was sadly out of our control that racing was cancelled, this is a decision that is made by the BHA and is not taken lightly. Your experience with our staff was unacceptable and not the value we uphold and the reputation we have for outstanding customer service, so I am sorry we fell short on this occasion.
For cancelled racing we always ensure our guests are compensated, as were the Tipsy Tea package guests, following full acknowledgment that this was not the experience we aimed to deliver.
We do hope your next visit restores your faith in the racecourse.
Written 20 February 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
When I attend a concert at the racecourse why can't I bring a picnic and some drink as you can at newmarket please
Written 25 June 2022
Hi there, we do not recommend guests have a picnic in our car park, as its sole use is parking. There are plenty of food options available around the Racecourse.
If you have any further questions please don't hesitate to contact us or refer to our FAQ's page on the website.
Written 7 September 2022
what do ladies wear in club restaurant
Written 25 January 2020
Chelmsford City Racecourse
Chelmsford, United Kingdom
Ladies dress smartly, some wear dresses, others wear smart trousers. No ripped or frayed jeans are permitted.
Written 4 February 2020
what to wear in club restaurant
Written 25 January 2020
Hi what package deals are there and what's happening on the 16th February please ??
Written 9 February 2018
Was thinking of going this Thursday night.
Getting train to Chelmsford and was then going to get a no 70 bus as told taxi £30-40. Looked on bus timetable and says no 70 bus stops running about 8pm andladt race is 9pm , anyone help ?
Written 22 January 2018
Sorry can not answer the question only trouble with Chelmsford race course it is in the middle of nowhere and your only viable option is a taxi
Written 4 February 2018
What is the dress code for tomorrow's Greene King event?
Written 30 August 2017
Best to check with the course but if in doubt. Smart casual always goes well.
Written 1 September 2017
Not sure as I don't drink beer but for a small wine and it was small. £4.50
Written 10 August 2017
Hi Does anyone know the approx cost for a bottle of wine or glass of prossecco at the race days ?
Written 20 June 2017
Chelmsford City Racecourse
Chelmsford, United Kingdom
Hi Gemma,
Although i'm unable to provide an exact price, as bars on the Racecourse serve various types, you would expect to pay anything between £16-£40 for a bottle of wine (dependant on vineyard and grape) and £4-£7 for a glass of prosecco (again, dependant on brand).
Hope this answers your question.
Written 20 June 2017
Do we HAVE to wear a tie for the 'Dress Code'. We will be very smart (blazers, trousers, shoes etc) but it may be warm so want to have open buttoned shirt? A bit like Hannibal Lecter in Hannibal. Would that be ok?
Written 13 June 2017
Chelmsford City Racecourse
Chelmsford, United Kingdom
Hi TRM287, If you are dining in our Club Restaurant then yes, collared shirt and tie is required in order to gain entry. Face mask and Chianti optional :)
Written 20 June 2017
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