VSO has listed the cheapest racecourses in the UK for a drink. [Image: Shutterstock.com]
As UK horseracing rans prepare for a summer at the races, starting at the Royal Ascot this month, the cost of enjoying a drink while watching has become a hot topic. We will be revealing the UK’s best racecourses for an affordable pint, glass of wine, and even a bottle of water, so you can enjoy your day without breaking the bank.
we’ve pinpointed exactly where you can find the cheapest race day deals
By looking into the menus and analyzing Google Reviews at the top 10 UK racecourses, we’ve pinpointed exactly where you can find the cheapest race day deals, making sure racegoers will have an unforgettable experience, no matter which horse comes in first.
Average price rundown
A trip to the races is never complete without a refreshing beverage, whether it’s a pint of Guinness, a glass of wine, or even a bottle of water after a long, boozy day. But, where can you find the best bang for your buck?
Diving into the menus of over 60 bars across the UK’s top ten racecourses, it was found that racegoers are predicted to spend an average of £7.12 ($9.10) for a pint of lager, £6.82 ($8.72) on a much-loved pint of Guinness, £8.24 ($10.54) for a glass of wine, and £2.42 ($3.09) for a bottle of water!
Cheers to affordable drinks
For an affordable pint of lager, Doncaster Racecourse is the place to be, offering pints for just £6.10 ($7.80) – over £1 ($1.28) cheaper than the UK racecourse average! Additionally, Doncaster boasts the most affordable glass of wine at just £6.30 ($8.06), almost £2 ($2.56) below the national average.
To enjoy a pint of Guinness for only £5.70 ($7.29), head to Haydock Racecourse, where you can savour the go-to horse racing drink in the (hopefully) sunny weather.
Check out the average costs for a pint, a glass of wine, and a Guinness at each racecourse here:
| Average cost of a pint of lager at the UK’s 10 most popular racecourses (From most affordable to most expensive) | ||
| Ranking | Racecourse | Cost of a pint (£) |
| 1 | Doncaster Racecourse | £6.10 |
| 2 | Haydock Racecourse | £6.40 |
| 3 | Newmarket Racecourse | £6.50 |
| 4 | Newbury Racecourse | £6.95 |
| 5 | York Racecourse | £7.30 |
| 6= | Aintree Racecourse, Ascot Racecourse, Cheltenham Racecourse, Goodwood Racecourse, | £7.50 |
| 10 | Epsom Racecourse | £7.95 |
| Average cost of a glass of wine at the UK’s 10 most popular racecourses (From most affordable to most expensive) | ||
| Ranking | Racecourse | Cost of a glass of wine (£) |
| 1 | Doncaster Racecourse | £6.30 |
| 2 | York Racecourse | £7.30 |
| 3 | Newbury Racecourse | £7.90 |
| 4= | Ascot Racecourse, Epsom Racecourse | £8.00 |
| 6= | Goodwood Racecourse, Haydock Racecourse | £8.50 |
| 8 | Newmarket Racecourse | £8.75 |
| 9 | Aintree Racecourse | £9.50 |
| 10 | Cheltenham Racecourse | £9.60 |
| Average cost of a pint of Guinness at the UK’s 10 most popular racecourses (From most affordable to most expensive) | ||
| Ranking | Racecourse | Cost of a pint (£) |
| 1 | Haydock Racecourse | £5.70 |
| 2= | Newbury Racecourse, York Racecourse | £6.50 |
| 4 | Newmarket Racecourse | £6.75 |
| 5= | Ascot Racecourse, Goodwood Racecourse | £6.80 |
| 7 | Doncaster Racecourse | £6.90 |
| 8 | Aintree Racecourse | £7.25 |
| 9= | Cheltenham Racecourse, Epsom Racecourse | £7.50 |
Sober selection
Although we’re a nation famous for its drinking culture, we also wanted to discover which racecourse was the most affordable for a trusty bottle of water and discover which venues offer alcohol-free options.
if you wish for a bottle of H2O, expect to pay an average of £2.42 ($3.09)
For those opting for an alcohol-free experience, you’ll be happy to hear that all (100%) of the racecourses analyzed offer alcohol-free beer options. However, if you wish for a bottle of H2O, expect to pay an average of £2.42 ($3.09).
Check out the average price of a bottle of water at each racecourse below:
| Average cost of a bottle of water at the UK’s 10 most popular racecourses (From most affordable to most expensive) | ||
| Ranking | Racecourse | Cost of a pint (£) |
| 1= | Ascot Racecourse, Newbury Racecourse | £2.00 |
| 2 | Newmarket Racecourse | £2.20 |
| 3= | Cheltenham Racecourse, York Racecourse, Haydock Racecourse | £2.40 |
| 7 | Goodwood Racecourse | £2.50 |
| 8 | Doncaster Racecourse | £2.60 |
| 9 | Epsom Racecourse | £2.80 |
| 10 | Aintree Racecourse | £2.90 |
Finish line results & racecourse ranking
Despite Cheltenham and Epsom topping the tables as the most expensive locations for alcoholic drinks, the prices for soft drinks at Aintree push the Grand National venue over the finish line as the most expensive racecourse for a beverage in 2024.
Check out the final results and discover the average cost of a drink per racecourse here:
| Average cost of a bottle of water at the UK’s 10 most popular racecourses (From most affordable to most expensive) | ||
| Ranking | Racecourse | Cost of a pint (£) |
| 1 | Doncaster Racecourse | £5.48 |
| 2 | Haydock Racecourse | £5.75 |
| 3 | Newbury Racecourse | £5.84 |
| 4 | York Racecourse | £5.88 |
| 5 | Newmarket Racecourse | £6.05 |
| 6 | Ascot Racecourse | £6.08 |
| 7 | Goodwood Racecourse | £6.33 |
| 8 | Epsom Racecourse | £6.56 |
| 9 | Cheltenham Racecourse | £6.75 |
| 10 | Aintree Racecourse | £6.79 |
Whether you’re heading to the Royal Ascot or another meet later in the year, we hope our drinks directory helps racegoers save cash for their betting slips. After all, those extra pounds on your favourite horse could turn into thousands.
Cheers to a fun and budget-friendly day at the races!