York Racecourse is committed to providing an accessible environment for all, including persons with disabilities. Our aim is to provide our valued racegoers with a memorable day’s experience and the desire to return soon.
York Racecourse's Operations Manager, Tony Lee, has been designated as our Access Officer. He is available to discuss the provision of special arrangements and to assist with any queries on the day or in advance of racedays. We invite our intending guests to contact him by telephone on 01904 683938, by fax in 01904 611 071, or by email at tony.lee@yorkracecourse.co.uk
We have a carer's entry scheme in place where parties comprising of one racegoer who needs physical assistance to get around the course and an accompanying carer will only be charged for a single admission. For details please contact our Access Officer. This cannot be booked in advance.
To view and download our disability access leaflet please click here.
COUNTY STAND ENCLOSURE
Parking
The designated disabled car parks are on Knavesmire Road adjacent to the County Stand Enclosure and off Bishopthorpe Road, adjacent to the old factory, and are free to orange/blue disabled badge holders. (Follow signs for ‘C’ car park.)
Viewing
Raised race-viewing platform for approximately 10 wheelchairs in front of the County Stand Lawn, with good views of the final straight and the winning post.
Annual Badgeholders and Day Members have specific disabled viewing areas on the first and second floor viewing balconies of the new Ebor Stand (6 wheelchair positions on each floor).
There is also a smaller viewing platform for the disabled overlooking the Parade Ring.
Disabled visitors to the private boxes in the Melrose Stand have access, over a 3” high door threshold, to the viewing balconies.
Wheelchair users visiting the Owners & Trainers Club can gain access by using the lift within the Melrose Stand and should contact the racecourse in advance and access will be arranged.
There is a lift access platform to the higher floors in the County Stand entrance foyer.
Toilets
Disabled toilets are available on every floor of the Ebor Stand, the upper three floors of the Melrose Stand, in the County Stand foyer and by the Weighing Room Lawn.
Totesport
Totesport betting facilities are available on each floor of both the Ebor, Melrose and Old County Stands, and adjacent to the Champagne Lawn.
Catering
Wheelchair accessible catering is available in the Gimcrack Dining Room, the Ebor Stand and the Champagne and Seafood Bar.
Our ‘Dine and View’ Voltigeur Restaurant on the third floor of the Knavesmire Stand has disabled viewing facilities on the viewing terrace. Admission is by way of pre-booking only.
The Knavesmire Restaurant is a ground level self-service restaurant facility is to be found at the south end of the Knavesmire Stand.
Taxis
There is a taxi rank outside the Paddock Gate entrance. We also have a buggy to transport disabled people along Racecourse Road on racedays.
GRANDSTAND & PADDOCK ENCLOSURE
Parking
The designated disabled car parks are on Knavesmire Road adjacent to the County Stand Enclosure and off Bishopthorpe Road, adjacent to the old Terry’s factory, and are free to orange/blue disabled badge holders. (Follow signs for ‘C’ car park.)
Viewing
The Knavesmire Stand has disabled viewing facilities from a glass-fronted terrace on the first mezzanine floor.
Whilst the Bustardthorpe Grandstand has stepped terracing with front access only, there is an ample area of level lawn to the front, by the running rail.
Toilets
There are disabled toilets on every floor of the Knavesmire Stand. A further two toilets are situated on the perimeter buildings adjacent to the Knavesmire Stand courtyard.
Totesport
Totesport betting facilities are available on every floor of the Knavesmire Stand and in the Totesport betting building behind the Bustardthorpe Grandstand. Kiosks are also placed on the Roberto Lawn and, at large meetings, on the Bustardthorpe lawn.
A Totesport SP betting shop operates on the Melrose Lawn.
Catering
Wheelchair accessible catering is available on the ground floor of the Knavesmire Stand and a range of fast food is available from various outlets behind the stand. Fish & Chips and snacks can also be obtained in the two ground floor bar areas in the Bustardthorpe Stand.
Taxis
Whilst there is no specific taxi rank for this area, it is some 75 metres from the Grandstand & Paddock disabled entrance. We also have a buggy to transport disabled people along Racecourse Road on racedays.
COURSE ENCLOSURE
Parking
Our designated free disabled car park is on Knavesmire Road. (Follow signs for ‘A’ car park.) The disabled entrance to the Course Enclosure is some 80 yards away, across the running track.
Viewing
This is an open grassed enclosure which slopes down towards the running rail. It is possible to view the racing from an almost continuous vantage area which includes the winning post.
Toilets
A disabled toilet is provided in the range of single storey buildings set into and behind the grassed area of the enclosure.
Totesport
Dependent upon the size of the meeting, a range of mobile Totesport units is deployed at the rear-most end of the public area. They are, however, present on every raceday.
Catering
A range of fast food is available from several outlets in the enclosure.
Taxis
Whilst there is no specific taxi rank for this area, it is some 75 metres from the Grandstand & Paddock disabled entrance. We also have a buggy to transport disabled people along Racecourse Road on racedays.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Admission
Parties comprising of one racegoer who needs physical assistance to get around the course and an accompanying carer will only be charged for a single admission. For details please contact our Access Officer.
Travelling by Train
York is easily accessible by rail and all areas of the railway station are accessible without the use of stairs. There is a taxi rank directly outside the station. The racecourse is some 1½ miles distant and passengers can expect to pay a fare of around £7 to £8 (at 2011 prices) dependent upon traffic conditions at the time. A telephone call to the Racecourse on 01904 620911 will put you in touch with our Reception staff who will be pleased to provide you with a range of contacts for pre-booking transport
Totesport
Totesport is happy to help anyone in difficulties over placing a bet. Please feel free to ask for assistance from one of our many staff at the Totesport windows.
Baby changing facilities
There are four baby changing sites. One is situated on the ground floor of the Knavesmire Stand and there are two further sites in the perimeter buildings behind the stand. A further facility is situated in the disabled toilet area on the ground floor of the Ebor Stand.
Racegoers at York like to make it a special occasion and choose to dress accordingly. Gentlemen are required to wear a jacket, collared shirt and tie in County Stand. Most gentlemen would choose to wear smart trousers and formal shoes to complete the look. So whilst there is no formal restriction on wearing jeans and trainers, these are rarely seen in the County stand. Ladies are required to dress in a suitable manner, many ladies opt for a hat, although it is not compulsory. Imagine you are going to a smart wedding is our tip.
In Grandstand and Paddock and Course Enclosure the dress code is more relaxed; shorts and t-shirts are worn by racegoers enjoying the sun. The only common sense restrictions would be those of taste and decency for example regarding style and slogan t-shirts. Bare chests are not acceptable.
