Chelmsford City Racecourse: Thursday Racing

Chelmsford City Racecourse

Available to 27 February 2025

Book now from £20.00

What else is on at Chelmsford City Racecourse?

Get tickets here for the many spectacular events at the beautiful Chelmsford City racecourse this year!

Located in the picturesque Essex countryside, close to London, Chelmsford City Racecourse is an excellent option if you’re looking for a racecourse to visit while in London.

Thursday Racing at Chelmsford City Racecourse

Looking for the perfect midweek, after-work social plan? Join for Thursday Night Racing!

Experience the thrill of the track as talented thoroughbreds race to the finish. Whether you're a racing fan or just up for a fun night out, it's all about excitement, atmosphere, and unforgettable moments. Don’t miss your chance to place your bets and cheer with the crowd!

Everything you need-to-know about Thursday Racing in Chelmsford:

  • Gates Open: 3:30pm
  • First Race: 5:30pm
  • Last Race: 8:30pm
  • Tickets Include: Enjoy entry to the racecourse, the Grandstand and Sports Bar. Enjoy racing views from inside or from the Home Straight Terrace. Watch the pre & post-racing action at the Parade Ring before choosing your betting facilities, located outside.

Getting racecourse ready:

  • Identification: ID is mandatory to enter the venue. Guests who do not present photographic ID will not be admitted to the racecourse.
  • Access: The racecourse is accessible for wheelchair users
  • Dress Code: The racecourse asks that you do not dress too casual when attending events. Whether it’s your finest suit or your best hat, style is always welcome and appreciated. More info can be found below.

Scroll down to get tickets for these amazing events, and get your tickets delivered to you instantly via email 

City Racecourse,
Chelmsford CM3 1QP
Show on Google Maps

How to find us

Car

Chelmsford City Racecourse is situated in Great Leighs, 5 miles north of Chelmsford in the heart of Essex and offers free parking to all our customers.

Surrounded by picturesque countryside, the 150 acre racecourse site has excellent transport links via the A131, A120 and M11. The car park is situated at the Main Entrance off the A131 bypass.

Disabled parking is available with Blue Badge holders given forward parking in the car park nearest to the Ticket Office. This parking area is subject to capacity on the day and is allocated on a first-come, first served basis only. 

Bus and Train

Chelmsford City Racecourse operates a return bus service from Chelmsford for a select number of feature days during the summer. 

There are two public buses from Chelmsford Bus Station, the No. 70 and No. 352 which run through Great Leighs and on to Braintree.

The bus station is a short walk from Chelmsford Railway station.  However, due to the nature of the busy A131 the racecourse does not recommend accessing the racecourse on foot from Great Leighs.

  • Bar
  • Restaurants
  • Toilets
  • Parking

In order to enter the racecourse, guests are required to bring original photographic ID including a driver’s license or passport.

Guests who do not present photographic ID will not be admitted to the racecourse.

This is not applicable to under 18’s.

Tickets purchased by over 18’s unable to provide photo ID on request will not be refunded and security searches may be carried out from time to time on persons entering.

Please be aware that ID will be required in order to purchase alcohol for those who appear under the age of 25 years.

Chelmsford City Racecourse is committed to providing an accessible environment for all.

Their aim is to provide our valued racegoers with a memorable day’s experience and the desire to return soon.

Accessible Parking: The entrance to the racecourse is via our main ticket office through a level floored building.

This allows easy access for wheelchair users (electric and manual), semi-ambulant visitors, pushchairs and those accompanied by assistance dogs.

Access to the centre of the course is by way of a pedestrian tunnel down and then up a winding sloped path approximately 130metres in length.

Once inside the centre of the racecourse, areas not at ground level are available via ramps and/or lifts.

There is free car and coach parking available at Chelmsford City Racecourse. Please follow signage to Chelmsford City Racecourse, the main car park is located off the A131 dual carriageway.

Taxi drop-off and pick-up is also available outside the ticket office and main entrance.

Accessible parking for blue badge holders is located nearest to the ticket office and main entrance and is subject to availability. Please have your blue badge clearly displayed at all times.

General admission tickets in most cases provide you with access to the racecourse grounds including the Grandstand and Sports Bar.

These areas allow for a casual dress code. However, the racecourse does request that standards are maintained.

  • Do not wear the following:
    Beach flip flops or backless sandals/shoes*
  • Team shirts
  • Vests and bare tops
  • Swimwear
  • Workwear is not encouraged

More things to do nearby

Motorfest Fathers Day

Motor Show Events

Celebrate Fathers Day in Chelmsford this year at the annual Motorfest Fathers Day! Enjoy live performances, a variety of vehicles and so much more...

Available to 15 June 2025

Chelmsford: Foodies Festival 2025 - Hylands Park

Foodies Festivals 2025

Head to Hylands Park for a huge celebration of food, drink, chefs and live music at the Foodies Festival in Chelmsford from the 20th - 22nd June 2025!

Available to 22 June 2025

Treetop Challenge - Go Ape Chelmsford

Go Ape - Chelmsford Hylands Park

Take on Go Ape's original high ropes adventure with zip lines in the woodlands of Hylands Park. Suitable for anyone over 1.4m tall

Available to 12 September 2025

Treetop Adventure - Go Ape Chelmsford

Go Ape - Chelmsford Hylands Park

First time up in the trees? Treetop Adventure is the perfect entry-level high ropes activity. Suitable for anyone over 1.4m tall

Available to 7 September 2025

RHS Garden Hyde Hall

Embark on an adventure through the natural world and get your fresh air fix as a family at RHS Garden Hyde Hall