Hexham Racecourse: The Complete Guide

Perched on the hillside at around 800 feet above sea level, Hexham Racecourse is one of the most dramatically sited in Britain and the only racing venue in Northumberland.

History

Racing has taken place here since at least 1793. The modern course was established on 23 April 1890 when Charles Henderson hosted the first official fixture. The Heart of All England Cup, a three-mile hunters' chase, has run since 1907 and remains the course's most historic race. Acquired in 2016 by Hexham and Northern Marts, a local agricultural company.

The Course

National Hunt (jumps) only — no flat racing. Left-handed, undulating, with a steep climb to the finish that regularly catches out front-runners. Season runs March to December, around 15 meetings per year.

2026 Remaining Fixtures

Check hexham-racecourse.co.uk for full details and tickets.

Getting There

Address: High Yarridge, Hexham NE46 2JP. About 1.5 miles from Hexham station. Free race-day buses from the town centre on a first-come basis. Hexham is on the Newcastle-Carlisle rail line (~40 minutes from Newcastle). On-site parking available.

Tips for First-Timers

• Under-18s admitted free (register when booking)
• Study the form at attheraces.com
• The going is published on race morning — it matters on this testing track
• The final climb makes front-runners vulnerable — horses that conserve energy finish strongest
• Views from the grandstand across the Tyne Valley to the Pennines are spectacular