Guide to Bath Racecourse
Bath Racecourse is the highest Flat racecourse in the U.K. Read our guide and discover how to get the most out of going to Bath Races. We’ve got everything you need, and can even help you with What to Wear for your racing day out.
Straight from the Horses' Mouth...
Bath Racecourse News
About Bath Races
Flat
History of Bath Racecourse
Racing started at Bath in 1728 at Claverton Down and continued there until 1796. Racing transferred to the present Lansdown Hill course in 1811, with the first official meeting there organised by a local family, the Blathwayts.
The Somerset Stakes
For the first 20 years, the Somerset Stakes was the feature race of the annual meeting, and this race is still held each year.
Service in WWII
Bath Racecourse Company was incorporated in October 1919 but during the Second World War the course was closed for racing and used as an airfield by the RAF – it was called RAF North Stoke.
Arena Racing Company
Arena Racing Company (ARC) took over management of the course and invested in a multi million pound redevelopment of the facilities in 2016.
Track
In September 2017 damage to the track caused by an infestation of chafer bugs caused racing to be called off. At 238m (780ft) above sea level, Bath is the highest Flat racecourse in the UK.
Important Races/Festivals
April – Listed Lansdown Fillies Stakes
Directions
Bath Racecourse, Landsdown Road, Bath BA1 9BU.
- Road: The course is just six miles south of M4 Junction 18 and is well sign-posted from all major routes.
- Rail: Trains run from both the main London Paddington and South Wales lines, and there are also regular connections from Bristol, Cardiff and Birmingham. Buses and taxis run from Bath train station to the course (10–15 minutes’ ride).
- Website: www.bath-racecourse.co.uk
- Telephone: 01225 424609.
What to Wear to Bath Racecourse

The atmosphere is casual so dress for the weather and comfort rather than dressing up to the nines. Read full article…