Kempton Park Racecourse
Kempton Park Racecourse, located in Sunbury-on-Thames, England, is a historic venue steeped in tradition and excitement. While it's primarily known for its thrilling horse racing, it also offers a diverse range of experiences, making it a popular destination for both racing enthusiasts and casual visitors.
The course runs flat races and jumps too, both in the afternoon and evening and with over 90 fixtures every year. The course boasts two distinct tracks–an inner turf course for flat racing and an outer all-weather Polytrack for National Hunt jumps racing. This unique combination attracts a wider selection of horses and racing styles, catering to diverse preferences.
The racecourse hosts several prestigious events, including the iconic King George VI Chase, a Grade 1 steeplechase considered the second-most important in the calendar. Other notable races include the Easter Stakes, Magnolia Stakes, and Coral Trophy Handicap Chase.
Lots of facilities here too, so you can gain pounds eating, while you gain pounds betting (if you're lucky of course!).
Address
Kempton Park Racecourse, Staines Road East, Sunbury on Thames, Middlesex TW16 5AQ
Directions from Central London
The drive from Central London (Start Point) to Kempton Park follows a primary arterial route heading southwest out of the city, covering a total distance of approximately 15.1 miles (24.3 km). The journey is characterized by a transition from central urban streets to faster dual carriageways as you move toward the outskirts of Greater London. The route begins by navigating through central city streets to join the A4 (Cromwell Road/West Talgarth Road). This initial stretch involves approximately 3–4 miles of urban driving through areas like Knightsbridge and Hammersmith. Continue on the A4 for roughly 3 miles, passing over the Hammersmith Flyover and through Chiswick. This section is often heavily congested, especially near the junction with the North Circular. At the Hogarth Roundabout, the route transitions onto the A316 (Great Chertsey Road). Stay on this road for the final 8–9 miles, passing through Richmond and Twickenham before arriving at Kempton Park in Sunbury-on-Thames.
Useful Links
Kempton Park Racecourse (Opens in new window) Acts as a comprehensive guide for spectators, participants, and event planners. It provides the following information:
Racing & Events: A full calendar of fixtures, including floodlit evening racing, jump racing, and major festivals like the Ladbrokes Christmas Festival.
Tickets & Booking: Online ticket purchasing, group booking discounts.
Plan Your Visit: Essential "know before you go" details such as dress codes, food and drink options.
Travel & Directions: Guidance on reaching the venue by car (including parking fees) and rail (noting the on-site Kempton Park station), plus local hotel recommendations.
Hospitality & Private Hire: Information on booking private boxes, hospitality suites, and using the venue for non-racing events like weddings, antique markets, and corporate team building.
Spectator Guides: Resources for beginners, including betting guides, explainers on "The Going," and "Horse PWR" welfare information.
Accessibility: Detailed information on step-free access, personal assistant tickets, and facilities for visitors with specific requirements.
Racing Media: Real-time racing replays, news, press releases, and media accreditation for journalists.
Facebook: Kempton Park Racecourse (Opens in new window) Offers real-time event updates, race results, and behind-the-scenes media for fans. It provides a platform for community engagement, featuring promotional contests, ticket announcements, and direct customer interaction for those planning a visit.
X: Kempton Park Racecourse (Opens in new window) Provides real-time updates and snackable content for racing fans, including live race results, non-runner announcements, and "going" reports. It offers an interactive experience with short-form video replays, behind-the-scenes photography, and fast-paced news on upcoming fixtures and ticket availability. Additionally, the account serves as a direct line for visitor queries and community engagement, sharing promotional giveaways and highlighting key moments from both afternoon and floodlit evening meetings.
Instagram: Kempton Park Racecourse (Opens in new window) Provides a high-energy visual experience, featuring action-packed reels of live races, jockey interviews, and horse spotlights. It shares updates on major fixtures like the King George VI Chase, alongside style inspiration for Ladies’ Days and news on community events like the Sunbury Antiques Market, serving as a vibrant guide for racing fans and social visitors.
Start Point: London Discover a world-class destination where centuries of royal heritage meet cutting-edge culture, iconic landmarks, and an unbeatable mix of historic charm and modern energy.
Next Stop: Egham Museum A dedicated community hub that explores local history from the Neolithic era to the present. It is particularly renowned for its connection to the Magna Carta
