Underrated Tips for First-Time Grand National Visitors

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The UK has some of the biggest horse racing festivals in the world, and there are none bigger than the Grand National.

Nicknamed ‘the greatest steeplechase on earth,’ this historic festival was first held way back in 1839, and its popularity shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon. The festival attracts some 150,000 spectators each year, making it one of the leading social events on the calendar. Thinking about visiting this year? We’ve put together some overlooked tips to help you get the most from your trip, including where to stay, using an introductory betting offer to back a selection for victory, and what to do after the racing is over.

Take our tips, and you’ll have a smooth and memorable first trip to the Grand National! 

Stay in the City Centre

The Grand National is held at Aintree Racecourse in Liverpool. It’s highly recommended that you stay in or close to the city centre to have the best experience. While there are many hotels located around the racecourse, the area is pretty quiet after the racing has finished, because everyone travels into the city to continue the celebrations. It’s easy enough to get to and from the racecourse to the city centre, and in the process, you’ll be giving yourself the chance to soak up the city’s fantastic atmosphere to the max. 

Eat a Big Breakfast

The Grand National is a fun event, but it is a long day. As such, it’s important to take some proactive steps to ensure you can enjoy the event without experiencing physical exhaustion. If there’s one tip that we recommend, it’s to eat a big, energy-boosting breakfast before you travel to the racecourse. You can, of course, buy food within the venue, but that can be time-consuming. It’s not something that you’ll want to seek out straight away. Eat a big breakfast, and you can get by with snacking throughout the day. 

Establish a Meeting Point

There will be tens of thousands of people at the races with you. If you’re travelling with a group of friends, then it’s highly recommended that you establish a meeting point in case you become separated. You might think that you just call up your friend when you can’t find them, but that may not be possible — the sheer volume of people means that getting a phone signal can be challenging and, in any case, you’ll probably struggle to hear them on the phone. Picking an easy-to-find meeting spot can save you the trouble of spending far too long trying to track each other down. 

The Grand National is a super welcoming festival. You don’t have to be a horse racing aficionado to enjoy your visit! It’s a day for socialising just as much as it is a day for anything else. With that being said, you’ll certainly enjoy it all the more if you’re engaging with the action on the track. Before you travel, spend some time reading up on who’s competing in the race, and consider backing your selection for victory. You’ll find that you enjoy the races more if you’re invested in what’s going on.

Post-Racing Fun

Think the fun is over once the final race has finished? Think again. It’s just getting started. Be sure to head back into Liverpool for an evening spent enjoying the fantastic pubs, restaurants, and nightlife that the city has to offer. You can easily get to the city on the train, though a taxi can be more convenient. 

Extending Your Stay

Finally, remember that this part of the country offers much more than the Grand National, so why not think about extending your trip and enjoying some of the tourist highlights in Liverpool? There are many art galleries, museums, and shopping centres worth exploring, while fans of The Beatles will find that there’s no shortage of attractions to keep them entertained.