York Races

York Races return to York Racecourse on Wednesday 19 August, with a full day of horse racing on the Knavesmire. It's one of the city's biggest summer dates, and if you're around York in mid-August, it's usually the main thing on the calendar.

For those who haven't been, the day is built around a series of races running from morning through to late afternoon, with the horses competing on the flat. It's a full day's affair, so you're looking at a few hours rather than a quick pop in. The racing is the focus, but the day is as much about the social side — the crowds, the betting, and the general buzz that takes over the course. It's the kind of event that works just as well if you're there for the sport as if you're just in it for the day out.

Because it's a full day of racing, you can arrive when it suits you and stay as long as you like, rather than having to be there for a single start time. The races run across the course throughout the day, so there's plenty to see even if you don't fancy staying from the first race to the last. It's a good one to bring a group along to, and since it's out on the Knavesmire, it's easy enough to get to from the city centre.

It all goes down at York Racecourse on 19 August, with horse racing as the main event. If you're planning to go, it's worth checking the full schedule in advance so you know when the races you're interested in are running.