Travelling to the John Smith's Grand National

Aintree Racecourse is located on the A59, just one mile from the M57 and M58, which link the M62 and M6. Follow the A59 to Liverpool and the AA signs as you approach the racecourse for routes to the car parks.
By rail
The easiest way to reach Aintree is by train. The nearest mainline station to Aintree is Liverpool Lime Street. Liverpool Central Station is just a short walk from Lime Street, where you can catch a train to Aintree. Aintree Station is directly opposite the racecourse, where regular trains run every 71/2 minutes on racedays.
By bus
Aintree can be reached by bus on services: 300, 311, 345, 350 and 351 both to and from Liverpool. From Bootle New Strand take route 61A. For further information on bus routes, contact Traveline on 0871 200 22 33 or visit www.merseytravel.gov.uk
By road
- From South Leave M6 at J21A and join M62 west. Leave M62 at J6 to join M57, follow signs for races.
- From North Leave M6 at J26 and join M58, follow signs for races.
- From Mersey Tunnels Follow signs for Preston, then for A59, then signs for races.
Click the logo to access AA Route Planner
Aintree address for SatNav users
Aintree Racecourse
Ormskirk Road
Aintree
Liverpool
L9 5AS
By air
Liverpool John Lennon Airport is the nearest airport to the racecourse and is a 20-minute drive by road. Alternatively, take a bus to Liverpool South Parkway Merseyrail station where you can catch a train to Aintree [change at Liverpool Central or Moorfields onto the Ormskirk train]. The journey takes approximately 1 hour. Manchester Airport is approximately a 45-minute drive by road.
Useful numbers
- Rail enquiries 08457 48 49 50
- Traveline 0871 200 22 33
- Aintree Racecourse 0151 522 2929
Discover Liverpool
A visit to the John Smith’s Grand National is a great opportunity to spend a few days exploring the Liverpool City Region. From the delights of Liverpool’s nightlife to celebrate your winnings, to the rural retreat of the sand dunes at Formby. Make sure you book your accommodation in Liverpool and take your time sampling what makes it European Capital of Culture 2008.
Liverpool, World Heritage city, is home to the largest Anglican Cathedral in Europe, two premiership football clubs [Everton and Liverpool], the finest examples of neo-classical architecture, its very own Tate Liverpool and museums plus experiences dedicated to The Beatles. Renowned for its literature, arts and sports, this year Liverpool will be staging the cultural party of its lifetime. See www.liverpool08.com for the full European Capital of Culture 2008 events programme.
Discovering the region
Liverpool is the centre of a dynamic area containing seaside resorts, breathtaking landscapes, vibrant towns and villages with a host of historic places and stories. Just a short drive from Liverpool is Southport, England’s Classic Resort, featuring glorious beaches, shops and restaurants, a great selection of bars and 22 miles of unspoilt coastline. Add to this some of the best golf links in the country and a bustling events programme, which includes the 2008 Open Championship at Royal Birkdale Golf Club.Over the water is the Wirral Peninsula with outstanding beauty and coastal towns and to the East lies St.Helens, Halton and Knowsley. The region has over 35,000 hectares of nationally or internationally important nature conservation sites and over 30 miles of beaches and coastline.
Accommodation
Choosing the right accommodation is an important part of enjoying your time in the region for the John Smith’s Grand National meeting. From 4*city centre hotels to guest houses, serviced apartments and B&B’s, there is a range of accommodation available for your budget. Please do book early to make sure you can take advantage of the best deals available.
- Book accommodation at: www.visitliverpool.com/grandnational
- Call Liverpool Tourist Accommodation booking service on: (+44) (0) 844 8700 123 or email: bookaroom@merseyside.org.uk
Useful Contacts
- Tourist Information Centre [08 Place] 0151 233 2008 or www.liverpool08.com
- Liverpool John Lennon Airport 0870 750 8484 or www.liverpoolairport.com
- National Rail Enquiries 08457 484 950 or www.nationalrail.co.uk
- Merseytravel 0871 200 2233 or www.merseytravel.gov.uk
- Traveline 0870 608 2608
- National Express 0870 580 8080 or www.nationalexpress.com
Disabled Facilities
When making your booking, please inform our sales advisors of any special access requirements you have so that we can advise you on your enclosure choice and arrange for any assistance that you may require. Call +44[0]151 522 2929.
Related links
- Aintree Directions Map [PDF, 449k]
- Google Maps
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The number one racing occasion
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