John Smith's Grand National Frequently Asked Questions

2011 John Smith's Grand National dates

The 2011 John Smith's Grand National will return to Aintree on Thursday 7^th April to Saturday 9^th April 2011. Our 2011 John Smith's Grand National tickets, Grandstand badge and hospitality packages are now available to view ahead of going on sale in August.

Access Requirements

When making your booking, please inform our sales advisors of any access requirements you have so that we can advise you on the best enclosure choice, or view our access requirements page.

Accommodation

No visit to the John Smith’s Grand National is complete without a stay in this vibrant region. The Tourist Board for the Liverpool City Region offer a free accommodation search and booking service to assist you in planning your stay. Go to visitliverpool.com or call 0844 8700 123 UK, +44 [0]151 709 8111 from overseas.

Car parking

There is limited car parking for a fee at the racecourse. The easiest way of reaching Aintree is by rail, with Aintree Station directly opposite the racecourse. Limited on-course parking is available for the Grand National meeting and costs £10 for Steeplechase parking, with the nearest car park, County car park, starting at £22. This can be booked by calling our Booking Line on 0844 579 3001.

Other than Steeplechase and County Car Parking, there is no other car parking in and around Aintree Racecourse. Buses, taxis, private hire and trains all operate to Aintree and special arrangements have been made for them. Please note there is no Park and Ride service.

Course walking

Don’t miss the opportunity to walk the famous course during your visit [subject to ground conditions]. See some of the famous fences and really appreciate the challenge that is the Grand National course. N.B Full walk not available to Steeplechase ticket holders.

Location

Aintree Racecourse is located on the A59, just one mile from the M57 and M58, which link the M62 and M6.

For full details of directions and public transport, visit aintree.co.uk. For GPS systems, the venue postcode is L9 5AS, which should be used if you have label car parking.

Picnics

Food and drink cannot be brought onto the racecourse and will be confiscated by security staff upon arrival. Aintree has a wide range of food and drink concessions on offer in all enclosures. Picnics can only be consumed in the Steeplechase Car Park.

Opening times

Open from 10am on each day of the meeting, get to Aintree early to make the most of your day, and also to allow for racecourse security procedures.

Race times

Thursday’s and Friday’s races start at 2pm, whilst on Saturday; racing begins at the slightly earlier time of 1.45pm. The John Smith’s Grand National itself is at 4.15pm. On each day, racing concludes at around 5.30pm. See press for any late changes.

Dress code

Although there is no official dress code, smart is preferable and is often adopted. Aintree is a spectacle of colour for all three days of the race meeting, with many using their trip as an opportunity to showcase their favourite raceday outfits. Hats are optional too, but are frequently worn. No sports clothes please.

Seating

Limited seating is available around the racecourse. If you would prefer to be seated for most of the day, it is advisable that you purchase a seat for viewing in advance in one of our grandstands or in the West Tip Seats within the Tattersalls Enclosure.

Upgrades

Upgrades on your ticket may be available on the day, subject to availability, but we advise you to buy your tickets or badges in advance to avoid disappointment.