Aintree Racecourse: Family fun and race days you can't miss in 2024

Aintree Racecourse is the home of amazing racing and the excitement doesn’t end with the Grand National, it goes on right the way through the year.

Even though obviously the huge spectacle of the National is the one the world is watching, Aintree Racecourse has a packed calendar of fabulous race days lined up for autumn and winter including the return of its popular Halloween family day.

It’s a chance to experience the famous racecourse in a different way and, if you go in October you can take the kids along to enjoy it too.

Here’s what to look forward at Aintree Racecourse for the rest of 2024 … and don’t forget to start planning for the big one in 2025!

Halloween Family Day on October 27

Get ready for a zombie invasion at Aintree’s Halloween Family Day this year.

Get your Halloween celebrations off to a magical start with FREE entry and entertainment for children including a spine-tingling flash mob, zombie characters, a spooktacular fancy dress and dance competition, and lots of extra frightful surprises.

Kids and adults can get all dressed up in Halloween costumes and there’s a full day of racing, with gates opening at 10.50am, pony races at 12noon and 12.15pm, the first race at 12.50pm and last race at 4.20pm.

Afternoon Racing on November 9

Autumn days were made for racing, it’s the perfect opportunity to get dressed up ahead of the party season, and on Saturday November 9 Aintree has an unmissable date, with the BoyleSports Afternoon Raceday. Cheer on your favourites as they go head to head in seven races including the Grand Sefton Chase which takes place over the iconic Grand National fences.

Becher Chase Day on December 7

The world famous Becher’s Brook, Canal Turn, and Valentine’s will be back in action on December 7 for the BoyleSport Becher Chase Day. Saturday December 7 promises to be a day of top class racing, starting at 11.10am, with the big one – the BoyleSports Becher Handicap Steeple Chase – at 2.05pm leading up to the last race at 3.15pm.

Boxing Day Racing on December 26

Boxing Day isn’t just about the Reds and Blues in post-Christmas action, it’s also a major one for race fans and Aintree will be keeping the festivities going with a fantastic family-friendly day of racing and entertainment. There’s a full day of thrilling racing, with gates opening at 9.55am and the final race at 3.25pm – plus Grandstand and Paddock tickets are free for under-18s.

And the Grand National 2025 is closer than you think!

As soon as the final race is run on Grand National Saturday, everyone’s thoughts are already turning to the next one, especially the gorgeous fashion! If you want to get ahead with your plans for 2025 – and make sure you get the exact tickets you want – it’s never too soon to get started. The Grand National Festival is on from April 3-5, and demand is already high for lots of areas so get booking to make sure you’re part of the greatest race day of the year!