Birmingham is a city famous for its engineering and trade history, but what about entertainment? Horse racing is a sport that fills the air with excitement, and it has become synonymous with the Second City thanks to the hit BBC show Peaky Blinders. The show is set in Small Heath – a suburb of Brum Town – and follows the Shelby family, who initially start out as bookmakers, taking bets and getting involved in the action up and down the country.
To many of the locals, that may come as somewhat of a surprise, especially considering the fact that the city doesn’t have its own racecourse. But fear not, we are here to provide you with all the information you need for a perfect day at the races, and you don’t need to travel too far to do it.
Cheltenham
Even though Cheltenham is a little farther than the rest of the tracks we will mention – and it is even further away than both Worcester and Uttoxeter, two racecourses we won’t be delving into – we could not leave it out. Located around 70 miles away, the drive from Birmingham will take around an hour and 20 minutes, but some horse racing fanatics travel much further to get a piece of the action.
The racecourse presents a great atmosphere, especially during the Cheltenham festival, which is one of the most significant events in the UK’s sporting schedule. Every year, bookmakers are tripping over themselves to offer some eye-catching Cheltenham betting offers, providing ample opportunity to punters looking to make their wagers go further.
The venue is, without a doubt, one of the most celebrated and respected racing courses globally. The April Festival in particular brings together thousands of fans from all around the world to witness the best of the best in racing history.
Stratford-upon-Avon
Located just 24 miles from Birmingham, Stratford-upon-Avon Racecourse is one of the oldest racecourses in the UK, with racing events dating back to the 1750s. This picturesque racecourse is situated in the heart of Shakespeare country and features a perfect blend of natural obstacles and jumps, providing a great challenge to both horses and jockeys. The racecourse hosts year-round events and several themed events, such as the popular Ladies Day. Its racecourse features a chic bar, and grandstand tickets cost between £15 and £20 per person, depending on the day.
Wolverhampton
As you may have gathered thanks to the football rivalry between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Brum outfits Birmingham City and Aston Villa, the racetrack located in the former’s city is easily the closest race course to the Second City. It is a mere 16-minute train ride from Birmingham New Street station and tickets start from as low as £13, making it both accessible and affordable to both casuals and fanatics alike. Wolverhampton offers a range of race events throughout the year, with 80 fixtures, including flat and jump racing to enjoy. The racecourse also boasts some weekend party racing,which is something that always provides an unrivalled atmosphere.
