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Frequently asked questions

Before you visit

Everything you need for a great day out

From buying tickets to bringing a dog, the answers to the questions we're asked most often are below. If there's something we haven't covered, feel free to contact us.

Good to know

Your questions, answered

How do I buy tickets?
Tickets are available online or on the day at the course. Up to 40% discount is available for tickets booked online in advance, compared to the gate price, when booked by noon the day before racing. Accompanied children under the age of 18 are admitted free - proof of age may be requested.
Are there discounts for large groups?
Yes, group discounts of 40% (for groups of 20 or more) are available in advance online, compared to the gate price. Please call 01823 337172 for details.
Which part of the course can I go in?
Taunton has one enclosure, with excellent views of the course. Your admission ticket allows access to all public areas - this includes the Portman and Orchard Grandstands, Paddock / Winners' Enclosure and Saddle Room Café. Ticket holders can also move freely over to the centre of the course, at the public crossing point, where picnic tables, toilets and catering facilities are available.
Where can I park?
Free parking is provided opposite the main entrance to the racecourse on the B3170 or in the centre of the course.
Is there a bus to the racecourse?

Yes, a free courtesy bus for racegoers to use, leaves Taunton Train Station 90 minutes before the first race and returns to the station 30 minutes after the start of the last race. Everyone who arrives by bus is given a voucher to travel back. Any spare seats on the returning bus are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

What should I wear?
Taunton has no dress code - we recommend you dress for the weather, and sensible footwear is advised. We do encourage annual members, restaurant patrons and racegoers in the hospitality suites to dress smartly.
When should I arrive?

Gates open two hours before the first race. Arriving in good time lets you soak up the atmosphere, explore the course, enjoy a drink in the bars or something to eat from our various catering outlets. We recommend arriving at least an hour before racing.

What happens if racing is abandoned?
Taunton benefits from excellent drainage and meetings are very seldom abandoned. In the unlikely event of abandonment, a full refund is offered if no racing takes place; if racing is abandoned after the first race but before the third, a 50% refund applies; no refunds are available after the third race. Refunds cannot be issued on the day - all tickets bought online in advance will be automatically refunded, to the card of payment, within 10 working days. All tickets bought on the day must be returned within 28 days of the meeting by sending your ticket with full name and address and payment details to Taunton Racecourse, Orchard Portman, Taunton, Somerset TA3 7BL.
May I bring a dog?
Dogs are welcome into the centre of the course but must be on a lead and under control at all times. With the exception of assistance dogs, no dogs are permitted on the grandstand side of the course.
What sort of racing will I see?

Taunton stages Jump Racing, where horses negotiate jumps. There are steeplechase races and hurdle races over smaller obstacles, run from distances of two miles up to three and a half miles. Some meetings finish with a NH flat race (known as a "bumper") to give future jumpers racecourse experience before tackling the jumps.

Is there provision for racegoers with accessibility needs?
Taunton makes every effort to cater for racegoers with additional accessibility needs, with clearly designated parking in all car parks, a raised viewing platform between the paddock and the racecourse, and step-free access to all floors in the Orchard and Paddock stands. Please see our Accessibility Guide for full details.