Travel Choices and Their Impact on Your Carbon Footprint
Here’s the table comparing the carbon footprints, grades, and travel times for a return journey from Sunnyside Guest House (PR90DP) to Aintree Grand National (L9 5AS):
Mode of Transport | Carbon Footprint per Person (Round Trip) | Grade | Travel Time (One Way) |
Bicycle | 0 kg CO₂ | A+ | 1 hour 30 minutes |
Train | 2.16 kg CO₂ | A | 1 hour 25 minutes (including walking) |
Electric Car (2 people) | 1.45 kg CO₂ | A | 30 minutes |
Bus | 3.12 kg CO₂ | C | 55 minutes |
Petrol Car (2 people) | 4.43 kg CO₂ | D | 30 minutes |
Petrol Car (4 people) | 2.21 kg CO₂ | B | 30 minutes |
*Please note the grading system reflects not only the carbon footprint but also the overall efficiency, sustainability, and impact of each mode of transport. As an example the electric car (2 people traveling) has a lower sustainability grade compared to the train despite having a lower carbon footprint per person because the electric car has a limited capacity, variability in electricity sources, and less overall operational efficiency compared to trains.
Transport Links / Additional Information
Bicycle: The route from Sunnyside Guest House to Aintree Grand National involves a mix of main roads and dedicated cycle lanes, especially as you approach Aintree. It is a long ride, with some challenging sections due to traffic.
Train: Take the Merseyrail Northern Line from Southport to Sandhills. At Sandhills get on a train heading to Ormskirk and get off at the Old Roan. Aintree Racecorse is a couple of minutes walk away.
Car: The route follows the A565 and A59, providing a direct and efficient path with moderate traffic conditions.
Bus: Take Arriva Bus Service 300 from Lord Street Southport to Liverpool. Get off at Brenka Avenue. Check out the timetable for more information.
Accessability Information
Getting to Aintree Race Course Accessability Considerations;
Car: There is parking for up to 1,800 cars. Car parking is available for free at Aintree on non Grand National meetings. For the Randox Health Grand National Festival car parking is limited and must be purchased in advance. To enquire or make a booking, call the Booking Line on 0344 579 3001. Parking needs to be pre-booked and is not available for purchase on the day.
Cycle Paths: Cycling from Bath Street in Southport to Aintree Racecourse is a scenic and relatively flat journey of about 12-13 miles (19-21 km). The route primarily follows the A565, a road that features dedicated cycle paths and quiet roads, especially around Formby and Ainsdale, making it a safe and pleasant ride for cyclists. As you pass through Crosby and Sefton, the path remains mostly flat, with a mix of dedicated cycle lanes and shared road sections. Closer to Aintree, the route transitions onto the A59, where traffic increases, especially near the racecourse. Overall, the journey offers a good mix of coastal views and green spaces, making it an enjoyable ride with manageable traffic conditions.
Train: Step free access is available from both Southport and Old Roan train stations. Sandhills station has platforms that can be accessed by lifts and ramps. Staff at the ticket office can help with assistance. Full accessability details are available for Southport and Sandhills and Old Roan Stations Merseyrail up to date accessability information Station Accessibility | Merseyrail
Bus: Arriva Accessability information. Please note most of the buses are easy access for more information, please call their Customer Service team on 0344 800 44 11 between 8am and 6pm Monday – Friday, and they will check if an easy access bus will be running on the journey you’re intending to catch. There is a bus stop within 150 meters of the venu.