Aintree Grand National Racecourse Accommodation [2025]

3 April 2025
- 5 April 2025
Aintree Race Course

Aintree racecourse can be found within a twenty to thirty minute drive of the Sunnyside Guesthouse in Southport.

Aintree racecourse is home to the world’s most televised sporting event, the John Smiths Grand National. As well as being known as a racecourse it is also used as a location for conferences, exhibitions and high profile meetings.

The John Smiths Grand National will be held between Thursday the 3rd and Saturday the 5th April 2025.

The racecourse has recently been subject to a 35 million pound makeover in order to increase the facilities on offer throughout the year. As a result there are two new grandstands and a banqueting facility holding up to 750 people.

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 TransportCarbon Footprint per Person (Round Trip)GradeTravel Time (One Way)
Bicycle0 kg CO₂A+1 hour 30 minutes
Train2.16 kg CO₂A1 hour 25 minutes (including walking)
Electric Car (2 people)1.45 kg CO₂A30 minutes
Bus3.12 kg CO₂C55 minutes
Petrol Car (2 people)4.43 kg CO₂D30 minutes
Petrol Car (4 people)2.21 kg CO₂B30 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.

Accessability information for Aintree Grand National includes the following:

  • Inclusion of induction loops installed in suites and bars
  • Braille being included on the majority of our signage
  • Improvements to disabled viewing areas
  • Suite doors being widened
  • Lowering of Tote facilities to improve access for betting purposes
  • Viewing balconies improved for wheelchair access
  • The introduction of a disabled lift
  • Changes to existing lifts to allow wheelchair operation
  • Increasing disabled car parking access

Please note a comprehensive list of the accessability measures put in place can be found at The Jockey Club website.

Guides area also avaialble on the Accessable website. 

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