Fontwell Park

About the venue

Jumps racecourse in 65 acres between Arundel and Chichester, with the UK's only figure-of-eight steeplechase. Weddings in Fontwell House for 80 by day and 120 in the evening, the Premier Suite for 300, and multicultural weddings for up to 700 with a marquee.

Fontwell Park's steeplechase course runs in a figure of eight, the only one of its kind left in the UK. Alfred Day laid it out that way in 1924 to make the most of the land he had, while the hurdles track stayed a plain oval. In a three-mile chase the horses go round three times, and some racegoers walk between fences in the middle to keep up.

Day had trained racehorses at The Hermitage since 1887 and named the course after the spring outside his house, which he found on a map from 1630. At the first meeting, on 21 May 1924, some of the stable lads celebrated so well they were put to bed still wearing their boots. In 1949 Monaveen, the first racehorse owned by the Queen and the Queen Mother, won here, and a topiary statue in the main enclosure marks the win.

The course covers 65 acres of West Sussex countryside and holds more than 20 race meetings a year, including the Grade 2 National Spirit Hurdle. Day's old farmhouse became Fontwell House, first the members' restaurant and now a licensed wedding venue. The contemporary Premier Suite is the largest room, and the Paddock Marquee adds space outdoors.

Between fixtures the grounds host Ladies Evening, fireworks night, markets and concerts. Parking is free for over 2,000 vehicles, and Arundel, Chichester and Bognor Regis are a short drive away.

UK's only figure-of-eight steeplechase

65 acres between Arundel and Chichester

Over 20 race meetings a year

Civil ceremonies for 70 in Fontwell House

Premier Suite for 300

Multicultural weddings for up to 700

Raceday hen and stag packages

Free parking for over 2,000 vehicles