Newbury Racecourse

About the venue

Berkshire racecourse that held its first meeting in 1905 and runs the Coral Gold Cup each November. More than 50 event spaces across 225 acres, conferences for up to 1,000 in the Grandstand and Asian weddings for up to 550. There is a 36-bedroom hotel on site, its own railway station and free parking.

Kingsclere trainer John Porter won approval for a racecourse at Newbury after a chance meeting with King Edward VII. The first meeting ran on 26 and 27 September 1905, and the course's own railway station opened the same day. Copper King won the first race, the Whatcombe Handicap. The Hampshire Stand, built that year, was the first building on the site and is still used for events.

The course now covers 225 acres and has more than 50 event spaces in four buildings. The Grandstand, which the racecourse credits to Sir Norman Foster, holds conferences for up to 1,000 over three tiers. Its second floor alone has more than 780 square metres without pillars, enough for 550. The Berkshire Stand has over 40 boxes and conference areas, and 26 syndicate rooms sit near the main suite. The newer Owners' Club has a terrace over the Parade Ring.

The wedding offer is built around Asian weddings, with up to 550 for the ceremony and reception. Rooms can take a mandap and fire ceremony, and there are bridal rooms and prayer rooms. The racecourse also hosts birthdays, anniversaries, christenings and baby showers. Catering is in-house, and outside caterers are allowed only for needs the team cannot meet. Every event space is DDA compliant.

The Lodge, a 36-bedroom hotel with a bar, is two minutes' walk from the racecourse station, one stop from Newbury. Parking is free for events. Outdoors the grounds can hold 24,000 people and have been used for festivals, car shows and filming, including the film Dark Horse. The site even has its own children's nursery, the Rocking Horse.

Racing since 1905 on 225 acres

Home of the Coral Gold Cup

More than 50 event spaces

Grandstand conferences for up to 1,000

Asian weddings for up to 550

26 syndicate rooms

The Lodge: 36 bedrooms on site

Own railway station; free parking