Our Editor-at-Large, Danielle Wilkins, had a taste of what’s to come with this year’s National Racehorse Week
Parents of young children know the truth: a fun day out with two young kids isn’t really a fun day out for the adults. Or so we think… until a trip to Epsom and Ascot with Great British Racing makes me realise there might be hope after all.
In fact, my partner and I agreed that this was the first day out in a long time that felt more like a relaxing break than a military operation.
Meet Real-Life Racehorses this Summer
Saturday 22 August sees the start of National Racehorse Week, a nationwide celebration of racehorses and a chance for families to see the love and work that goes into looking after these beautiful, highly intelligent animals. It’s when hundreds of yards across the UK open their doors to show what goes into training, schooling and caring for them – and the best bit is, it’s all free.
Our day started at Ermyn Lodge Stud in Epsom, the yard of renowned trainer Pat Phelan, where our two boys were thrilled to meet the racehorses up close. We watched them being exercised, showered, and got to pet and stroke them inside the barns, all while soaking up the beautiful countryside surroundings and fields where they roam.
On a typical open day, there’s plenty for the kids to get to grips with, including being able to see the racehorses hone their skills, watch live farriery and even handle different types of horseshoes and equipment at the demos.
Our First Family Race Day
Our next stop was Ascot and its Racing to Zero Summer Mile Race Day – a hit every single year with families and children of all ages thanks to the wealth of free things to do. From the arts and crafts lounge to the sensory room, to the plethora of festival-style tents featuring face painting, circus skills workshops, remote-control cars, mini golf and more (and the Moët & Chandon bar slap-bang in the centre), every detail aims to make parents’ lives easier and give the kids some respite from the racetrack.
This wasn’t my first Ascot rodeo, but it was certainly not somewhere I’d considered bringing my boys before. With its immaculate grounds and Great British garden party vibes, I was worried that two over-excited little boys running headfirst into a sea of hats and heels would garner one or two disapproving looks, shall we say.
But I needn’t have worried. The whole place has a smart-yet-relaxed vibe; the kids enjoyed picking out their favourite horse names to bet on (though I’d perhaps recommend an alternative tactic if you want to win something) and watching the animals sprint out of their blocks.
We were lucky enough to have access to the King Edward Enclosure, where the views of the track are incredible and the dress code is a little smarter, but the children found it more thrilling down on the grass, as close to the track as they could get, kicking back on a picnic blanket, their faces and shirts dripping with ice cream.
My partner and I sit together and watch them, champagne in hand, wondering how we’ve got away with this moment of peace. Despite intending to leave before the last race to catch the train home, we couldn’t bring ourselves to head off early. It felt like a real break. Who knew?!
Plan Your Visit
National Racehorse Week: 22-31 August 2026 Find an event and open day near you by visiting nationalracehorseweek.uk
The next family race day at Ascot is the Firework Spectacular Family Race Day. Visit ascot.com to find out more.
