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I have noticed that there are three days running of jumps action near London in November ( Sandown , Kempton and Lingfield host one day meetings on 12th to 14th November inclusive ). And as I have holidays to use , and I would like to attend courses that I've not been to before , I was considering taking a break in London to experiencing aforementioned venues . So what are the things to do/avoid when visiting these courses . And also any tips on travel from central London too . I know some seasoned racegoers on this forum will hold opinions worth hearing on this subject . Local knowledge is always good to know , and I've not been in London for over 30 years . Thanks in advance .
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I’m not from the locality but I’ve been to all three . What I would say to you would be , all 3 are roughly an hour from central London , so by train it’s no problem to get there . All 3 would be ok but the quality of NH racing in Lingfield is pretty awful ,, whereas you would be likely to have pretty decent fare at the other 2.
I’d stay in London the day lingfield is on , but certainly the other two would be worth going to . Newbury is another fantastic track to attend down south, although it’s that bit further out from the city, it’s well worth going to. |
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Go to Newbury by train; Newbury Racecourse station is adjacent to the track. Car to be avoided, course not easy to exit and town centre traffic is appalling.
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Thanks for the information . I have already decided to use public transport . Where I come from the roads are really quiet , and I would hate being stuck nose to tail for half the journey . I realise Newbury holds some fine racing , but that trip will have to wait . I will take into account the potentially poor standard of NH racing at Lingfield , but might go to tick it off as one might say .I've only been to 11 UK courses , but any new ones to me are another step to completion . If I ever get my act together regards that aim . I would imagine that the tracks that I've mentioned will be quiet enough to be able do and see whatever you wish without having to fight through crowds . But are there enclosures I should avoid , or great vantage points I should try to spectate from ?
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Sandown and Kempton easy to get to from Waterloo and Lingfield is from Victoria. All 3 tracks have a train station near the track. Sandown (Esher) is a slightly longer walk (10-15 minutes).
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lingfield are always 50/50 to be on
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On those days all the tracks will be pretty quiet. Sandown premier enclosure is definitely a bit better on busy days but probably no need on a relatively quiet day. No particular vantage points. Sandown is the best for viewing. Superb jumps track.
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Try and get yourself to Plumpton sometime. The best small track in the country
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Mrs Simpson seemed to think so, too ... when she made the Duke of Windsor take her there - to a mundane, probably wet, mid-week meeting.
"I don't go to Plumpton," said the soon to be de-throned King. "Well you are today," - was probably something like her overpowering reply. |
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tonic is right about plumpton and it also has a station next to the course.
the fear can i have an even pound each national hunt fixture please  |
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northofperth
if lingfield was of or had poor fields it would not be to much of a problem going to huntingdon that day. |
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as a base teddington or twickenham are best.
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Thank you fellow forum members for your help and advice . I have looked at trains for Huntingdon from Kings Cross , and it takes an hour . So I may well end up there if Lingfield is a washout or very small fields . I will look out now for accommodation near Teddington or Twickenham , and how these areas fit in for rail travel etc . The most Southerly placed track I've been to is Cheltenham . So I still have lots of tracks to visit still , but I prefer NH a fair bit more than flat racing .
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make sure you wrap up at huntingdon it's cold on a summers day
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fakenham a must best small nh course about in the country
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n.o.m
I would recommend the wellington hotel at waterloo for a base, thank me later regards Ronnie. |
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I tend to agree with Ronnie that Waterloo is a better option than twickenham or teddington as a base. Or alternatively clapham junction area as trains direct from clapham junction to all 3 tracks plus some decent bars and restaurants in that area for the evenings. Twickenham/Richmond area is nice but actually less practical for getting to the tracks by train as you'll then need to travel into clapham junction first.
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good morning asparagus
i didnt realise clapham had decent bars and restaurants i have only ever passed through on the train what the hotel situation around there ? |
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Morning Foxy, must admit hotel situation is probably not the best. Not that much choice. One or two at Wandsworth Town (one stop away) which do the job. The Alma, a pub with a boutique hotel attached is actually quite nice or you've got the standard Holiday Inn express. Hotel Rafayel on the river in Battersea is quite nice though further from a station so probably not one if you're just looking for a base for racing. There are also a couple in Imperial Wharf, again one stop from Clapham Junction that are more luxurious (Chelsea Harbour hotel and a Doubletree Hilton). At Clapham junction itself there is only a travelodge that i can think of. There are plenty of places on air bnb if not.
As for Bars and Restaurants I guess it depends what you are looking for but plenty of good restaurants along Northcote Road and Battersea rise which are just a few minutes away and a good range of bars. It depends what you are looking for i guess. It's not Mayfair or Soho but it's lively enough, with good wine bars, good old style pubs and modern bars. |
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i am to old now for soho
thanks for your help asparagus. |
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old style pubs suit me.
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You're welcome Foxy, Teddington/Richmond/Twickenham probably has a bigger percentage of old style pubs but a few decent ones around Clapham Junction area. London is a bit of a minefield as to where to stay but certainly for going racing South of London Clapham Junction is a very good base.
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gone off richmond to be honest,i stayed there for royal ascot one year it was before saturday was a royal day we all watched south africa win the world cup against the all blacks in the pub opposite the station,been a few times since when down for racing or rugby just seem to get lost around there now.
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Ally Pally
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Should have thought Hampton Court would be a good base. Only a couple of mile from Sandown and Kempton so cheap minicab ride.
No shortage of pubs and restaurants. |
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Thanks to all the posters , I've read through the information and will take it into account . So far I've booked my seat on a train that arrives at London Euston on the Saturday afternoon . I have also bought a visitor's oyster card . I'm now considering where to book my accommodation . I was originally thinking of staying close to Euston , but also see the merits of positioning myself nearer Waterloo station ( handy for getting to Sandown/Kempton ) , or Victoria Station for Lingfield . My days of being a party animal are firmly in the past , so I don't require to be in a hip and happening location . I will be using public transport to get around , so being close to a tube station would be convenient . Thanks in advance .
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There is a free shuttle mini bus service from Esher station to Sandown Park.
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Even on race days trains only stop at Plumpton once an hour.
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Even on race days trains only stop at Plumpton once an hour.
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Around Waterloo is your best bet and for Lingfield you just change at Clapham Junction.
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n.o.p
you say you want a hotel near a station and tube, the wellington at waterloo is so close in the bedroom you will find earplugs yes earplugs that is how close you are to the station you can hear the trains. take it from me its ideal hope I have helped have a nice time where ever you stay regards Ronnie. |
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well that sorts it then the wellington it is so the trains can keep you awake.
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And if the racing is off you can do a bit of trainspotting.
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n.o.p
the pictures on tripadvisor will show you how close the trains run ie very close but I know where I will be staying in june. as always I just want to help. have a good day regards Ronnie. |
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Oldgit - Re the trains to Plumpton - You are correct re only one an hour but they are pretty convenient times as the racing pretty much fits in with the train times - Trains arrive at 12.16 and 1.16 and race start times are 12.40 at the earliest and 2.15 at the latest. Also only an hour from Victoria too!!
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If you want to stay close to Euston then The Royal National Hotel would fit the bill . It is in Russel Square and a five minute walk to The British Museum which could be of interest if racing cancelled
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A seat on a London bound train ; check , accommodation nearby to Euston station ; check , visitors oyster card bought and received through post ; check . I'm now wondering if the oyster card can be used for part of the rail journeys to the station that serve Sandown , Kempton and Lingfield . Or is it advisable to just book rail travel for each individual trip ? I would imagine it is just as convenient/economical .
Thanks to all forum members who have posted in reply to my questions . Local knowledge , and previous experiences , are good to refer to when going to new racecourses IMHO . |
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https://tfl.gov.uk/fares-and-payments/oyster/using-oyster/where-you-can-use-oyster#on-this-page-2
You'll need to check and see what routes the course stations are on. It wasn't valid on the train to Esher when I went but that was a while ago now. |
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Oyster cards up to Zone 6 are valid to the following stations:-
Sandown - only valid to Surbiton one stop before Esher. Kempton - only valid to Hampton. Lingfield - only valid to Upper Warlingham. At the ticket office ask for a return ticket from Zone 6 to Esher, Kempton Park or Lingfield. |