If you’ve never been to Ladies Day at Newcastle Racecourse before, you’re in for a treat. It’s bold, it’s brilliant, it’s a bit chaotic — and it’s one of the most iconic days out in the North East calendar and we are here to give you some Ladies Day Newcastle first timer tips!
But let’s be honest: your first time at the races can be a bit overwhelming. The mix of fashion, betting, champagne, and logistics can feel like a lot to get your head around, especially when you’re also trying to enjoy it.
Whether you’re heading in a big group, with your partner, or flying solo in your best clobber, here’s a down-to-earth, no-nonsense guide to getting it right on race day 2025 — and enjoying every second.
📅 First Things First – What’s Ladies Day Actually About?
Saturday 26 July 2025 is when it all kicks off — the annual Ladies Day at Newcastle Racecourse.
You’ll get:
- A full afternoon of horse racing
- Glamorous guests in their finest fits
- The Style Awards (yes, you can enter)
- Food, drink, live music and DJs
- And this year — the return of Bongo’s Bingo for the wildest afterparty in the Grandstand Hall
It’s part fashion show, part race day, part music festival, and part “Geordie pride” all wrapped into one.
🎟️ Tickets? You can book them at the official site:
👉 newcastle-racecourse.co.uk/whats-on/ladies-day-ft-bongos-bingo-party
⏰ What Time Should I Get There?
Gates open at 11am, with the first race usually around 1.30pm. People tend to arrive early — especially if they want photos while outfits are fresh and drinks are cold.
If you’re meeting friends, set a clear location in advance (like by the paddock or a specific bar), because mobile signal can dip once the crowds are in.
🎯 Top Tip:
Plan to arrive by midday — it gives you time to explore, grab a drink, and get settled before the races begin.
👗 What Should I Wear?
You don’t have to follow strict rules, but this is called Ladies Day for a reason. People dress up. Like, properly. Dresses, heels, fascinators, suits, polished shoes — the lot.
For women, think:
- Dress or co-ord that’s comfortable enough for 8+ hours
- A bag that fits your essentials
- Block heels or a flat-backup (nobody judges)
For men:
- Smart two-piece suit or blazer/chinos
- Loafers, brogues, or clean lace-ups
- A sharp shirt (tie optional but welcome)
The Style Awards are open to everyone — so if you want to stand out, bring something extra. But honestly? Wear what feels like you, not what you think you’re meant to wear.
📲 What Should I Bring?
This isn’t Glastonbury, but a little prep goes a long way. Essentials include:
✅ Your phone
✅ Portable charger
✅ Racecard (you can buy one there)
✅ Bank card (most places are cashless) but ensure cash if you go to the betting stands
✅ ID (especially for drinks or group bookings)
✅ Sunscreen or rain mac – it’s the North East, after all
✅ Plasters if you’re in new shoes
You don’t need to bring food or drink — there’s loads on site. But snacks for the taxi ride home? Never a bad shout.
💸 How Does Betting Work?
Never placed a bet in your life? You’re not alone — and you definitely don’t need to be an expert to get involved.
You can:
- Use the on-site bookies (cash-friendly)
- Bet via the Tote (quick and easy, often smaller stakes)
- Or download a betting app and do it all on your phone
Start small. A few quid on a funny horse name is still part of the fun — and if it wins, you’ll feel like a genius.
🎯 Top Tip:
Set a budget before you go. It’s easy to get swept up, but the buzz is the same whether you bet £2 or £20.
🍾 Where Do You Get Drinks?
Bars are dotted all over the racecourse — from prosecco vans and cocktail stalls to bigger tented areas and hospitality zones.
You can grab:
- Prosecco and wine by the glass
- Pints and bottled beer
- Softs, mocktails, and water stations
- And a decent selection of spirits or cocktails
Keep an eye out for queues — they can build around race times, so it’s smart to stock up just before a race starts when others are focused on the track.
🎯 Tip: Some zones operate on reusable cup systems. Hold onto yours!
🍔 What About Food?
There’s loads. Think:
- Street food stalls
- Gourmet burgers, pizzas, loaded fries
- Sweet treats, churros, fudge vans
- Sit-down meals in hospitality packages (pre-booked)
You won’t go hungry. But the queues can get hefty during the mid-afternoon lull — so either eat early, or wait until the afterparty.
🏇 Where Do You Watch the Races?
The Grandstand and Paddock give you access to the trackside rail and winner’s enclosure, so you can watch the horses parade, race, and return. The energy when they thunder past is unreal.
Hospitality guests get private terraces or lounges, but the view’s solid wherever you are.
Even if you’re not there for the racing, take a few moments to watch one properly — it’s an atmosphere unlike anything else.
🎉 What’s the Afterparty Like?
This year, Bongo’s Bingo returns for a massive live set in the Grandstand Hall. If you’ve never done one before, expect:
- Dancing on benches
- Prizes that range from life-changing to hilarious
- A room full of people singing their hearts out
- Some of the wildest energy you’ll find anywhere in the city
It’s included with your ticket, so don’t rush off — many say the afterparty’s the best part of the day.
🚖 Getting There & Back
🚗 Parking is available on site — but it fills up fast.
🚕 Taxis and Ubers get busy — book your return journey in advance if you can.
🚆 Trains to Newcastle Central then a short taxi or bus up to the course.
Most people pre-drink in town, then head up in groups mid-morning. Shared taxis from Jesmond, Heaton, or city centre bars are popular.
💬 Final Thought: Don’t Overthink It
You don’t need to know horses. You don’t need a five-piece suit. You don’t need to spend £300 on an outfit. You just need to get stuck in and enjoy the day.
Ladies Day is one of those events where the entire city shows up — dressed up, hyped up, and ready to celebrate. Everyone’s there for a different reason, but no one’s there to judge. So whether it’s your first time or your fifteenth, just embrace it.
Smile. Bet a little. Dance a lot. And take more photos than you think you need.
🎟️ Ready to go?
👉 Book your tickets for Ladies Day 2025 at Newcastle Racecourse
I hope we have helped you and given some Ladies Day Newcastle first timer tips!
Style Awards
https://innewcastle.co.uk/ladies-day-newcastle-inside-the-style-awards-how-to-stand-out/
What to wear
https://innewcastle.co.uk/what-to-wear-to-ladies-day-newcastle/
Ladies Day history
https://innewcastle.co.uk/a-history-of-ladies-day-newcastle-racing-roots-to-ritual/
Heels survival tips
https://innewcastle.co.uk/heading-to-the-races-this-summer-read-these-top-tips-for-surviving-heels-all-day-long/
The Jockey’s Rest
https://innewcastle.co.uk/the-jockeys-rest-returns-for-ladies-day-newcastle-2025/