Every year, huge crowds gather at Aintree Racecourse for one of the biggest horse racing events in the world — the Grand National.
The Grand National Festival is famous not just for the racing, but for the incredible atmosphere created by tens of thousands of racegoers attending across the three-day event.
If you’re planning to attend, it’s worth understanding just how busy Aintree can get during this famous race meeting.
How Many People Attend the Grand National?
Across the full three-day festival, attendance at Aintree Racecourse can exceed 150,000 people.
The busiest day is usually Grand National Day on Saturday, when the main race takes place and crowds reach their peak.
Ladies Day on the Friday is also extremely popular and often sells out, attracting large crowds dressed in colourful race-day outfits.
With so many people attending, the racecourse becomes incredibly lively — but it also means transport, bars, and facilities can become very busy.
What the Crowds Are Like on Race Day
Once the gates open in the morning, crowds begin arriving steadily throughout the day.
By early afternoon, the main areas of the racecourse can become quite crowded as people gather around:
- Viewing areas near the track
- Betting stands
- Bars and restaurants
- Hospitality areas
Despite the large crowds, Aintree is a very large venue designed to host major racing events, so there is still plenty of space to move around the racecourse.
The Busiest Times of the Day
There are certain times when the racecourse and surrounding areas are at their busiest.
These usually include:
Late morning arrivals
Many racegoers arrive around the same time before the main races begin.
Just before the Grand National race itself
Crowds gather around viewing areas and screens to watch the main event.
Immediately after the final race
This is when thousands of people begin leaving the racecourse at the same time.
Transport hubs, roads, and nearby stations all become very busy during this period.
Transport Crowds Around Aintree
One of the busiest areas during the Grand National is Aintree Railway Station, which sits directly opposite the racecourse entrance.
After the races finish, large queues often form as racegoers wait for trains heading towards Liverpool Central Station and the rest of the Merseyrail network.
Road traffic around Aintree can also become congested due to the large number of taxis, buses, and private vehicles leaving at the same time.
Tips for Managing the Crowds
While the Grand National is extremely busy, a few simple tips can help make the day much easier:
- Arrive early to avoid peak arrival times
- Plan your journey home in advance
- Agree on a meeting point if travelling in a group
- Consider pre-booking transport rather than relying on on-demand taxis
These small steps can help you avoid the busiest periods and enjoy the event without unnecessary stress.
Book Your Grand National Transport
If you’re heading to the Grand National, arranging transport in advance is one of the easiest ways to avoid long queues and crowded trains.
ManPool Transfers offers reliable pre-booked taxis, executive cars, and minibuses to and from Aintree Racecourse, Liverpool hotels, and nearby airports.
Travel comfortably, avoid the crowds, and enjoy your day at the races.
WhatsApp: +447377339872
Email: info@manpool.co.uk
Book Online: https://www.manpool.co.uk/instant-quote-secure-online-booking/