How To Do The Grand National In Style: The C&TH Guide

Returning to Aintree this spring, the Grand National Festival is one of the biggest events in the British sporting calendar. Held over three days at Aintree Racecourse in Liverpool, the meeting attracts more than 150,000 spectators across the festival, while millions more watch the races on television.

Returning from Thursday 9 to Saturday 11 April 2026, the Grand National itself takes place on the Saturday afternoon and sees around 40 horses tackle 30 fences over four miles and two-and-a-half furlongs, making it one of the most demanding races in jump racing.

Ladies Day at Aintree

The Grand National 2026: The C&TH Guide

First held in 1839, the Grand National has become one of the most recognisable horse races in the world, known for its challenging course which includes famous fences such as Becher’s Brook and The Chair. While the titular Grand National race is the highlight, the full festival runs from Thursday to Saturday and features a full programme of National Hunt racing across the three days.

Across the meeting, thousands of racegoers attend hospitality areas, restaurants and enclosures around the course, with Friday’s Ladies Day, long associated with British jewellery house Boodles, drawing some of the largest crowds of the week.

How Do The Races Work?

The Grand National is a National Hunt race, meaning horses jump fences rather than racing on the flat. The three-day festival features a full programme of racing each afternoon.

The Opening Day typically attracts racing enthusiasts, while Friday’s Ladies Day is known for its fashion focus, and The Grand National itself takes place on Saturday afternoon.

Across the festival there’s a mix of graded races and handicaps. The Grand National stands apart because of its distance and obstacles, with around 40 horses jumping 30 fences over four miles and two-and-a-half furlongs.

Where To Eat & Drink

Aintree offers a range of hospitality options across the racecourse, including restaurants, private boxes and hospitality lounges. Dining packages typically include multi-course menus, afternoon tea and drinks service, while bars and outdoor areas across the course provide more informal food and drink options throughout the day. Several restaurants overlook the course, including venues within the Earl of Derby and Princess Royal stands, where guests can dine while watching the racing.

Hospitality packages range from chef’s table experiences and traditional cream teas to four-course à la carte lunches served with selected wines. Guinness is the official beer partner of the festival, so the stout is widely served across bars and hospitality areas during the three-day meeting.

What To Wear

There is no formal dress code at Aintree, although racegoers typically dress smartly, particularly in hospitality areas. Of course, it’s also an excellent excuse to dress up, especially on Ladies Day; women often wear dresses or tailored outfits paired with hats or headpieces. Heels are common but do keep in mind that much of the racecourse is grass.

British jewellery house Boodles, long associated with the Grand National Festival, also plays a role in the style associated with the racing. Honour Wainwright of Boodles shares her advice for those attending the Grand National for the first time: ‘The Grand National is one of the biggest moments in the British sporting and social calendar, so my advice would be to choose something that feels polished but comfortable enough to wear throughout the day as you’ll likely be on your feet for most of the day. A beautifully cut dress or tailored coat is a safe choice and from there, it’s about the finishing touches. A great headpiece and statement pair of earrings always works well. I personally love our Raindance ‘Chelsea’ earrings as they are statement enough to stand out, while not being “too much” for a daytime event.’

Honour also notes that Ladies Day remains one of the most distinctive style moments of the racing calendar, adding it ‘has a wonderful sense of occasion and creativity’. ‘It’s one of the few events where people really embrace the opportunity to dress up and express their personal style, and for me part of the fun of going racing is the outfit,’ Honour says. ‘I love the variety of looks worn on Ladies Day, from standout pieces to classic tailored outfits — there’s inspiration everywhere you look.’

Jewellery, she adds, plays an important role in finishing a race-day look: ‘Jewellery is really what brings a race day outfit together. The key is balance. If someone is wearing a bold hat or vibrant dress, go for a simpler pair of earrings,’ Honour recommends. ‘If the outfit is more pared back, in a neutral colour with minimal accessories, you can be more confident with jewellery. I often find necklaces and bracelets can get lost in racing outfits, so a colourful or statement pair of earrings and one bold ring works well. I love our Be Boodles earrings for the races – they feel feminine but contemporary, and stand out without overpowering an outfit.’

Men typically wear suits with ties, while morning dress is sometimes seen in hospitality areas and private boxes.

Where & When?

The Grand National Festival takes place at Aintree Racecourse, Ormskirk Road, Liverpool L9 5AS from Thursday 9 to Saturday 11 April 2026.

The festival always runs over three days in early April, with gates opening late morning and racing starting in the early afternoon. The Grand National itself takes place on Saturday afternoon.

Aintree Racecourse is around 15 minutes by car from Liverpool city centre and can also be reached by train via Aintree station.

How To Get Tickets

Tickets are available via The Jockey Club’s website, and prices vary depending on the day and enclosure. General admission provides access to the racecourse and public areas, while hospitality packages include dining and private viewing areas. Ladies Day and Grand National Day are usually the most popular days, so be sure to book in advance.

ITV Racing at the Grand National

Is The Grand National On TV?

The Grand National is broadcast live on ITV, with coverage across the three days of the festival. The Grand National race on Saturday is shown free-to-air on ITV1 and ITVX.

Full coverage of every race is available via Racing TV subscription. BBC Radio 5 Live and talkSPORT also provide live radio commentary and race coverage.

Where To Stay Nearby

Hard Days Night Hotel is located in Liverpool city centre, around a 20-minute drive from Aintree Racecourse. The hotel occupies a Grade II-listed building and is themed around The Beatles, with artwork and memorabilia throughout the property, offering modern rooms, a restaurant and bar, and is conveniently within walking distance of Liverpool Lime Street station.