For over 100 years, the historic market town of Hexham has hosted National Hunt racing and is currently recognised as the only racecourse in Northumberland. This was not always the case, however, as race meetings were also held in the areas of Rothbury, Belford, Elsdon, Wark and Morpeth, before Hexham`s popularity and reputation, amongst other factors, rendered these courses obsolete.
Prior to the introduction of the National Hunt rules, various racing has been on record at Hexham for nearly 300 years, with data dating back to the Tyne Green racecourse in the 1720s. Since early races at Tyne Green, the official racecourse of Hexham has been based on Yarridge Heights.
Since racing was restarted under the National Hunt Rules in 1890, Charles William Chipchase Henderson was responsible for erecting permanent buildings and purchasing the estate out of his own pocket, and some of these buildings are still standing today. In the early years of the twentieth century, following Henderson`s death, his son assumed ownership and proceeded to turn the course into a private limited company.
Other than the duration of the Second World War, when the site was used for ammunition storage, racing has continued without a break. There have been a number of developments throughout this period, such as new sponsors and officials` boxes, as well as new stands and the installation of a watering system.
These significant developments have contributed to the reasoning behind Hexham being the solitary Northumberland racecourse in existence today. While there had previously been competition between courses in the region, Hexham had comfortably developed into the primary course in the area and its reputation as the best, most professional and picturesque course around held a higher appeal than its rival courses.
As a result of its popularity, Hexham racecourse attracts a huge number of visitors each year, which, in turn, has created a positive impact on the market town of Hexham itself.
When visiting the course, there are a number of places to stay, but none that have proven as popular as the on-site camping or caravanning available at Hexham racecourse.
On-Site Camping / Caravanning
There are a number of reasons for choosing the on-site camping at Hexham racecourse. The location is immediately next to the racecourse itself, and it can also boast phenomenal views of the countryside that this particular area of Northumberland has to offer.
As well as its location, visitors who choose to take advantage of the on-site accommodation can also benefit from the reduced admissions that will be available to them on race days.
Staying on-site provides access to all of the facilities you would expect from a well-equipped campsite, such as the ladies and gents toilets, washrooms and showers, the laundry rooms, dishwashing, drinking water points, children`s play area, games rooms, Calor gas and pay phones.
The on-site camping itself is less than two miles outside of Hexham`s town centre, and, for added convenience to visitors, there is a fantastic taxi service from Advanced Taxis that can provide the primary source of transport to and from the racecourse for tourists and race goers.
If you are a genuine horse racing fan or you are interested in attending Hexham races for the sheer fun and enjoyment that is on offer, you can find horse betting tips here.