Accessibility

Introduction

Chelmsford City Racecourse is committed to providing an accessible environment for all.

Our aim is to provide our valued racegoers with a memorable day’s experience and the desire to return soon.

If at any point you cannot locate an area you are looking for please ask a member of raceday or security staff who will be happy to help.

Accessible Parking

The entrance to the racecourse is via our main ticket office through a level floored building. This allows easy access for wheelchair users (electric and manual), semi-ambulant visitors, pushchairs and those accompanied by assistance dogs. Access to the centre of the course is by way of a pedestrian tunnel down and then up a winding sloped path approximately 130metres in length. Once inside the centre of the racecourse, areas not at ground level are available via ramps and/or lifts.

We offer a buggy service for those with mobility difficulties, that runs from the ticket office to the main Grandstand area.  Please note that we are unable to offer this service from your car to the ticket office due to public highway regulations. Guests do not need to book this, it is a complimentary service for those guests that require additional assistance.  Due to health and safety we are unable to take children on the buggy, as well as wheelchairs, which will need to be pushed down to the drop off area.  Please note that this service may be paused during peak times, due to health and safety restrictions, but will re-start as soon as it is deemed safe. Therefore, there may be a wait, so we ask for your patience until it is safe for the service to resume.

Accessibility 2 for 1

Personal Assistant (PA) Admission

Should a registered disabled visitor need to bring a personal assistant, we offer a 2 for 1 PA ticket, for both the visitor and their personal assistant to attend. 2 for 1 PA tickets are only available on general admission and we do not offer these on hospitality packages or upgrades.

How to Book a PA Ticket

Please do not purchase a general admission ticket, as this is a specific 2 for 1 PA ticket, which is considered upon application and submission of the relevant documentation and proof of eligibility.  Pre-purchased general admission tickets cannot be converted to our 2 for PA tickets at a later date.

Our 2 for 1 PA tickets are available on the day from the ticket office for standard racedays only, with proof of eligibility. However, we recommend contacting the Racecourse in advance to book these. For feature days and concerts PA general admission tickets must pre-booked at least 1 week prior to the event taking place.

Please note that these tickets are limited and are bookable on a first come-first served basis.  You will need to apply by email or post, with proof of eligibility and the completed application form.  These by can found at the bottom of this page or by emailing info@chelmsfordcityracecourse.com

Eligibility

Currently those who receive one of the following benefits are eligible to apply for a free personal assistant ticket:

a) Disability Living Allowance (DLA);
b) Personal Independence Payment (PIP) / (England or Wales);
c) Adult Disability Payment (Scotland)
d) Attendance Allowance (AA); and
e) Armed Forces Independence Payment (AFIP)

Additionally, people who are Registered Blind are also eligible.

To prove eligibility, you will need to provide the following in respect of one the benefits referred to above, as well as completing our Accessibility Form:

a) A copy of the awarding letter from DWP or statement confirming receipt of the allowance; and
b) Photo ID which matches the details of the recipient of the above

Alternatively, if you are a Registered Blind Person, then a photocopy of certification and matching photo ID is required.

To apply for our 2 for 1 PA tickets, please either photocopy, scan or screenshot the information and email or post it to Chelmsford City Racecourse. Your tickets will be held for collection at the ticket office. We request that the disabled visitor accompanies the personal assistant when purchasing/collecting tickets.

Please note that a Blue Badge is not accepted as evidence of eligibility.

The personal assistant must be able to provide you with appropriate assistance which might include:

a) Assisting you in moving around the racecourse;
b) Helping you evacuate the racecourse in the event of an emergency;
c) Accompanying and/or assisting you in using the racecourse’s toilets;
d) Assisting you in purchasing refreshments and food or using other services

Please note that the personal assistant admission policy does not apply to disabled persons under the age of 18. It is racecourse policy that all persons under the age of 18 must be accompanied at all times by a responsible adult who must purchase their own ticket. Therefore the disabled persons under the age of 18 would enter the racecourse free of charge.

Further information and an application form can be found at the bottom of this page.

Accessible Toilet Facilities

Within the Grandstand, there are accessible toilets on each level. Other locations include the Pavilion and the Ticket Office at the main entrance.  For large events our external toilet block will be open which includes accessible toilets.

First Aid Points and Assistance

Should you need any assistance from on-site medical personnel, including paramedics, a member of staff will be able to assist you to your nearest First Aid Point.

Assistance Dogs

Dogs are not permitted onto the racecourse, with the exception of assistance dogs.

Auditory Assistance

Counter Loops are installed at the Ticket Office and the main Reception within the Grandstand, these are identifiable by way of a sticker at these locations.

Viewing Area

There is a dedicated viewing area directly adjacent to the Sports Bar at the Grandstand looking out on to the track above the steps. This area is manned by a race day steward and we would ask that just one personal assistant accompanies a racegoer using these facilities in order to ease over-crowding during peak periods.  Access to this is subject to availability and priority on busy days will be given to those who are in possession of our 2 for 1 PA tickets.

Queries

For any specific access requirements or queries, please contact the Racecourse on 01245 360 300 or email info@chelmsfordcityracecourse.com.