1. Windsor Keep Monday nights free for Windsor Racecourses’ weekly events, the Racing Breaks favourite for this summer is the Sausage Festival, held on 7th August. Other events include Cuban Race Night and Ladies Evening with a Take That afterparty! Royal Windsor Racecourse is situated by the River Thames, the first races were held between English Royalty and their noblemen in the 1600s. It has been tradition for races to held on Monday evenings in the Summer since the 1960s. There are direct trains from Waterloo station to Windsor which take around an hour. From the station, walk to Barry Avenue Promenade where there are river taxis to the Racecourse. 2. Ascot Ascot plays host to the outdoor Luna Cinema this August, a quintessentially British event, with Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone and Notting Hill being played. Renowned for it’s beauty, Ascot enjoys strong connections to the royal Family. The renowned Royal Meeting takes place in June, attended by the Queen and other Royals, the most prestigious race being The Gold Cup. London Waterloo, Reading and Guilford all have frequent trains to Ascot Station, which is a short walk from the racecourse.
3. Sandown Racing and live music events complete Sandowns Summer calendar, with Tom Jones playing on Wednesday 19th July and Olly Murs on the 10th August, with evening racing taking place in between. The first purpose built racecourse, Sandown opened in 1875 and is located in the tranquil town of Esher, Surrey. The racecourses most renowned events include the bet365 Ultimate Celebration in April and the Coral Eclipse in July. Sandown can be reached from Waterloo station, the journey should take around half an hour. The racecourse entrance is a ten minute walk from the station. Alternatively, if you are wishing to drive follow the venue signs to Sandown Park on the A3. 4. Kempton Kempton Park Racecourses’ biggest event is an Irish Night on the 16th August. Additionally, throughout the month of August there will be weekly races on Wednesday evenings. In July 1987 Kempton Park Racecourse hosted its first race. It has since survived two world wars - becoming a transit depot and accommodation, although suffered damages as a result. Located in Sunbury-On-Thames, getting there could not be easier - the racecourse has it’s own station (Kempton Park), with trains direct from Waterloo station. 5. Bath The Racing Breaks event recommendation involves a cherished West Country tradition - cider. Held on Friday 4th August the 10th annual event includes live music from The Wurzels. Throughout July, August and September weekday racing takes place on Wednesday evenings and Thursday afternoons. Much like the city, Bath racecourse has a rich history, having been established in 1811. In 2015, a major renovation lead to new stands and parade rings being built. Bath Racecourse can be reached from London Paddington station and south Wales lines. There is a shuttle bus from the station to the racecourse.