In less than two weeks, the spotlight will once again shine on Aintree racecourse in Liverpool as the Grand National Festival unfolds. Scheduled from Thursday, April 9, to Saturday, April 11, the 2026 edition promises three days of excitement for racing aficionados who can still secure their tickets.
During the festival, attendees can enjoy live music, a wide array of food and drink options, and a total of 21 races, including the iconic Steeple Chase event. For those who have yet to secure their tickets and are looking to indulge, various VIP and hospitality packages are available, offering complimentary meals, drinks, and premium views of the racecourse.
These exclusive offerings are accessible through Seat Unique and The Jockey Club, although some options have already been sold out. However, there are still opportunities to secure spots for each day of the festival, spanning Opening Day, Ladies Day, and Grand National Day.
Seat Unique presents a diverse selection of VIP and hospitality tickets for the first two days of the Grand National. Prices start at £249 per person for the McCoys package, providing access to the Earl of Derby Terrace and a chef-curated al fresco dining experience. Guests can anticipate a complimentary McCoy’s cocktail, a free racecard, and a relaxed dining setting.
Alternatively, the Golden Miller Restaurant tickets begin at £499, incorporating entry to the Earl of Derby grandstand or a private balcony affording panoramic views of the course. The offerings extend to a comprehensive VIP and hospitality ticket range for the Grand National’s early days, offering guests the opportunity to observe the horses and jockeys preparing in the Parade Ring before indulging in a four-course meal, complimentary bar service, cream tea, racecard, and parking.
For those seeking a premium experience, the Many Clouds package priced at £598.80 provides prime viewing of the Grand National start-line and access to a private balcony, complemented by breakfast canapés, a three-course ‘Around-the-World’ tasting experience, and a bar serving beer, wine, and soft drinks. The Sunloch Club package, starting from £699, offers premier access to the Lord Sefton Grandstand and a vibrant restaurant ambiance, inclusive of a four-course meal, complimentary bar, and exceptional views of the course from a balcony overlooking the pre-parade ring and Winners Enclosure.
Moreover, the Papillon Diamond Marque ticket priced at £719 grants admission to the Jockey Club restaurant and Earl of Derby Grandstand, boasting a relaxed and sophisticated atmosphere with a tipster, a four-course lunch, and a complimentary bar. For an exquisite dining experience, prices start at £749 for The Art School at Aintree, featuring a six-course tasting menu paired with fine wines while overlooking the Parade Ring.
As the races commence, guests gain access to the Grandstand Roof, along with a free racecard and a private tote betting service. While Seat Unique currently does not offer tickets for the third day (Grand National Day), a range of options are still available directly through The Jockey Club, although some have already been sold out.
These options span from the £970 Silver Birch Garden Party Package to the £1,380 Longma experience, a novel offering for 2026 featuring a six-course Pan-Asian dining experience with theatre, admission to the Hospitality Pavilion, a private balcony, an inclusive bar, and VIP car parking with a chauffeur.
The Jockey Club serves as the primary official outlet for general admission tickets, starting from £33.50 for entry into the Festival Zone. Although numerous ticket options have already been claimed, there are still opportunities to secure seats in The Embankment for £44.10 or opt for the elevated Princess Royal Seats and Gallery for £140, situated near the Finishing Post and affording access to the Parade Ring, Winners’ Enclosure, and the Red Rum Garden. Limited resale tickets are available on platforms such as Stubhub, offering West Tip Seat tickets below face value at £60.
Resale platforms like Viagogo and Vivid Seats enable fans to purchase tickets from other enthusiasts. It’s crucial to note that event promoters often prohibit ticket resale after the initial purchase, which may render resold tickets invalid for entry to events. Attendees are advised to review the ticket terms and conditions at the point of sale to ensure a seamless live event experience, as purchasing second-hand tickets carries inherent risks.
Viagogo emphasizes being a regulated marketplace where fans are provided with guarantees. The Grand National 2026 event will span three days from Thursday, April 9, to Saturday, April 11, with gates opening at 11am, 10.30am, and 10am on the respective days. The prestigious Grand National Handicap Steeple Chase will commence at 4pm on Saturday.
For a comprehensive guide to the 2026 Randox Grand National, including interviews, features, and statistics, enthusiasts can order a
