How to buy 2026 Grand National tickets - VIP and hospitality, prices and race schedules
In under a fortnight, millions of eyes will focus on a racecourse in Liverpool as Aintree once more plays host to the Grand National Festival. The 2026 instalment of the renowned event runs from Thursday, April 9 to Saturday, April 11, and racing enthusiasts can still purchase tickets today.
Across three days, guests can soak up live music, abundant food and drink options, and 21 races including the famed Steeple Chase. For those who haven't yet snapped up a ticket for the festival and fancy treating themselves, numerous VIP and hospitality packages offer complimentary food, beverages and exceptional views of the racecourse.
All of this is on offer through Seat Unique and The Jockey Club, though some options are already sold out. Nevertheless, there's still an opportunity to grab a place at each day of the festival, including Opening Day, Ladies Day and Grand National Day.
Here's everything you need to know about VIP and hospitality Grand National tickets:
Grand National 2026 VIP and hospitality ticketsSeat Unique provides an array of VIP and hospitality tickets for days one (Opening Day) and two (Ladies Day) of the Grand National. Prices begin at £249 per person for the McCoys package, offering entry to Earl of Derby Terrace and a chef's al fresco dining experience.
Guests can also look forward to a complimentary McCoy's cocktail, a free racecard and a relaxed dining area. Tickets for the Golden Miller Restaurantstart from £499 and include entry to the Earl of Derby grandstand or a private balcony with views over the course.
This package offers the chance to watch the horses and jockeys getting ready in the Parade Ring before sitting down to a four-course meal and complimentary bar. Tickets also cover cream tea, a racecard and car parking, though one drawback is that tables are shared between 10 to 12 guests.
The £598.80 Many Clouds package includes 'prime' viewing of the Grand National start-line along with access to a private balcony. Guests will kick off the day with a selection of breakfast canapés before a three-course 'Around-the-World' tasting experience, with a complimentary bar serving beer, wine and soft drinks.
From £699, the Sunloch Cluboffers 'premier' entry to the Lord Sefton Grandstand and a lively restaurant. Alongside a four-course meal and a complimentary bar, the first floor area boasts outstanding views of the course and a balcony overlooking the pre-parade ring and Winners Enclosure.
A £719 Papillon Diamond Marque ticket grants entry to this Jockey Club restaurant and Earl of Derby Grandstand, which promises a 'relaxed and sophisticated atmosphere' complete with a tipster, four-course lunch and complimentary bar. For the ultimate dining experience, prices begin at £749 forThe Art School at Aintree, where celebrated chef Paul Askew and his team serve a six-course tasting menu paired with a flight of fine wines, all while overlooking the Parade Ring.
Once the racing begins, guests gain access to the Grandstand Roof along with a complimentary racecard and private tote betting service. While Seat Unique doesn't currently offer tickets for day three (Grand National Day), a variety of options remain available directly through The Jockey Club, though some have already sold out.
These range from the £970Silver Birch Garden Party Package to the £1,380 Longmaexperience. The latter is brand new for 2026 and features a six-course Pan-Asian dining experience with theatre, plus admission to the Hospitality Pavilion, a private balcony, an inclusive bar and VIP car parking with a chauffeur.
Grand National 2026 general admissionThe Jockey Club is the main official outlet for general admission tickets, starting from £33.50 per person for entry to the Festival Zone. While many ticket options have already sold out, racing enthusiasts can still secure a seat in The Embankmentfor £44.10, or opt for the more premium Princess Royal Seats and Gallery for £140.
The latter is situated near the Finishing Post, providing access to the Parade Ring, Winners' Enclosure and the Red Rum Garden. A limited number of tickets have appeared on resale platforms where buyers can offload their tickets to fellow racegoers.
On Stubhub, several West Tip Seat tickets are listed for £60, which is below face value. Prices may fluctuate closer to the festival as those unable to attend are compelled to sell their tickets.
When is the Grand National 2026?The Grand National 2026meeting will take place over three days from Thursday, April 9, to Saturday, April 11. Gates open at 11am on Thursday, 10.30am on Friday and 10am on Saturday.
The legendary Grand National Handicap Steeple Chase is due to get underway at 4pm on Saturday.
Full race schedule – dates and timesDay 1: Opening Day – Thursday, April 9
- 1.45pm – The Boodles Anniversary 4-y-o Juvenile Hurdle Race (Class 1, Grade 1)
- 2.20pm – The William Hill Manifesto Novices' Steeple Chase (Class 1, Grade 1)
- 2.55pm – The Aintree Bowl Steeple Chase (Class 1, Grade 1) (GBB Race)
- 3.30pm – The Randox Foxhunters' Open Hunters' Steeple Chase (Class 2)
- 4.05pm – The William Hill Aintree Hurdle Race (Class 1, Grade 1)
- 4.40pm – The Close Brothers Red Rum Handicap Steeple Chase (Class 1, Prem Handicap)
- 5.15pm – The Goffs Nickel Coin Mares' Standard Open National Hunt Flat Race (Class 1, Grade 2)
Day 2: Ladies Day – Friday, April 10
- 1.45pm – The William Hill Handicap Hurdle Race (Class 1, Premier Handicap) 2.20pm – The William Hill Mildmay Novices' Steeple Chase (Class 1, Grade 1)
- 2.55pm – The Top Novices' Hurdle Race (Class 1, Grade 1)
- 3.30pm – The JCB Melling Steeple Chase (Class 1, Grade 1)
- 4.05pm – The Randox Topham Handicap Steeple Chase (Class 1, Premier Handicap)
- 4.40pm – The Oddschecker Sefton Novices' Hurdle Race (Class 1, Grade 1)
- 5.15pm – The Debenhams Handicap Hurdle Race (Class 2, Conditional Jockeys/Amateur Riders)
Day 3: Grand National Day – Saturday, April 11
- 12.45pm – The Hallgarten and Nobum Wines Maghull Novices' Steeple Chase (Class 1, Grade 1)
- 1.20pm – The William Hill Handicap Hurdle Race (Class 1, Premier Handicap)
- 1.55pm – The Turners Mersey Novices' Hurdle Race (Class 1, Grade 1)
- 2.30pm – The William Hill Handicap Steeple Chase (Class 1, Premier Handicap)
- 3.05pm – The Liverpool Hurdle Race (Class 1, Grade 1)