Grand National 2026 festival guide and travel tips
DEAL · Grand National 2026 at Aintree: tickets £55-£475, hotel deals from £89, train fares from £45. Complete festival guide.
The Grand National returns to Aintree on 11 April 2026 — and yes, hotel prices have already gone mad. Here's how to do the three-day festival without spending a fortune on accommodation.
The deal
Three days of racing (9–11 April): Liverpool's Day, Ladies Day, and Grand National Day itself. General admission runs £55–£165 depending on which day and enclosure you choose; premium options (Aintree Pavilion, County Stand) go up to £475.
Travel options:
- Train: Avanti from London Euston to Liverpool Lime Street from £45 advance. Lime Street to Aintree station is 12 minutes on race day.
- Hotels: City centre is £250+ per night already. Premier Inn Liverpool Aintree (£135/night) is your best bet on-brand. Budget option: Travelodge Liverpool Stonedale (£89/night, 8 miles out, Uber about £18).
Why we like it
If you're thinking of going, book train tickets now — advance fares from the south are genuinely reasonable. The Premier Inn near the racecourse cuts out the commute faff entirely, though you'll pay for convenience.
The catch: accommodation is already pricey for a Saturday in April, and it'll only get worse. The Travelodge saves you £46 a night but adds travel time and Uber costs. Do the maths for your group.
How to book
Tickets go through Aintree's official site. For trains, compare Avanti and Northern Rail on Trainline or directly; advance purchase is non-refundable but worth it. Hotels: Premier Inn and Travelodge direct, or Booking.com if you want to compare other options nearby. Book soon — this weekend will sell out.
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