Please explain going to the horse racing as if I am incompetent

[Littletreefrog]

So DS wants to go to see horse racing, we can't spend a fortune and can't get too dressed up (sensory issues). Some race courses near us (North East) seem to have some very cheap entry prices for certain types of access some of which can't be prebooked buy tickets on the day. Will we still be able to see the horses well, have a drink and some food etc with these tickets?

Bonis points for anyone who knows of a Saturday meet near the North East that we can prebook cheap tickets during the Summer Holidays.

Beverley is nice, have a look at their website

Ah, there was a family day at Doncaster today - dd1 was going to work it. I can't see anything else similar that isn't afternoon into evening fixtures but worth a look at their website too maybe 🙂

I've been to Sedgefield and Thirsk. We used public transport as we were on holiday. Sedgefield was hard to get to but Thirsk was easy
Great afternoon out. I limit myself to a £5 bet per race so £5 win on a horse with smaller odds or £2.50 each way for bigger odds.

In Doncaster you can buy tickets to the family enclosure, these have great views of the finish line and you can buy food and drink. Kids go free with adult tickets too. The next Saturday meet is in September for the Leger Festival which is always great.

You'll be able to get course side somewhere and see the horses in the paddock with cheaper entry tickets. What you might not be able to do is go in any kind of grandstand or restaurants, but you'll be able to get food and drink somewhere else.
The smaller meets are nothing like the big ones you see on TV anyway, but you'll still get the experience and excitement. Just watch out on how much your betting as the days of 50 p each way have gone, I think the smallest at the tote might be £2.

Most race courses have several ticket types. The really cheap tickets are often in the middle of the course which has reduced facilities.
Then there are general entry tickets which in a smaller racecourse allow you to see the parade ring, all the tickets tock men at the bookies' stands and go to the various bars and watch the races from the standing stands . At some races people dress up but it's usually just comfortable clothes for the weather.
Then there are the more expensive enclosures and stands. These often include hospitality and private boxes or a meal in a hospitality area. You can still go to other areas of the racecourse but there may be a dress code.
If you don't want to bet too much look at the bookies stands for their minimum bets. It's often £2 but can be £5.
For each way bets you pay double but get typically quarter odds for the stated number of places.
Eg a £2 each way bet costs £4. A £2 to win bet costs £2.
I always take a betting purse with the amount I'm prepared to loose. Children can't bet but obviously can choose a horse for you to put money on..

Thank you everyone very helpful.

I didn't even know Thirsk had a racecourse but I've had a look at their website and it looks like they have several family fun days over the summer holidays. On a Friday but that could work if I juggle days at work.

Somewhere smaller would probably be better so don't mind it not looking like the big events on TV.