Aintree Ladies Day 2027 Tickets, Dress Code, Style Awards and Getting There from Birmingham

Ladies’ Day at Aintree isn’t like any other race day. This one is for the ‘here to be seen’ers and the ‘go glamorous or go home’ers. The limelight shines not just on the champion horses and jockeys but also on Liverpool’s best dressed. It is the Friday of the Randox Grand National Festival. The social heart of the three-day event. The day that has been in the calendar since January.

Aintree Ladies Day 2027 falls on Friday, 9 April 2027. Part of the three-day Randox Grand National Festival running from Thursday 8 April (Opening Day) to Saturday 10 April (Grand National Day).

This guide covers everything for Ladies Day specifically: tickets and enclosure prices, the Style Awards and how to enter, what to wear and what is banned, the racing card, how to get from Birmingham to Aintree, and why a group chauffeur is the transport decision that makes the most sense for a dressed-up group.

A Grand Executive chauffeur from Birmingham to Aintree collects from your door, drives while you apply the finishing touches, and drops you at the entrance looking exactly as planned. No Merseyrail in heels.

When is Ladies Day at Aintree in 2027?

Friday, 9 April 2027. Gates open at 6am. Racecourse access from late morning. The first race is approximately 1:45pm. Last race approximately 5:15pm. The Style Awards ceremony takes place in the afternoon between races.

Ladies Day is always the Friday of the Grand National Festival. The date moves with the calendar each year; always confirm before booking travel or accommodation.

What Is Ladies Day at Aintree?

Ladies Day is as much about the spectacle off the track as the racing on it. It is the day the festival’s social scene comes alive: friends old and new, a buzz of anticipation around the enclosures, live entertainment and an atmosphere that Aintree is rightly known for. Originating as a Liverpool tradition, it now invites everyone, not only the ladies, to dress up and join in. RacehorseClub

Do men go to Ladies Day at the races? Yes. Everyone is welcome. The name reflects the tradition of dressing up rather than restricting attendance. Partners, friends, and mixed groups all attend. Men typically wear suits or smart tailored outfits.

Why is it called Ladies’ Day? The tradition began in the 19th century when dedicated days were created at racecourses specifically welcoming women as primary guests rather than companions. The name stayed long after the occasion evolved into an inclusive social event for everyone who wants an excuse to dress properly.

The racing itself is serious. The Friday card is one of the strongest of the season over jumps, so you get championship racing and the social occasion in one. Grade 1 races dominate the card, including the Marsh Chase (Melling Chase) and the Mildmay Novices’ Chase alongside the Topham Handicap Chase over the National fences. A prize fund of over £1 million across the day. Do not ignore the racing just because the fashion is excellent. RacehorseClub

Aintree Ladies Day Tickets 2027: Prices and Enclosures

Tickets for Ladies Day must be bought in advance. Some enclosures sell out months before the event. Buy as early as possible.

Children under 18 go free with a paying adult on Ladies Day (maximum 3 children per adult). Car parking must be pre-booked and opens at 6am.

Which enclosure for Ladies Day?

For a social group wanting the best atmosphere, Festival Zone gives access to the parade ring, winners’ enclosure, the Red Rum Garden (where the atmosphere peaks on Ladies Day), and multiple viewing points around the course.

For Style Award entrants wanting to be spotted: Festival Zone and Earl of Derby Terrace put you in the areas where the judging team circulates. The parade ring and winners’ enclosure are the highest-traffic spots for judges.

For corporate hospitality: Garden Club or dedicated hospitality packages through operators like Eventmasters Birmingham (0121 233 6500). Fine dining, dedicated viewing, open bar, and Style Award access.

The Style Awards Aintree’s Fashion Competition

The Style Awards are the centrepiece of Ladies Day. Aintree’s celebration of individual style and fashion brings together the best-dressed racegoers for a competition watched nationally.

Categories typically include: Best Dressed Lady. Best Dressed Gentleman. Best Dressed Couple. Best Hat. Best Dressed Young Racegoer.

Women in Business Award (new for 2026/2027): Aintree announced Ally Mangan as the winner of the Women in Business Award. Founder of Loved By Ally, she has turned her love of vintage, sustainable fashion into a thriving business inspired by her late mum. She joins as an official partner for the 2026 Randox Grand National Festival and will be part of the Style Awards judging.

How to enter: Style Award judging teams circulate through the enclosures during the afternoon. There is no formal pre-registration for most categories — the judges find you. Being in the Festival Zone or near the parade ring during the early afternoon gives the best chance of being spotted. For the Best Hat and Best Dressed categories, standing near the parade ring between the second and fourth races is when most judging occurs.

What the judges look for: Personality and confidence carry as much weight as the outfit itself. Aintree’s Style Awards have always rewarded creativity and individual expression over pure formality. Bold colour works here. Statement hats work. A perfectly executed themed look works. A perfectly conventional outfit worn without any joy does not win, regardless of its quality.

The Aintree approach vs. Ascot: Royal Ascot has strict formal rules (hats mandatory, length requirements, no off-shoulder). Aintree has no official dress code. The styles that win Style Awards at Aintree tend to be bolder, more playful, and more expressive than what succeeds at Ascot. The style here sits between the formality of Ascot and the boldness of Aintree — elegant and polished, but with more room to be playful.

What to Wear to Aintree Ladies Day: Dress Code and Outfit Guide

There is no official dress code at the Grand National. The guidance is simply to come dressed to feel your best. But there are rules about what is NOT permitted, and there is the unspoken standard of what the occasion calls for.

What is banned in premium enclosures:
Sportswear. Team colours. Trainers. Fancy dress or costume. Jeans in premium areas. Denim shorts. Gym clothes.

What works at Aintree Ladies Day:

Bold colours. Aintree Ladies Day is a riot of colour. Bright yellow, cobalt blue, fuchsia pink, emerald green. Colour that photographs well and stands out in a crowd rewards confidence.

Statement hats and fascinators. Not mandatory at Aintree, unlike at Ascot, but the norm. From a simple fascinator to an architectural hat. Hair up shows a hat better. Hair down with a small fascinator works too.

Midi and maxi dresses. Popular and practical. Floor-length can be difficult on the turf — a midi length gives elegance without the mud risk.

Jumpsuits and tailored separates. Perfectly appropriate and increasingly popular. A well-fitted suit in a bold colour is an excellent choice for both fashion and comfort over a full day.

Heels or smart flats. Heels work on the paved areas. On the turf and grass areas, they sink. Wedge heels or block heels handle mixed terrain better than stilettos. Bring a fold-up flat in a bag for the end of the day.

The M&S Aintree connection: Marks and Spencer is a major fashion partner of the Grand National Festival. Their Aintree festival collection is specifically designed for racecourse wear — practical fabrics, appropriate lengths, and bold prints. Worth checking before buying elsewhere.

April weather: Early April in Liverpool is variable. Average temperature: 10-14°C. Rain is possible. Sun is possible. Sometimes both in the same afternoon. A tailored coat or smart blazer provides warmth without ruining the outfit. Pack a small umbrella or invest in a stylish one that becomes part of the look.

Aintree Ladies Day vs Royal Ascot dress code comparison:

The Racing on Ladies Day

Do not come purely for the fashion and miss the fact that Friday has some of the best racing of the entire festival.

Marsh Chase (Melling Chase) — Grade 1: The day’s headline race. One of the most important two-mile-plus chases of the entire season. Previous winners have gone on to Cheltenham Gold Cup glory. This is serious championship racing.

Mildmay Novices’ Chase — Grade 1: The top novice chasers of the season compete. A Grade 1 that genuinely matters to trainers and connections.

Topham Handicap Chase: Run over the Grand National fences for the second time in the festival. A dramatic spectacle that gives you a taste of the National Fences a day before the main event. Becher’s Brook, The Chair, and Canal Turn all in full use.

Cavani Menswear Sefton Novices’ Hurdle — Grade 1: A third Grade 1 on the card. Three Grade 1 races on a single day at a British jump meeting are exceptional quality.

The Ladies Day card is frequently described by racing professionals as one of the strongest of the National Hunt season. It is not a light programme designed to let the fashion take centre stage — the fashion just happens to share the day with excellent sport.

How to Get from Birmingham to Aintree for Ladies’ Day

By Train

Birmingham New Street to Liverpool Lime Street: Avanti West Coast or CrossCountry, approximately 1 hour 10 minutes. Then Merseyrail from Liverpool Central to Aintree station: approximately 20 minutes, every 7.5 minutes on race days. Walk from Aintree station to the racecourse: 5 minutes.

Total: approximately 1 hour 35 to 1 hour 45 minutes.

Book the Birmingham to Liverpool leg in advance. Merseyrail can be bought on the day. Be aware that on Ladies Day, the Merseyrail from Liverpool Central is packed with dressed-up racegoers from early morning. There is nothing wrong with this — it is part of the experience if you enjoy it.

National Express Coach

National Express is the official coach travel provider for the Grand National Festival. Direct services from Birmingham on Ladies’ Day. Return from approximately £27-45. Book via the National Express Grand National event services page.

By Car

M6 northbound to M57, Junction 6. Follow signs for Aintree. Sat Nav: L9 5AS. Car parking must be pre-booked online. Opens at 6am. The A59 approach to the course queues is significant on Ladies Day.

Group Chauffeur from Birmingham

This is where Ladies Day specifically differs from every other Aintree event.

A group of 8 women who have spent months planning their outfits, their hats, and their accessories does not want to board a packed Merseyrail at 9am. By the time the group boards at Liverpool Central, stands for 20 minutes, navigates Aintree station, and walks to the course entrance, the carefully assembled look has been compromised by the reality of public transport on a busy race day.

A grand executive chauffeur from Birmingham collects the group from home or hotel, drives to Aintree while final preparations are completed in the back, and drops everyone at the racecourse entrance. Two hours from Birmingham. Fixed price. Named driver. Collection at an agreed time after racing.

For a group of 8 in two vehicles: approximately £40-50 per person each way. That is the most reasonable line item in a day where each person has spent £65+ on a ticket and £150+ on an outfit and is planning a full day that costs £300+ per person total.

The return journey after 6pm on Ladies Day, when 8 people in heels have been on their feet since 11am, is where the chauffeur makes the clearest practical argument. The driver is waiting. The group leaves when they choose. Nobody negotiates the Merseyrail at 7pm in stilettos.

Ladies’ Day vs Grand National Day vs Opening Day: Which Should You Book?

This decision framework does not exist on any competitor page.

Book Ladies Day (Friday 9 April) if fashion, the Style Awards, and the social atmosphere are your priority. You are coming with a group of friends for the occasion as much as the sport. You want the most vibrant, social atmosphere of the three days.

Book Grand National Day (Saturday 10 April). If: You want to see the Grand National. You are attending primarily as a racing fan. You want to say you were there for the race that 600 million people watch globally.

Book Opening Day (Thursday 8 April) If the budget is the priority (cheapest tickets), you are a serious racing fan who wants the most accessible day, or you are adding a day to a Ladies Day or Grand National Day trip.

Book all three if: You love racing, you love the occasion, and April in Liverpool sounds like three days well spent.

Planning Timeline for Ladies’ Day 2027

The Racing Post’s planning guide (“set up a betting table at home and invite your guests”) is AI-generated nonsense. Here is an actual planning timeline.

December 2026 or earlier: Buy tickets. Festival Zone and Earl of Derby sell out. Do not leave this until February.

January 2027: Book transport. If using a chauffeur, contact Grand Executive now. If driving, book parking (pre-book only via the official Jockey Club site). If taking the train, set a fare alert.

February 2027: Book a hotel if staying overnight in Liverpool. Race weekend hotels fill fast. Ibis, Premier Inn, and Hilton all have Liverpool city centre properties within 20 minutes of the racecourse.

March 2027: Finalise outfit. Check the M&S Aintree collection. Identify your hat or fascinator. Plan shoes and backup footwear.

One week before: Check the weather forecast. April weather in Liverpool is unpredictable. Adjust the layering plan accordingly.

Night before: Charge the phone. Screenshot tickets. Check parking details or transport booking confirmation. Lay out the complete outfit.

On the day: Arrive early. The course opens mid-morning. Being there for the first race (approximately 1:45pm) gives a full afternoon. The Style Award judging happens in the mid-afternoon window between races.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is Ladies Day at Aintree in 2027?

Friday, 9 April 2027. Part of the three-day Randox Grand National Festival (Thursday 8 April to Saturday 10 April).

How much are Ladies Day tickets at Aintree?

The embankment is from approximately £25. Festival Zone from approximately £50-65. Earl of Derby Terrace from £85. Garden Club from £125. Hospitality packages from £200+. Buy via The Jockey Club’s official website.

What is the dress code for Aintree Ladies Day?

No official dress code. Come dressed to feel your best. Banned in premium enclosures: sportswear, trainers, jeans, fancy dress, and team colours. Bold and expressive outfits are rewarded. Hats and fascinators are strongly encouraged but not mandatory.

Can men attend Ladies Day at Aintree?

Yes. Everyone is welcome. The name reflects the tradition rather than restricting attendance. Men typically wear suits or smart tailored outfits.

How do I get from Birmingham to Aintree for Ladies Day?

Train: Birmingham New Street to Liverpool Lime Street (1h 10m), then Merseyrail to Aintree (20 min). Total 1h 35m-1h 45m. Coach: National Express direct from Birmingham on race day. Chauffeur: Grand Executive from Birmingham to Aintree, 1 hour 45 minutes, fixed price, door to entrance. For a group in smart dress, the chauffeur is the transport option that matches the occasion.

How do I enter the Style Awards?

Style Award judges circulate through the enclosures during the afternoon. No formal pre-registration for most categories. Be in the Festival Zone or near the parade ring during the early afternoon for the best chance of being approached. The Women in Business Award has a separate formal entry process announced on the official Aintree website.

What is the difference between Aintree Ladies Day and Royal Ascot Ladies Day?

Aintree: no official dress code, bold and expressive encouraged, hats optional. Ascot: strict formal code, hats mandatory, and length and style requirements apply. Aintree is more relaxed and expressive. Ascot is more formally regulated. Both are excellent occasions for different reasons.

What time does Ladies Day start and finish at Aintree?

Gates open at 6am. The racecourse is accessible from late morning. The first race is approximately 1:45pm. Last race approximately 5:15pm. Style Awards during the afternoon. Most racegoers leave between 6pm and 7pm.