Discovering Market Rasen – A Town of Character
Market Rasen Racecourse is at the heart of this charming Lincolnshire market town. The town with its quaint streets, historic buildings and sweet community, sits surrounded by the rolling hills of the Lincolnshire Wolds countryside.
Whether you’re strolling through town, enjoying a local café or visiting neighbouring villages, Market Rasen offers a relaxed rural lifestyle combined with traditional market-town warmth. The River Rase runs through the town, adding to its quiet charm and sense of place.
Why the Racecourse Makes Market Rasen Special
As a local and part of the Lusso Homes team, Boxing Day at Market Rasen is something I look forward to every year. On 26 December, Market Rasen Racecourse hosts The Rand Farm Park Boxing Day Racing, which always brings a great atmosphere, with familiar faces, plenty of excitement, and that festive buzz Market Rasen does so well. After the races and hopefully a few winnings, it’s become a bit of a tradition to head over to the local villages for a drink or something to eat, either at The Kings Head, The White Hart Inn or The Adam & Eve. It’s the perfect way to round off a Boxing Day spent enjoying one of Lincolnshire’s best local events.
Market Rasen Racecourse isn’t just a venue, it’s a year-round source of excitement and community. Although it’s primarily a National Hunt (jump racing) track, it stages over 20 jump racing fixtures each year.
One of the highlights is the annual summer fixture Summer Plate, featuring the Summer Plate Chase and the Summer Hurdle, usually held in July. This is among the most important summer jump-racing events in Britain.
The racecourse offers a variety of enclosures depending on your preference or budget, from lawns for picnics to more formal hospitality areas, making it accessible whether you want a relaxed day out with family or a special outing.
More Than Racing: Events, Music & Community Vibes
Over time, the racecourse has grown into more than a sporting venue. It hosts live music concerts, family-friendly events, fireworks nights and exhibitions, often creating a vibrant atmosphere that draws locals and visitors alike.
Another big summer event that highlights the farming culture that is so important in Lincolnshire is the Lincolnshire Show. Held each year at the Lincolnshire Showground near Lincoln, it celebrates the county’s strong links to agriculture and rural life. The show includes livestock competitions, equestrian events, and large farming and machinery displays, alongside local food stalls, crafts, and family activities. It brings together farmers, rural businesses, and the wider community, helping people understand and appreciate the importance of farming to Lincolnshire’s identity and economy.
