Aintree Hotel at the Grand National

As you will probably know Aintree is famous for one thing, the Grand National, or th John Smith's Grand National as it became known in 2005. Aintree Racecourse has hosted the Grand National race since the 19th century and over the years has become the most famous horse race of all time.

The name Aintree is thought to be of Saxon origin, and means "one tree" or "tree standing alone". In 1999, the Aintree parish council decided to revert back to its original name of Aintree Village. Local legend held that a tree on Bull Bridge Lane, one of the oldest parts of the village, was "the Ain tree"; sadly this had to be cut down in 2004 due to the tree having a disease.

Formby Hall Golf Resort and Spa is within 12 miles of Aintree Racecourse making our 4* hotel the perfect place to stay if you attend the famous John Smiths Grand National.

Aintree Racecourse wasn't always just the venue for horse racing, during the 50s and 60s, there was also a three-mile-long motor racing circuit on the site. Even till this day a shorter form of the racing circuit is still used at Aintree for various events but the last car racing event was hosted in 1982. During its time as a motor racecourse The British Grand Prix was staged at Aintree Racecourse on five occasions, the first in 1955, then in 1957, 1959, 1961 and finally in 1962.

In addition to hosting the Grand Prix, the Aintree circuit also held 11 non-championship Formula 1 races, known as the Aintree 200. The Aintree 200 was first won by Stirling Moss in 1954 with the last winner being Jack Brabham 10 years later in April 1964. Aintree racecourse was also the location for the famous race in 1955 in which Stirling Moss won his first British Grand Prix.

Throughout the year Aintree Racecourse hosts numerous events, including ladies nights were you can wine, dine and be entertained. Why not stay at Formby Hall Golf Resort and Spa, spend the day being pampered in our new luxury spa and stay over night in our newly refurbished hotel.