Aintree

Aintree is a locality in the north-west of England, forming part of the Metropolitan Borough of Sefton in Merseyside. It lies to the north of Liverpool, near the River Mersey estuary. Historically, it was part of the county of Lancashire.

The area is best known for Aintree Racecourse, a major horse racing venue established in the 19th century. The course hosts the Grand National Steeplechase, a race first run in 1839, and the Grand National Festival, typically held in late March or early April and drawing competitors and spectators from around the world. The venue stages additional National Hunt meetings throughout the year.

Aintree is also home to Aintree University Hospital, part of the National Health Service, and a teaching hospital serving Liverpool and the surrounding areas. The hospital provides a range of acute and specialist services to the community.

Beyond the racecourse and hospital, the area includes residential districts and light industry, with transport links by road and rail connecting it to central Liverpool and the wider Merseyside region. Aintree’s identity is closely tied to its racing heritage as well as its role in the local healthcare network.