Plan Your Day At Cheltenham Festival
If you are looking to attend the Cheltenham Festival, proper planning can make what is already a thrilling experience all the more enjoyable. With four days of non-stop, top-tier jump racing, electrifying atmospheres and incredible hospitality, preparation is key. Knowing exactly what to expect going into the iconic racecourse and how to navigate the event as a whole can ensure you make the most of your time at one of the UK’s most prestigious horse racing meetings.
Arriving At Cheltenham Festival
To start things off, getting to the Cheltenham Racecourse itself requires some planning, with racegoers in the tens of thousands attending each day. Public transport is a convenient option, with there being special train services to Cheltenham Spa. In addition, the organisers also offer shuttle bus services that run attendees directly to the racecourse, making the whole thing even more convenient despite the busyness. Should you wish to get to the festival by car, make sure you have pre-booked parking, which is key. As the spaces fill up so quickly, this guarantees you a spot, though be prepared for potential delays due to the inevitable traffic congestion.
Once you have arrived at the festival, you will still have to go through the entry and security process. To avoid long queues, aim to arrive early as this will allow you to pick your spot in the concourses. All entry points do have security checks, though, so ensure you comply with all regulations, especially when it comes to bags and bringing in certain items. To speed up the process even more, have your digital or printed tickets ready, and then you can begin to enjoy this premier horse racing meeting.
Choosing Your Enclosure
Cheltenham Festival does offer a series of different enclosures, each providing its own unique race day experience. Your choice will depend on both your budget and overall preference for atmosphere, with the main enclosures being as follows:
Club Enclosure: The most exclusive option at the racecourse, offering prime views of the final hilly stretch, as well as access to top-tier hospitality and fine dining areas.
Tattersalls Enclosure: A middle-of-the-park experience with parade ring access, great views of the racecourse and, of course, a lively atmosphere.
Best Mate Enclosure: The most affordable of the options, positioned opposite the main grandstand. This section of the venue is ideal for racegoers who want an energetic, friendly race day experience.
In addition to all of these enclosures, there are also a number of Cheltenham Festival hospitality packages available. These are ideal if you are looking for luxury private boxes and fine dining throughout the race day, with these offering an unparalleled festival experience to watch all the horse racing results come in.
Planning Your Race Day
To ensure you don't miss any of the key races you wish to see, familiarising yourself with the daily schedule is key. Each day of the festival features high-profile events, with Day 1 being referred to as Champions Day due to the famous Champion Hurdle taking place on the opening day. Day 2 is known as Ladies Day, with the Queen Mother Champion Chase being the highlight. St Patrick’s Thursday, also known as Day 3, sees the Stayers Hurdle take place, with the 4th Gold Cup Day being headlined by the iconic Cheltenham Gold Cup .
Betting At Cheltenham
If you are someone who likes to bet on Cheltenham, you'll be able to find various bookmakers and other horse racing betting kiosks on-site. Alternatively, thanks to the good service at the racecourse, you could also use mobile betting apps as an alternative means for more convenience. Understanding the odds of the horses and all the betting markets is essential before placing any wagers, however. What’s more, many online platforms, like us right here at BoyleSports , even provide exclusive Cheltenham betting promotions, bonuses and offers.
Food And Drink Options
Staying fueled and hydrated is also important when attending the Cheltenham Festival, with a wide range of food stalls serving traditional racecourse meals like burgers, pies and chips, just to name a couple of examples. There are also various bars and lounges scattered across the venue, with fine dining restaurants also being available with fancy meals and spectacular views of the racecourse. Regardless of the preference, there are options to suit everyone's personal taste, with this being essential as bringing in your own food and drink into the enclosures is prohibited. However, to avoid the long queues which are likely inevitable, consider eating at off-peak times or even booking any dining experiences if available.
Dress Code & Weather Considerations
Another thing Cheltenham Festival is known for is its stylish fashion choices. While there is no strict dress code for a majority of the enclosures, smart attire is still encouraged, especially with the aforementioned Club and Tattersalls enclosures. Something worth bearing in mind, though, is the weather. As Cheltenham takes place in March every year, the conditions can be extremely unpredictable. Therefore, planning ahead by bringing a waterproof coat and comfortable shoes you can wear all day is especially advisable.