cheltenham festival

💡 Did You Know? #1 – The Cheltenham Roar ⭐

💡 Did You Know? The famous "Cheltenham Roar" is one of the most iconic traditions in British sport. As the starter releases the runners for the opening race on the first day of the Festival, more than 60,000 racegoers erupt into a deafening cheer that echoes around Prestbury Park. For many National Hunt racing fans, hearing the Cheltenham Roar in person is a true bucket-list experience.

💡 Did You Know? #2 – The Cheltenham Gold Cup

💡 Did You Know? The Cheltenham Gold Cup was first run in 1924 and is widely regarded as the most prestigious race in National Hunt racing. Winning the Gold Cup is considered the ultimate achievement for steeplechasers, with legendary horses such as Arkle, Golden Miller, Best Mate, and Kauto Star all writing their names into Festival history.

💡 Did You Know? #3 – Prestbury Park

💡 Did You Know? Cheltenham Racecourse is affectionately known as Prestbury Park, named after the nearby Gloucestershire village. Set against the backdrop of the Cotswold Hills, the course has hosted the Cheltenham Festival since 1911 and is regarded as the spiritual home of National Hunt racing.

💡 Did You Know? #4 – Irish Success

💡 Did You Know? Irish trainers and jockeys have enjoyed remarkable success at the Cheltenham Festival, with Ireland regularly recording more winners than Britain in recent years. The friendly rivalry between the two nations is one of the defining stories of the Festival, creating an unforgettable atmosphere throughout the week.

💡 Did You Know? #5 – Four Championship Races

💡 Did You Know? Each day of the Cheltenham Festival features a championship race that crowns the season's best horses. The Champion Hurdle, Queen Mother Champion Chase, Stayers' Hurdle, and the legendary Cheltenham Gold Cup are the four headline events that define jump racing's biggest week.

💡 Did You Know? #6 – More Than Racing

💡 Did You Know? While world-class racing is at the heart of the Festival, Cheltenham has become one of Britain's biggest social sporting events. Visitors travel from across the UK and Ireland to enjoy the unique atmosphere, stylish race-day fashion, and unforgettable hospitality, making the Festival as much about the experience as the action on the track.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the Cheltenham Festival held?

The Cheltenham Festival takes place every March over four days at Cheltenham Racecourse in Gloucestershire. The event marks the highlight of the National Hunt racing season and attracts thousands of racing fans from across the UK and Ireland.

What is the Cheltenham Gold Cup?

The Cheltenham Gold Cup is the Festival's most prestigious race and takes place on the final day of the meeting, known as Gold Cup Day. It is widely regarded as the most coveted prize in National Hunt racing.

What should I wear to the Cheltenham Festival?

There is no strict dress code, but many racegoers choose smart attire to embrace the occasion. Tweed jackets, suits, dresses and smart footwear are all popular choices, although comfort is recommended as you'll spend much of the day outdoors.

How do I get to Cheltenham Racecourse?

Cheltenham Racecourse is located just outside Cheltenham town centre and is easily accessible by road, rail and coach. Many visitors stay in nearby towns or cities and use organised coach transfers to and from the racecourse.

What's included in a World Choice Sports Cheltenham Festival package?

Our Cheltenham Festival packages typically include hotel accommodation, official race admission, daily breakfast and return coach transfers between your hotel and Cheltenham Racecourse. Ticket upgrades may also be available depending on the package selected.

Which is the best day to attend the Cheltenham Festival?

Each day offers a unique experience. Champion Day opens the Festival with the famous Cheltenham Roar, Style Wednesday combines world-class racing with fashion, St Patrick's Thursday is renowned for its lively Irish atmosphere, while Gold Cup Day is the Festival's showpiece event and one of the biggest occasions in British sport.

How far in advance should I book a Cheltenham Festival package?

The Cheltenham Festival is one of the UK's most popular sporting events, with hotels and hospitality packages often selling out well in advance. Booking early is recommended to secure the best accommodation and ticket options.

Is the Cheltenham Festival suitable for first-time visitors?

Absolutely. Whether you're a lifelong racing enthusiast or attending for the first time, the Cheltenham Festival offers an unforgettable day out. The electric atmosphere, world-class racing and outstanding hospitality make it one of Britain's premier sporting events.

There's no sporting occasion quite like the Cheltenham Festival. Every March, more than 250,000 racing enthusiasts descend on Cheltenham Racecourse for four unforgettable days of elite National Hunt racing, creating an atmosphere unlike any other in British sport. From the moment the famous Cheltenham Roar echoes around Prestbury Park on the opening day to the crowning of the Cheltenham Gold Cup champion on Friday afternoon, the Festival delivers world-class racing, exceptional hospitality and lifelong memories.

Our Cheltenham Festival hotel and ticket packages are designed to make your trip as enjoyable and stress-free as possible. With comfortable hotel accommodation, daily breakfast, official race admission and convenient return coach transfers included, you can simply relax and enjoy one of the highlights of the sporting calendar without worrying about travel logistics.

Whether you're attending the Festival for the very first time or returning to experience the excitement once again, World Choice Sports provides everything you need for an unforgettable Cheltenham Festival break.

Why Book a Cheltenham Festival Package?

Booking a Cheltenham Festival package offers far more than simply securing your race ticket. By combining your accommodation, race admission and transport into one convenient booking, you can focus entirely on enjoying the Festival experience.

Our carefully selected hotel packages provide excellent value and remove the stress of arranging accommodation during one of the busiest weeks of the year. Return coach transfers between your hotel and Cheltenham Racecourse mean you can travel comfortably without worrying about parking or navigating busy roads on race days.

Whether you're looking forward to the spectacle of Champion Day, the vibrant celebrations of St Patrick's Thursday, or the unforgettable atmosphere of Gold Cup Day, our packages allow you to experience the very best of the Cheltenham Festival with complete peace of mind.

Discover Cheltenham

Located on the edge of the beautiful Cotswolds, Cheltenham is one of England's most elegant spa towns and the perfect destination for a short sporting break. Known for its Regency architecture, boutique shopping, independent restaurants and welcoming pubs, the town offers plenty to enjoy before and after racing.

During Festival week, the streets come alive with racing fans from across Britain and Ireland, creating an exciting atmosphere that extends well beyond the racecourse itself. Whether you're exploring Montpellier, enjoying a pre-race breakfast or celebrating after the final race, Cheltenham provides the ideal setting for one of the UK's premier sporting events.

While the racing is undoubtedly the highlight of the Cheltenham Festival, the experience doesn't end when the final race has been run. Cheltenham is one of England's most attractive spa towns, offering excellent restaurants, traditional pubs and a lively Festival atmosphere that continues well into the evening.

Enjoy Cheltenham's Restaurants and Bars

Cheltenham's town centre is packed with independent restaurants, stylish wine bars and traditional pubs, making it the perfect place to unwind after a day at the racecourse. Areas such as Montpellier, The Promenade and the Suffolk Road district are particularly popular with Festival visitors, offering everything from fine dining to relaxed gastro pubs.

Experience Festival Nightlife

During Festival week, many bars and venues stay busy late into the evening as racing fans gather to discuss the day's action and celebrate the winners. Live music, entertainment and a fantastic social atmosphere make the town one of the most vibrant places in the UK during March.

Explore the Cotswolds

If you're extending your stay, Cheltenham is an excellent base for exploring the beautiful Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Picturesque villages including Bourton-on-the-Water, Stow-on-the-Wold and Broadway are all within easy reach and make the perfect addition to a Cheltenham Festival break.

Discover Cheltenham's Regency Heritage

Cheltenham has been welcoming visitors since the 18th century and is famous for its elegant Regency architecture. Take a stroll through the historic Montpellier district, browse boutique shops, relax in one of the town's cafés or visit the beautiful Pittville Park, one of Gloucestershire's most popular green spaces.

Make a Weekend of It

With two nights' accommodation included in your World Choice Sports package, you'll have plenty of time to enjoy everything Cheltenham has to offer beyond the racing. Whether you're celebrating a winning day at the Festival, exploring the surrounding Cotswolds or simply soaking up the unique atmosphere, a Cheltenham Festival break offers far more than just an afternoon at the races.