Starting to think about your 2023 holidays? Then you might just consider adding Cheltenham Festival to your list. It might not have the warm temperatures of Spain, but it’s very much a worthwhile domestic getaway.
The festival is one of the major horse racing events on the calendar, with a prize-money pool second only to the Grand National. Plus, it’s an excuse to get dressed to the nines and have a memorable time with your friends and family. Below, we’ll run through everything you need to know about attending your first Cheltenham Festival this year.
The Key Details
The Cheltenham Festival takes place over four days, from March 14 – 17. It’s always held around the same time each year, which is just as well because you’ll (hopefully) get to enjoy that beautiful early Spring weather. Each day has its own prestigious races and overall theme, so it’s a good idea to look at which day offers what before deciding.
If you don’t mind what races you watch, pick any day — there’s always a good atmosphere. If you’re looking for what is generally considered “the big day,” get tickets for Friday, March 17, when The Gold Cup is held.
Get The Right Tickets
A range of ticket types are available at the Cheltenham Festival, allowing you to craft your ideal experience. If you’re hoping to make this a VIP getaway, get tickets for the Club Enclosure, which is the premier enclosure.
Most people will find that they’re happy enough with the Tattersalls Enclosure — in effect, “general admission.” If you’re on a budget, pick the Best Mate Enclosure, which offers the most affordable tickets yet still provides a great view of the action and a terrific atmosphere.
Understanding Horse Racing
Even people with no prior interest in horse racing can enjoy the Cheltenham Festival. After all, it’s known as one of the social events of the year, and if you’re attending with your friends, you’ll be sure to have a memorable day out.
With that being said, it’s best to remember that Cheltenham is a prestigious highlight on the horse racing calendar, so taking the time to deepen your knowledge of the sport before attending is worthwhile. Read up on horse racing tips from the experts and claim a free bet from RacingTV before you make your way to the festival, and you’ll get to experience this historic festival on a deeper level.
What to Wear
There isn’t technically a dress code for the Cheltenham festival. But there is an unofficial dress code. The vast majority of people use this event as an opportunity to get their best clothes out of the wardrobe and dress to the nines. Ladies tend to wear (winter weather appropriate) dresses with a hat, while gentlemen typically wear suits with an overcoat.
If you have any doubts about what’s appropriate, it’s best to think ‘wedding attire.’
Where to Stay
If you live in Coventry, then you don’t technically need accommodation.
After all, you can reach the city by train in less than an hour. However, splurging on accommodation is recommended if you have some extra cash to spend. In doing so, you can give yourself “the full Cheltenham experience,” which includes not just the event but the after-race action and the surrounding attractions. It’s a way to give yourself a real holiday, basically.
If you’re looking for a touch of luxury, book a room at Ellenborough Park or the Hotel Du Vin, which are both located near the racecourse and also offer a handy launchpad if you’re sticking around after the festival to explore the region’s other major attractions, such as Imperial Gardens and the scenic Cleeve Hill.
