The 2026 Cheltenham Festival is set to be one of the most exciting events in the British jump racing calendar. Spanning four days from Tuesday 10th to Friday 13th March 2026, the festival attracts racegoers from all over the UK to experience world-class horses competing at this amazing venue.
Getting to Cheltenham: convenient travel options
Thanks to its popularity, the 2026 Cheltenham Festival will draw crowds from Coventry and various surrounding locations. There are several convenient and quick options available, which can be easily booked, just like accessing the latest Cheltenham offers on Oddschecker, for the chance to place free bets on the races scheduled over the four days of competition. The journey from Coventry to Cheltenham Spa usually takes about 2 hours and 20 minutes by train, covering a distance of around 43 miles. There are 67 trains operating daily from Coventry to Cheltenham Spa, making it a very practical way to travel. The first train departs at 04:43, with the last train leaving at around 02:00, so there are plenty of opportunities for those who need to arrive early or leave late. Most journeys require one change, but a few fast services complete the journey in approximately 1 hour 11 minutes. Alternatively, National Express offers direct coach services from Coventry Pool Meadow Bus Station to Cheltenham Racecourse, with pick-ups from locations such as Warwick Racecourse and Stratford-upon-Avon. Coaches depart from Coventry Pool at around 08:25, typically arriving at Cheltenham Racecourse between 10:30 and 10:33, depending on your travel itinerary. Travelling by coach is a more relaxed and scenic option for those who prefer it to rail or bus travel.
Where to watch: on-site and beyond
The best way to enjoy the festival is to be at Cheltenham Racecourse. Gates open daily at 10:30, with the first race starting at 13:20. The last race finishes at around 17:20. Throughout the Festival, Champion Day, Ladies Day, St Patrick’s Thursday and Gold Cup Day offer an exciting experience. In March, the meadows will be green, providing spectators with the perfect spring backdrop. Racegoers can watch the races from the Parade Ring, the grandstands, or from one of the hospitality packages available in the Club, Tattersalls, and Best Mate areas. If you cannot be at the racecourse, however, the festival will be available to watch via live broadcasts on ITV Racing and Racing TV, as well as via live streaming online. To ensure you don’t miss any of the jumping and hurdling action over the four days of the festival, create an account in advance and check your internet connection is working properly. Follow the social media sites for live updates, highlights, and exclusive behind-the-scenes access during the four days of the festival!
Accommodation and dining: stay close, eat well
As Cheltenham Festival attracts thousands of visitors every March, it is essential to book your hotel or guesthouse soon after buying your tickets. Cheltenham has lots of accommodation options to suit any budget, from luxurious hotels such as No. 38 The Park and Ellenborough Park (Roman-style), both of which are within a mile of the racecourse and have spa facilities, to mid-range options such as the Clarence Court Hotel and the Cotswold Grange & Holiday Inn Express, all of which include breakfast. For budget options, Premier Inn and Travelodge offer good value. If you want somewhere quieter away from town, the DoubleTree by Hilton or the Cleeve Hill Hotel will allow you to relax, as will other hotels further away which offer better value for money. The Cheltenham Racecourse offers a variety of food options, including sandwiches and coffee from Café Nero and gourmet meals in Quevega’s Food Court. There are numerous bars throughout the racecourse offering light snacks and drinks. However, the champagne bars offer added elegance for those who want a more relaxing experience. If you are interested in finding the best place to eat at Cheltenham Racecourse, check out the Cheltenham Racecourse app. It features an interactive map and provides real-time information to help you create your ideal dining experience.
Article written by Jack Brown
