Cheltenham Racecourse

Cheltenham Racecourse is one of the showpieces of British racing , and hosts the annual four-day jump racing celebration – the Cheltenham Festival – every March. The prestige race at this event is the Cheltenham Gold Cup, the ultimate prize in jump racing.

How to get there

The racecourse itself is situated at Prestbury Park, Evesham Road, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL50 4SH, approximately two miles north of Cheltenham town center.

Visitors travelling by train, Cheltenham Spa is the main arrival point and taxis or local bus services can be taken from here to the course. There are also additional bus services provided during the Festival meeting. Car owners may wish to approach from the M5 motorways, however, during Festival week traffic around Cheltenham can become extremely congested and racegoers will do well to pre-plan their journey as well as the location of parking.

History of Cheltenham Racecourse and the Gold Cup

 

Racing has a long history in the area, dating back over 200 years. It was at the current racecourse in 1831 that the first meeting was held; the sport has developed greatly from these early days, particularly steeplechasing, into the prestigious event we know today at the spiritual home of National Hunt racing.

The Cheltenham Gold Cup has been staged in its current form since 1924 and has become one of the most competitive in National Hunt racing. Legends have adorned its winner’s enclosure, with the great and the good of the racing world all registering a victory on it over the years, from the likes of Golden Miller, Arkle, Best Mate, to Kauto Star.

 

The Enclosures – The Club, Tattersalls and Best Mate enclosures

 

During the Festival there are three main enclosures that you can purchase a ticket for. The Club, Tattersalls and Best Mate enclosures.

The Club enclosure is a superior choice and allows access to more areas of the course than any of the other enclosures. Viewing around the Winning Post, Parade Ring and the main grandstand is top class here.

The Tattersalls enclosure provides a perfect mix of the two above enclosures with access to the winners enclosure and Parade Ring, and the atmosphere is generally electric. You have access to a wide selection of bars, food and entertainment stands.

The Best Mate enclosure has the least amount of access, and viewing is strictly the racing, finishing straight and stands opposite the main grandstand. This enclosure is usually the cheapest of the three, and provides great viewing as well as the essential features such as bars, food outlets and betting services.

Buying Tickets

Tickets are available for specific days or enclosures, prices vary greatly throughout the festival and on the day selected. Gold Cup day will generally be the busiest and most expensive, therefore prior booking will be essential.

Whether it’s the Gold Cup, Champion Hurdle, or just to experience the famous atmosphere of the Cheltenham Festival, the venue remains a top spot in the racing calendar.