Read our Cheltenham Festival 2021 guide with a breakdown of how to get tickets, how to get there, dress code, where to stay and what you can expect!
Are you looking forward to one of the most anticipated horse racing events in the sporting calendar? We certainly are!
Cheltenham Festival, set at Cheltenham Racecourse in the heart of the beautiful Cotswolds, dates back to the early 1800’s. Known as the pinnacle of jump racing, attendees can watch 28 races across the entire festival, with 7 races taking place each day.
When is Cheltenham Festival & how many days does it last?
Cheltenham Festival is a four day event taking place from Tuesday 16th of March to Friday 19th of March 2021 which sees Champions Day, Ladies Day, St Patrick’s Thursday and Gold Cup Day.
Champions Day – 16th March 2021
Ladies Day – 17th March 2021
St Patrick’s Thursday – 18th March 2021
Gold Cup Day – 19th March 2021
Where can you get Cheltenham Tickets?
If you’re looking to impress clients or treat a loved one to a one-of-a-kind race day experience, we at Hospitality Finder have a host of Cheltenham Festival hospitality packages to fit a range of budgets and preferences.
How much do Cheltenham Festival tickets cost?
Tickets to Cheltenham vary greatly depending on the day you visit, the enclosure and whether you opt for a hospitality package.
Hospitality Ticket Prices:
Hospitality ticket prices will vary depending on the host. Rest assured, you can guarantee an unforgettable race day experience which is reflected in the price.
A hospitality package includes exceptional views across the racecourse, traditional afternoon tea experience, drinks reception and a four-course silver service luncheon to name just a few of the perks.
How to travel to Cheltenham Festival
As one of the busiest times of the year for Cheltenham, it is important to plan ahead and find the best travel options to get you and your party to the festival.
Buses
During the festival, shuttle buses are available to pick up passengers from Cheltenham Spa Railway Station and outside WH Smith in the town centre. Whilst return shuttle buses will also be available to collect you from the racecourse and stop at Pittville Street and the Station.
There are Stagecoach public buses, via routes D and E, available regularly throughout the day.
Coaches
Coaches are available via the National Express, the official partner of the Jockey Club which enables you to travel anywhere in the UK directly to Cheltenham Racecourse.
Driving
We’d advise avoiding travel by car where possible due to the heavy traffic that is common across the festival. If driving is unavoidable we would recommend arriving early in an attempt to avoid traffic.
There is parking available at the racecourse if you do choose to drive.
Car parking costs £12 when booked in advance and £20 when you pay on the day. Parking charges apply to limos. Coaches are able to park free of charge.
Please note that Evesham Road (A435) will be closed southbound between 10:30 and 12:30, and again between 16:30 and 20:00 to allow cars to enter and depart the racecourse.
Where to stay during Cheltenham Festival
There are a variety of places to stay when attending Cheltenham Festival to suit a range of needs and budgets.
Here is a selection of the 10 closest hotels to Cheltenham racecourse:
- Ellenborough Park
- No. 38 The Park
- Clarence Court Hotel
- Cotswold Grange Hotel
- Holiday Inn Express Cheltenham
- Portland Apartments
- The Portland Guesthouse
- Central Hotel Cheltenham
- Premier Inn Cheltenham Town Centre Hotel
- Strozzi Palace Boutique Suites by Mansley
What is the Cheltenham Festival dress code?
While there is no strict dress code at Cheltenham Festival, guests should dress appropriately and dress for the weather.
The likes of Royal Ascot and Glorious Goodwood take place in the summer months where bright dresses, fascinators and open-toe shoes are very much welcomed. However, Cheltenham Festival has a very different feel being in March when the weather isn’t guaranteed.
Many racegoers will opt for tweed jackets, coats and sturdy yet stylish boots and trilby hats. But generally speaking, gentlemen are advised to wear suits or something similar, jeans are not allowed and hats are not required.
Cheltenham Racecourse also has a number of enclosures which will influence what you wear to the festival.
The Club Enclosure is Cheltenham’s most exclusive enclosure which encourages a more formal attire from its guests. Gentlemen will typically wear suits, whilst women are encouraged to wear gloves, hats and leather boots.
On Ladies Day of the Festival you can expect many racegoers to be making a statement, from eccentric and creative outfits to elegant and timeless ensembles. Being the most glamorous day of the festival it is the perfect opportunity to put your best outfit on, without forgetting to add a pop of colour to stand out amongst the crowds.
Cheltenham’s St. Patricks day welcomes a host of creative and imaginative green-themed outfits. Many attendees opt for outlandish accessories such as green top hats, whilst others take fancy dress to another level and go head-to-toe St. Patricks style.
The Cheltenham Festival follows a strict bag policy whereby you should leave large bags such as suitcases, holdalls and rucksacks at home as they won’t be permitted within the racecourse.
For more information, read our guide on what you should wear to the Cheltenham Festival with advice from the editor of British luxury publication The Sloaney, Laura Toogood.
Want to hear more about the Hospitality Finder Cheltenham Festival experience? Contact our team on 0843 249 8890.
