(estimated 4 minute read time)
Cheltenham Racecourse is famous the world over. Located just north of the historic town centre, in the outskirts of the spa town of Cheltenham, it is best known for hosting the Cheltenham Festival, one of the most prestigious and popular horse racing events in the world. The racecourse is nestled into the Cotswold Hills and has a rich history dating back to the 19th century – it is considered one of the best courses in the UK.
Cheltenham Racecourse was founded in 1815 and has been an important part of the town’s social and economic fabric ever since. The present-day course is located at Prestbury Park which first hosted horse racing events all the way back in 1831.
Today, the Cheltenham Racecourse is a modern facility that is equipped with state-of-the-art amenities for both spectators and horses. The course is spread over 350 acres of land and features two courses: the Old Course and the New Course. The Old Course is used for the opening and closing days of the Cheltenham Festival, while the New Course is used for the middle days. The racecourse also has several grandstands and hospitality areas for spectators, including the only place you really want to be to enjoy the festival, The Green Room.
Whether you are an avid horseracing fan or just looking for a seriously fun day out, Cheltenham Racecourse is definitely worth a visit.
How To Get To Cheltenham Racecourse?
VENUE ADDRESS:
Cheltenham Racecourse, Evesham Road, Cheltenham, GL50 4SH
by car
Cheltenham Racecourse is roughly 100 miles from London, with the nearest major city Bristol approximately 40 miles away. The racecourse is easily accessible by road, rail, and air. The nearest airport is Bristol Airport, which is circa 45 minutes away by car. The racecourse is also located close to several major motorways, including the M5, M4, and A40.
If you are driving, the racecourse is located just off the M5 motorway, with ample parking available on site. Traffic to the site can build up at peak times, and therefore we would advise you to arrive early to avoid the traffic. In addition, especially at the major meetings the traffic exiting the course can also build up, so please do be aware of this when making travel arrangements. For The Cheltenham Festival, please follow the signs that will route you to Green, which will allow you to be dropped off in West Car Park. It is then a five-minute walk to the entrances.
by rail
If you are coming from London, the best way to get there is by train, with regular services from London Paddington taking approximately 2 hours. Trains from Birmingham generally run every half an hour and take about 35 minutes. From Bristol, trains leave every hour and take about 35 minutes. It is a 10-minute taxi ride from the station.
by air
If you are travelling from further afield, Bristol Airport is the most convenient airport, with regular flights from all major UK cities and European destinations. Birmingham Airport is also on option – depending on traffic conditions, the travel time between Birmingham Airport and Cheltenham typically takes around 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes by car. Travel times from Bristol Airport to Cheltenham Racecourse are also around 1 hour.
During The Cheltenham Festival, helicopter transfer is also available, providing the quickest and most direct way to get to the races. During The Festival week, the fully licenced, temporary helipad becomes the biggest of its kind in the UK, receiving over 400 flights over the four days.
Located just a few hundred metres from the racecourse, on arrival at the helipad you’ll be escorted from your helicopter by a member of their team into a private enclosure and offered refreshments before a chauffeur-driven vehicle takes you straight to the stands. When you’re ready to leave, you can avoid the hustle and bustle of the crowds and be driven back to the terminal where your helicopter awaits.
