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The Cheltenham Festival remains the pinnacle of the National Hunt season; four days where the finest horses, jockeys and trainers from Britain and Ireland meet at Prestbury Park for jump racing at its very best. If you are planning to attend in 2026, or simply want to follow the action properly, here is everything you need to know. What is the Cheltenham Festival? The Festival is the championship meeting of National Hunt racing. Every division has its defining contest here, from the Champion Hurdle to the Gold Cup, and winning at Cheltenham defines careers - both equine and human. Across four days - Champion Day, Ladies Day, St Patrick’s Thursday and Gold Cup Day - the meeting combines elite sport with an unmistakable atmosphere. When is the Cheltenham Festival 2026? The 2026 Festival runs from Tuesday 10th March to Friday 13th March 2026 at Cheltenham Racecourse. Four days. 28 races. Countless stories. The Showcase Races Each Day Each day has a headline act. These are the two biggest races on each card: Tuesday: Champion Day Champion Hurdle Supreme Novices' Hurdle Wednesday: Ladies Day Queen Mother Champion Chase Brown Advisory Novices' Chase Thursday: St Patrick’s Thursday Stayers' Hurdle Ryanair Chase Friday: Gold Cup Day Cheltenham Gold Cup Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle What Time Does Racing Start Each Day? Gates open from 10:30am. The first race is usually run at 1:20pm, with the final race around 5:20pm. It is worth arriving early, particularly if you want to spend time exploring the course and around the parade ring before the opening race. What Time Is the Cheltenham Gold Cup? The Gold Cup, the defining race of the week, is run at 4:00pm on Friday 13th March 2026. It is the moment the entire meeting builds towards. Can I still buy tickets? Yes, but it pays not to leave it too late as Tuesday and Friday often sell out. You can purchase official tickets here - www.thejockeyclub.co.uk/cheltenham-festival Which Enclosure should I choose? Cheltenham offers three main public enclosures: Club Enclosure The most premium general admission option. Access to the main grandstand, parade ring, winners’ enclosure and exclusive facilities. Tattersalls Enclosure Lively, sociable and well positioned near the finishing straight and Guinness Village. A popular choice. Best Mate Enclosure Opposite the main grandstand, offering excellent views of horses climbing the famous Cheltenham hill. How Much Do Tickets Cost? Ticket prices at Cheltenham Racecourse vary depending on day and enclosure. General admission in the Tattersalls and Best Mate enclosures is more accessible, while the Club Enclosure commands a premium. Gold Cup Day is the most expensive and in highest demand, often costing several times more than Tuesday or Wednesday. Hospitality packages, which include fine dining and reserved seating, are priced accordingly. Which horses and Jockeys should I follow? While final declarations will be confirmed closer to the meeting, several leading names are already prominent in ante-post discussion: Galopin Des Champs, Fact To File and Haiti Couleurs are three you could look out for in the Gold Cup, however our eyes will be on The Jukebox Man for local trainer Ben Pauling. Lossiemouth has a choice of two races, while we wait to see if Constitution Hill will run in the Champion Hurdle. Potential superstars during the week include Old Park Star, The New Lion and Arkle favourite Lulamba. Among jockeys, keep an eye on Paul Townend who rides for Willie Mullins who himself has dominated the Cheltenham Festival in recent years. Closer to home, Nico de Boinville and Nicky Henderson, The Skelton brothers and Ben Pauling and jockey Ben Jones will be the ones to watch. Cheltenham has a habit of elevating new stars, but proven Festival form always counts. What Are the Food and Drink Options on Site? The Festival caters to a wide range of tastes and there is something for everyone. Street-food vendors, coffee stands, and traditional pubs within the Guinness Village provide variety, while hospitality packages offer multiple-course meals and premium beverage selections. The 2026 Cheltenham Festival has made several improvements to ensure that dining and refreshment on course are both convenient and enjoyable. Meal Deals Introduced this season, the Festival Meal Deal gives racegoers the chance to enjoy a hot main, a side, and a drink for £15 — excellent value for a substantial and satisfying meal between races. It is available in the following locations: Best Mate Enclosure
Tattersalls Enclosure
Club Enclosure
All of the above provide extensive seating, allowing you to enjoy your meal comfortably while watching the action unfold. Three new bar areas introduced during the 2025 Festival remain key social hubs for 2026: Winning Post Bar Previously known as the Persian War, this bar is located in the Main Grandstand by the finishing post — ideal for toasting the day’s winners. Home Straight Bar Formerly the Winged Ox, situated in the heart of the Main Grandstand. A great spot for refreshments and atmosphere as races pass by. Sales Arena Bar Now featuring live music between races, adding energy and vibrancy to the Festival experience. Can I have a bet on course? The Festival is synonymous with betting. Bookmakers are positioned across all enclosures, from the parade ring to the grandstand. Many now offer cashless payment options alongside traditional cash betting. Mobile betting apps are widely used, and there is often expert advice available on course to guide newcomers. What Else Can I Enjoy at the Festival? Cheltenham is far more than the racing itself. The Parade Ring Arrive early and watch the horses before each race. The parade ring offers a close look at the contenders and a chance to assess condition, temperament and presence before they head to post. Live Music Across the course, particularly in the Guinness Village, live bands and Irish music create a lively post-racing atmosphere. Shopping The Shopping Village features countrywear, artisan goods, racing memorabilia and premium brands, ideal if you want to invest in something suitably Cotswold. Can I Get Hospitality? Yes, and it is highly recommended if you want a more refined experience. Hospitality packages range from course-side restaurants to private boxes and premium marquees. Expect fine dining, dedicated betting facilities and excellent viewing areas. Early booking is essential. What Should I Wear? There is no official dress code, but Cheltenham style is part of the experience. Think:
March weather can be unpredictable. Sensible footwear is advised, particularly if you plan to do lots of walking between races. What Happens If It Rains? March in the Cotswolds can be unpredictable. Waterproofs, good footwear and layered clothing are advised. The racecourse is well-drained, and racing continues in wet weather. Hospitality marquees provide shelter, and bars and food outlets are designed to operate under any conditions. Cheltenham manages the elements well, allowing spectators to enjoy the Festival regardless of the sky. What Is the Guinness Village? The Guinness Village is a dedicated area within the Club Enclosure of the racecourse, known for live music, Irish hospitality and, naturally, plenty of Guinness. It is one of the liveliest areas on course and one of the easiest places to get a drink quickly! Can I Take My Drink Around the Course? Yes, and the experience is now considerably more relaxed than in previous seasons. Following successful trials during the 2024 and 2025 Festivals, Cheltenham Racecourse has lifted all remaining drinks restrictions within the Club Enclosure for the 2025/26 season. In practical terms, this means racegoers in the Club Enclosure can move more freely around the course with their drinks in hand, whether heading to watch horses in the parade ring or stepping out to the grandstand to watch the race. Does it get busy? Yes, the Cheltenham Festival is inevitably a busy occasion, but there are measures in place to make the experience more comfortable. For 2026, the overall capacity has been slightly reduced from 68,500 to 66,000 spectators per day. This change comes after careful consideration of racegoer feedback, with the aim of easing congestion and ensuring a more enjoyable experience for everyone. It remains a bustling event, but more spacious and comfortable than in previous years. Planning your arrival and knowing where to move on course will help you enjoy the atmosphere without feeling overwhelmed. What Is the Prestbury Cup? The Prestbury Cup is the informal competition between British and Irish trainers across all 28 Festival races. National pride is very much at stake. Can I Meet Jockeys or Trainers? Direct interaction is limited. The parade ring is the closest opportunity to see trainers and jockeys before and after races. Hospitality packages may include brief access to trainers’ areas, but autographs and personal interaction are rare during the event itself. Observing quietly and respectfully is the accepted custom. Where Can I Watch the Cheltenham Festival? Obviously, being at Cheltenham Racecourse is, without question, the best way to experience it. If you cannot attend: ITV provides free-to-air coverage of selected races and Racing TV offers full coverage of every race. How Do I Get to the Cheltenham Festival? By Car Pre-book your car parking pass in advance, they sell out quickly. Park & Ride Official park and ride services operate throughout the Festival and are often the simplest option. By Train Cheltenham Spa station is well connected, with taxis and buses running to the racecourse. Plan ahead is our best advice. Where Should I Go After Racing? Many racegoers walk from the course into Cheltenham town centre. We recommend: The Hollow Bottom in Guiting Power is a proper racing pub with an amazing atmosphere. Live music each night, and if there is a local winner, this will be the place to be! Dunkertons. Just outside Cheltenham with live music, a tap room and lots of street food options to refuel if needed And finally, what Makes the Cheltenham Festival Different From Other Racing Events? Cheltenham blends high-class National Hunt racing with a distinct atmosphere that is part sporting event, part social occasion. The combination of elite competition, packed enclosures, music, shopping, and social interaction makes it unique and nowhere else captures the same blend of prestige, challenge, and tradition. For all the information and tickets, please visit the Cheltenham Racecourse website HERE. 
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