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Cheltenham Festival Packages 2025

Cheltenham Gold Cup 2025

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Coach trips and self-drive packages including ticket and hotel

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When:   Cheltenham Festival: 11 -14 March 2025

Where:Cheltenham Racecourse, Gloucestershire, GL50 4SH

Memorable Moments:
2022 - Rachael Blackmore became the first female rider to with the Gold Cup
2009 – Kauto Star became the first ever horse to re-gain the Gold Cup
1990 – Norton's Coin was the shock winner with odds of 100/1
1989 – The last grey to win the Cup was Desert Orchid
1931 – The race was first cancelled due to a frozen course
1819 – The first Cheltenham Gold Cup took place and was a 3 mile flat race

Hundreds of thousands of people descend upon the famous Cheltenham Racecourse in March for the Cheltenham Festival where at least 28 races will take place and £600 million will be placed in bets on some of the world's finest  race horses with the highlight being the Cheltenham Gold Cup.

The first race of the Cheltenham Festival takes place on Tuesday, affectionately known as 'Champion Day', and will feature the Unibet Champion Hurdle in addition to six other adrenalin—fuelled races. Wednesday is always popular as it is officially 'Ladies Day' where fashion combined with high stakes will be the order of the day. Not only will awards be given out for the best dressed female race-goer, there'll be some fabulous racing too including the Queen Mother Champion Steeple Chase.

If you happen to be at the Cheltenham Festival on the Thursday then get ready to celebrate St Patricks Day early as the 'luck o' the Irish' takes over the racecourse! There'll be plenty of Irish entertainment on hand as you wait to witness some of the days big races including the Paddy Power Stayers' Hurdle and The Ryanair Chase. Expect fancy dress with an Irish theme and of course, pints of the black and white stuff!

The day that everyone loves is of course Cheltenham Gold Cup Day which takes place on the Friday of the 4-day Cheltenham Festival. This is the climax of the entire jump racing season and is an event that rarely fails to disappoint. There are six other gripping races to watch including two more Grade 1 events and three fiercely competitive handicaps – creating a day that all horse-racing fans will cherish!

Cheltenham festival packages tend to include: return coach travel, overnight accommodation in a quality hotel with breakfast, hotel-to-venue transfers plus ticket to the event with the option to upgrade depending on availability.

Recent Cheltenham Gold Cup Winners: 
2024:Galopin Des Champs
2023:Galopin Des Champs
2022:A Plus Tard


Cheltenham Gold Cup2017

 

Strike gold at Cheltenham!
A few essentials for the Cheltenham Gold Cup.

What do I wear?
There is no dress code at Cheltenham. Although the weather can be unpredictable so it is wise to dress accordingly. At the festival, ladies tend to wear hats and gentlemen usually wear a suit.

What's available in the Best Mate Enclosure?
Located opposite the main stands. Offers a great view of the racing, a variety of food choices as well as extensive betting facilities and bars. Entertainment includes leading 'cover' bands.

What's available in The Tattersalls?
Extensive grandstand views. A wide choice of betting and catering facilities. Access to all the bookmakers in the betting ring. Access to The Centaur, Parade Ring and unsaddling enclosure as well as the Hall of Fame. Access to the Gold Cup and Festival restaurants and the trade stands in the Tented Village.

Should I buy a racecard?
It is worth it as it provides a detailed guide to everything that is happening on each day as well as features and tips. They cost £3 on the day or £2.50 in advance.

Are cameras allowed?
Yes but please make sure that the flash is disabled as sudden bright lights can upset the horses. Binoculars are good for following the action and can be hired at the racecourse.

How do I pick a winner?
Some signs to take note of are good muscle tone (condition), shiny coat, bright eyes, an alert manner with a relaxed walk. It usually pays to avoid horses who are sweating profusely or are very agitated (but for some horses this is normal). Also study the horse’s form.

How do I place a bet?
Once the horses start to leave the Parade Ring, you'll have 5 minutes or so to place your bets with either the Tote or bookmakers. The price for each horse is displayed on the bookie's board. Prices will vary so shop around for the best value and the best Odds.

How much for a bet?
If you like to have a flutter, you will need cash for betting. Most bookmakers take a minimum bet of £5. The Tote will take bets from £2. Tote betting vouchers can be bought with a credit or debit card.

What happens after the race?
Once the race is over, head to the Parade Ring and Winners Enclosure where the first four horses to finish will return there. The winner usually enters last. Watch the trophy presentation and then collect your winnings.

Are there facilities to eat and drink?
There is a wide choice of restaurants and hospitality facilities. Mobile catering units can be found in all enclosures offering fish & chips, hog roasts, sandwiches etc. Food served may change from meeting to meeting so check the racecard for details.

What if I'm in a wheelchair?
Within the enclosures, there is a paddock viewing area. There are also special race viewing areas in The Grandstand, one beside the running rail and one in The Tattersalls.

Creative Commons License
The Cheltenham Gold Cup miniguide by Door2Tour.com is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License. You may share and distribute the image or PDF format of our miniguide online for the purposes outlined in this licence, but you must attribute Door2Tour.com as the author and provide a link back to this page.

Address: Cheltenham Racecourse, Gloucestershire, GL50 4SH

How to get there: All coach packages will include transfers directly to the venue. A bus link runs from Cheltenham Spa Station from 2 hours before racing, returning after racing. If travelling by car then nearer the racecourse, you'll find AA signage directing you to the nearest available car park.