Be First Out Of The Stalls For Cheltenham Festival Travel

Cheltenham Festival is held on Tuesday 11 to Friday 14 March this year, and it is the most prestigious date in the jump racing calendar. However, this event in the picturesque Cotswold setting is not only a magnet for horse racing enthusiasts, but also for socialites who like to see and be seen.

This makes it a fascinating mixture and a very enjoyable day out, no matter whether you are a fashionista, a committed racing fan, or simply want to soak up the atmosphere and enjoy the sights. 

However, the venue and surrounding area can become crowded, so many visitors find that hiring a coach is the best travel option. It’s within an hour of Oxford and nearby towns in south east England, so you can make a straightforward journey and arrive refreshed and ready to enjoy your day. 

What makes the Cheltenham Festival so special?

The Cheltenham Festival has a rich history, dating back to the early 19th century when the first races were held at Cheltenham Racecourse in 1815. By the early 20th century, the annual race meetings evolved into the original National Hunt Meeting, featuring a four-mile point to point (a race between the steeples of two churches, aka a steeplechase). 

The first Cheltenham Gold Cup was awarded in 1924, and remains the most prestigious and sought-after prize on the jump racing circuit. The festival attracts first-class competitors from across the globe, and has particularly strong associations with Ireland. Of course, the dates coincide with St Patrick’s Day, adding to the air of celebration. 

The festival is also famous for Style Wednesday, when the spectators show off their dress sense with fashionable outfits and accessories. Although there’s no official dress code, many attendees enjoy the opportunity to don their finest attire and showcase their sartorial elegance. 

There’s the opportunity to win the Slow Fashion Award, which celebrates the best of vintage and borrowed style. If you do want to look the part, racegoers tend to be practical types who dress for the weather in mid-March, avoiding floaty skirts, bare legs and high heels. Expect to see plenty of beautifully tailored tweed and colourful silk scarves. 

Exploring the town of Cheltenham

The festival is held in Prestbury Park, just outside the charming spa town of Cheltenham. It is well known for its Regency architecture, independent shops, fine restaurants and award-winning parks. The town has a vibrant cultural scene, and is well known for its Music and Literature festivals as well as the horse racing festival. 

Why travel by coach?

During the four-day racing festival, the town is buzzing with activity on all fronts. This makes for a great atmosphere, but congestion and parking can be a headache if you are planning to drive. Here’s a look at why travelling by coach is a good solution.

A stress-free journey

The last thing you want is to arrive for your big day out frazzled from a stressful journey. Hiring a coach means that you won’t need to navigate busy traffic or have the hassle of finding a safe place to park. 

The coach driver will take care of all these matters with professional skill and expertise, so all you need to do is sit back, relax and look forward to the day ahead. 

Cost effectiveness

Splitting the cost of a coach hire between a group can work out to be more economical than paying for train tickets or budgeting for fuel and parking. You’ll also have the added benefit of comfort and reliability, with seamless drop-off and pick-up points. 

A sociable experience

Attending a festival is a social experience, particularly at an event such as Cheltenham, which attracts all stratas of society. Therefore when you travel by coach, your whole group can be together right from the start, so you can build up the anticipation and enjoy the vibes without needing to worry about route finding and parking.