Legendary home to the best horse race on the planet, this gently rolling course is my favourite of all the famous ones, in part for its atmosphere (a lot more reverence for the venue, the races, the horses than at all the typical ‘flutter fairs’ around the country) as well as its setting, surrounded by an amphitheatre of hills, reflecting the delightful amphitheatre around the paddock, something which affords react views of the horses to all, not just those lucky enough to push their way to the front.
I’ve attended for two Gold Cups, and a Showcase. The Gold Cups are very, very busy, but calm. None of the lager-spilling of Aintree, but much more refined. I do strongly recommend getting the VIP tickets if you can afford them for that event. Expensive but you will have a much nicer day of it, I promise. To get so close to the finish line, and of course you get a pretty good view over much of the course because of its rolling nature, it’s splendid. if you do want raucous, go for the inside bend, it looks like a lot of fun, but I think you’d need a wetsuit.
The Showcase is a very understated brilliant aspect to Cheltenham – a sort of all-access pass to the course, on a quiet day’s racing (but still decent quality) which showcases the grounds, and gives you an opportunity to get close up to people working in the industry to talk to. Particularly striking was the anatomically correct painted horse. And it’s easier to hunt out Best Mate’s statue. Tickets are very cheap, and raffle prizes on offer during the day (like free entry to the weighing room, be inside the paddock, etc). Happens in October, and great if you’d like to see behind-the-scenes but can’t afford Gold Cup tickets.

– 1000Steps Photography

Fantastic walks all round racecourse and bits if Prestbury.Park in Prestbry(Park Lane )or by Steam Train Station.Watchingbthe kite was incredible.Just above our heads but only had phone to record it

– Clare Turville

Gold cup Friday at Cheltenham! A fantastic day at the races! Thank you for an amazing day and a brilliant event! 🥰🐴🐎 ☘️☘️

– Adrian Boland, Catford Masters