There is one big, fat cross on the calendar of racing fans and sports fans alike and it happens to run from 10th-13th March.
Whether you’re a seasoned punter or just like the odd flutter, whether you want to get suited and booted or just dust off that old hat that’s sitting at the back of the wardrobe, the Cheltenham Gold Cup is the perfect day out.
But with four days to visit on, make sure you get the most from your race day. There’s plenty to see and do before, during and after the events.
So why not check out the guide below, get booking our Cheltenham Travelodge and let us help you enjoy the ‘Greatest Show on Turf’?
Before
First thing’s first: you need to prepare yourself for a long day of racing. So, without sounding like your mother, we’ve got to say, ‘Start off the right way with a hearty breakfast!’ It’s easy.
Pretty much every restaurant, café and pub in town will offer a bang-up pre-festival breakfast. In fact, many will even offer you transport to the racecourse, so shop around and don’t worry about distance too much.
Our pick would be Tailors, which is just off the High Street and has a wide range of food and drink, a fireplace, and WiFi (this is one weekend you’ll want to share with friends who aren’t there). Plus the big screens will be on so you can get some tips early doors! Of course, if you’re an early riser, why not take your Full English or healthy fruit & yoghurt in your Travelodge and then head into town to soak up the atmosphere?
If the weather’s sunny, fill your lungs with fresh Gloucestershire air with a brisk walk round Cheltenham’s scenic spots. The Neptune Fountain outside the municipal offices and warm-toned Regency terrace houses make great photo ops.
During
If you can take your eyes off the racing, then you’ll want to place a bet or two yourself.
Do your research at the Parade Ring, where you’ll be able to see the horses that are about to race in all their glory and make your selection. Then head to the bookmakers and shop around for the best price. You’ll certainly hear and see them as they act out the age-old process of tic-tac: a way of communicating the changing of odds through hand signals.
The Gold Cup is known for the quality of the horses, so the bets are hot and there are plenty of chances to spot the human greats of the horseracing world too.
Wade through the punters and past the Irish band to get to sustenance when hunger and thirst call. There are plenty of food vendors and a number of bars, including the Guinness tent, where the mood definitely picks up as the day goes on.
After
There is always the option to hang around the racecourse after the day’s racing finishes, with many of the bars staying open and some even offering live music so you can dance away in celebration (or commiseration).
If you’re looking for some dinner and a few drinks back in the town, then bars and pubs will be brimming with punters so it’s probably better to book a table or get in early.
Our recommendation would be The Vine, a cosy pub that boasts a great atmosphere all the time, let alone when the country descends on Cheltenham for the races! They also do the best Thai food in town and are always welcoming, so it’s the perfect place to end a perfect day.
So, what are you waiting for? Book a room in our Cheltenham Travelodge today and start planning your Gold Cup 2015.
