Planning your 2025 Cheltenham Festival attendance requires early preparation. Many racing supporters miss prime locations and offers due to delayed arrangements. This Cheltenham Festival Guide presents effective methods to arrange your visit.
The Festival occurs from 11-14 March 2025 at Prestbury Park. You’ll witness 28 exceptional races across four dynamic days. This guide includes ticket bookings, race selections and practical tips.
You’ll discover prime viewing spots, effective wagering approaches, and dress requirements. We analyse each significant race including the Gold Cup and Champion Hurdle. For Festival success, continue reading.
Key Takeaways
- The 2025 Cheltenham Festival runs from 11-14 March at Prestbury Park, featuring 28 races across four days with tickets ranging from £47 to £131.
- Four major races headline the festival: Champion Hurdle (Day 1), Queen Mother Champion Chase (Day 2), Stayers’ Hurdle (Day 3), and Gold Cup (Day 4) with £625,000 prize money.
- Smart betting needs early planning. Study each horse’s last three runs. Back Irish-trained horses. Take advantage of bet365’s “Bet 10 Get 50 in Free Bets” offer.
- Book rooms 6 months ahead. Choose from hotels (£150-300), B&Bs (£80-120), or camping (£30-50). The Club Enclosure offers the best views at £197 per ticket.
- The famous ‘Cheltenham Roar’ starts each race day at 1:30 PM. Irish presence dominates with 18 wins versus Britain’s 9 in 2024’s Prestbury Cup.
What Is The Cheltenham Festival?
The Cheltenham Festival stands as Britain’s biggest racing event, bringing four days of top-class racing action each March. You’ll find the best horses, jockeys, and trainers from Britain and Ireland at this national hunt racing showcase at Prestbury Park.
History And Heritage
Prestbury Park’s racing legacy started in 1815 with a single horse race on Nottingham Hill. Racing fans flocked to this special spot near Cleeve Hill for its perfect ground and stunning views.
National hunt racing grew fast here, with more races added each year to meet the growing crowds.
Gold Cup glory began in 1924, making this race the most famous jump racing event in Britain. Famous horses like Golden Miller, Arkle, and Best Mate made history on these grounds. In 2005, festival organisers added an extra day, turning it into a four-day celebration of jump racing excellence.
Irish-trained horses now dominate many races, creating fierce battles with British runners for the Prestbury Cup. Top jockeys like Ruby Walsh and AP McCoy have claimed countless victories here, setting records that still stand today.
Festival Significance In Horse Racing
The Cheltenham Festival stands as Britain’s most vital racing event. Over 250,000 racing fans pack into Cheltenham Racecourse each March to see the finest horses compete. The festival brings together top equine talent from Britain and Ireland in 28 races across four days.
Grade one races like the Champion Hurdle and Cheltenham Gold Cup offer the highest prize money in UK jump racing.
Your visit to this national hunt festival puts you at the heart of racing excellence. The event tests horses and jockeys at the peak of their powers. Paul Townend, Rachael Blackmore and other star jockeys battle for glory on the testing track.
Past legends like Kauto Star, Desert Orchid and Istabraq made their names here. The roar of the crowd as horses thunder up the famous hill creates an electric atmosphere you won’t find at any other UK race meeting.
Annual Dates And Duration
Cheltenham Festival 2025 runs from Tuesday, 11 March to Friday, 14 March. This four-day racing event features 28 exciting jump races at the famous Prestbury Park course.
Each festival day starts at 1:30 PM and ends around 5:30 PM with seven races per day. Racing post experts consider this Britain’s most prestigious National Hunt meeting since 1860, except for 2001 when foot-and-mouth disease caused its cancellation.
What Are The Main Races At The Festival?
The Cheltenham Festival hosts four major races that draw the biggest crowds and betting action. Each race brings its own magic – from the Champion Hurdle’s speed tests to the Gold Cup’s ultimate challenge of stamina and skill.
Champion Hurdle Details
Champion Day’s main race starts at 3:30 PM sharp on March 11, 2025. This Grade 1 hurdle race covers 2 miles with eight hurdles for horses aged four years and up. Prize money reaches £400,000, making it a prime target for top Irish trained runners and British champions alike.
Your best viewing spot sits near the final hurdle, where Constitution Hill made history in 2023. Grade 1 winners must jump fast and clean over each obstacle while maintaining speed throughout.
Past champions like Honeysuckle and Dawn Run showed why this race demands both speed and stamina from every runner.
Queen Mother Champion Chase
The Queen Mother Champion Chase stands as the main race on day two at Cheltenham Festival. This Grade 1 National Hunt chase runs over 2 miles with a prize fund of £400,000. Top horses sprint across 1 mile 7 furlongs and 199 yards on 12th March 2025 at 16:00.
The race brings together the fastest steeplechasers in Britain and Ireland.
Your best view of this race sits in the Club Enclosure near the finish line. Past winners like Paul Nicholls’ trained horses show the high quality needed to win. The race demands speed and perfect jumping over 12 fences.
Irish Point and other top chasers will battle for glory in front of the packed grandstands. The Parade Ring offers you close-up views of these elite horses before they race.
Stayers’ Hurdle Overview
The Stayers’ Hurdle stands as a Grade 1 race at Cheltenham Festival, where horses run three miles over hurdles. Each runner carries exactly 11 stone 10 pounds, making it a true test of stamina and skill.
This prestigious race started in 1972 as a replacement for the Spa Hurdle.
Recent champions showcase the race’s high standards, with Teahupoo winning in 2024 and Sire Du Berlais taking the crown in 2023. You’ll spot top trainers like Willie Mullins sending their best horses to compete in this challenging contest.
The race draws huge crowds on St Patrick’s Thursday, creating an electric atmosphere in the Winners’ Enclosure.
Cheltenham Gold Cup Significance
The Gold Cup stands as the most coveted prize in jump racing. This Grade 1 steeplechase runs over 3 miles and 2½ furlongs, testing both speed and stamina. Top horses like Galopin Des Champs (FR) have etched their names in racing history through this race.
Prize money for the Gold Cup reaches £625,000, making it the richest non-handicap chase in Britain. Horses must clear 22 fences during this tough test of skill and endurance. The race marks day four of the festival – known as Gold Cup Friday – drawing crowds of 70,000+ racing fans who create the famous ‘Cheltenham Roar’.
How Does Festival Betting Work?
You’ll find many ways to place bets at the Cheltenham Festival – from basic win bets to more complex each-way wagers. The Racing Post tips can guide you through odds and popular markets, plus help you spot good ante-post values before the big race day starts.
Understanding Festival Odds
Festival odds show your possible winnings at Cheltenham races. Each horse has specific odds – like 2/1 or 5/1. A £10 bet at 2/1 odds pays £20 profit plus your stake back. The Racing Post tips help track changing odds before big races.
Bookmakers offer special deals like “Bet £10 get £50 in free bets” during the festival.
The tote betting system works differently from fixed odds. Your returns depend on how much money goes into the betting pool. Study the form of horses, check trainer records, and watch course conditions.
The odds shift based on how many people bet on each horse. Top three market favourites often have shorter odds due to their strong chances of winning.
Popular Betting Markets
Betting markets at Cheltenham offer many ways to place your money. Expert tipsters Tom Segal and David Jennings share proven strategies for these popular markets.
- Single Race Bets – Put money on one horse to win or place in any race
- Each-Way Betting – Back a horse to win and place, paying out if it finishes in top spots
- Double Bets – Pick winners from two races for bigger payouts
- Treble Bets – Select three winning horses across different races
- Lucky 15 – Four picks spread across 15 bets including singles, doubles, trebles and a four-fold
- Yankee Bet – Pick four horses across six doubles, four trebles, and one four-fold bet
- Place Only Markets – Bet on horses to finish in top spots without winning
- Match Betting – Pick between two horses to finish ahead of each other
- Without The Favourite – Back horses in a market that removes the favourite
- Forecast Betting – Pick first and second place finishers in exact order
- Tricast Markets – Choose first, second and third place in correct order
- Supreme Novices Markets – Special bets for new horses at grade one level
- Gold Cup Specials – Unique markets for the main race including winning distances
- Top Trainer Betting – Back trainers to have most wins across four days
- Top Jockey Markets – Bet on which jockey scores most wins during festival
Ante-post Betting Guide
Ante-post bets offer great value for the Cheltenham Festival 2025. You must place these bets weeks or months before the races start. The odds stay fixed at the time you place your bet.
Your stake will return if your horse doesn’t run, thanks to non-runner no bet offers.
Smart punters look for second or third-string horses from top trainers. These picks often give better odds than the favourites. Top three finishers from past festivals make solid ante-post choices.
Grade one winners and horses with three or more runs show good form for long-term bets. The best time to place ante-post bets starts right after the previous year’s festival ends.
Betting Strategy Tips
Smart betting at Cheltenham Festival needs careful planning and timing. Top experts Tom Segal and David Jennings share proven tips for success at the races.
- Study each horse’s last three runs before placing bets
- Pick horses that finished in top three spots in their latest race
- Focus on runners with past wins at Cheltenham track
- Back horses that won grade one races in the current season
- Check odds early for better value through ante-post markets
- Split your betting budget across all four festival days
- Take advantage of Free Bets offers
- Look at horses that run well in similar ground conditions
- Track Irish-trained horses, as they often do well at the festival
- Save your biggest bets for the Gold Cup and Champion Hurdle races
- Use each-way bets on horses at double figure odds
- Follow form guides in Racing Post for expert insights
- Keep records of all your bets to track performance
- Set a firm daily budget and stick to it
- Compare odds across different bookmakers for best value
What Should Visitors Know About Attending?
Your visit to the Cheltenham Festival needs smart planning – from picking the right dress code to sorting your tickets, stays, and travel plans – read on to learn the key steps for a brilliant day at the races.
Festival Dress Code
The Cheltenham Festival has no strict dress code rules. Smart casual clothes fit the event well. Most guests pick smart outfits to match the grand racing spirit. Ladies often sport dresses, skirts, or nice trousers with warm coats.
Gents pick suits or smart blazers with shirts.
Style Wednesday brings extra glamour to the festival races. Pack warm layers and comfy shoes for the outdoor event. The races go on in all weather types. Warm coats, hats, and gloves help you stay cosy.
Many guests bring waterproof items just in case it rains during the racing action.
Ticket Options And Pricing
Festival tickets offer varied access levels to suit different budgets and preferences. Prices range from £47 to £131, with Gold Cup Day commanding premium rates.
- Club Enclosure tickets cost £112 for days 1-3 and £131 for Gold Cup Day, granting access to prime viewing spots and exclusive bars
- Tattersalls Enclosure passes run at £67 for days 1-3 and £84 for Gold Cup Day, featuring good views and the Guinness Village
- Best Mate Enclosure tickets start at £47 for days 1-3 and £64 for Gold Cup Day, perfect for first-time visitors
- Children aged 4 and under enter free with a paying adult
- Group discounts apply for bookings of 15+ people, saving 20% on standard rates
- Annual Members get priority booking and special rates year-round
- Restaurant packages include Club admission plus food and drinks from £275
- Private boxes fit 16-24 guests with full catering from £445 per person
- Early bird rates save up to 15% on standard prices if booked 3 months ahead
- Student and senior discounts offer 10% off base ticket prices with valid ID
Accommodation Guidelines
Finding suitable accommodation significantly impacts your Cheltenham experience. Good preparation ensures you secure ideal locations near the racecourse.
- Make accommodation reservations 6 months ahead of the races – rooms become scarce quickly
- Select from The Greenman Inn or other hotels within 30 minutes of the course
- Choose between hotels (£150-300 per night), B&Bs (£80-120), or camping (£30-50)
- Select accommodation near shuttle bus stops or train stations for convenient travel
- Verify if your hotel provides race day transport services
- Enquire about special race week meal deals or packed lunch options
- Confirm your room has storage for race day outfits and gear
- Reserve a spot with parking if you plan to drive to the races
- Check prices between Worcester and Cheltenham accommodation
- Review cancellation policies – many places need 30 days notice
- Enquire about early check-in options for race day mornings
- Make group reservations together to secure better rates
- Select rooms away from street noise for better rest
- Find places that serve breakfast before race times
Transport Information
Cheltenham Spa station serves as your main rail gateway to the Festival. Direct trains run from London Paddington, Bristol, and Birmingham to make your trip smooth. A dedicated shuttle bus picks you up right at the station and drops you at the racecourse gates every 10 minutes during peak times.
Be sure to check out the Cheltenham Festival travel guide for more information.
Your car parking needs £15 pre-booking to save money and time. The racecourse offers clear signs to guide you to your spot. Local taxis and private hire services run fixed rates from the town centre to the turf.
The Jockey Club has set up special drop-off points near each entrance to help you reach the racing action fast.
Where Are The Best Viewing Areas?
The Club Enclosure gives you clear views of the finish line and parade ring at the Cheltenham Festival. You’ll spot the best spots near the rails by the home straight, where you can watch horses thunder past in the final stretch.
Club Enclosure Details
Premier access awaits you in the Club Enclosure at Cheltenham Festival. Your £197.00 ticket grants full entry to all public areas, plus special spots near the winning post. You’ll find luxury champagne bars and first-class viewing spots right by the parade ring.
Exclusive facilities make this spot truly special. The Guinness Village sits nearby, offering perfect pints and racing views. Smart shops and food spots dot the area, giving you plenty of choices between races.
Your spot near the finish line puts you close to the famous ‘Cheltenham Roar’ as horses dash past.
Tattersalls Enclosure
The Tattersalls Enclosure sits at the heart of Cheltenham’s racing action. You’ll find prime spots opposite the finishing line, perfect for watching those nail-biting finishes in the Champion Hurdle Chase.
This area gives you full access to the Pre Parade Ring and Parade Ring, where you can see the horses up close before each race.
Your ticket includes entry to multiple food outlets and betting facilities throughout the enclosure. The area offers clear views of the famous ‘Cheltenham Roar’ at the start of each race.
On-site Wi-Fi keeps you connected to check the latest odds, while disabled access ensures everyone enjoys the racing spirit.
Best Stands Location
Grandstand seats provide excellent views of the racing at Cheltenham Festival. You’ll see horses jumping fences and hurdles from an elevated position that shows the full track. Pegasus Lounge presents excellent spots to watch runners take the final two fences before racing down the finishing straight.
Best Mate Enclosure sits opposite the main grandstand, ideal for seeing the famous ‘Cheltenham roar’ as horses race past. This spot allows you to follow the racing from start to finish, with clear views of both the parade ring and winner’s enclosure.
Grade one winners often run past these viewing areas at full speed, creating exciting moments in every race.
Hospitality Options
The Cheltenham Festival provides excellent hospitality packages for racing supporters. You can select options that suit your budget and preferences at this renowned racing event.
- Moscow Flyer Restaurant offers fine dining with trackside views at £435 per person
- Final Fence Restaurant provides clear views of the last jump and finish line
- Club Enclosure access includes private bars and premium viewing areas
- Best Mate Enclosure tickets present clear finish line views at good value
- Private boxes accommodate 12-16 guests with personal waiting service
- Panoramic Restaurant sits high above the course for full race views
- Long Run Boxes offer intimate settings for small groups
- Champions Walk Restaurant serves breakfast and afternoon tea
- Horse & Groom Pub presents casual dining with racing atmosphere
- Owners & Trainers Pavilion offers exclusive access to racing insiders
- Festival Restaurant prepares hot lunch with course views
- Golden Miller Lounge serves champagne and canapes all day
- Royal Box delivers the most elite hospitality experience
- Winged Ox Bar offers pub-style food with indoor seating
- Paddock View Restaurant allows you to watch horses before races
What Are The Festival Traditions?
The Cheltenham Festival brings unique customs that make it special in British racing. You’ll spot the famous ‘Cheltenham Roar’ – a mighty crowd cheer that marks the start of each race, plus the strong Irish presence that adds colour to the four-day event.
Cheltenham Roar Explained
A mighty roar fills the air as 70,000 racing fans cheer at the start of day one’s first race. This famous crowd noise marks the start of each Cheltenham Festival race day. Fans create this loud roar to show their joy and build up racing spirit.
Race-goers stamp their feet and shout with pure joy as horses line up at the starting tape. Many past winners like Denman got their push from this powerful crowd noise. Your heart will race as you join fellow fans in this proud racing tradition that dates back over 50 years.
Festival Fashion
Festival fashion brings classic British style to the racing grounds. Smart tweeds and fitted suits rule the day at Cheltenham. Ladies sport luxurious silk dresses with Clare Haggas designs leading the fashion pack.
Your outfit needs slim trousers paired with clean, simple accessories.
The dress code stays true to racing traditions while adding modern touches. Men pick dark suits or tweed jackets for the perfect race day look. Ladies choose elegant dresses or trouser suits in rich colours.
Smart shoes must match your outfit – no trainers allowed on these grounds. The festival crowd shows off British racing style at its finest.
Irish Presence
Irish racing fans bring massive energy to Cheltenham each year. Their impact shines brightest on St Patrick’s Thursday – a day filled with Irish music, food, and racing pride. The 2024 results proved Irish dominance with 18 wins to Great Britain’s 9 in the Prestbury Cup.
Irish horses and trainers lead the pack at top races like the Gold Cup and Champion Hurdle. You’ll spot green flags waving, hear Irish songs, and feel the buzz as Irish runners cross the finish line.
Their success rates keep growing each season, making them clear favourites among smart punters who want to back winners.
Opening Ceremonies
The Cheltenham Roar marks the start of each Festival day at 1:30 PM sharp. Thousands of racing fans create this mighty sound as the tape rises for the first race. The famous roar echoes across Prestbury Park, setting up four days of top racing action.
The opening ceremony starts with a grand parade of past champions and racing legends. You’ll spot Gold Cup heroes and Champion Hurdle winners walking the track. The Festival’s official bugler plays ‘The Call to Post’ before each race starts.
Local school bands perform traditional racing tunes to add to the festive spirit.
How To Plan The Perfect Festival Visit?
Your perfect Cheltenham Festival visit starts with smart planning – from booking tickets early to packing essentials, and we’ll show you how to make the most of this grand racing event.
Booking Timeline
Planning ahead makes a huge difference for the Cheltenham Festival. Smart timing helps you get the best deals and spots at the races.
- Book tickets 6 months before the event to grab early bird rates and group deals for 15-50 people
- Reserve hotel rooms 8-10 months ahead – local spots fill up fast during festival dates
- Sort out transport 3 months prior – train tickets, parking passes, or shuttle services need early booking
- Check the Racing Post tips 4-6 weeks before to plan your bets on grade one races
- Download the Cheltenham app 2 weeks ahead for maps and live updates
- Print or download e-tickets 1 week before to skip long queues
- Pack essentials 2 days before – dress code items, cash, and weather gear
- Arrive 2 hours early on race day for security checks and good viewing spots
- Set phone alerts 1 month ahead for ante-post betting deadlines
- Book food and drink packages 3 months early for the best table spots near the finishing post
Essential Items Checklist
A solid checklist keeps you ready for the Cheltenham Festival. Pack these items to make your racing day perfect.
- Racing Post Betting Guide (£20.40) for latest tips and odds
- Valid photo ID and ticket printouts
- Cash and cards for betting and purchases
- Mobile phone with full charge plus power bank
- Light raincoat or umbrella (British weather changes fast)
- Binoculars to watch horses on far parts of track
- Comfortable shoes for walking on grass and concrete
- Small bag or backpack that fits venue rules
- Race card and pen to mark your picks
- Sun cream and hat (even in March)
- Hand sanitiser and tissues
- Light snacks and water bottle
- Warm layers (coat, scarf, gloves)
- Camera to capture race moments
- Portable radio to hear race commentary
- Festival map and schedule printout
- Parking permit if driving
- Emergency contact numbers list
- Basic first aid items (plasters, painkillers)
- Small notepad for tracking bets
Food And Drink Options
The Feed Room brings tasty pop-up food spots to the festival. You’ll find fresh Boa Buns, hot Tacos, and crispy Pizza at these themed stands. Three new bars open in 2025: the Winning Post Bar, Home Straight Bar, and Sales Arena Bar.
These spots offer local drinks and premium options.
Your food choices focus on fresh, local items that help the earth. Each bar serves special drinks made near Cheltenham. The festival puts good food first, so you won’t go hungry between races.
Quick bites and sit-down meals fit every taste and time limit.
Navigation Tips
Getting around Cheltenham Festival needs smart planning. Here are vital tips to help you move through the grounds with ease.
- Follow yellow signs to GL50 4SH for quick access to parking areas
- Grab a free map at info points near main gates to spot key areas fast
- Pick a meeting spot near Club Enclosure in case you lose your group
- Stay close to the parade ring 30 minutes before each race start
- Use marked walkways between betting rings and viewing areas
- Find short routes between food stands and toilets early in the day
- Keep right on busy paths during peak times between races
- Look for raised ground near the final furlong for better race views
- Check notice boards near entrance gates for last-minute changes
- Save time by booking advance tickets to skip main queue lines
- Park in Zone B for fastest exit after the last race
- Use shuttle buses from town centre to avoid parking stress
- Find your seat 15 minutes before the Cheltenham Roar starts
- Stay near Tattersalls area for quick access to betting spots
- Keep your ticket handy for moving between different zones
Conclusion
Your Cheltenham Festival 2025 trip needs smart planning. Pack warm clothes, book tickets early, and study Racing Post tips for better betting odds. The Gold Cup Day brings top races with prime viewing spots at Club and Tattersalls areas.
Your festival fun starts with the famous Cheltenham Roar on March 11. The magic of jump racing awaits you at this four-day showcase of champions.
FAQs
1. What makes a good bet at the Cheltenham Festival?
Look for horses that won last time out or finished in the top three. Horses that have run at Cheltenham this season often do well. The best picks usually sit at the top of the market.
2. How important is past Festival form?
Very! Horses that have run at a previous festival tend to do better. Those who finished first or second last time at Cheltenham are worth noting. Past winners of Grade One races often shine here.
3. What should I check before betting at Cheltenham?
Check if the horse has at least three runs. Look at their form in the last days. See if they’ve run at Cheltenham before. The Grand National winners often do well here too.
4. Is the Cheltenham Gold Cup different from other races?
Yes! The Gold Cup is special, like A Plus Tard showed us. It’s harder than Aintree races. Horses need more stamina and jumping skill to win here.
5. How can I spot value in the betting market?
Watch horses that finished top three last time. Check their odds – if they’re in the top three in the market, that’s often a good sign. But don’t just follow the crowd!
6. What’s special about the Foxhunter Chase?
The Foxhunter Chase is unique – it’s like a Gold Cup for amateur riders. Horses need to have run in the last days and shown good form. First-time festival runners rarely win this one.

James Dooley is a highly regarded digital entrepreneur with a huge digital real estate portfolio. He has extensive knowledge and experience in SEO and digital marketing. He enjoys contributing to sports betting blogs, entrepreneurship topics and advancements in search engine optimisation as an author.