Cheltenham Races: A Local Guide for Visitors
The racecourse from the air
What is Cheltenham Racecourse?
Cheltenham Racecourse is one of the best-known sporting landmarks in this part of the country and draws visitors to the area throughout the year. For those staying in Herefordshire, it offers a distinctive day out that combines sport, tradition and a strong sense of occasion.
When is a good time to go?
While Cheltenham is most closely associated with the Festival in March, the racecourse hosts fixtures across the season, each with its own character. Visitors often find that attending a race meeting is as much about the atmosphere and setting as it is about the racing itself. The lesser known fixtures are ideal if you are not a fan of crowds. The famous Gold Cup week can get very busy.
How would I get there from Herefordshire?
Barton Court is on the cusp of Herefordshire and Gloucestershire [where the racecourse is] so from here, Cheltenham is an easy drive, making it possible to enjoy a day at the races without staying in the centre of town.
Why would we stay outside Cheltenham?
Places to stay in the town and the surrounding villages get very busy and book up early. Many people book for the next year as they leave, so accommodation is limited and can be very expensive or very poor quality.
Many guests choose to stay a little further out, where the pace is quieter, and travel in for the day.
What about parking, though?
Parking arrangements at the racecourse vary depending on the meeting, and it’s worth checking details in advance, particularly during busier fixtures. Taxis and pre-booked transport are also widely used for larger events and we can help to arrange transportation for you, including a helicopter ride if you ant to travel there in style.
What to expect on the day
Cheltenham Racecourse sits at the foot of Cleeve Hill, with wide views across the surrounding countryside. The setting gives race days a sense of openness, even when attendance is high.
Facilities at the racecourse are well organised, with a range of enclosures and hospitality options. For first-time visitors, it’s often worth choosing a simpler enclosure and focusing on enjoying the experience rather than trying to follow every detail of the racing.
How should we dress?
Dress codes vary depending on the meeting and enclosure, but tend to be less formal outside the Festival. Comfort matters, particularly in cooler months, when the open setting can feel exposed.
‘Style Wednesday’ replaced ‘Ladies Day’ for a while in deference to inclusivity. This used to be the day on which women dressed to the nines and the most outrageous hats won prizes. The change was not popular and from 2026, ‘Ladies Day’ is being reinstated.
This means, if there are women in the group, they may wish to dress up and even wear a hat. However, they should not forget that March ban be bitterly cold and bring some appropriate outwear and shoes.
The Cheltenham Festival and other meetings
The Festival in March is the most prominent date in the racing calendar and attracts an international audience. It brings a heightened energy to the town and surrounding area, along with increased traffic and demand for accommodation.
Outside the Festival, race days tend to feel more relaxed and can offer a very different experience. Autumn and winter meetings, in particular, have a quieter rhythm and are often enjoyed by those who value the sport itself over the spectacle.
For visitors unfamiliar with racing, these smaller fixtures can be an approachable introduction.
Eating and spending time in Cheltenham
Cheltenham itself is a town with a strong Regency character, known for its wide streets, independent shops and cafes.
Many visitors choose to combine a morning or afternoon at the races with time spent in the town, whether for a meal, a walk or a visit to the galleries and parks.
As with the racecourse, planning ahead is advisable during busier periods, especially for dining. Never leave anything to the last minute: some restaurants, especially those ith a reputation for good food, get booked up months ahead.
Staying nearby
Staying outside Cheltenham allows visitors to enjoy the races without the intensity that can accompany major meetings. A quieter base makes it easier to step away from the crowds at the end of the day and to experience more of the surrounding countryside during a longer stay.
For guests staying in Herefordshire, a race day can sit comfortably alongside walks, meals with friends, or time spent exploring local towns and villages.
