Everything You Need to Know About Cheltenham Festival 2026

What’s the Cheltenham Festival?

The Cheltenham Festival is a historic horse racing-based in the National Hunt racing calendar in the United Kingdom. The event is only second to the Grand National. Dating back to the 1890’s the festival has always well-received.

The annual event place in March at the Cheltenham Racecourse in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire. Spread across four days of world class racing at Cheltenham Festival. The days are split between Champions Day, Ladies Day, St Patrick’s Day, Gold Cup Day.

Why is it so popular?

A festival graced by royalty and celebrities alike, its pull is unmistakable across its four exhilarating days.

This event resonates deeply in both the UK and Irish markets, not only because it coincides with Saint Patrick’s Day, but also due to the dominance of Irish-trained horses. Remarkably in 2021, Irish horses have won a massive 82% of races despite only fielding 40% of festival runners.

That rich history bodes well for trainers like Willie Mullins, already boasting 103 winners, along with Gordon Elliott and Henry de Bromhead, all of whom continue to shape the festival’s legacy.

You can watch the highlights of the 2025 event HERE

Where & when does it take place?

Cheltenham Racecourse, Evesham Road, GL50 4SH

Set against the stunning backdrop of Cheltenham Racecourse, the UK’s fourth largest Festival promises four days packed with racing and unforgettable entertainment.

Feel the atmosphere build from the roar of the crowd on Champion Day, to the elegance of Ladies Day. Celebrate Irish pride and energy on St Patrick’s Thursday, before the excitement reaches Gold Cup Day, where history unfolds.

Everyday at Cheltenham is special, it is not one to miss.

How can I get there?

Cheltenham Festival attracts tens of Thousands throughout the week, and one of the perks of the festival is how connected it is. With Several option such as Trains, Bus, E-Scooter, Park & Ride, getting to and from is quick and easy no matter where you’re coming from.

• A dedicated shuttle bus service provides regular connections between Cheltenham Spa Railway Station, (the nearest train station to the event) Cheltenham Town Centre, and Cheltenham Racecourse.
  
  
• The Park & Ride is located directly off Junction 11 of the M5, the park & ride service provides a bus service from Arle Court to the Transport Hub at The Cheltenham Festival
  
  If you plan on Parking at the festival please enquire. As Car Parking Permits must be purchased prior to the day. There will be no on the day sales.

As an official ticket agent for Cheltenham Festival, we can offer exclusive access to premium access to one of the biggest horse racing events in the UK with the Champions Club.

From this course-facing facility, you’ll not only soak in some of the most spectacular views of the track, but also indulge in the finest food and drink the event has to offer.