Course Guide
Cheltenham Racecourse
The spiritual home of British jump racing — and the stage for the most electric four days in the sport, the Cheltenham Festival.
Location
Prestbury Park, Cheltenham GL50 4SH
Founded
Racing at Cleeve Hill since 1815
Capacity
Around 67,500 (Festival days)
Course type
Left-handed, two undulating tracks (Old & New)
Big day
Cheltenham Gold Cup, March
Owner
The Jockey Club
About Prestbury Park
The amphitheatre of jump racing
Nestled at the foot of Cleeve Hill in the Cotswolds, Cheltenham Racecourse is widely regarded as the finest jumps venue in the world. Its undulating turf, long stiff climb to the line and natural amphitheatre stands give every race a tension you simply don't find anywhere else.
The course hosts 16 race days a year, with the unmissable highlight the Cheltenham Festival in mid-March — four days that bring more than 250,000 fans together for the championships of National Hunt racing.
Cheltenham is owned by The Jockey Club, which reinvests every penny of profit back into British racing.
The Festival
Four days, four championships
Each day of the Cheltenham Festival is built around its own championship race — a perfect way to plan which day to attend.
Day 1
Tuesday — Champion Day
Unibet Champion Hurdle
Two-mile hurdling crown.
Day 2
Wednesday — Style Wednesday
Betway Queen Mother Champion Chase
The fastest two-mile chasers in the world.
Day 3
Thursday — St Patrick's Thursday
Paddy Power Stayers' Hurdle
Three-mile hurdling championship.
Day 4
Friday — Gold Cup Day
Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup
The blue riband of jump racing.
History
From Cleeve Hill to the Gold Cup
The first recorded races at Cheltenham were held on Cleeve Hill in 1815. After moving to Prestbury Park in 1831, the modern course took shape and the inaugural Cheltenham Gold Cup as a steeplechase was run in 1924.
Legendary horses such as Golden Miller, Arkle, Dawn Run, Best Mate, Kauto Star and Galopin Des Champs have written their names into the Gold Cup roll of honour.
Today Cheltenham is the venue where every National Hunt season builds and where reputations are made.
Plan your day
Enclosures & tickets
Best Mate Enclosure
From £40 · GBP
Family-friendly area beside the Hall of Fame with big screens and great atmosphere.
Tattersalls
From £75 · GBP
Closest to the parade ring and rails bookmakers — the classic raceday experience.
Club Enclosure
From £125 · GBP
Premium access to The Centaur, smart dress code and prime grandstand views.
Prices are guideline only — book directly with The Jockey Club for the latest rates and availability.
Getting there
How to visit
- By train: Cheltenham Spa station, then 10-min shuttle bus on race days.
- By car: M5 junction 10 (north) or 11 (south). Pre-book parking.
- By air: Bristol or Birmingham airports both around 1 hour away.
- Address: Prestbury Park, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire GL50 4SH.
Race-day tips
Make the most of Cheltenham
Arrive early
Gates open around 10:30am on Festival days — beat the queues and soak up the build-up.
Walk the course
Take a stroll up the famous Cheltenham Hill before the first race to appreciate just how tough that final climb is.
Wrap up warm
March in the Cotswolds is brisk. Layers, waterproofs and sensible shoes are essentials.
Pick a horse per race
It makes every race a thrill, even with a modest stake. 18+, gamble responsibly.
Visit the Hall of Fame
Free entry — a brilliant primer on the sport's greatest horses.
Stay in the Cotswolds
Broadway, Winchcombe or Tewkesbury all make charming bases within easy reach.