Cheltenham Festival 2022 tips on how to get there, dates, TV times and more

Horse racing fans are in their element this week as the Cheltenham Festival begins today (March 15).

Around 250,000 people will attend the annual extravaganza, which has roots dating back to 1860 and is one of the UK’s oldest and most notable horse racing events.

The Cheltenham Festival is the biggest week in the jump racing calendar and is famous for attracting many people who are new to the sport - with many travelling from Birmingham each year.

If you are new to horse racing, then check out our useful guide below with some handy information about how to make the most of the event.

How long is the festival on for?

The four-day Prestbury event begins today and concludes on Friday, when the highlight of the meeting takes place in the shape of the prestigious Cheltenham Gold Cup at 3.30pm.

Other highlights of Cheltenham week are today’s Champion Hurdle at 3.30pm and tomorrow’s Queen Mother Champion Chase, also at 3.30pm.

Where can tickets be purchased and how much do they cost?

Adult tickets cost £60 for the Best Mate Enclosure where you can enjoy views opposite the finishing line, a covered grandstand and head-on views of the racecourse. But these ticket’s don’t give you access to the Parade Ring or Winners’ Enclosure.

Tattersalls tickets cost £75 per adult. This section is described as ‘the perfect middle ground between Club and Best Mate Enclosure’. It enables you to be close up to the Winners’ Enclosure, stand by the Winning Post and get stunning views from the Tattersalls grandstand viewing steps.

There are also various luxury packages available, including Private Box packages, the Orchard Pods and Panoramic Restaurant.

The Panoramic Restaurant is situated on the fifth level of the grandstand overlooking the winning post and provides stunning views of the racecourse in the rolling Gloucestershire countryside.

Numerous hospitality packages are available but booking in advance is essential.

Tickets are still available for this year’s festival and can be bought by visiting here: Cheltenham Festival tickets

How to get to Cheltenham Racecourse

Cheltenham Racecourse is located on the Evesham Road in Cheltenham, GL50 4SH.

Those arriving by car can pay for parking on the day at the car park entrance.

If, like many race-goers, you would like to enjoy a drink or two or more, then travelling to the venue by train is a popular mode of transport.

There are direct journeys taking as little as 38 minutes available from Birmingham New Street to Cheltenham Spa.

Regular services operate from New Street to Cheltenham station, from where a dedicated Races bus service is in operation for The Festival.

The Races Bus Service operates between Cheltenham station, the town centre and the racecourse (South Car Park) and the cost is £6 per person return and £4 per person single.

Taxis also regularly arrive at Cheltenham station to transport punters to the venue.

How to watch the Festival on TV

The first five races of each day will be broadcast live on ITV.

The only place to watch the Festival in its entirety is on Racing TV, which offers subscriptions starting from £10 for a day pass.

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