Enclosures
Where to be for the best views
CLUB ENCLOSURE
As Cheltenham Racecourse's most exclusive area, the Club Enclosure provides a range of viewing and refreshment options. Guests will be treated to spectacular views from the main grandstand, viewing steps and lawn, whilst the centre of the course (by the final fence) can also easily be reached. Guests will also have access to all facilities included in the Tattersalls Enclosure.
TATTERSALLS ENCLOSURE
The Tattersalls Enclosure offers guests extensive views from the Grandstands viewing steps. Badge holders have access to the Paddock, Winner's Enclosure viewing steps, The Hall of Fame and The Centaur. Finally, the enclosure contains a host of bars and eating options including the Cheltenham Gold Cup and Cheltenham Festival Restaurants and the trade stands in the Tented Village.
BEST MATE ENCLOSURE
Cheltenham’s Best Mate enclosure is situated directly opposite the main grandstand and provides great views of the racing. Built in 2004, this modern grandstand offers a variety of food choices and bars. Access to the Parade Ring or additional activities and entertainment such as the Shopping Village is not available from Best Mate.
TATTERSALLS/CLUB
Available on all racedays apart from the Gold Cup Day and Cheltenham Festival Week when the enclosures are separated. Guests can enjoy all the Club and Tattersalls enclosures (listed above) have to offer. This includes access to the Members Lawn, viewing steps, Paddock and the centre of the course by the final fence (weather permitting).
Dress Codes
What to wear
There is no particular dress code at Cheltenham Racecourse, as racing occurs mostly during the Winter months. Racegoers are asked to take both the occasion and weather into account when deciding what to wear. Gentleman will usually wear a suit or similar when in the Club Enclosure, restaurants and hospitality facilities. During the Cheltenham Festival, many ladies wear hats, but with the weather rather than high fashion in mind. Fancy dress is allowed as long as not deemed offensive, and the club reserves the right to turn anyone away who they believe to be dressed inappropriately.
Travel Information
How to find us
There are a variety of ways to reach Cheltenham Racecourse.
Directions
BY RAIL
Cheltenham Spa is easily accessible from both London’s Paddington and Luton with trains running hourly and a journey time of approximately 2 hours. From Birmingham, the journey will take approximately 35 minutes with trains every 30 minutes. From Bristol, trains take about 35 minutes and leave every hour. Taxis from the station will take 10 minutes, whilst a walking route will take approximately 40 minutes and is easily signposted.
BY BUS
During Cheltenham festival a bus will be picking up from Cheltenham Spa station and WH Smith in the Town Centre and dropping off at the racecourse. Return buses from the racecourse, will stop at Pittville Street before dropping off at the station. Returns and Singles from the station cost £5 and £3 respectively, whilst singles from the town and racecourse costs £2.50 each.
National Express also offer buses running to Cheltenham Festival from 21 different locations across the UK, with fares from £21. More info can be found here: http://www.nationalexpress.com/events/cheltenham-festival.aspx
BY AIR
Birmingham and Bristol airports have international flights passing through daily and are easily accessible to/from the course. Meanwhile, Gloucestershire airport is able to schedule private flights. A helipad is also available at the airport.
Parking
Parking at Cheltenham Racecourse is free on all days apart from the Cheltenham Festival and Saturday of the Open. Parking for the Cheltenham Festival is £15 on the day and £8 in advance, whilst parking for the Saturday of the Open is £5 on the day and £4 in advance.
The parking scheme for Cheltenham Racecourse can be found here http://cheltenham.thejockeyclub.co.uk/plan-your-race-day/visitor-information/directions-parking.The scheme is colour coded so that your parking zone will match your label and preferred route.
When picking up and dropping off during the Open and Cheltenham Festival please use the green area at West Car Park. From there, it is a 5 minute walk to the entrances.
