Only a 35-minute drive from our luxurious holiday homes and lodges, Cheltenham Festival – known as the most prestigious National Hunt jump racing event of the year – gathers the world’s top jump jockeys take to their greatest stage at Cheltenham Racecourse to compete for a myriad of prestigious trophies. Running from Tuesday 10th March and culminating with Gold Cup day on Friday 13th March, Cheltenham Festival transforms a day at the races into “Four Days of Extraordinary drama and high emotion, with moments of pure theatre thrown in for good measure.”
With your holiday home-away-from-home not far from the racecourse we take pride in going the extra mile, turning those four race-filled days into your personal Wonderous Week at Watermark. Read on as we outline this electric festival, and show you how Cheltenham Festival and Watermark are a match made in heaven – and we’re not horsing around!
Tuesday 10th March – Champion Day
The famous Cheltenham ‘roar’ will erupt to kick the week off at 1:30PM on the first day of festivities, allowing you to justify a well-deserved and undisturbed lie-in at one of our luxury lodges. With seven races lined up, including the Unibet Champion Hurdle, Champion Day throws you straight into the drama and action. After a day full of excitement, we recommend stopping off in Cirencester and finding a hearty pub dinner before hopping straight to bed as soon as you enter your lovely lodge.
Wednesday 11th March – Ladies Day
Infamous for its tens of thousands of fashionable festival-goers, Ladies Day opens the doors to those who want to show off head turning raceday outfits, adding a splash of colour to Cheltenham Racecourse. Although ladies and their outfits are the stars of the show, don’t forget to pay a visit to The Park, a new addition to the already variety-filled festival, that gives you the opportunity to enjoy a bite of street food whilst dancing to live music performances throughout the day. Travel light and party safe in the knowledge that your remaining outfits are quietly awaiting your return at our secure lakeside premises.
Thursday 12th March – St. Patrick’s Day
Traditional Irish folk music, celebrating the Emerald Isle, and two hugely competitive races – the Ryanair Chase and Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle – make St. Patrick’s Day at Cheltenham an unmissable event. Make sure your outfit lets you horse around and jig to the day’s fantastic music lineup, including performances by The Lucky 15’s, Taylor & The Mason, and All Folked Up. Even if you have no Irish blood, you’ll be overwhelmed with the Irish spirit and sense of community.
Friday 13th March – Gold Cup Day
An absolute must-do on any sports fan’s bucket list, the Gold Cup Day is the crème da la crème of jump racing, and marks the finale of Cheltenham Festival. You’ll be one of over 70,000 attendees witnessing the Magners Cheltenham Gold Cup – a highly sought after trophy that only the best of the best compete for. With 22 fences over 3 miles 2½ furlongs (5,294m), this seven minute stamina sapping race is the blue riband of jump racing and is presented on a world stage. There’s no better place to be than live at the racecourse to experience the unforgettable atmosphere.
With home just around the corner, there’s no better way to spend Cheltenham Festival than coupling it with a private, peaceful, and perfect stay at one of our holiday homes. Get in touch if you have any questions about our holiday homes, and begin booking your Wonderous Week at Watermark.
