Best Mate Enclosure at Cheltenham

Who it suits

• Racegoers on a budget who still want a great view of the finish.
• Groups looking for a lively atmosphere and live music during the Festival.
• First-timers who want to try the Festival without spending a lot.

Ticket prices

Early-bird prices when 2027 tickets went on sale in March 2026. On the gate in 2026, Best Mate was £70.

Check availability on the official site

Where your ticket takes you

• The Best Mate Enclosure and its covered grandstand, directly opposite the main grandstand and next to the finish line.
• The Best Mate Pavilion, with live music from DJs and bands during the Festival.
• Best Mate bars, food outlets and betting.

Not included

• The Pre-Parade and Parade Ring.
• The Shopping Village.
• The Tattersalls and Club Enclosures.

The view

Best Mate faces the main grandstand from the other side of the course, so you get a head-on view as the horses race up the home straight towards you, and you’re right by the finish line. Its grandstand is covered, which helps on a wet March day.

Food and drink

Best Mate has its own bars and a full range of mobile catering.

Facilities

Dress code

There is no formal dress code, and fancy dress is allowed. Dress for the weather and wear comfortable shoes.

Getting in

With a Best Mate ticket you can only enter through the Best Mate gates at the south of the site, so check which car park or drop-off is nearest. Gates open at 10:30 on Festival days; the first race is at 13:30 and the last at 17:30. There is left luggage outside the Best Mate entrance, as suitcases and holdalls aren’t allowed in.

Accessibility

There is an accessible viewing area in the Best Mate grandstand, and accessible toilets. Book accessible tickets and personal assistant tickets in advance with the accessibility team on 01242 472593 or cheltenham.accessibility@thejockeyclub.co.uk.

Full accessibility guide for Cheltenham

Children and families

At the Festival, children aged 5 and over need a half-price ticket and under-5s are free but still need a ticket. Each adult (aged over 21) should look after no more than two under-18s.

Tips

• Make sure everyone in your group knows to use the Best Mate gates: other entrances won’t let you in.
• Stand near the finish line for the closest view of the photo finishes.
• Wednesday is the cheapest Festival day; Gold Cup Friday costs most and sells out first.
• Groups of six or more save 10% on Festival tickets.

Upgrading

If you want to see the horses in the Parade Ring, you’ll need to upgrade to Tattersalls or Club; check the official site for upgrade prices.

Questions people ask