Four days, four championships
Tuesday 16 March
Champion Day
The Champion Hurdle
The Festival opens with the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle and the famous “Cheltenham roar” as the tapes go up. Big crowds and a real sense of occasion; it suits anyone who wants to feel the start of the week.
Wednesday 17 March
Ladies’ Day
The Queen Mother Champion Chase
The cheapest day of the four (Best Mate was £30 at the early-bird price), with the two-mile championship chase. A good choice for a first Festival, and one of the week’s big fashion days.
Thursday 18 March
St Patrick’s Thursday
The Stayers’ Hurdle
Irish racegoers turn out in force, and the atmosphere is the most sociable of the week. The Stayers’ Hurdle is the three-mile championship hurdle.
Friday 19 March
Gold Cup Day
The Cheltenham Gold Cup
The biggest day of the jumps season and the one that sells out first; Best Mate was £50 at the early-bird price. Expect the biggest crowds and longest queues, so book early and arrive early.
From £30 (Best Mate, Wednesday) at the early-bird price when 2027 tickets went on sale in March 2026. Prices rise in stages as the Festival approaches.
Race times
The Jockey Club has published its 2027 schedule: gates open at 10:30am, with the first race at 1:20pm and the last at 5:20pm on all four days. Times remain subject to change.
| Day | First race | Last race |
|---|---|---|
| Tuesday 16 March | 1:20pm | 5:20pm |
| Wednesday 17 March | 1:20pm | 5:20pm |
| Thursday 18 March | 1:20pm | 5:20pm |
| Friday 19 March | 1:20pm | 5:20pm |
Source: Official race schedule — checked 14 October 2026.
Ticket prices and when to buy
| Day | Best Mate | Tattersalls | Club |
|---|---|---|---|
| TuesdayChampion Day | £35 | £57 | £86 |
| WednesdayLadies’ Day, the cheapest day | £30 | £55 | £79 |
| ThursdaySt Patrick’s Thursday | £35 | £57 | £86 |
| FridayGold Cup Day, sells out first | £50 | £69 | £105 |
Early-bird prices when 2027 tickets went on sale in March 2026. The racecourse raises prices in stages as the Festival approaches, and the gate is dearest of all: on the gate in 2026, Best Mate was £70, Tattersalls £91 and Club £126.
- When to buy. Tickets for the next Festival go on sale the week after the last one ends, at the lowest prices of the year. Prices then rise in stages, so the earlier you buy, the less you pay.
- Ways to save. Groups of six or more save 10%, and adding a second day saves 10% on days one to three.
- Going more than once a season? The Favourite membership gives Club access to all 16 racedays, Festival included, from £379 (£245 for 18–28s and over-65s).
- Children. Children aged 5 and over need a half-price ticket. Children under 5 are free but still need a ticket. Each adult aged over 21 should be responsible for no more than two under-18s.
- Seats. Standing is the norm. Reserved grandstand seats can be added to Tattersalls and Club tickets in advance, and they sell out quickly.
Not sure which enclosure? Compare the enclosures, or estimate the cost of your trip.
Hospitality
Restaurant packages include Club admission, food and drink. Official starting prices per person for 2027, checked 15 September 2026:
| Package | From | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Moscow Flyer | £402 | Two-course buffet and afternoon tea; not course-facing |
| Gold Cup Restaurant | £702 | Chef’s-table buffet, afternoon tea and complimentary bar |
| Horseshoe Pavilion | £702 | Champagne, four-course lunch, afternoon tea and complimentary bar |
| Cleeve Suite | £942 | Four-course lunch, afternoon tea and complimentary bar |
| Final Fence | £960 | Champagne, buffet, afternoon tea and complimentary bar |
| Horse & Groom | £972 | Pub lunch, savoury afternoon tea, cheese and complimentary bar |
| Chez Roux | £1,116 | Champagne, four-course menu, afternoon tea and inclusive drinks |
Travel and parking
Shuttle buses
Stagecoach runs continuous shuttles from Cheltenham Spa station and Clarence Street (stop 8): £10 return, £6.50 single after racing.
Parking
Every car needs a parking pass bought in advance, sent by post; none are sold on the day. Minibuses and coaches need a coach pass.
Coaches
National Express runs Festival services from more than 20 UK pick-up points, dropping off a couple of minutes from the gates.
Helicopters
More than 400 helicopters land during Festival week. Every landing must be booked with the racecourse in advance.
More on trains, walking routes and coming from Ireland: getting to Cheltenham.
Hotels and nights out
Cheltenham rooms are booked months, sometimes years, ahead. Expect minimum stays of up to three nights and much higher prices; one serviced let was advertising £650 a night for 2026. Check the cancellation terms, because a racing abandonment does not cancel your room.
Race week turns Cheltenham into a party town. See evenings in Cheltenham for where to go, from Festival breakfasts to live bands in Montpellier and the Brewery Quarter. For hotels by area, see where to stay or read our Cheltenham Festival hotels 2027 guide.
Check hotel availability for your dates
Compare rooms in Cheltenham and the surrounding towns. Before the Festival, Visit Cheltenham publishes a list of local hotels that still have rooms, and the racecourse’s own hotel partner, Venatour Racing, holds blocks of rooms with transfers. The racecourse also lists towns within commuting distance.
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More Cheltenham guides
Prices, dates and travel details were checked on 4 October 2026. The racecourse can change prices, times and arrangements, so check your booking page before you pay. This is an independent guide, not connected to Cheltenham Racecourse or The Jockey Club. Some links may earn us a small commission if you book, at no extra cost to you; this never decides what we recommend.