Cheltenham Festival FAQs

We recommend purchasing tickets online before the event to avoid any disappointment.

Our postcode is GL50 4SH for use with GPS equipment. However on a raceday customers are strongly advised to follow the yellow, temporary signs when entering Cheltenham and the local area and not the brown permanent signs.

Gates open at 10:30 on each of the four days of the Festival. First race at 13:30 and the last race at 17:30. 

We would advise spectators arrive at Cheltenham Racecourse early to make the most of your day and also to allow for racecourse security procedures.

All racegoers intending to park on-site during Cheltenham Festival will require a car parking pass. The parking passes are no longer available to purchase online.

There is no set dress code for The Cheltenham Festival but we ask customers to dress for the weather, take some inspiration from our Style Guide on our dress code page.

Tickets purchased for collection on the day will be available from South Drive only (main ticket collection).

Our racecourses continue to operate on a ‘cashless’ basis, including concessions. However, cash may be used when placing bets with all on-course bookmakers.

For all 4 days of The Cheltenham Festival, children aged 5 and over require a full price ticket.

Aged under 4 are free of charge and no ticket is required.

Young persons under 18 are not permitted entry unless accompanied by a responsible adult (over 18).  You are responsible for each young person that you bring onto the Racecourse and ensuring they comply with these Conditions. Each accompanying adult (over 18) should be responsible for no more than two children under 18 years of age.

Limited seating is available around the racecourse. If you would prefer to be seated for most of the day, it is advisable that you purchase a seat in the Guinness Grandstand in advance. Please note, they sell out quickly.

Visit our Accommodation tips for The Cheltenham Festival.

Racegoers are encouraged to leave their luggage and any other large items at home or in their hotel and not to bring such items into the racecourse. All bags will be searched upon entry which may delay your entry into the racecourse. Please allow time for your bag to be searched.

Bag of an appropriate size for a day out will be allowed into the enclosures. Large bags such as suitcases, holdalls, and rucksacks will not be granted entry and racegoers will be invited to use the Left Luggage facilities which are located external to the enclosures before the bag search locations.

Limited left luggage service is provided within temporary facilities external to the enclosures (Best Mate, North and Centaur entrances).

However, we do recommend that you leave luggage and other items at home, if at all possible.

Any items wishing to be left may be subject to rummage searches.

ALCOHOL

Please kindly note that bringing your own alcoholic drink on site is strictly prohibited. Cheltenham operates a responsible drinking policy and all staff are trained to the highest standards. Please note that visitors to Cheltenham Racecourse will be restricted to buying up to four alcoholic drinks at a time. Complimentary water is available at all bars.

FOOD

We kindly ask that you do not bring your own food or drink into any enclosure at the racecourse. Hip flasks are not permitted and there will be bag searches in place.

Anyone with special dietary requirements is advised to contact the racecourse beforehand to arrange permission to bring items on site. Please contact cheltenham.reception@thejockeyclub.co.uk.