The upcoming 2026 Cheltenham Festival is expected to attract horse racing enthusiasts from around the globe. Interestingly, a growing number of punters are opting to experience the festival in Benidorm, Spain, rather than in the UK.
Commencing at Cheltenham Races on Tuesday afternoon, the festival will span four days filled with racing, betting, and socializing. While tickets are in high demand, a significant group of fans are choosing to enjoy the event in an alternative location.
As reported by The Sun, hotel reservations in Benidorm have surged by 225% during the festival period, with The Marina Resort Hotel emerging as a popular choice. This resort offers amenities such as big screen TVs, pool parties, and live DJ performances, enhancing the festival experience for attendees.
Many attendees also partake in racing-themed fancy dress, adding to the festive atmosphere. Moreover, prices for drinks in Spain are notably more affordable, with the cheapest pint priced around £1.70, compared to approximately £7.50 at Cheltenham, although there has been a reduction in prices compared to previous years.
Zoe Harris, chief customer officer of package holiday company On the Beach, expressed anticipation for the Benidorm festivities, noting the increasing interest from punters, making this year’s Cheltenham Festival in Benidorm the largest ever.
The trend of a Cheltenham-themed trip to Benidorm follows recent changes announced for the 2026 festival edition. Noteworthy modifications include reduced prices for Guinness, beers, and cider, improved options for food and drinks, the ability for race-goers to carry drinks around the venue, and the introduction of a new PA system.
Additionally, Ladies Day has been reintroduced to the calendar, attracting more female attendees, while the overall capacity of the racecourse has been slightly reduced to around 66,000 from 68,500.
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