The upcoming 2026 Cheltenham Festival is attracting horse racing enthusiasts globally, with a notable trend emerging as some punters opt to experience the festival in Benidorm, Spain. This year’s festival at Cheltenham Races promises four days filled with racing, betting, and socializing. Despite the high demand for tickets, a growing number of attendees are choosing to enjoy the event from abroad.
According to The Sun, hotel bookings in Benidorm have surged by an impressive 225% during the festival period, with The Marina Resort Hotel emerging as a popular choice. This resort offers amenities like big screen TVs, pool parties, and live DJ sets to enhance the festival experience. Many attendees also embrace the festivities by donning racing-themed fancy dress, and the affordability of drinks in Spain, with pints priced around £1.70 compared to approximately £7.50 at Cheltenham, adds to the appeal.
Zoe Harris, the chief customer officer of On the Beach, expressed excitement about the anticipated atmosphere in Benidorm during the festival, noting the increasing number of punters attending. Notably, the 2026 edition of the Cheltenham Festival introduces several changes, including reduced prices for beverages like Guinness, beer, and cider. Attendees are now allowed to carry their drinks anywhere within the venue, and improvements have been made to the food and beverage offerings, alongside the installation of a new PA system.
The reintroduction of Ladies Day, a popular event among female attendees, and a slight reduction in the overall racecourse capacity to around 66,000 from 68,500, are also noteworthy updates for this year’s festival. These changes aim to enhance the overall experience for race-goers. The growing trend of a Cheltenham-themed trip to Benidorm underscores the festival’s enduring popularity and appeal to a diverse audience.