The upcoming 2026 Cheltenham Festival is poised 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.
Scheduled to kick off at Cheltenham Races on Tuesday afternoon, the festival promises four days of thrilling races, betting excitement, and socializing. While traditional attendance is expected, a surge in interest has been observed among those choosing to celebrate the event in alternative locations.
Reports from The Sun reveal a substantial 225% surge in hotel bookings in Benidorm during the festival period. The Marina Resort Hotel has emerged as a popular choice, offering amenities like large screen TVs, pool parties, and live DJ performances to enhance the festival experience.
In addition to festive attire and racing-themed costumes, attendees in Benidorm can enjoy significantly lower drink prices, with pints priced around £1.70 compared to the £7.50 expected at Cheltenham, albeit a reduction from previous years.
Zoe Harris, chief customer officer of On the Beach, expressed anticipation for the festival’s Benidorm edition, expecting record-breaking attendance and vibrant celebrations throughout the event.
The trend of a Cheltenham-themed Benidorm getaway coincides with notable changes announced for the 2026 festival. Updates include reduced prices for Guinness and beverages, expanded freedom for attendees to carry drinks around the venue, improved food and drink selections, and enhanced facilities such as a new PA system.
Moreover, the reintroduction of Ladies Day and a slight reduction in overall racecourse capacity to around 66,000 attendees are among the modifications aimed at enhancing the festival experience.
As anticipation builds for the festival, the Cheltenham experience continues to evolve, offering a mix of tradition and innovation to cater to the diverse preferences of horse racing enthusiasts.
