Cheltenham Gold Cup: A Historic Festival — and Where to Stay in Comfort

Barton Court - the best way to experience Cheltenham Race Week

Did you know that the Cheltenham Gold Cup began life in 1819 as a flat race run over three miles on Cleeve Hill, overlooking today’s course?

The race moved to its current home in the 1920s and, for many years, lived in the shadow of the Grand National and the National Hunt Chase. It was the vision and determination of Lord Cathcart, however, that transformed the Gold Cup into the world-class steeplechase it is today.

The current course — Cheltenham Racecourse — has hosted the Gold Cup since the late 1950s. Nestled in the valley beneath Cleeve Hill on the edge of Cheltenham, it provides one of the most picturesque backdrops in British racing. The Gold Cup now forms the thrilling finale of a four-day festival, beginning on 10 March, which attracts more than 200,000 racegoers to the town and surrounding countryside.

Until 2018, the second day of the festival was famously known as Ladies’ Day, celebrated for its bold fashion and extravagant hats. In recent years, this has evolved into Style Wednesday, a more inclusive reimagining that reflects changing attitudes — though many long-standing racegoers still fondly recall the glamour of days gone by.

Cheltenham Races Accommodation: Why Comfort Matters

Accommodation during Cheltenham race week is under intense pressure. Hotels in the town sell out quickly, prices soar, and standards can be inconsistent. For many visitors, the reality is crowded restaurants, long waits, and noisy evenings — hardly ideal after a full day at the races.

Staying just outside Cheltenham offers a very different experience.

At Barton Court, guests enjoy generous, beautifully appointed bedrooms, relaxed evenings, and the option of private transport to and from the racecourse. Each day ends back in the calm of the countryside, with the opportunity to dine well and unwind in comfort — without the bustle of race-week crowds.

Make This Cheltenham Gold Cup Your Most Comfortable Yet

If you’re still looking for accommodation for the Cheltenham Festival, there are alternatives to busy town-centre hotels. A short journey beyond Cheltenham can transform the experience — from simply attending the races to truly enjoying them.

If you’re attending the Cheltenham Gold Cup and are still looking for accommodation, you may find our race-week stay details helpful.

For availability and further details, please get in touch:
📧 linda@bartoncourt.co.uk

Make this year’s Cheltenham Gold Cup one to remember — for all the right reasons.