The “early bird” and “advanced sale” windows for 2026 Cheltenham Festival tickets have now closed, but you can still save money against the on-the-gate prices by booking online before you go (up until 23:59 the night before the raceday).
If you want to be at the Cheltenham Festival when “the greatest show on turf” gets underway next year, then don’t leave it a moment longer – get your Cheltenham Festival tickets now. Keep reading for more information about what’s on and the different enclosures, so that you can watch Cheltenham live with your own eyes.
When is Cheltenham Festival?
The 2026 Cheltenham Festival spans four days over 10–13 March.
Day 1 (Tuesday 10 March) is Champion Day, with the prestigious Unibet Champion Hurdle (a Grade One race over two miles) as the highlight.
Day 2 (Wednesday 11 March) is Ladies Day, where the style awards add extra excitement. Feature races include the BetMGM Queen Mother Champion Chase and the Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase.
Day 3 (Thursday 12 March) is St Patrick’s Thursday, which is a celebration of all things Irish. Don’t miss two of the festival’s most anticipated events on this day – the Ryanair Chase and the Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle.
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Day 4 (Friday 13 March) is Gold Cup Day, which is a big day of top-class action for those looking for the ultimate Cheltenham experience, including the Cheltenham Gold Cup, of course.
Ticket prices are the same for each enclosure for the first three days, and are slightly more expensive on the final day – although Gold Cup Day is now sold out.
Cheltenham Festival tickets
Best Mate Enclosure
Though you don’t have access to the Parade Ring or views of the preliminaries, the Best Mate Enclosure provides a decent view of proceedings from opposite the main grandstand. What’s more, on the Thursday and Friday, the New Course (where the racing taking place) is closer to the Best Mate Enclosure than to the Tattersalls or Club Enclosures.
Marketed as the perfect middle ground, Tattersalls gives you a great view of the racing up the famous Cheltenham hill. Access is afforded to much of the grandstand, the parade and pre-parade ring as well as facilities such as the Guinness Village.
The best seat in the house without splashing the cash on hospitality, the Club Enclosure gets racing fans as close to the finishing post as possible. You have access to all the areas available to Tattersalls ticket holders, plus prime position in the main grandstand.
The Guinness Village is opposite the last fence, so you get an excellent view with a reserved seat. It extends from the Tattersalls Enclosure, and has extra viewing steps, bars, bands and other entertainment.
This area is now sold out.
Racecourse View
Enjoy one of the best views in the racing world with a reserved seat in the Grandstand with view across the finish line.
Those wishing to attend multiple days might want to consider an annual membership, which grants access 16 racedays at Cheltenham, including Cheltenham Festival.
Georgia is Horse & Hound’s deputy website editor and equestrian products expert. She curates content across the website with a particular focus on upcoming equestrian events horse care and buying advice. She also manages all the ecommerce opportunities that allow us to give you easy access to the best products at the lowest prices via our buying guides. Georgia has first-hand knowledge of all the equestrian brands and their ever-evolving product lines, having been working with them closely since she started in equestrian media in 2015.
