The upcoming 2026 Cheltenham Festival is poised to attract horse racing enthusiasts worldwide seeking to indulge in the racing, betting, and social atmosphere. Interestingly, a growing number of individuals are opting to experience the festival outside the UK, with Benidorm, a Spanish town, emerging as a preferred destination.
Scheduled to kick off at Cheltenham Races on a Tuesday afternoon, the festival promises four days of excitement. While ticket sales are anticipated to be brisk, a segment of punters is joining a burgeoning cohort of fans choosing to enjoy the festival from alternative locations.
As reported by The Sun, hotel reservations in Benidorm have surged by a remarkable 225% during the festival period, with The Marina Resort Hotel garnering substantial popularity. This resort offers amenities like large TV screens, pool parties, and live DJ performances, enhancing the festival experience.
Many attendees embrace the spirit of the event by dressing in racing-themed costumes. Additionally, the cost of beverages in Spain is notably more affordable, with the cheapest pint priced around £1.70 compared to approximately £7.50 at Cheltenham, albeit a reduction from previous years.
Zoe Harris, Chief Customer Officer of travel agency On the Beach, expressed excitement at the prospect of witnessing the fervor of the Benidorm crowd during the festival. She highlighted the significant influx of punters, suggesting that this year’s festival in Benidorm is poised to be the largest ever.
This trend of a Cheltenham-themed trip to Benidorm coincides with recent updates announced for the 2026 edition of the festival. Changes include reduced prices for Guinness and other beverages, an allowance for race-goers to carry drinks around the venue, enhanced food and beverage offerings, and the introduction of a new PA system.
Moreover, the reintroduction of Ladies Day, last held in 2019, has drawn an increasing number of female attendees. Overall, the racecourse’s capacity has been slightly reduced from 68,500 to around 66,000 for the upcoming festival.
To stay updated on all Cheltenham Festival news and expert insights, readers are encouraged to follow Mirror Football on their new WhatsApp community. Additionally, a free shop bet is available daily during the festival, along with expert tips and detailed coverage spanning Tuesday, March 10, to Friday, March 13, 2026. Terms and conditions apply, and readers are advised to refer to the paper for more information.