The upcoming 2026 Cheltenham Festival is expected to attract horse racing enthusiasts from around the globe. Interestingly, a growing number of punters are opting to experience the festival in the Spanish town of Benidorm rather than in the UK.
Scheduled to kick off at Cheltenham Races on Tuesday afternoon, the festival promises four days of thrilling races, betting opportunities, and festive celebrations. While tickets for the event are in high demand, a significant portion of fans are joining a trend of enjoying the festival from alternative locations.
According to reports from The Sun, hotel reservations in Benidorm have surged by 225% during the festival period, with The Marina Resort Hotel emerging as a popular choice among visitors. The resort offers amenities such as large TV screens, pool parties, and live DJ performances to enhance the festival experience.
Many attendees also participate in horse racing-themed fancy dress, adding to the festive atmosphere. In addition, prices for beverages are notably more budget-friendly in Spain, with the cost of a pint estimated at around £1.70, a significant contrast to the approximately £7.50 price tag at Cheltenham, albeit a reduction from previous years.
Zoe Harris, Chief Customer Officer of the holiday firm On the Beach, expressed excitement about the anticipated atmosphere in Benidorm during the festival, highlighting the growing interest in this unique Cheltenham Festival experience.
The trend of a Cheltenham-themed trip to Benidorm follows recent updates announced for the 2026 edition of the festival. Changes include reduced prices for beverages like Guinness, beers, and cider, improved flexibility for race-goers to carry drinks around the venue, upgraded food and drink offerings, and enhancements to the venue’s PA system.
Furthermore, the reintroduction of Ladies Day and a slight decrease in the overall racecourse capacity to around 66,000 attendees are among the adjustments aimed at enhancing the festival experience. The evolving nature of the event is attracting a diverse array of visitors, with a blend of tradition and modern enhancements set to make the 2026 Cheltenham Festival a memorable occasion for all.