The upcoming 2026 Cheltenham Festival is expected to attract horse racing enthusiasts from around the globe. Interestingly, a growing number of attendees 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 will feature four days of thrilling races, betting activities, and socializing. While ticket sales are projected to soar, a segment of fans is joining the trend of enjoying the festival from abroad.
According to reports from The Sun, hotel reservations in Benidorm have surged by a remarkable 225% during the festival period, with The Marina Resort Hotel emerging as a popular choice. The resort offers amenities like large TV screens, pool parties, and live DJ performances to enhance the festival experience.
Many attendees also embrace the festive spirit by dressing up in racing-themed outfits. Drinks in Spain come at more budget-friendly prices, with the cheapest pint estimated to cost around £1.70, a significant difference from the approximately £7.50 charged at Cheltenham, although this marks a decrease from previous years.
Zoe Harris, the chief customer officer of travel company On the Beach, expressed anticipation for the event in Benidorm, highlighting the expected excitement and vibrant atmosphere during the festival.
The trend of combining a Cheltenham-themed experience with a trip to Benidorm coincides with several changes introduced for the 2026 edition of the festival. These changes include reduced prices for drinks like Guinness, beer, and cider, along with slight adjustments to spirits pricing. Additionally, attendees can now freely roam with their beverages within the venue, and improvements have been made to the food and beverage offerings, including the installation of a new PA system.
The reintroduction of Ladies Day and a slight reduction in the overall venue capacity are among other notable updates for the upcoming festival. These adjustments aim to enhance the overall experience for attendees and cater to the evolving preferences of festival-goers.