The upcoming 2026 Cheltenham Festival is expected to attract horse racing fans from around the globe. Surprisingly, an increasing number of enthusiasts are opting to travel to the Spanish town of Benidorm to experience the festival from a different location.
The festival kicks off at Cheltenham Races with a packed schedule of racing, betting, and socializing. Despite the high demand for tickets, a significant portion of attendees are embracing the trend of enjoying the festival in Benidorm.
Recent reports from The Sun reveal a staggering 225% surge in hotel bookings in Benidorm during the festival period, with The Marina Resort Hotel emerging as a popular choice. The resort offers amenities like big screen TVs, pool parties, and live DJ performances to enhance the festival experience.
Many festival-goers also participate in racing-themed fancy dress, adding to the vibrant atmosphere. Moreover, prices for drinks in Benidorm are notably more budget-friendly, with the cheapest pint costing approximately £1.70 compared to the £7.50 price tag at Cheltenham.
Zoe Harris, chief customer officer of On the Beach, expressed excitement about the growing interest in experiencing the Cheltenham Festival in Benidorm, anticipating a lively and bustling atmosphere during the event.
This shift in trend towards a Cheltenham-themed trip to Benidorm coincides with several updates announced for the 2026 edition of the festival. Changes include reduced prices for Guinness and other beverages, expanded flexibility for attendees to carry drinks around the venue, improved food and beverage offerings, and enhancements to the overall event experience.
Additionally, the reintroduction of Ladies Day and a slight reduction in the racecourse’s overall capacity from 68,500 to around 66,000 are expected to contribute to a unique and memorable festival experience for all attendees.