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.
The festival kicks off at Cheltenham Races with four days of thrilling races, betting opportunities, and socializing. Despite the high demand for tickets, some punters are joining a trend of enjoying the festival in alternative locations.
According to The Sun, hotel bookings in Benidorm have surged by an impressive 225% during the festival period, with The Marina Resort Hotel emerging as a popular choice. This resort offers amenities such as large screen TVs, pool parties, and live DJ performances to enhance the festival experience.
Many festival-goers also embrace the spirit by dressing up in racing-themed costumes. Prices for beverages in Spain are notably more budget-friendly, with the cheapest pint costing around £1.70, a stark contrast to the £7.50 price tag at Cheltenham, although this marks a decrease from previous years.
Zoe Harris, Chief Customer Officer of On the Beach, expressed excitement about the anticipated buzz in Benidorm during the festival, highlighting the growing popularity of Cheltenham Festival in the Spanish town.
Organizers of the 2026 edition have introduced several changes, including reduced prices for Guinness and other beverages, expanded drink-carrying privileges for race-goers, improved food and drink options, and the addition of a new PA system. Additionally, Ladies Day has made a comeback to the festival calendar after a hiatus since 2019, attracting a rising number of female attendees. The overall capacity of the racecourse has been slightly decreased to around 66,000 from 68,500.
The trend of a Cheltenham-themed trip to Benidorm reflects the evolving preferences of festival attendees seeking unique and cost-effective ways to enjoy the renowned horse racing event.