The upcoming 2026 Cheltenham Festival is attracting horse racing enthusiasts from around the world. Some punters are opting to experience the festival in the Spanish town of Benidorm rather than the UK. The festival, commencing at Cheltenham Races with four days of racing, betting, and socializing, is expected to draw large crowds. The Marina Resort Hotel in Benidorm has seen a significant 225% increase in bookings during the festival period, offering amenities such as big screen TVs, pool parties, and live DJ sets to enhance the festival experience.
Many attendees also participate in racing-themed fancy dress, and prices for drinks in Benidorm are notably more affordable compared to Cheltenham. The trend of a Cheltenham-themed trip to Benidorm has gained popularity, coinciding with updates for the 2026 festival edition. Changes include reduced prices for Guinness and beverages, relaxed restrictions on carrying drinks around the venue, improved food and drink options, and the reintroduction of Ladies Day. The overall racecourse capacity has been slightly reduced to around 66,000 attendees.
Zoe Harris, chief customer officer of On the Beach holiday firm, anticipates a vibrant atmosphere in Benidorm during the festival, with bars full of cheering punters celebrating each race. The festival’s organizers have made several adjustments to enhance the overall experience for attendees. Additionally, a new WhatsApp community has been introduced to provide daily Mirror Football content and exclusive offers to members. Don’t miss out on the free shop bet in the racing paper during the Cheltenham festival, featuring expert insights and coverage of the event’s highlights.