With the Cheltenham Festival just days away, the Gloucestershire town is set to welcome over 220,000 visitors eager for the iconic horse racing event. However, as costs skyrocket locally, many racegoers are turning to an unexpected destination: Benidorm, Spain. This vibrant holiday resort has become a favored spot for festival fans seeking sunshine, live racing, and a lively atmosphere — all at a fraction of the price.
In recent years, flying to Benidorm to catch Cheltenham Festival action under the Spanish sun has turned into a popular choice, so much so that locals and tourists ask annually, “Are you going to Benidorm for Cheltenham?” The event has grown beyond just a niche trend, with Visit Benidorm and local venues actively promoting Cheltenham Festival celebrations.
Hotels in Benidorm are expected to be fully booked during race week, hosting parties with huge screens broadcasting the races and even offering betting facilities. The appeal is clear when comparing costs: attending Cheltenham in Gloucestershire for five nights costs an average of £2,635 for accommodation alone.
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In contrast, a comparable five-night getaway in Benidorm—including flights, accommodation, and transfers—averages just £646, which is 307% cheaper. Airbnb rates in Cheltenham jump dramatically during festival week, from around £620 per couple in surrounding weeks to £1,450 at peak. Booking.com prices follow the same trend, with accommodations soaring to an average of £3,772 over festival dates.
Meanwhile, flights from Birmingham or Bristol to Alicante start as low as £116 and £136, respectively. Once in Benidorm, guests can find lodging starting at £439 on Airbnb or £485 on Booking.com for the same period.
Richard Jobling, owner of the Benidorm and Beyond travel website, explains why Cheltenham Festival has become such a fixture in Benidorm’s social calendar: “It started coincidentally with St. Patrick’s Day, which fills the resort with green and energy on March 17. With the festival and Paddy’s Day coinciding, they blend seamlessly, attracting visitors for both events.”
Jobling adds, “Some attendees traditionally go to Cheltenham but are priced out. However, most coming to Benidorm aren’t hardcore race fans. The mix of classic British racing and lively Irish celebrations creates an unmatched atmosphere.”
For visitors heading to Benidorm during the festival, top recommendations include the Marina Resort Hotel, the festival’s hub complete with big screens, pool parties, and DJs. Just across The Strip is The Winning Post pub, which hosts Cheltenham Festival as its busiest week, offering 12 TVs and big screens along with a cold pint of Guinness — the perfect way to enjoy all the racing action in sunny surroundings.