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Hi gang, need a bit of help.
Got my tickets for Cheltenham though the post for World hurdle day or should i say ladies day
What i would like to know from the seasoned pros on this forum is –
1. How close or far away is the racetrack from the train station?
2. Is it easy finding somewhere to park?
Charles Darwin to conquer the World
By Train
The nearest train station is Cheltenham Spa – for information call 08457 484950. A bus link is provided from Cheltenham Spa Station from 2 hours before racing, returning after racing.
Special raceday steam trains bring racegoers to the Cheltenham Racecourse station in style – using the track for the purpose it was originally built when the racecourse was completed in 1912. For information on getting a train to the Festival contact Classic Hospitality on 08456 528888. Early booking is advisable
By Car
If travelling by road, the maps below indicate the location of course and the best routes to take. Race goers are advised to follow the recommended routes signed by the AA. Nearer the racecourse, you’ll find AA signage directing you to the nearest available car park. For GPS users the postcode is GL50 4SH.
Ample car parking is available. Parking for the Festival is £10 (£8 in advance)
The station is two miles from the course – there is a shuttle bus but the traffic can be so bad it is often quicker to walk. Last time I went by train during the festival everyone eventually jumped off the bus and walked teh last half mile.
Parking is of course a pain – although a lot worse on the Friday, last year my quickest exit was 35 mins and the longest 75 mins. Booking in advance is probably worth considering.
If you know anyone who is rich then see if they can lend you a helicopter.
Otherwise the train is ideal but be better to book ahead for a cheap fare and guranteed seat.
Im going to Doncaster on Saturday and have got £5.50 singles from Manchester to Doncaster and vice versa.
Can’t miss the shuttle buses on the way there. I’d recommend catching that. If you’ve sat on a train, no harm in sitting another 30 mins on the bus and you can cram in some last minute study!
Always preferred to walk back in the evening, perfect time to reflect on the action you’ve just watched.
We always park in a field closish to the course. If coming from the north turn left at the traffic lights which head towards the on course parking and first on your right is a large field where there is usually lots of spaces. Five pounds to park. You then have a 20-30 minute walk to and from the course following the steam train track. From getting in to the car we are usually well on our way within five minutes as the course traffic are very obliging and usually let cars out of the field at a reasonable rate and then the traffic lights are controlled by the police as soon as you get out so we turn right and are on our way home.
we always used to catch the train and either get the bus or walk to the track, but you get crammed onto the trains like sardines so we now pre book a place at the north car park and drive down…what I love is getting there early and watching the horses being unloaded…..I do miss the walk through Cheltenham early in the morning; it was so much part of the day.
Thanks everyone, I’m going to phone the local coach station in Taunton tomorrow and see if they are running any trips, if not then i will catch the train. Thanks again.
Charles Darwin to conquer the World
If the forecast is even close to correct, this meeting is not certain to take place. The going is already soft and 40 – 50 mm is predicted between this evening and Friday morning.
So I wouldn’t pay for your ticket in advance ……
Bloody hell AP – you’ll scare the shite out of people with that post
.Nathan is on about the festival not the upcoming trials weekend.
Lee
Always preferred to walk back in the evening, perfect time to reflect on the action you’ve just watched.
Not heard ‘pub crawl’ described that way before, like it
Early train/shuttle bus, shuttle bus/late train worked fine on my sole visit to the Festival. A tad sardine-like but you don’t go to Cheltenham expecting much ‘personal space’.
Lee,
Apologies – I meant to post my doom in the other thread about the trials day.
I’m paranoid about any forecast of heavy rain in this area since my house was flooded!
AP
I found the station shuttle bus fine last year- if it was slow I didn’t notice and we got there in plenty of time- let the train take the strain!
Not for all the money in the world would I attempt to park at the course again- getting out is a complete nightmare.…no harm in sitting another 30 mins on the bus and you can cram in some last minute study!
No good fattening the pig on the day of the fair, so to speak!
Hi Alan – Just wondering what your source is for the forecast rain. BHA site suggests up to 23mm on rain expected up to Friday morning and then mostly dry afterwards.
Good luck tonight btw.
DJ,
The local TV forecast last night gave the 40 – 50 mm figure and the lunchtime one today backed that up with a threat of very heavy rain for several hours on Friday.
I think Cheltenham get their info direct from John Kettley.
Clearly forecasters are just like tipsters, or ratings experts – they rarely agree!
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