The perfect opportunity to get suited and booted or don your finest fascinator and dress, a visit to the races is an exciting event in anyone’s social calendar. Whether you are there for a flutter or this is serious business, you’ll be visiting not just for the action on the course but to mingle and enjoy an all-round thoroughly good trip away.
Though a trip to the races has been elusive this year, it is with great hope that 2021 will see the action pick up again, so we are here to give you the lowdown on where to stay, where to dine and how to make some of the top racing events in the calendar one of your year’s highlights.
Cheltenham Festival
Cheltenham racecourse is one of the finest, and with the Cheltenham Festival due to take place between the 16th and 19th of March 2021, this world-class four-day jump racing festival will be a great one to be part of. Opt for a hospitality package for a truly great trip and cross those fingers for a winning result.
It doesn’t get better than a stay at Ellenborough Park too, the grounds of the five-star hotel are located next to the racecourse but the hotel is far enough away to ensure a relaxing break when the racing is over. Treat yourself to fine dining, a luxury spa and all the delights you would expect from a stay in a luxurious 15th century manor.
For fine dining in Cheltenham town centre, Le Champignon Sauvage is a must. David Everitt-Matthias cooks up Michelin Star cuisine in the central location which he has run with wife, Helen since 1987.
Grand National
Comprising of Liverpool’s Day, Ladies’ Day and Grand National Day, the Grand National at Aintree in 2021 should be taking place on Saturday 10th April as a culmination of the three-day event. A hugely popular event across the country for those who know a thing or two and for those who like to reserve their horse racing betting for a one-off event, this one is a big occasion in the calendar.
With gorgeous interiors, the four-star Titanic Hotel on Stanley Dock has to be one of the finest places to stay in Liverpool. Treat yourself to an afternoon tea at the hotel, dine on delicious food at Stanley’s Bar and Grill or totally relax after the races at Maya Blue Wellness in the depths of the hotel. Pilgrim, The Art School Restaurant and Roski are all highly rated restaurants in the local area of you’re looking for some fine dining to round off your day.
Royal Ascot
Taking place at Ascot Racecourse in Berkshire, Royal Ascot welcomes an array of refined visitors for its five-day event, which is due to take place between the 15th and 18th June next year. Upgrade your visit with some fine dining prepared by Michelin-starred chef and fantastic views of the action or for a group of ten or more go all out and grab yourself a private box.
Coworth Park is the stunning five-star country house hotel that you will definitely want to head to after a long day at the races, hopefully with a little more cash in your pocket than you went with. Luxuriate at the spa, indulge at the Michelin-starred Restaurant Coworth Park with food by chef Adam Smith and relax in a stylish suite here for an exquisite stay.
Epsom Derby
Epsom Downs Racecourse is home to the Derby, widely regarded at the greatest flat race in the world. Due to take place on 4th and 5th June, the festival consists of Ladies’ Day and Derby Day and is an unforgettable event in the racing calendar.
The Surrey location lends itself well to a stay at a range of refined hotels, but Nutfield Priory Hotel and Spa is certainly a good choice. The four-star offering is a grand Victorian country house and comprises a spa, health club, some super stylish suites and a range of dining options including the 2 AA restaurant, Cloisters.
Image credit at the very top of the article: RW Jemmett/Bigstock.com
Please gamble responsibly (18+ UK) – check age restrictions before participating
