Brits sack off Cheltenham Festival to observe the racing in sunny Benidorm
People working in the bars in Benidorm have revealed Cheltenham races is now one of the busiest weeks in the Spanish city’s calendar and have declared it the start of the summer season
Brits are binning off buying Cheltenham Festival tickets to watch the racing in Benidorm.
Horse racing fans say flight prices to sunny Spain are actually cheaper than a day ticket to the race festival so are opting to jet abroad to enjoy the racing.
Droves of fans are now flooding bars on the Spanish city to enjoy a pint watching the races in the sunshine instead.
Ellie Fowler works in Morgan’s Tavern in Benidorm and said: “It’s one of the busiest weeks we have.
“We all know of Cheltenham week. It’s the start of the summer season to be honest. We are all called back into work as it gets so busy.
“It started after Covid. People wanted some sunshine and they literally plot up in the bars and put bets on each race like they would there, they’re just in Spain!”
And Benidorm blog Benidorm and Beyond added it was fast becoming one of the biggest weeks in the Spanish calendar.
They say: “If Cheltenham is not part of your holiday planning this year, then head for Benidorm. It’s the next best thing. You have bars and big screens, outdoor terraces and an electric atmosphere.
“St Patrick’s Day caps off the week so it is always rammed. Everyone gets dressed in green, the music and the craic gets louder with the Boy’s Only groups and the Girls on Tour long weekenders. All having fun in the sun.
“Watching the Cheltenham Festival in Benidorm – who ever thought that would be a thing!
“You just need a passport to get to this one.”
One punter Scott McDermott, said: “Basically, it’s Cheltenham in the sun. Those early bird prices for Cheltenham 2025 are trying to entice you in at £86 per day. That’s JUST for your race ticket. Times that by four days and you’re at £344 before you’ve got transport or a place to stay. Then you’ve got your spending money – for food, drink and gambling. Suddenly, you’re over a grand.
“Our Benidorm return flights from Glasgow were £200. Three nights The Marina Hotel was £140 per person. And with some bars offering a pint for just 2euro? That was our biggest winner of the week.”
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