A ROOM WITH A VIEW

Enjoy The Festival at Cheltenham in luxurious style with the ‘Room with a View’ experience that combines accommodation, travel and hospitality

The Cheltenham Festival is an event like no other and a highlight in the British social and sporting calendar. The Festival 2022 comprises four extraordinary days of horse racing, from Tuesday 15 to Friday 18 March, with a total of 28 races including the Gold Cup. So special is this event that it is best enjoyed with a touch of stylish luxury, including a stay at Chewton Glen, Cliveden House or The Lygon Arms, helicopter travel to Cheltenham, and hospitality throughout the day.

After the restrictions of 2021, the crowds have been eagerly waiting to return to the heart of the action, carried on the wave of the Cheltenham Roar, experiencing first-hand the best food, the best wine and the best racing in the world. While 2021’s event had to be viewed remotely, it was not short of action, drama and moments that made history. Henry de Bromhead’s extraordinary Put The Kettle On became the first mare to win the Betway Queen Mother Champion Chase under Aidan Coleman; Rachael Blackmore stormed home on Allaho, giving Willie Mullins his record fourth win in the Ryanair Chase; and, of course, there was Jack Kennedy bringing Minella Indo home in the WellChild Cheltenham Gold Cup itself.

So it is with excited anticipation that we await The Festival 2022. Day one on 15 March is traditionally known as Champion Day and the racing is headlined by the Unibet Champion Hurdle, which has been won over the years by the likes of Istabraq, Hurricane Fly and Braveur D’Air. On wonderful Wednesday, also known as Ladies Day, expect some exciting action in the Betway Queen Mother Champion Chase as the

best in the business battle it out over two miles. This is followed by St Patrick’s Thursday when all things Irish are celebrated with the Ryanair Chase and the Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle at the heart of the action. Finally on Friday it’s the Cheltenham Gold Cup, highlight of the day and the feature race of The Festival. As the pinnacle of Jump racing, it plays a major part in the sporting calendar every year and its winners, such as Best Mate and Kauto Star, go down in history to become household names.

Festival week in Cheltenham is a busy and bustling place, which is why taking advantage of the ‘Room with a View’ package offers the best possible way to experience the races. Choose to stay at one of three Iconic hotels: Chewton Glen, The Lygon Arms or Cliveden House. After checking in to the hotel, jump on board the waiting helicopter that will whisk you away to the races. A trip on The Jockey Club’s twinengine Agusta AW109 is the perfect opportunity to enjoy the spring countryside rolling along below – from Chewton Glen or Cliveden House the journey is around 30 minutes, while from The Lygon Arms it is just ten minutes. Upon landing at the racecourse, a Bentley will take you to the grandstand.

The horse racing is, of course, the highlight of the day, but such prestigious races should be enjoyed in style at one of the racecourse’s excellent restaurants. The restaurant, with panoramic views across the course, is the aptly named Panoramic, which is situated on the fifth level of “THE CHELTENHAM GOLD CUP IS THE FEATURE RACE OF THE FESTIVAL. AS THE PINNACLE OF JUMP RACING, IT PLAYS A MAJOR PART IN THE SPORTING CALENDAR EVERY YEAR AND ITS WINNERS GO DOWN IN HISTORY TO BECOME HOUSEHOLD NAMES”

“THE JOURNEY BACK TO THE HOTEL, AGAIN VIA BENTLEY AND HELICOPTER, IS AS EFFORTLESS AS THE ARRIVAL. BUT THE DAY NEED NOT END THERE”

the grandstand overlooking the Winning Post. The Cleeve Suite overlooks the final two fences, as does The Horse & Groom pub, or there is the fine-dining experience offered by Chez Roux Restaurant. For a colourful pan-Asian meal choose Theatre@ The Festival on the third floor of the premium course-facing suites, or head to the Final Fence restaurant for the drama of watching horses jump the final fence before racing up the hill to the Winning Post.

After a day of excitement, the journey back to the hotel, again via Bentley and helicopter, is as effortless as the arrival. But the day need not end there. Make the most of your chosen hotel for the perfect end to an eventful day.

CHEWTON GLEN

A five-star luxury hotel and spa with 130 acres of gardens on the edge of the New Forest and just a short stroll from the beach. Stay in one of the Treehouse Suites for absolute peace and tranquillity, suspended 35ft above the ground. Enjoy relaxing in a hot tub or sipping Champagne to celebrate the day’s winnings in front of a roaring log burner. Or order an evening snack from The Kitchen, which is overseen by TV chef James Martin.

chewtonglen.com/whats-on/ room-with-a-view-package

THE LYGON ARMS

A historic 600-year-old coaching inn in Broadway, is just a short helicopter ride from the day’s action. A stay here would ensure plenty of time to book in for a Twilight Spa Evening and enjoy the sauna and steam rooms, pool, gym and treatments. Or perhaps an evening meal would be the perfect end to the day and head chef Ales Maurer has a menu to suit all tastes, from a hearty beef wellington to a light cheese soufflé.

lygonarmshotel.co.uk/ whats-on/room-witha-view-package

CLIVEDEN HOUSE

Set in 376 acres of formal gardens, Cliveden is an idyllic place to unwind in the evening. Relax in the spa, take a walk in the grounds enjoying views over the Thames, or head to The Astor Grill for a bite to eat. The grill is set in the old stable block, complete with equestrian-themed décor, and would make a fitting end to a day at The Festival.

clivedenhouse.co.uk/whatson/room-with-a-view

To create your perfect day, contact Toby Lewis toby. lewis@thejockeyclub.co.uk