From Rain-Soaked Stands to Spanish Sunloungers
Today, I am 'at Cheltenham' watching the races in a worn-out Barbour jacket. Except I am nowhere near the West Country – I am in Benidorm on Spain's Costa Blanca. You might wonder what is happening. The answer lies with the innovative team at travel company On The Beach, who have identified a lucrative opportunity.
A Cost-Effective Alternative to Traditional Racing
With ticket prices soaring up to £200 for entry to the real Cheltenham Racecourse in Gloucestershire during the famous Cheltenham Festival, return train fares from London around £70, and the frequent rainy weather, it might be more enjoyable and economical to experience the event in Spain. As unusual as it sounds, I decided to try it out.
The package works simply: you pay £330 for five nights at a four-star all-inclusive hotel in Benidorm, including return flights, unlimited drinks, and giant screens to watch the racing. Sunshine is 'guaranteed', though it was a bit wet upon my arrival. On The Beach highlights that for the same price at Cheltenham, you would only get entry to four racing days, two pints daily, and 'dodgy British weather' – no accommodation, transport, or meals included.
A Growing Trend Among Racing Enthusiasts
It is not just Cheltenham fans who are trading muddy stands for sunloungers. Caspar Nelson, a holiday expert at On The Beach, explains: 'What started with Cheltenham has quickly become a much bigger trend. When the choice is between soggy tweed, 10 degrees, and sideways rain at Aintree, or the Grand National poolside in Benidorm with 23-degree sunshine, it is not exactly a tough call.' In fact, it is a bit of a no-brainer – and, as gamblers sometimes say, I am all-in.
Samantha Rea travels to Benidorm, Spain, for cheaper pints and better weather while enjoying horse racing, thanks to a new all-inclusive package with On The Beach. Bars across Benidorm have erected giant screens for racing fans, who have abandoned 'sideways rain' at Aintree for Spain's sunnier skies.
Experiencing the Festive Atmosphere Firsthand
This is how I find myself checking into Villa Espana, within walking distance of the beach and the infamous Benidorm Strip. The giant screens are set up by the rooftop bar, where I head in time for the day's first race at 1.20pm. There, I quickly strike up a conversation with Ian and Liz from Edinburgh, who are sipping free glasses of rosé.
Ian, 68, is a horseracing enthusiast who has attended Aintree for the Grand National 16 years consecutively and has done 'Cheltenham in Benidorm' for four years. He usually comes with his two adult sons, but this year they could not get time off work. Liz, 67, who is definitely not a racing fan, admits candidly: 'I am just here for the beer and the nice hotel.' Ian places two £13 bets today, soon scoring his first winner at 7-1 – not bad at all.
The races commence, accompanied by cheers and groans. The weather takes a turn for the worse; it is pouring now, ironically helping us get into a true West Country mood. Then, I meet the Dads-and-Lads, also known as the Knight family.
First-Timers and High-Rollers Share Their Stories
Keith Knight, 75, and his brother Alec, 70, are here with Keith's twin sons James and Charlie, 31, and Alec's son Spencer, 48. Hailing from Enfield, north London, they are first-timers at 'Cheltenham in Benidorm'. Keith has been to Cheltenham a few times and, despite the rain, is pleased he chose Benidorm due to the lower costs. James wins £450 on the first race, and Spencer a 'couple of hundred'. They are both in high spirits, though Charlie looks decidedly glum after less luck. However, Charlie has an accumulator that could net him £320,000, to which Keith remarks: 'He has got more chance of flying to the Moon.'
The atmosphere is undeniably festive and sociable. You cannot help but make new acquaintances. Niki, 57, and Bill, 62, from Kent, purchased the On The Beach all-inclusive package, upgrading their room and extending from five to seven nights at £700 each. Niki estimates it would have cost £2,000 for both just to enter Cheltenham for the four-day festival, excluding spending money and accommodation.
Independent Travelers and Big Wins
During a stroll down the Strip, I arrive at the legendary Bulldog pub, where I chat with Brad, 35, a builder from Essex here with 15 to 20 friends following the racing. He travelled independently, staying four nights and spending £230 on flights and a hotel. A round of 15 pints, he informs me authoritatively, costs £43, with pints generally about half UK prices. Brad aims to spend 'as little as possible' and is currently £70 up on his betting.
Nearby, Patrick, 71, a scaffolder from Enniskillen in County Fermanagh, states: 'I love Cheltenham, but this is even better.' He is a high-roller, having placed four bets already with winnings exceeding £20,000. 'It will probably pay my tax bill for the year,' he says. While I decline to place a bet, many fans I meet have scored big, with Patrick winning a grand total of £20,000.
Meanwhile, Sue, 54, a social worker from North Wales enjoying Bacardi Breezers, is more modestly up £80. She remarks: 'I do not mind it [the rain]. I do not come for the weather, I come for the racing.' Spoken like a true 'Cheltenham in Benidorm' enthusiast.
Reflections on a Unique Experience
Back at Villa Espana after the last race – shown nearly everywhere you go – I admire the high-rise skyline that has earned Benidorm the nickname 'Mediterranean Manhattan'. My trainers are soaked through, and my rain-flecked face has mascara running down it, but at least I have broken even. 'Cheltz in Benz', as I have been privately calling it, has been an absolute blast.
TRAVEL FACTS: Five-night getaways staying at a four-star all-inclusive hotel with flights start from £330 per person (onthebeach.co.uk).
