The Cheltenham Festival is one of the most prestigious events in the horse racing calendar – a four-day celebration of jump racing steeped in history, drama, and high society. From the famed Cheltenham Roar that greets the first race to the crescendo of the Gold Cup finale, the Festival captures the essence of British racing heritage.
Now imagine pairing that electrifying atmosphere with the elegance of a classic afternoon tea. In the exclusive Champions Club at Cheltenham Racecourse, horse racing fans can do just that – savoring delicate sandwiches and scones as thundering hooves rush by.
This promotional guide will delve into how an afternoon tea experience in the Champions Club elevates your day at the races, blending the prestige of Cheltenham Festival with the quintessential British tradition of afternoon tea. We’ll explore the festival’s storied history, the social allure of luxury hospitality, and all the indulgent details of the Champions Club package (offered via Oliver Myles Events) that make it a must-book experience for any racing enthusiast.
The Cheltenham Festival: A Prestigious Racing Tradition
Few racing events can rival the Cheltenham Festival for history and prestige. Often dubbed the “Home of Jump Racing,” Cheltenham Racecourse has been hosting elite National Hunt (jump) races for well over a century (The Cheltenham Festival 2026, The Champions Club | Oliver Myles).
The Festival as we know it originated in 1860 when the National Hunt Chase was first run – initially roving between venues before settling at Cheltenham’s idyllic Prestbury Park in 1911 (Cheltenham Festival – Wikipedia).
Each March, this picturesque corner of the Cotswolds becomes the center of the racing world. Over four packed days (traditionally Tuesday through Friday), spectators witness championship races like the Gold Cup, Champion Hurdle, Queen Mother Champion Chase and more. These are top-tier Grade I contests where legends are made, from Arkle and Dawn Run to Kauto Star and Honeysuckle.
The numbers speak to Cheltenham’s stature. The Festival offers prize purses second only to the Grand National in British jump racing, and it draws enormous crowds – in 2022, a record 280,627 people attended across the four days (Cheltenham to cap Festival attendances in 2023 16 August 2022 Free).
Each afternoon, grandstands brim with over 68,000 passionate fans, including a huge contingent from Ireland (the event often coincides with St. Patrick’s Day). The atmosphere is often described as unparalleled. There’s the famous “Cheltenham roar,” an eruption of cheers that shakes the venue as the tape rises for the very first race. Throughout the week hundreds of millions of pounds are wagered in bets, and every race is greeted with exuberant noise as punters urge their horses up the demanding final hill.
All this history and hype give the Cheltenham Festival a majestic aura. Attending is not just a day at the races – it’s participating in a national institution. Tradition is everywhere: in the tweed jackets and elegant hats worn by racegoers, in the renditions of “Cheltenham Gold Cup” winners etched into memory, and in time-honored rituals like singing along to folk band tunes after racing.
It’s an experience any horse racing fan cherishes, and many return year after year. With such prestige, it’s only fitting to enjoy the Festival in a way that matches its grandeur – and that’s where luxury hospitality like the Champions Club comes in.
Racing in Style: The Social Allure of Luxury Hospitality
A day at Cheltenham is as much a social occasion as a sporting event. Horse racing has long been known as the “sport of kings,” and race meetings often double as society gatherings.
At the Cheltenham Festival, you’ll find a delightful mix of hardcore racing aficionados and those who relish the lifestyle experience – dressing up, mingling over champagne, and soaking in the festive ambiance between races.
While the general enclosures buzz with excitement, many fans now seek the comfort and exclusivity of hospitality packages to enhance their day. It’s not just about watching the races; it’s about doing so in luxury and leisure.
Over the years, Cheltenham’s organisers and partners have responded to this demand by curating high-end experiences. From private boxes and fine-dining restaurants to trackside marquees, these hospitality options offer an oasis of comfort amid the frenzy.
Imagine escaping the March chill in a heated marquee, or bypassing the queues for food and drink because a gourmet four-course lunch is served to your table. The appeal is obvious – you get the best of both worlds: live action and atmosphere of the track, combined with the indulgences of a private club. It’s a chance to pamper yourself (and perhaps clients or guests) while still reveling in the thrill of top-class racing.
Importantly, such luxury experiences also carry a social cachet. The Cheltenham Festival, like Royal Ascot or Derby Day, is a highlight of the British social calendar. Securing a spot in a coveted hospitality venue signals that you’re celebrating in style.
You’ll be rubbing shoulders with fellow enthusiasts and possibly even racing celebrities; it’s not uncommon for renowned owners, trainers, or former jockeys to make appearances in hospitality suites.
The camaraderie and networking can be as memorable as the races – swapping tips with the person at the next table, toasting a winning bet with new friends, or even catching a Q&A session with a racing legend. All of this adds a rich layer to the day that general admission can’t quite match.
One of the most charming aspects of luxury hospitality at Cheltenham is how it blends tradition with indulgence. And nothing epitomizes that blend better than the inclusion of afternoon tea in many premium packages.
As the afternoon’s excitement reaches its peak, guests pause for a time-honored ritual that is the very definition of civilized leisure. In the Champions Club, this afternoon tea is the crown jewel of an already opulent day – a moment where the sporting and social traditions of Britain intersect beautifully.
Afternoon Tea: A Quintessential British Indulgence
No luxury British event would be complete without afternoon tea – a tradition that is itself a symbol of refinement and heritage. This delightful ritual dates back to the 19th century when Anna Maria, the 7th Duchess of Bedford, famously began taking tea and light snacks in late afternoon to ward off hunger pangs between lunch and a late dinner.
What started as the Duchess’s private habit around 1840 soon caught on; she began inviting friends to join her at Woburn Abbey for “tea and a walking the fields,” and before long all of fashionable society was sipping tea and nibbling sandwiches in the middle of the afternoon (History of Afternoon Tea). Thus, afternoon tea was born as a social event – a genteel pause in the day for elegant refreshment and conversation.
Fast forward to today, and afternoon tea remains a cherished part of British culture. While we may no longer stop everything at 3 or 4 pm daily for tea (much to the surprise of some visitors!), the tradition survives as a special treat. Fine hotels, country houses, and yes, even sporting venues offer elaborate afternoon tea services that transport guests to a bygone era of grace.
There is something inherently indulgent about the three-tiered tray arriving laden with goodies: finger sandwiches filled with cucumber, smoked salmon or egg mayonnaise; scones served warm with clotted cream and strawberry preserve; and an array of pastries and cakes almost too pretty to eat. All accompanied, of course, by a pot of freshly brewed tea – be it a robust English Breakfast or an aromatic Earl Grey in delicate china cups.
The cultural significance of afternoon tea lies in its ability to make any occasion feel extra special. It encourages one to slow down and savor the moment. At Cheltenham, amidst the adrenaline of the races, an afternoon tea provides the perfect interlude.
It’s a chance to relax and recount the day’s highlights (“Did you see that photo-finish?!”) with your companions while treating yourself to sweet and savory delights. In a way, it mirrors the rhythm of a race day – peaks of excitement balanced by moments of respite. By incorporating afternoon tea into the Champions Club schedule, Cheltenham Racecourse is honoring a national tradition and elevating the racegoing experience with a touch of grace and charm.
For many international visitors, enjoying afternoon tea at a world-famous race meeting is a storybook British experience. There’s a wonderful synergy in it: the pomp and pageantry of the Festival aligning with the ceremony of tea-time. It reminds us that even amid roaring crowds and rushing thoroughbreds, the British know how to pause for a cup of tea and a chat. Now, let’s step into the Champions Club itself to see how this all comes together.
The Champions Club Experience: Luxury at Cheltenham
If you’re seeking comfort, convenience, and luxury during Cheltenham Festival, the Champions Club is the place to be. This exclusive hospitality suite – offered via Oliver Myles Events on all four days of the Festival – is a course-facing marquee providing some of the finest views at Prestbury Park (The Cheltenham Festival 2026, The Champions Club | Oliver Myles).
Located in the heart of the action (within the Club Enclosure of the racecourse), the Champions Club gives you a sublime vantage point of the track, meaning you won’t miss a single jump or thunderous finish. Yet you’ll enjoy it all from an oasis of indulgence, where every need is catered to.
Setting & Ambiance:
From the moment you arrive, you’ll notice the atmosphere of exclusivity. The Champions Club marquee is beautifully appointed – think tastefully decorated tables, comfortable seating, and panoramic windows looking out onto the course.
There’s even a private viewing balcony that lets you step outside for an unobstructed view of the horses pounding down the stretch. It’s the best of both worlds: soak up the trackside buzz outdoors, then slip back inside to the warmth and luxury of your table.
Hospitality guests are given a Club admission badge with their package, granting access to the upscale Club Enclosure and its facilities. You’ll be among a select crowd of racing fans who appreciate style and service.
During the Festival, many guests take the opportunity to dress to the nines – there’s no formal dress code, but smart attire is encouraged, and with such an elegant setting, you’ll likely want to look the part.
Ladies in chic dresses and gentlemen in suits or tweed jackets and ties are a common sight, adding to the sense that this is a special occasion. (After all, Cheltenham is known for showcasing some of the finest fashion alongside the finest racing!)
Gourmet Dining:
The Champions Club hospitality is an all-day culinary journey that ensures you’re well-fed from the first race to the last.
A sample menu gives a tantalising idea of the quality: you might start with a delicacy like smoked trout blinis, enjoy a succulent roast lamb main, and finish with a decadent dessert and local cheeseboard.
Fine wines are typically included to pair with your courses, and a fully complimentary bar is at your disposal throughout the day (The Cheltenham Festival 2026, The Champions Club | Oliver Myles).
Yes, that means you can freely enjoy selected house wines, beers (a pint of the famous Guinness is a popular choice at Cheltenham), spirits, and soft drinks as you please – all included (champagne is usually the only exception).
Attentive waiters and waitresses keep the service flowing seamlessly, so you can focus on the fun: dining, socializing, and watching the races.
Afternoon Tea Delight:
As the afternoon progresses, the excitement on the course typically hits a peak around the feature race (for example, the Gold Cup on Friday). Shortly after that pinnacle, at approximately 4:25 pm, the Champions Club invites its guests to partake in a full afternoon tea. This is the crowning touch on your day of hospitality.
Exclusive Perks & Amenities:
Beyond the fine food and drink, the Champions Club package comes loaded with perks to make your day hassle-free and truly VIP. Here are some of the highlights included with your hospitality experience:
- Premier Admission: A Club Enclosure badge grants you access to the best spectator areas of the course. You can wander out to the main grandstand or winner’s enclosure at your leisure, mixing with the general crowd when you want a dose of that electric public atmosphere, then return to the sanctuary of the Champions Club.
- Private Viewing Balcony: Enjoy an exclusive viewing balcony overlooking the racetrack reserved for Champions Club guests. This means when the horses thunder past the stands, you have a prime, uncrowded spot to cheer them on – an amazing photo opportunity and vantage point for the crucial moments of each race.
- Racecard and Betting Facilities: Each guest receives an official racecard – your guide to the day’s runners, riders, and race times. In addition, the Champions Club is equipped with TV screens and betting services on-hand, so you can follow every race and place your bets without leaving the venue. Missed a race live while chatting over dessert? Fear not – the TV monitors will show all the action and replays. Want to have a flutter on the next race? Friendly staff or nearby betting terminals are available so you never have to fight through crowds to wager.
- Complimentary Bar: As mentioned, a full bar is at your disposal, pouring everything from fine wines to pints of lager or soft drinks (The Cheltenham Festival 2026, The Champions Club | Oliver Myles). You can toast your winning horse with a glass of something sparkling or simply enjoy a Guinness (a Cheltenham staple) as you watch the next race from the balcony.
- Reserved Parking: If you’re driving to the course, the package even covers car parking (1 space per 4 guests) (The Cheltenham Festival 2026, The Champions Club | Oliver Myles), conveniently located. This saves the headache of finding a spot among the tens of thousands of visitors and means your departure at day’s end will be smoother.
- Personalized Service: The Champions Club prides itself on top-notch service. Dedicated waiters and waitresses attend to each table (The Cheltenham Festival 2026, The Champions Club | Oliver Myles), refilling glasses, answering questions, and generally ensuring you’re treated like royalty. The staff-to-guest ratio tends to be high in such VIP areas, so you can expect attentive (but unobtrusive) hospitality.
- Extended Hospitality Hours: Unlike general admission areas that start to disperse right after the last race, in the Champions Club you can linger in comfort. The facility typically remains open for a good while after the final race (often until around 6:00 pm), allowing guests to finish their tea, enjoy one last drink from the bar, and let the traffic ease out before departing (The Cheltenham Festival 2026, The Champions Club | Oliver Myles). There’s no rush – you’re encouraged to savor every moment of your day at Cheltenham.
All these features combine to create an experience that is truly all-inclusive and indulgent. By mid-afternoon, you’ll likely feel you’ve been on a delightful journey – from morning coffee as anticipation builds, to the sumptuous lunch during the early races, to the elegant afternoon tea as the sun starts to cast long shadows on the course. The Champions Club experience keeps you pampered and enthralled, striking a perfect balance between sporting excitement and leisurely luxury.
Embracing Tradition and Luxury – An Unforgettable Day at Cheltenham
In the world of horse racing, the Cheltenham Festival stands out not just for its top-class sport, but for its atmosphere and traditions. To attend is to be part of a living heritage of British racing, and to celebrate it in grand style.
The afternoon tea experience in the Champions Club encapsulates this spirit perfectly. It allows you to embrace Cheltenham’s rich traditions – cheering winners, observing the latest fashions, singing along to “The Irish Rover” with the band – all while enjoying the comforts of a five-star hospitality setting.
For horse racing fans, it’s hard to imagine a more enticing scenario. You’re at Cheltenham, the pinnacle of jump racing, surrounded by the sights and sounds of victory and celebration. You have a front-row seat (quite literally, thanks to the private balcony) to witness racing history being made.
And at the same time, you’re treated to the pleasures of fine dining and afternoon tea service that harken back to a more elegant era. It’s a fusion of thrill and elegance that leaves a lasting impression.
By the end of your Champions Club day, as you take one last look at the now-quiet racecourse with a cup of tea or perhaps a final drink in hand, you’ll understand why this experience is so special. It’s not just about the food or the view or the races alone – it’s about the sum of all these parts.
The prestige of Cheltenham Festival, the cultural charm of afternoon tea, and the top-tier hospitality of the Champions Club combine to create a day out that is beyond compare.
For those considering making the leap from the grandstand to a hospitality suite, the Champions Club’s afternoon tea package is a compelling choice. It offers exceptional value in memories if not in monetary terms – the kind of day you’ll reminisce about for years. Whether you’re celebrating a personal milestone, entertaining clients, or simply treating yourself to the ultimate fan experience, this is a way to do Cheltenham with full VIP flair.
In conclusion, the afternoon tea experience at Cheltenham’s Champions Club elevates a day at the races into something truly magical. It’s a celebration of sport, socializing, and tradition all rolled into one, delivered with impeccable style.
As racing’s elite charge toward the finish line and you savor that last bite of scone with clotted cream, you’ll know you’ve been part of something extraordinary. Indulge in this heritage-rich luxury, and you’ll gain a newfound appreciation for both Cheltenham’s racing glory and Britain’s teatime rituals. It’s an experience well worth toasting – with a cup of Earl Grey or a glass of champagne – as you book your place for an unforgettable day at the Festival.
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