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Costa del Cheltenham: Brits swap Gloucestershire for Benidorm's boozy bets
Sun, fun and horse racing: British punters flock to Benidorm for a budget-friendly Cheltenham Festival experience
As the Cheltenham Festival kicks off, an increasing number of British racing enthusiasts are trading the chilly Gloucestershire countryside for the sunny shores of Benidorm. This Spanish resort city has become a vibrant hub for festival fans seeking affordable thrills, with its bustling bars and pubs offering a lively alternative to the traditional racecourse experience.In recent years, Benidorm has seen a surge in popularity during the festival week. Once a quiet period, the city's New Town now buzzes with excitement as thousands of Brits descend to enjoy the races in a more relaxed setting.
The Winning Post bar, renowned for its year-round in-house bookmaking, becomes a focal point for punters. By 9:30 am on the first day, the bar is packed, with patrons savouring hearty breakfasts and pints while poring over race schedules. Owner Colleen Holm notes, "Cheltenham's always been big for us, but it's probably over the last six or eight years that it's really taken off around Benidorm."
Just across the road, the Marina Resort draws even larger crowds. More than 500 sun-soaked spectators gather poolside, eyes glued to a massive screen broadcasting the races. The atmosphere is electric, with collective gasps and cheers accompanying each thrilling moment.
Timothy King, who journeyed from the Cotswolds with friends, explains their choice: "Going to the festival is just too expensive now and too busy... This is our first time in Benidorm and I'd recommend it to anyone. It's beautiful, friendly and clean."
The appeal isn't just the ambiance; it's also the affordability. With pints as cheap as €2 and five-bottle beer buckets for €6.50, Benidorm offers a cost-effective alternative to the escalating expenses at Cheltenham.
Stephen Peters, visiting from Musselburgh, Scotland, quips about their betting enthusiasm: "We'd gamble on anything... if we saw a couple of cockroaches on the floor we'd probably have a bet on it." He adds, "Once upon a time you could go into a pub 40 minutes before the start of the first race and get a seat no problem. Now, hours before it all starts you are struggling to find a table."
This migration hasn't gone unnoticed. Cheltenham's new chief executive, Guy Lavender, acknowledges the festival's declining attendance and emphasises the need to enhance value for attendees.
Meanwhile, Benidorm's establishments are thriving, transforming the city into a "Costa del Cheltenham," where sun, fun and horse racing converge for an unforgettable experience.
As the sun sets and races conclude, the festivities in Benidorm are far from over. The city's vibrant nightlife beckons, offering everything from tribute acts to lively karaoke sessions. For many British tourists, this blend of leisure and excitement makes Benidorm the perfect destination to celebrate the Cheltenham Festival without breaking the bank.
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