Name: Royal Ascot at Cheltenham
Start: 2026-06-18T11:59
Location: Cheltenham Racecourse

CHELTENHAM RACECOURSE OPEN DAY

For the first time ever Cheltenham Racecourse is opening its doors and welcoming its Annual Members and local community to look behind the scenes of the racecourse and watch Ascot Gold Cup Day LIVE on the big screen in the Parade Ring.

Bring along a picnic and enjoy a fun occasion on what is destined to be lovely summer’s day!

All seven races from day three of Royal Ascot will be shown live on the big screen in the Parade Ring.

Bring along friends and family and sit on hallowed Parade Ring grass, watching some of the best flat racing in the world.

Live Tote betting

Free form guide

Gates open at 13:30

The first race takes place at 14:15

The feature race of the day is the Ascot Gold Cup at 16:15

The last race takes place at 18:10

How to secure your place(s)

Annual Members

This is a free event for all of our Annual Members.
Please check you email inbox for the promotional code to apply at checkout to secure your place(s).

You are welcome to bring along up to 3 guests for free, 4 attendees in total.

As places are limited, we kindly request that you only apply for tickets you need.

Non-Members/Local Community

Please visit our website and secure your ticket.
Tickets are just £3 (adults), children (under 18) can attend for free but must have a ticket. All proceeds will be donated to local charities through the Centenary Community Fund.

The event is limited to 300 attendees. Secure your place (s) today!

Picnic rules

Picnics are welcome however no alcohol can be brought on to the racecourse due to licensing restrictions. A cash bar will be open.

Please bring a picnic rug. We will have a limited amount of tables available for use on a first come, first served basis.

Timings

Gates Open at 13.30 with the event concluding at 18.30.

Parking is available in the Hall of Fame car park. You may then enter the course via the Hall of Fame entrance.

Weather

In the event of bad weather this event will be cancelled and a full refund will be provided to any paying attendees.

A LOOK BEHIND THE SCENES

The occasion offers the chance to explore places you would never normally get to enjoy on a race day.

Weighing Room Tours
Have a look through the Weighing Room, jockeys changing areas, the canteen and the Steward’s Room.

Visit The Royal Box
Take the lift up to the Royal Box where you can have a photo with a number of the Festival’s famous trophies.

What’s New At Cheltenham
Join a tour and have a look at some of the newly renovated bars including Prestbury View, that celebrates the unsung racing heroes of Prestbury, that not just made Cheltenham famous but also contributed greatly to the history of the Aintree Grand National.

Hall of Fame
Take your time wandering through the Hall of Fame learning about the Gold Cup, Cheltenham’s Irish connections, horse racing around the world and more, in the company of one of Britain’s leading racing historians.

The Winner’s Podium
Stand on the winner’s podium, put on the white gloves and pose with the Cheltenham Gold Cup!

Best Dressed Contest

Get in the spirit by getting dressed up, Ascot style! We’ll have prizes for the best dressed.

Fancy an upgrade?

Thursday 18 June 2026

Royal Ascot - Parade Ring Picnic