Cheltenham Hospitality & Steam Train Frequently Asked Questions

What is the minimum booking size for hospitality at Cheltenham?

We offer a wide range of Cheltenham hospitality packages and we can accommodate bookings of 1 upwards. 

I would like a private facility for my group, is this possible?

We have private course facing boxes with balconies available for groups of 10, 16, 24, 26, 28 and 40 guests (dependent on race meeting). Please contact us on 01825 746082 to discuss the different options.

Do you offer any offsite hospitality at Cheltenham?

We do not offer any offsite hospitality at Cheltenham. All of our Cheltenham hospitality packages are official and are located in prime positions on the racecourse. All of our boxes offer views of the course by way of balconies or viewing seats. Our marquees are positioned close to the viewing areas and Parade Ring.

If I book a private box, is it possible to have any corporate branding?

It is possible to organise light branding within your box such as pop up banners, literature on the tables, branded pens etc .Please contact us to discuss the options.

I would like to book the steam train to miss all of the traffic; do I get any discount on the steam train as I’ve placed my Cheltenham hospitality booking with you?

We offer a 30% discount on the steam train transfer if you place your hospitality booking with us.

The packages you offer include a Club Entrance ticket but I am a Cheltenham Member, is there any discount?

If you are a Cheltenham Member it is possible (in most cases) for us to deduct the price of a Club admission ticket from the package price.

What time do the hospitality facilities open / close?

All of our hospitality facilities open at the time of gates opening and close an hour after the final race. A full itinerary with confirmed timings will be provided prior to the event.

Can I add additional guests to my booking at a later date?

Subject to availability, we will always try to accommodate additional guests together with the original party.

How do I place a bet in the hospitality areas?

Each of our hospitality areas offer easy access to Tote betting facilities which are located either within the hospitality area or on the corridor just outside.

Can you offer any betting tips?

Most of our hospitality packages include a visit from a current or ex jockey or racing celebrity who will run through the race card and try to recommend a few bets for you and your guests.

I’ve seen that your Managing Director’s horse Imperial Commander has won the 2010 Cheltenham Gold Cup. Is it possible for my clients to see the Gold Cup and have some photographs?

We try to bring the 2010 Gold Cup with us on Gold Cup day or by arrangement on other days. We can bring it to your private box or table if you would like to see the famous trophy and may be have some pictures. Please notify us at the time of booking and we will do our best to accommodate your request.

What is the dress code for the hospitality areas?

Ladies are requested to wear smart day wear and hats are optional. Gentlemen are requested to wear a jacket and tie or suit.

Can I smoke within the hospitality areas?

Smoking is not permitted in any of the hospitality areas; however, it is permitted out on the racecourse lawns and on the viewing balconies.

I have booked a private table / box and I would like to have a seating plan, is this possible?

It is possible to have a seating plan if you have booked a private table or box with us. We simply ask you to provide us with the seating plan and place cards prior to the event and we will do our best to put these out prior to your guest arrival.

Can you accommodate any special dietary requirements?

We can provide alternative catering for most food allergies and requirements. Please notify us prior to the event so we have sufficient time to organise replacement meals. Please be aware that we cannot guarantee being able to accommodate dietary requirements if informed on the day.

Will there be a Classic Hospitality member of staff in attendance on my race day?

Classic Hospitality will have company representatives on site at the racecourse and within the hospitality areas to assist with any steam train, hospitality or racing queries / issues you may have.

Is car parking included within the package?

We offer car parking passes with all of our hospitality packages on a 1 per 2 basis. Please note that the traffic in and around the racecourse can cause serious travel delays. To avoid the traffic you can travel from Toddington Railway Station directly to the back of the Cheltenham Grandstand by taking our magnificent steam train transfer. View full details here.

How do I book my required Cheltenham hospitality places?

To make a booking please contact our sales team on 01825 746082

Which methods of payment do you accept when I make a hospitality booking?

Payment can be made by BACS, CHAPS or cheque. Closer to the event date we can also accept debit and credit card payments.

When will I receive my hospitality packs?

All tickets & documentation will be dispatched approximately 7-10 days prior to the event by next day special delivery

Can I collect my Cheltenham hospitality passes at Toddington Station?

If you are based overseas or if it is more convenient for you, your hospitality passes can be made available for collection from the main entrance at Toddington Railway Station on the morning of your race day

What do my hospitality packs include?

Your hospitality packs will include your entrance tickets, hospitality passes if appropriate, an itinerary for the day, confirmed menus and directions to the facility.

What happens if one of my guests loses their hospitality passes & ticket?

In the event that one of your guests loses their hospitality passes / tickets, please notify us as soon as possible and we will do our best to try and replace the hospitality passes/tickets on the day. However in certain circumstances it may not be possible to replace the admission ticket and you will have to purchase a replacement on arrival at Cheltenham Racecourse.

Where does the steam train depart from?

All steam trains depart from Toddington Railway Station and travel directly to Cheltenham Racecourse (direct train, no stops). Toddington is between Winchcombe and Broadway. Details of how to get to Toddington can be found here.

What time does the steam train depart?

Please click here to download our provisional steam train timetable for the Cheltenham Festival & Cheltenham November Meeting

What happens if we miss the steam train?

All steam trains will run as close to scheduled times as possible and will not depart earlier. We accept no responsibility for guests missing allocated trains. If possible, and we have multiple trains in operation we will try to accommodate late guests onto the next train. On the outbound journey, we will also leave complimentary racecourse car parking passes (subject to pass availability).

Are drinks available to purchase on board the train or on the platform?

We have a full cash bar available on board the steam train which serves tea, coffee, beers, wines and soft drinks. We will also have a Champagne bar in operation on platform 1 where Champagne can be purchased by the glass.

Can I pay by credit or debit card on board the steam train?

Unfortunately we are unable to accept card payments on board the steam train and all purchases must be made by cash.

Can I bring my own food or drink on board the steam train?

We kindly ask that you do not bring your own food and drink onto the steam train. Food and drink can be purchased from Toddington Station and on board the steam train.

Can I purchase breakfast at Toddington Railway Station?

The Flag & Whistle Café will be open on all days of the Cheltenham Festival and a cooked breakfast can be purchased on the morning of your race day. Pre booking is not required.

Do I have to pay to park at Toddington?

Toddington Railway Station offers plenty of FREE hard surface car parking for cars, coaches, mini buses, and limousines.  Disabled parking is also available.

Can I leave my car overnight at Toddington Station?

Toddington Railway Station offers gated car parking and cars can be left overnight at your own risk. Please note that the gates are locked in accordance with the station opening & closing times.

Is there a taxi rank at Toddington Railway Station?

There is plenty of parking for pre-arranged taxis at Toddington Railway Station, but please note that there is no taxi rank and unreserved taxis will not be waiting. We strongly advise you to pre book taxis well in advance of Cheltenham Festival week.

Where can I buy a Racing Post in the morning?

Racing posts will be available to purchase from Platform 1 at Toddington Railway Station

Will our group be seated together on the steam train?

All seating on the steam train is allocated and we do our best to seat all members of a group together. This will be discussed at the time of booking.

Are private carriages available?

Private carriages are available for a variety of group sizes. Please contact us on 01825 746082 to discuss.

How do I book my required steam train places?

To make a booking please contact our sales team on 01825 746082

Which methods of payment do you accept when I make a booking?

Payment can be made by BACS, CHAPS or cheque. Closer to the event date we can also accept debit and credit card payments.

When will I receive my steam train tickets?

All steam train tickets & documentation will be dispatched approximately 7-10 days prior to the event to a UK address.

Can I collect the tickets at Toddington Station?

If you are based overseas or if it is more convenient for you, tickets can be made available for collection from the main entrance at Toddington Railway Station on the morning of your race day.

Can I buy a ticket on the day?

We strongly advise you to pre-book your steam train tickets due to the limited number of places we can hold on each steam train; however, if we have any last minute availability then a booking can be made prior to the steam train departing. Simply contact our office on 01825 746082 and payment will be taken by debit / credit card. Once payment is made tickets can be collected from the main entrance at Toddington Railway Station.

Can I add additional guests at a later date?

Subject to availability we will always try to accommodate additional guests

What happens if I lose my steam train tickets?

In the event that you lose your steam train tickets, please notify us as soon as possible and we will arrange for duplicates to be available for collection at Toddington Railway Station.