When it comes to the British social and sporting calendar, two horse racing festivals stand head and shoulders above the rest: Cheltenham Festival and Royal Ascot. Each offers a unique blend of sporting excellence, atmosphere, and hospitality, but they’re very different experiences.
Whether you’re planning a day with clients, treating family and friends, or looking for the perfect sports hospitality package, this side-by-side look will help you choose between these two crown jewels of the racing calendar.
Let’s break down what each one offers to help you decide which race day is right for you.
Cheltenham Festival: Raw Emotion & Roaring Crowds
When: March
Where: Cheltenham Racecourse, Gloucestershire
Style: Passionate, electric, and unfiltered
The Cheltenham Festival is the crown jewel of National Hunt racing, attracting over 250,000 racegoers every year. It’s where jump racing legends are made, from Best Mate to Constitution Hill.
The four-day festival features iconic races like the Champion Hurdle, Queen Mother Champion Chase, and the legendary Cheltenham Gold Cup. The atmosphere is spine-tingling, especially on St. Patrick’s Thursday, when Irish fans flood the stands and turn the course into a sea of green.
This is a race day where you’ll feel every jump, cheer every finish, and soak up the kind of sporting passion that’s hard to match.
Best for you if:
- You’re after edge-of-your-seat sporting drama
- You want to feel part of the roar of the crowd
- You love a pint and a flutter in a lively atmosphere
Royal Ascot: Style, Sophistication & British Tradition
When: June
Where: Ascot Racecourse, Berkshire
Style: Elegant, glamorous, and polished
If Cheltenham is about unfiltered energy, Royal Ascot is all about the refinement of flat racing, paired with top hats, fascinators, and the chance to spot royalty.
Each of the five days at Royal Ascot is a fashion show, a social occasion, and a sporting spectacle rolled into one. Races like the Gold Cup and Diamond Jubilee Stakes draw the best horses and trainers from around the globe, while the Royal Procession adds a touch of grandeur to the proceedings.
Expect champagne bars, exquisite fine dining, and a real sense of occasion.
Best for you if:
- You want a luxury day out with sophistication and style
- You enjoy dressing to the nines and sipping champagne trackside
- You’re hosting clients or networking in an upscale setting
Corporate Hospitality: Which Offers More?
Honestly? Both are exceptional, just in different ways.
Cheltenham hospitality is ideal for those who want an atmosphere packed with passion. Expect hearty British food, private boxes overlooking the final furlong, and a party vibe once the racing ends.
Royal Ascot hospitality is refined and elegant, featuring gourmet menus, beautifully designed hospitality suites, and impeccable service. It’s a polished affair, perfect for networking or entertaining VIPs.
At Impulse Decisions, we offer tailored hospitality packages for both events, ensuring your experience is seamless, stylish, and exactly what you’re looking for.
So, What’s the Right Choice?
Ultimately, it comes down to your vibe.
- Want raw excitement, beer in hand, and booming roars? Go for Cheltenham.
- Prefer champagne, style, and timeless tradition? Royal Ascot’s your winner.
- Or why not experience both and enjoy the very best of British racing?
Whichever you choose, both offer unforgettable sporting experiences when paired with first-class hospitality. From seamless planning to insider access and luxurious touches, we make sure your race day is everything you imagined and more.
Ready to plan your perfect day at the races? Get in touch with our team to explore our bespoke hospitality packages for 2026.