Cheltenham Logistics Advice

an capall

an capall

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I don't want to hijack DH's Chepstow thread, but similar type of query.

Despite generous offers of space from a few fine forumites, I will be staying with some reprobates at a Bristol hotel. We plan to take the choo-choo to the course.

- Should I book in advance?
- Is there any kind of festival special tickets for the rail service that last the week?

The websites are poor, so thought I'd go straight to the experts - thanks
 
Hi an capall - I stayed in Bristol in 2012 and 2013.

Yes, you should book in advance, as Bristol is surprisingly full of race-goers; might even pay to book the trains back at around 6pm. I wasn't aware of any package of ticket plus rail travel at the time.

It suited us, as the journey is only 45 minutes Bristol-Cheltenham. There's also a decent Wetherspoon's (Knights' Templar) just by Temple Quay, that serves some decent stomach-liner.
 
I would reconsider the room in town! We once stayed in Stratford. It was hell on earth. Sit back and think about getting on the train after 15 pints the day before.....
 
I did the train one year......never again!
Going up was bliss from Cardiff except for one day when train from where I live to Cardiff Central was cancelled with no explanation. Had to pay for taxi.

Coming back was the problem. If we wanted to get the bus or taxi from the course to the station, we had to leave well before the last race as it was like armageddon after the last. Same at the station........way too busy if you wait till after the last.

However, if you are in no hurry to get back to where you are staying then it could be ok for you.

I drive every day once again, park in the same road and walk 20 mins to the course.
 
We got the train from Bristol for the first time last year (usually drive). Found it totally fine, though we weren't in a hurry so we walked from the course to the station, by which time most of the carnage had dissipated. If you're intent on getting home fast or can't walk from course to station I'm not sure what's best.
 
I'd agree with harry that if you need to get away by train then you need to leave before the last race. I did that last year after some hospitality on the Thursday and will definitely do the same this year


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Leaving before the last kinda defeats the object. That said the train station is always chaotic after the last and I can recall waiting over an hour for a train a few years back, the queues were so long. More sensible to have another few drinks and let the crowd disperse.
 
Hang around in Cheltenham for an hour or so after the last - walk back into the town and have a beer or two on the way then get a train at 7-7:30ish and I reckon you'd probably be ok.
 
Irish Stamp said:
Hang around in Cheltenham for an hour or so after the last - walk back into the town and have a beer or two on the way then get a train at 7-7:30ish and I reckon you'd probably be ok.
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+1 for this. Can be pretty hard to find anywhere to get a drink comfortably mind you!!

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littlelad said:
+1 for this. Can be pretty hard to find anywhere to get a drink comfortably mind you!!

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Thanks all. We plan to stay in the Cheltenham area for several hours after racing and there seems to be a train every 40 mins or so right through to midnight, so chances are it should work nicely.

Is there a Forum meet up on any of the days?

Ps..anybody who would leave the course before the last race on Wednesday ought to be certified as insane.
 
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Why don't we arrange something for the Wednesday?

Everyone is usually scattered around the course, but there's usually a hardcore in the Mandarin Bar so we could head there.
 
an capall said:
Thanks all. We plan to stay in the Cheltenham area for several hours after racing and there seems to be a train every 40 mins or so right through to midnight, so chances are it should work nicely.

Is there a Forum meet up on any of the days?

Ps..anybody who would leave the course before the last race on Wednesday ought to be certified as insane.
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Leaving before the last was the main reason why I've gone back to driving. Missing 4 races over the week is too much, especially since the Bumper is one of my favs. As you seem in no hurry to get back the train will be fine for you....hope you have a great week.
 
Maruco said:
Why don't we arrange something for the Wednesday?

Everyone is usually scattered around the course, but there's usually a hardcore in the Mandarin Bar so we could head there.
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Myself and Digger are on a junket on the Wednesday.

How about the Thursday? :cool:
 
Actually it might be better to say Wednesday and Thursday. Different people attend different days, and others will have other commitments when they're there. I'll start a thread.
 
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