Cheltenham Races New Year's Day 2027: Tickets and Times
The Cheltenham New Year's Day races 2027 on Friday 1 January: gate and race times, ticket prices, parking and what to bring, plus New Year's Day lunches, hotels near the course and bars for afterwards.
In short: the Cheltenham races on New Year's Day 2027 are on Friday 1 January at Cheltenham Racecourse. Gates open at 10.30am and there are seven races, led by the Grade 2 Relkeel Hurdle. An adult Club/Tatts ticket is £33, under 18s go free with a paying adult, and parking is free. For lunch afterwards, Hotel du Vin serves a New Year's Day lunch at £34.95.
The Cheltenham New Year's Day races are the first jump racing of the year at Prestbury Park. This guide covers the day itself, tickets, getting there, and where to eat, stay and drink in town. Prices and rules come from the racecourse's own pages, and every venue from its own website, all checked on 2 November 2026.
When are the Cheltenham New Year's Day races 2027?
Friday 1 January 2027. The racecourse has published last year's card and says the 2027 races and times will follow, so treat the times below as a guide.
| What | When |
|---|---|
| Gates open | 10.30am |
| First race | 12.15pm |
| Relkeel Hurdle (Grade 2) | 2.35pm |
| Last race | Before 4pm |
How much are New Year's Day tickets at Cheltenham?
An adult Club/Tatts ticket is £33. On New Year's Day the racecourse sells Club/Tatts as one enclosure, and Best Mate is not on its list for the day.
| Ticket | Price |
|---|---|
| Adult, Club/Tatts | £33 |
| Groups of 6 or more, Club/Tatts | £29.70 |
| Under 18s, with a paying adult | Free, with a £0 child ticket online |
| Club/Tatts with the Horses for Courses tour | £48 |
| Hospitality | From £119 |
Good to know: the event page also advertises tickets "from £13.50" without saying which ticket that is. Early bird prices end at midnight before racing, and tickets bought at the gate are card only. The racecourse's FAQ gives two different limits on under 18s per adult, so check before you book a family group.
What's on at Cheltenham Racecourse on New Year's Day?
Seven races, with Graded and Listed contests, plus a Family Fun zone.
Cheltenham Racecourse
Last year's card mixed hurdles, chases and a Listed bumper, with the Relkeel Hurdle as the feature. Children get the Family Fun zone, which is for Club/Tatts ticket holders.
- 📅 Fri 1 Jan 2027
- ⏰ Gates 10.30am
- 💳 Cashless venue
- 📍 Evesham Road, GL50 4SH, Prestbury
How do I get to the racecourse on New Year's Day?
Drive and park for free, or take the raceday bus from Cheltenham Spa station. The racecourse says public parking is free at every meeting except the November Meeting Saturday and the Cheltenham Festival. For trains, check bank holiday times on National Rail.
What should I wear and bring?
Warm layers and an umbrella. The racecourse asks only that you "dress to feel your best" and leave team kits at home. Bring one small bag, which will be searched. Outside food and drink are not allowed in Club/Tatts, and nor are alcohol, hip flasks or dogs other than guide and assistance dogs.
Where can I have New Year's Day lunch in Cheltenham?
Two Montpellier hotels serve a set New Year's Day lunch, and a brasserie on the Promenade cooks until late. Book all three.
Hotel du Vin Cheltenham
Appetisers from the French Market Table, then classic seasonal dishes, roasts and desserts. A good choice before an afternoon at the course or for a slow recovery instead.
- 💷 £34.95 a head
- 📅 Fri 1 Jan
- 📍 Parabola Road, Montpellier
Malmaison Cheltenham
The lunch starts with The Chef's Table, a spread of hors d'oeuvres, salads, antipasti and seafood, followed by roasts and desserts.
- 💷 £35 a head
- 📅 Fri 1 Jan
- 📍 Bayshill Road, Montpellier
Brasserie Blanc Cheltenham
No set menu, but the French brasserie has published its New Year's Day hours, and its kitchen stays open long after the last race.
- ⏰ Fri 1 Jan, 12pm to 11pm
- 🍽️ Kitchen until 9.45pm
- 📍 The Promenade, Montpellier
Where should I stay for the New Year's Day races?
Pittville, between the town centre and the course, if you want to walk to the races. The Promenade if New Year's Eve matters more.
No.38 The Park
A townhouse hotel in a leafy corner of Pittville, near the racecourse and a five-minute walk from town. It is hosting a New Year's Eve evening of dining and cocktails; enquire for details.
- 🐕 Dog friendly rooms
- 🅿️ Limited parking on site
- 📍 Evesham Road, Pittville
Cotswold Grange
A boutique hotel with individually decorated bedrooms, placed between the racecourse and the town centre.
- 🛏️ Individually decorated rooms
- 📍 Pittville Circus Road, Pittville
The Portland Guesthouse
Seven en suite rooms in a Grade II listed late Georgian house, a social enterprise developed by the Gloucestershire charity Aim Up. Rooms are reached by stairs, and check-in is self-service.
- 💷 Rooms listed from £99 a night
- 🔑 Self check-in
- 📍 Portland Street, Pittville
Queens Hotel Cheltenham
An 84-room hotel on the Promenade, and the place to see the year out in black tie before a day at the races.
- 🥂 New Year's Eve gala, £135 an adult
- 🐕 Dog friendly rooms
- 📍 The Promenade, Montpellier
Where can I drink after the New Year's Day races?
Three places on the way back into town. None has posted New Year's Day hours yet, so the times below are their usual Fridays: check before you go.
33 The Rum Bar
A cosy, dog friendly rum and cocktail bar on the road back from the course, with a collection of more than 150 labels. Over 18s only.
- ⏰ Usually Fri 4pm to 11.30pm
- 🍹 Happy hour 5pm to 7pm
- 📍 Prestbury Road, Pittville
The Coconut Tree Cheltenham
Sri Lankan sharing plates and cocktails on St Paul's Road, good for a group that wants food with the post-race round.
- ⏰ Usually Fri 12pm to midnight
- 🍹 2 cocktails for £12
- 📍 St Paul's Road, Pittville
Sandford Park Alehouse
Cheltenham CAMRA's pub of the year in 2023, with 10 cask and 16 keg lines. It is across town from the course, so it suits the evening.
- ⏰ Usually Fri 11am to midnight
- 🍽️ Food Fri 12pm to 9pm
- 📍 High Street, Town Centre
Cheltenham New Year's Day races: questions
When are the New Year's Day races at Cheltenham in 2027?
Friday 1 January 2027. Gates open at 10.30am, and on last year's timings the first of seven races was at 12.15pm.
How much are New Year's Day tickets at Cheltenham?
An adult Club/Tatts ticket is £33, and under 18s go free with a paying adult, with a £0 child ticket online. Hospitality starts at £119.
Is parking free at Cheltenham Racecourse on New Year's Day?
Yes. The racecourse says public parking is free at every meeting except the November Meeting Saturday and the Cheltenham Festival.
Can I take food and drink into Cheltenham Racecourse?
Not into Club/Tatts. Alcohol and hip flasks are not allowed anywhere, and the course is cashless.
Where can I eat on New Year's Day in Cheltenham?
Hotel du Vin (£34.95) and Malmaison (£35) both serve a New Year's Day lunch. Brasserie Blanc is open from 12pm, with its kitchen open until 9.45pm.