The Cheltenham festival is the highlight of the racing jumps season which takes place over four days in March, and attracts over 200,000 people.

Cheltenham Gold Cup is the highlight of the week and one of the biggest spectacles in the annual sporting calendar which makes the nation stand still.

It’s the climax of the National Hunt season and is the only race of the season where the very best horses from the UK and Ireland, at the pinnacle of their careers, go head-to head in the most prestigious Grand One race.

Throughout the National Hunt season, horses will compete in a number of high profile jump fixtures, picking up form in preparation for the blue ribbon event at Cheltenham.

Will the odds-on favourites carry their good form and prove too good for the rest of the field, or will a rank-outsider come from nowhere to defy the odds to take the winning post? Join National Holidays on a coach break to find out.

Surrounded by stunning Cotswolds scenery, Cheltenham is not only the picturesque racecourse but also the most atmospheric.

Nothing beats the thrill of having a punt, listening to the famous ‘Cheltenham roar’ as the tapes go up and cheering your horse up the famous hill to the winning post.

Aside from the absorbing battles on the track, there’s plenty to keep you entertained throughout the world-class facilities at the racecourse. Soak up the history of the event in the Hall of Fame museum, have a pint of the black stuff in the lively Guinness Village, study the pre-race favourites in the paddock and celebrate with the jockeys and owners in the winner’s enclosure!