We’re feeling confident that 2022 is the year we officially put virtual events in the past, getting back to doing what we love both at home and around the world. The UK in particular has so many festivals to look forward to this year, ranging from those with a music and arts focus to food and wine.

However, nothing compares to getting dressed up for a day at the races, finally swapping work-from-home sweats for your Sunday best. To prepare for those highly anticipated events, we’ve rounded up our top holiday homes to rent near Royal Ascot, Goodwood and Cheltenham Festival, making the planning process that little bit easier. All that’s left to do is choose your favourite horse and rider!

Cheltenham Festival

When? 15th-18th March

This four-day event features 28 races, seeing some of the top horses and jockeys face up against each other. Continuing a tradition that extends back to 1860, when the event was originally called the Grand National Hunt Meeting, it draws hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. There’s no official dress code for attendees, and weather can be on the colder side, but most still come ready to impress – you never know which Royals may show up!

Wilfred Manor & The Country Stables

From the moment you arrive at Wilfred Manor, you’ll know you’re staying somewhere extremely special. The Grade I-listed home has been lovingly modernised, complete with its own pool and games room, al while still maintaining a traditional look and feel. Plus, thanks to the addition of the converted stables, up to 34 guests can be hosted here, allowing you and all of your loved ones to get ready together in style.

Not content with the gourmet fare you’ve enjoyed at the races? This holiday home also boasts an in-house chef for preparing seated menus or relaxing sofa food as you desire. Then it’s time for a sunset stroll around the gardens and a dip in the hot tub – bliss!

Sleeps: 34

Rates from: £87pppn

Rissington Hill House & Stables

Want to take a trip that lasts longer than just a few days? Rissington Hill House is excellent for exploring the Cotswolds region, with many charming towns and villages nearby. However, when you’re done with wandering cobbled streets and sitting in cosy cafes, come back to a similarly comforting home base, unwinding among rustic furnishings and bookcase-lined walls.

Should you get lucky with the weather, the beautifully maintained lawns are dotted with seating areas for relaxing with a cup of coffee each morning or cocktail come nightfall.

Sleeps: 15

Rates from: £110pppn

The Glebe

The Glebe may be just 20 minutes from Cheltenham Racecourse, but this Georgian rectory is filled with features that will make it hard to leave. The 5 acres of south-facing gardens and paddocks come with a climbing frame, stone terrace and tennis court – excellent for tapping into your competitive side! Inside, you’ll find a selection of carefully curated artwork, elegant furnishings and a working fireplace, plus period features throughout.

Sleeps: 9-12

Rates from: £109pppn

Qatar Goodwood Festival

When? 26th-30th July

Lovingly known as ‘Glorious Goodwood’, this festival involves five days of British Flat racing. However, there’s so much more to see than what goes on along the track. You can sip on champagne in Veuve’s Clicquot Champagne & Seafood Bar, listen to live music in the Gordon Enclosure, and even dine in the Instagram-worthy Secret Garden.

Ladies’ Day on day three is a particular highlight, with women nailing the ‘Goodwood Look’ by slipping on their finest tea or maxi dress, while gentlemen don their favourite Panama hats.

Kirdford Farmhouse

The perfect countryside retreat, Kirdford Farmhouse comfortably accommodates up to 10 guests across its five double bedrooms. Each one is filled with characterful interiors beneath stunning wooden beams, presenting the perfect spot to rest your head after a long day of socialising and celebrating.

After rubbing shoulders with high society at the races, why not dine at The Half Moon gastropub nearby? It’s managed by Jodie Kidd and known for serving fresh, organic produce that changes with the seasons. However, if you do choose to stay home and whip up your own delights, there’s a stunning dining area that leads out onto the terrace – lake views and gardens await.

Sleeps: 10

Rates from: £63pppn

Seaside Retreat

Panoramic views of the seafront and a prime position to enjoy the region’s packed calendar of events – what more could you need from a Sussex stay? You’ll find many restaurants and shops along the promenade to explore, but be sure to take some time to enjoy its quirky interiors, starting with the entrance hall, moving through to the modern kitchen and then each of the five bedrooms.

If you want to take your beach break to the next level, the owner is happy to arrange paddleboarding and kayaking lessons, so you can leave with a new skill alongside a whole host of memories.

Sleeps: 12

Rates from: £30pppn

Snow Goose

Boasting an enviable waterfront location just walking distance from picturesque Bosham, Snow Goose is truly one of a kind. When the high tide covers the surrounding mud flats, keen birdwatchers will love sitting out and spotting local wildlife. To see even more natural wonders, venture to West Wittering beach and feel the sand between your toes come summertime, while Chichester city is brimming with historical attractions too.

Want the fun to continue on after a day at the festival? Give flipping burgers a go on the terrace barbeque, enjoying them al fresco as the stars come out. Then it’s time to cosy down in the cinema room with your favourite flick of choice.

Sleeps: 9

Rates from: £31pppn

Royal Ascot

When? 14th-18th June

Royal Ascot is widely considered the premiere event in British racing. Whether you come for the track action, fashion or fine dining, you’re guaranteed a glamorous time. You may even spot the Royal Family who attend every year. From there, a thrilling day of fun awaits across the four enclosures, culminating in communal singing around the bandstand at 6:40pm.

Ascot Manor

This Victorian mansion house was originally built for the Duke of Richmond in 1886 – ready to add your name to the impressive guest list? Luxury amenities include a heated swimming pool, spacious hot tub, pizza oven, ornamental carp pond and lakeside terrace.

For those who love the daily Ascot singsong, you can put on an encore performance around the bandstand back home before snuggling down in one of several lounges. We’d suggest extending your stay beyond the racing has concluded, with ample areas of parkland plus golf courses, Windsor Castle and the South Downs all situated nearby.

Sleeps: 18-30

Rates from: £157pppn

The Apple Tree House

This large Edwardian home was totally renovated in 2014, offering you contemporary comfort in the heart of the English countryside. Start each morning enjoying fresh pastries in the breakfast room before getting ready among classic Villeroy & Boch furnishings. There’s even a SKY TV in each room to keep you entertained as you prep, and then it’s out to the glorious gardens for some pre-racecourse snaps.

After another fabulous day out, stop back on the way home for a drink in one of the two country pubs, just a stone’s throw from your front door. To finish, you can’t pass up a dip in the hot tub, swapping anecdotes as the sun goes down.

Sleeps: 14

Rates from: £51pppn

Now that you’ve picked your favourite, feel free to get in touch with a member of our concierge team to help organise your luxury break. Wanting to go further afield this year? Check out the full villa holidays 2022 collection to get inspired. 

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