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!
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!
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
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
Sleeps: 9-12
Rates from: £109pppn
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.
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
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
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
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.
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
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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