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!
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
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 known for serving fresh fresh and 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
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
Royal Ascot
Windsor Lion
For Royal Ascot with a little historic flourish, Windsor Lion places you in the heart of Old Windsor – close enough to make race-day feel easy, with plenty of character to carry the glamour home. Dating back to 1876, this Grade II listed home once formed part of the Old Windsor Tapestries factory, where even Queen Victoria had her tapestries repaired.
Now beautifully renovated, it blends period detail with polished modern comfort, sleeping up to nine guests across three double bedrooms, one single bedroom and a sofa bed. Start the day getting race-ready beneath high ceilings and restored woodwork, then return after the final furlong to the private garden, elegant dining space and cosy corners made for swapping stories from the stands. With Windsor Castle, Legoland Windsor and the surrounding countryside nearby, it is well worth making a longer stay of it.
Sleeps: 7 – 9
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.
