cheltenham advice

10am best view if you dont have a seat is by the last fence.

Yes get there for opening time and really enjoy soaking up your first trip to the Festival!

Tatts viewing could be seen as a chore, because if you want a spot in the main grandstand you'll need to be in place 30-45 minutes before the first or you'll struggle to get a pozzy. I'd also recommend simply not leaving your place in the stand between the handicap chase and the Champion Hurdle. If you upgrade to Club, you don't quite have the same issues here. It's a bit annoying for sure, but it's the best day of the year! Try to have your bets on in advance and that's one less thing to do, get there for gate opening and you can have a few beers in the build up.

In the main grandstand, rather than trying to work your way up from the bottom, it can sometimes pay to work through the back from the doors in the inside area of the first floor.

Personally, I think the £25-£30 (when we're spending so much on drink, betting, tickets, etc anyway) to upgrade to Club is well worth the cost for the improved viewing options but if you stay in Tatts as long as you're mindful of the above you can still have a top time. I think you can upgrade on the day when you're in if you find it frustrating.

Whatever you do, it's the Festival - don't let crowds, queues, or anything else ruin your day

I would avoid too many beers before racing if you want to keep a decent spot to watch racing! Always a massive queue; not enough loos to cope! Spot above gangway is good place to set up shop, as no-one able to block your view. You can watch the market and laugh at Freddie's prices.

If you are in the club/members area, you can do a lot worse than watch from the lawn about 50 yards before the winning line. I was a member for 30 years and that was where I watched from most of the time. You do need to be 6 foot tall for a really good view but you can see the big screen from there as well.

I'd agree with Joist, the extra few quid for Club tickets is worth it. It only comes around once a year so might as well splash out.

Also get round to the saddling area before the first race to have a look at the horses. You might struggle to get there for later races.

You won't be able to upgrade when you're already in

That is a 1.01

I personally would avoid the Club enclosure! Packed to the rafters and full of imbeciles generally.

Pretty sweeping statement about 40000 people Roy! I have never had a problem getting on to the lawn and it should be easier since they built the new stand.

Tatts is fine.  Keep off the beer during racing.  A few pints beforehand and enjoy a few after to let the crowds clear.

Sneak a sandwich, Mars bar and Rennies into the coat pocket.

Toilets down near the Corporate's in much better condition and generally quieter.

Apologies Sage. Last time I was in the Club Enclosure it WAS hell though. Imperial Call Gold Cup year. Always preferred Tatts or the Tote Marquee. View from the old Guinness Stand was brilliant. All very over populated nowadays. Still a fantastic meeting though!

Tuesday is by far the best day but I understand gets the second biggest crowd. The extra for Club well worth it especially if only going the one day. And good advice to get there early and have a good look around.