BEHIND-THE-SCENES EQUESTRIAN EXPERIENCES & EVENTS
Equestrian Experiences & Events
Plan a visit to one of Britain’s most-loved racing festivals, accompanied by an expert guide as part of your Dream Escape.
Plan a visit to one of Britain's most-loved
racing festivals, accompanied by an expert guide - as part of your Dream Escape
DREAM ESCAPE BUILDS unique and exciting programmes around key events in the UK & Ireland racing season, such as Cheltenham Festival, Royal Ascot, and Galway Races. Dream Escape blends these cultural and historic visits with the finest of accommodation and dining, to ensure these very special, one-off experiences are themed seamlessly and deliver a holiday of a lifetime.
With connections and insider knowledge that is second-to-none, the Dream Escape team can not only arrange VIP box experiences, but also access to Royal Enclosures and Parade Rings, as well as exclusive access to racing teams and invite-only events. Going racing with Dream Escape is the absolute best way to feel the thrill of the race but also the luxury of this longheld British country pursuit.
At Cheltenham Racecourse, for instance, set in the rolling Cotswold Hills, the Festival is the jewel in its sporting crown. Its threetiered grandstand and terraces provide unparalleled views across the racecourse, and the countryside beyond, and the sense of excitement in town when ‘the Festival' arrives is palpable. Cheltenham is one of the oldest race-meets in Britain, and has been running for over a century. A key part of the British high society season and a favourite with the royal family, it is a bucket-list event for many.
In 2021, the 28 races will still be going ahead, and promise to each offer something to savour, although it might have to be behind closed doors - with you instead enjoying the action from the comfort of your own home.
A few months later, in June, when the British ‘season' is in full swing, Royal Ascot provides the perfect venue for soaking up the atmosphere of the summer scene. One of Britain's most well-known racecourses, Ascot holds a special week of races each year called Royal Ascot, which are attended by The Queen, who is a keen racer and has been a horse-lover since childhood. Each day of the week begins with a Royal Procession, when The Queen and accompanying members of the Royal Family arrive along the track in horse-drawn landaus. They then spend the day watching the races from the Royal Enclosure.
Towards the end of July, the racing season continues in Ireland at Galway Races, Ireland's biggest and most famous racing festival. This joyous, fun-filled seven days showcases the best of horse-racing and is renowned for its warm and spirited atmosphere, with many of the major studs, breeders and trainers from across Ireland in attendance. Not to be missed
is the The Blue Riband race, which takes place on the third day of the meeting and is a race central to the history of Galway, while Galway Festival Ladies Day is on the fourth day of the Festival and one of the most colourful and exciting days of the competition.
Experience the races as a true insider with exclusive access and a wide-range of events and experiences arranged by Dream Escape around the racing, and accompanied by an expert guide. Sally Strange, Dream Escape's Blue Badge Guide and Development Manager is also a keen racegoer and says: “Over the years we have arranged many wonderful experiences for clients around the major horse racing events. A particular favourite of mine has to be Royal Ascot - bringing clients into the Royal Enclosure and Parade Ring never disappoints.”
Getting dressed up for the races is also a very important part of the event, and Royal Ascot especially is a veritable fashion showcase of the most creative millinery and striking design. “We always include a personal shopping trip and visit to a designer milliner as part of the itinerary,” explains Sally. “It's such a fabulous additional touch to any trip.” Being in the presence of royalty at the races is, of course, also an incredible honour and privilege, and mixing with the elite in the royal boxes at Cheltenham and Ascot means knowing all the little nuances of the English upper classes. Dream Escape can arrange lessons in British manners and etiquette beforehand, at stunning venues such as Highclere Castle. “We love introducing our clients to British heritage and our infamous high society and country life,” says Sally. While, after the races, you might enjoy a visit to the many private studs and leading stables in England that we have
access to, such as Kingsclere in the Cotswolds, where we will meet the trainers and breeders. “All these pre and post visits are so often the cherry on the cake, and a lovely little add-on to a trip, providing a wonderful insight into royal protocol, training, breeding and the wonderful world of racing,” adds Sally.