Dougal's Dog Blog. Entry 18: Cheltenham Racecourse
Racecourse sites sometimes get a bit of a bad press. When people are used to the ultra-swish deluxe facilities provided at the Caravan Club's own green and rural sites, the different ambience and facilities at Racecourse sites can sometimes come as a bit of a surprise.
I'll be honest, first impressions as we drove into Cheltenham Racecourse Club Site weren't the best. I really thought that the Human That I Own had taken a wrong turning and we'd ended up in the Asda Car Park.
'We're staying HERE?!' I thought, as I gave the Human one of 'those' looks that I practice in the mirror when he's not looking.
However, my apprehensions melted away when we were greeted by two of the nicest wardens you'll ever meet. When you've been couped up in your travel cage for the whole day, such a warm and friendly welcome really makes a dog feel special.
We set up on a nice pitch in front of the Grandstand, and off we went to the dog walking area that the wardens recommended.
In a word… WOW! OK, so it's the grassy edge of a gravelly car park. But the car park is empty unless it's a race day, so there is a HUGE amount of room to play ball. To do 'the circuit' around the grassy perimeter takes about 10 to 15 minutes.
But that's not all. There is a footpath all around the racecourse. All four miles of it! But we took the footpath to the nearby village of Prestbury, about 15 minutes walk away, where there are at least two doggy-friendly pubs. We really enjoyed the warm welcome at The Plough, the Human enjoyed the real ale that they serve up, and I enjoyed all the canine company in the lovely garden.
If all THAT wasn't good enough, we decided one day to walk into Cheltenham. It takes about 20 minutes (lazy dogs can take their humans on the park-n-ride bus that leaves from just outside the site) but the walk is well worth it. The majority of it is through parkland, so I could let the Human wander off the lead and play ball almost ALL the way into town. AND there is a lovely cafe in the park where we could sit outside while His Lordship filled his face with cake.
So to summarise… lovely wardens, a clean and pleasant site, terrific dog walk, stupendous walkies opportunities, great pubs within walking distance, a cafe in the park, and the kind of chilled yet refined ambience to the site and to the town that means that you never want to leave.
Cheltenham, I love you. An easy five bones out of five, and I CAN'T WAIT to go back there.
Comments
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I can't agree more. Cheltenham is a marvellous site. We enjoyed every minute of it in much the same way, with an additional visit to the Steam Railway just a 5 minute walk away.
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Stayed last year on way home from 6 weeks Cornwall and the SW Coaast Path.Most surprised at how much we liked it. So close Cheltenham, buses on the doorstep and great places to explore.On way back from Chedworth Roman Villa we found Northleach,home of past
wool merchants and Church of St Peter and Paul with oldest brasses in Britain.Lovely.Walked Cheltenham and intended taking bus to Gloucester but time was against us.Next time!0 -
Cheltenham CC site is a dump one of the worst CC sites we have stayed on any Asda car would be much better than this there can also be a lot of noise from functions being held well into the night
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I wasn't particularly impressed with the site, and usually ASDA car parks are level ground.
I guess it was ok as we were there for other reasons (a local engagement party) but there should be a clear warning "LEVELLING BLOCKS ARE REQUIRED" and long hook up leads when you book. The toilets were locked on the Sunday night cos some idiot dropped the
catch on the door and when I complained the following morning the warden just shrugged her shoulders and blamed someone else.The Saturday night Fish and Chip wagon is a joke, as it opened 1/2 hour late and can serve about 3 people an hour, thats of course if the power stays on.
OK on the plus side, the local area around the site is nice and there are ways to get around other than by car.
Overall I don't think I would stay there again unless I had a reason!
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Always stay on CC Cheltenham site when down that way.The site is basic but the Wardens are helpful and the toilet block has been improved since our last visit.You have to use levelling blocks on most pitches.The only downside of this site is the idiots who
drive at too fast!0 -
Loved Dave the Disco's photos!
Indeed, it can be a hassle to get longer motor caravans level on some of the pitches. And tarmac will never look as good as grass, but it gets decidedly less muddy when it rains. Mind you, there are a few grass pitches tucked away at the back for those who
like to put up an awning.Surely everybody keeps levelling blocks in the 'van?
However, from a Dog's point of view it really is a great site. And both of us are really looking forward to a return visit.
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