As the home of national hunt horse racing, the United Kingdom boasts some excellent and exciting festivals. From Ascot to Aintree, some of the best known racecourses in the world play host across the season, however, one stands out above the rest.

The Cheltenham Festival takes place every March, and is seen as the jewel in jumps racing’s crown. With millions watching worldwide as the very best horses, jockeys and trainers battle it out in 27 races over the festival’s four days, Cheltenham has provided racing with some of its greatest moments.

The 2014 Cheltenham Festival will be no different. The festivities get off to a bang on March 11th with the first race of the festival, the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle. A fast paced race, the 2014 favourite is Irving, unbeaten in his career so far, and available at 5/2 with Coral.

As this race begins, the large crowd will let out the traditional Cheltenham Roar, enough to send a shiver down the spine of every racing fan.

Travelling to the Festival

Cheltenham is easily accessed from any direction, with excellent links to nearby bigger cities such as Birmingham by both car, coach and train. For international visitors, it is best served by Birmingham International Airport, which is just a short train journey away from Cheltenham itself.

The journey will be more than worthwhile, soaking up the atmosphere and being one of the more than 200,000 spectators that will witness the very best racing over the course of the festival is a memorable experience for both hardcore and casual racing fans alike.

The Biggest Races at the Festival

The highlight of the first day’s racing is always the Champion Hurdle. Run at a fast pace, this race has produced some fan-favourites over the years, none more so than Hurricane Fly. The Irish-trained hurdler will be going for his third win in this event, and would be an extremely popular winner with the crowd. Priced as a joint 3/1 favourite alongside The New One with Coral, this race could be electric, all the latest odds can be seen at Cheltenham.coral.couk.

However, the highlight of the entire festival will not take place until the final day, when the very best stayers line up for the Cheltenham Gold Cup. A true test of technique and speed, the Gold Cup is a crowd-favourite. Last year’s winner Bobs Worth is this year’s favourite to win at 7/4. Nevertheless, a strong field lining up against him and could run him close.

The Cheltenham Festival must be attended to truly appreciate its magic, with a week full of the best racing entertainment awaiting the lucky spectators.

Travel Photo of the Week: Mousehole Harbour, England

The picture-postcard harbour of Mousehole lies 4km south of Penzance on the very tip of the County of Cornwall. Mousehole (pronounced “Mowzel”) is a very popular tourist destination. A small and very safe beach is located in a sheltered part of the harbour which is popular with families, particularly those with small children – making it an ideal location for family outings. Dylan Thomas (1930) described Mousehole as ‘ the loveliest village in England’, a title that remains true to the present day.

Photo courtesy of Travel Tips Plus reader Lavinia.

It’s funny to think that despite being the second most populous city in the entire United Kingdom, Birmingham is still largely unknown among the world and in general among all foreign tourists. So when I got the chance to visit it was clear that I had to talk about it afterwards. When I arrived I had no problem parking at Luton airport.

In this unattractive picture is a building undoubtedly contributed for the Birmingham World War II. Being one of the hardest hit cities, it was almost entirely rebuilt at the end of it. This was the time when the Birmingham airport parking was developed. The odd building was saved but they are so hidden, hidden among giants. They are ugly buildings that make you lose interest to unsheathe your camera.

When I had spent more than half my time in Birmingham I was at one point with this famous landmark, The Bull. It was a plump Taurus statue at the entrance of a large shopping center. I wrote in my notebook that it frightened tourists much less than the city itself.

It was perhaps the massive expansion of Birmingham in the seventies when the city really exceeded one million inhabitants. It had left its inhabitants so sharply that only heavy metal born in any of their crude enclosures had served as an escape for their young people.

A staple that goes well with great music is the ever popular music festival. This year, why not forgo a wet, rainy and mud-laden adventure for a drier city experience? Festivals like the Exit festival in Serbia and world-famous Reading and Leeds Festivals in the UK provide a great time, but they can also be a very muddy experience. Camping offers a good time, but just imagine how much nicer it would be to sleep in a real bed, with clean sheets and a pillow for a change?

There are many city music festivals that offer great times and comfortable accommodations in hostels. Check out a great festival accommodation guide here. Enjoying music and making friends provides memories to last a lifetime. Memories made while not having to put up with mud and rain soaked clothes are even better.

The Bilbao BBK Live Festival

This festival was nominated several times for best festival awards by the UK Festival awards. Since its first year in 2006, the Bilbao BBK Live festival in Spain, on the slopes of Mount Cobetas, has offered festival goers a comfortable and fun music enjoyment experience. The venue was built specifically for the festival. Past concerts have included names like Guns N’ Roses, Pearl Jam in 2010, and Coldplay in 2011. In fact, Coldplay broke an audience attendance record by attracting over 37,000 excited fans.

Wireless Festival in London

Wireless Festival began in 2005 and has since become one of London’s premier music festivals. Famous name acts like Depeche Mode, Counting Crows, Kanye West and more recently, Pink, Black Eyed Peas, Bruno Mars and Rihanna have been thrilling audiences on stages at Olympic Park for the past seven years. This year, the Wireless Festival features Justin Timberlake and Jay-Z.

Lollapalooza in Chicago

Lollapalooza music festival takes place every summer in Grant Park in historic Chicago. Begun in 1991 as a way for the alternative rock group known as Jane’s Addiction to have a final farewell tour, the show has since taken off. The idea that began small turned into a musical festival that sees fans in attendance today from all corners of the world.

This rolling expanse of land sits on 115 pretty acres and features several stages, along with a diversity in musical artists that changes every year. Fans enjoy a wealth of musical styles including alternative rock, hip-hop, electronic music, rock, roots music and reggae. Music has been featured by artists like Nine Inch Nails, The Cure, Mumford and Sons, Steve Aoki, Eric Church and Regan and Sara.

One of the best places to stay is the new guest house called Urban Holiday Lofts, in urban Chicago. Rooms are available from two person accommodations to eight person rooms, and feature either shared or private baths. This hostel also gives guests some great amenities like free continental breakfast, free transportation from the airport, train or bus station, free WiFi, free parking and a free concierge service. Unexpected amenities that are all found at hostel prices. For more hostels close to Lollapalooza visit HostelBookers.com.

Electric Zoo In New York

New York’s famous Randall Island Park features a fun, entertaining music festival called Electric Zoo with acts like Tiesto. All genres of electronic music are featured, with appearances by well-known international DJ’s. Live acts come from all over the world to play this festival. It was named by many print publications as a top American music event. Held every year over Labour Day weekend, this festival has grown substantially.
Festivals offer great entertainment, opportunities for making friends and an enjoyable time to be remembered for a lifetime. Experiencing great music in a mud free way is the best way to enjoy the festivities.