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Cottage Rake

Cheltenham Racecourse, Evesham Road, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL50 4SH

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Access Guide

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Getting Here

  • By Road View
    • Cheltenham Racecourse is located on the outskirts of Cheltenham, off Evesham Road.
      There are a number of different routes to the racecourse, the route will vary depending on the car park or drop-off point you are using.
      For more information on routes to the racecourse please click here (opens new tab)
    • There are 6 parking areas available on racedays; Red Car Park North, Red Car Park South, Green Car Park North, Green Car Park West, Blue Car Park, Yellow Car Park.
      The parking scheme is colour coded, so that your parking zone will match your label and preferred route. Hospitality guests should follow the colour of the car parking pass provided
      There are 2 coach parks located in the Red Car Parks North and South.
  • By Bus View
    • There is a bus stop within 150 metres of the venue.
    • There is a dedicated bus service from the South Car Park into town and the station for The November Meeting and The Festival. For all other meetings bus stops can be found just along Evesham Road from the main roundabout.
      Stagecoach service D and E runs every 6/7 minutes during the day and between 10 minutes and every hour on Monday to Saturday evenings. The service runs hourly on Sundays.
    • For more information on Stagecoach Buses please click here (opens new tab).
  • By Train View
    • The nearest Railway Station is Cheltenham Spa.
    • Trains from London to Cheltenham Spa generally run hourly and take about two hours. Trains from Birmingham generally run every half an hour and take about 35 minutes. From Bristol, trains leave every hour and take about 35 minutes. It is a 10 minute taxi ride from the station.
    • For more information on National Rail please click here (opens new tab).

Getting Help and Assistance

  • For racecourse maps please click here (new tab).
  • There is a member of staff available for help and assistance.
  • There is not a member of staff trained in British Sign Language.
  • There is an assistance dog toilet or toileting area at the venue/nearby.
  • Water bowls for assistance dogs are available.
  • Electric scooters and manual wheelchairs are provided through the Event Mobility Charitable Trust.
  • Cheltenham Radio broadcasts only at The Festival Previews, features, interviews, competitions, reviews and live commentaries all combine to give you the best of the Cheltenham atmosphere, with the latest news and views.
    You can listen live on 87.7FM within 5 miles of the course, through the online web player or via a Cheltenham Radio earpiece.
    The Cheltenham Radio earpiece is available to purchase from racecard kiosks around the racecourse for £5 on the day of racing.

Raceday Parking and Drop-Off

Outside Access (Level 2 Walkway Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located on the Level 2 walkway of the Main Grandstand.
    • The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
    • There is step-free access at this entrance.
    • There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
    • There is a dark mat or floor marking at this entrance that might be perceived as a hole.
    • The entrance door(s) does not/do not contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
    • The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The door(s) may be difficult to open.
    • The width of the door opening is 190cm.
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 2cm or below.
  • Comments View
    • A similar set of doors are at available the other end of the bar.

Outside Access (Upper Steppings Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located leading from the trackside steppings Main Grandstand.
    • The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
    • There is step free access at this entrance.
    • There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
    • The entrance door(s) does not/do not contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
    • The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) is/are single width.
    • The door(s) may be difficult to open.
    • The width of the door opening is 80cm.
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 2cm or below.
  • Comments View
    • There are three similar doors leading into the Cottage Rake Bar.

Eating and Drinking (Cottage Rake)

  • The following information is for the bar.
  • The bar is located on Level 2 of the Main Grandstand.
  • Full table service is not available.
  • Food and/or drinks are ordered from the service counter.
  • Food and/or drinks can be brought to the table.
  • The height of the service counter is medium height (77cm - 109cm) .
  • There is not a lowered section of the counter.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system .
  • There is step-free access within the bar.
  • There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • The type of flooring in this area is tiles.
  • All tables are permanently fixed.
  • No chairs are permanently fixed.
  • All chairs have armrests on both sides.
  • The nearest table is approximately 7m from the entrance/opening.
  • The nearest table is approximately 7m from the till/counter.
  • The standard height for tables is 100cm.
  • Drinking straws are available.
  • Children are welcomed in the bar area.
  • The lighting levels are good.
  • Comments View
    • There is no sufficient space under the tables for wheelchair users.
    • The Cottage Rake Bar and Mill House Bar are connected by open double doors.

Eating and Drinking (J's Deli)

  • The following information is for the café.
  • The café is located towards the middle of the Cottage Rake Bar.
  • There is step-free access to the café.
  • Full table service is not available.
  • Food and/or drinks are ordered from the service counter.
  • Food and/or drinks can be brought to the table.
  • The height of the service counter is medium height (77cm - 109cm) .
  • There is not a lowered section of the counter.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system .
  • There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • The type of flooring in this area is tiles.
  • All tables are permanently fixed.
  • No chairs are permanently fixed.
  • All chairs have armrests on both sides.
  • The nearest table is approximately 7m from the entrance/opening.
  • The nearest table is approximately 3m from the till/counter.
  • The standard height for tables is 100cm.
  • Drinking straws are available.
  • There are wall menus available.
  • Menus are not available in Braille.
  • Menus are not available in large print.
  • Picture menus are not available.
  • Menus are not clearly written.
  • Menus are presented in contrasting colours.
  • The type of food served here is sandwiches, hot snacks, cakes and pastries.
  • The lighting levels are good.
  • Comments View
    • There is no sufficient space under the tables for wheelchair users.

Counter (Betting Counter - Cottage Rake)

  • Counter View
    • The counter is located to the left as you enter the Level 2 Walkway Entrance.
    • The counter is approximately 6m (6yd 1ft) from the Level 2 Walkway Entrance.
    • The counter is clearly visible from the entrance.
    • There is step-free access to the counter.
    • There is a clear unobstructed route to the counter.
    • There are windows, TVs, glazed screens or mirrors behind the counter which could adversely affect the ability of someone to lip read.
    • The counter is placed in front of a plain background.
    • The lighting levels at the counter are good.
    • There is not sufficient space to write or sign documents on the counter.
    • There is not a lowered section of the counter.
    • The counter is staffed.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system at the counter.
    • The type of flooring in this area is tiles.
  • Comments View
    • A similar betting counter is available at the other end of the Cottage Rake bar.

Accessible Toilet(s)

  • There is not an/are not accessible toilet(s) for public use.

Standard Toilet(s)

  • Standard toilet facilities are not available.

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