The Cheltenham 7s Festival ranks among the top events every year, combining engaging sports and a fun atmosphere. It starts this year from Friday, 31 July, to Saturday, 1 August. It has become a major event with more than 8,000 visitors and 150 teams participating in rugby, netball, dodgeball and other entertainment.
Sometimes travel arrangements for a whole group can be stressful. When you have to figure out how everyone will get there, deal with traffic and find parking. Here, you can look into different methods of transport, parking, choice of vehicle size, tips for smart booking, and reasons why renting a minibus or coach with a driver can be your best solution.
Your Travel Choices For Getting To Newlands Park
When heading to a major event like the Cheltenham 7s, maintaining the unity of your group is essential. Hiring a minibus or coach is the easiest and most hassle-free option for small and large groups.
What should you choose between hiring a minibus and a coach? Your group size, luggage requirements, and budget are the three things your choice will depend on. Let’s see what will help you make the right decision.
When is a Minibus Suitable?
Minibuses are a smart choice between a standard car and a large coach. They can be suitable for small sports teams, groups of friends, or small corporate groups. Also, due to their smart design, minibuses are very easy to drive on the little country lanes around Cheltenham and can get closer to drop-off points.
Advantages of Minibuses
- Easy to Manoeuvre: They are not only easily navigated on narrow roads, but also handle busy drop-off points better than bigger vehicles.
- Cost-Effective: Sharing the cost of a minibus is quite economical compared to individual tickets or multiple rides.
Disadvantages of Minibuses
- Smaller Luggage Capacity: Minibuses generally do not have extensive undercarriage storage.
What Size Minibus Do You Need?
8 to 16-Seater Minibuses
A small sports team can easily hire a 10 seater minibus for smooth travel, keeping their equipment safe in the storage. Another example can be a medium-sized family group heading to the festival, for which you can hire a 14-seater minibus, aligning with your travel needs.
20 to 24-Seater Minibuses
For bigger groups or when a smaller one brings bulky camping items like tents, sleeping bags, coolers, a 20 seater or 24 seater minibus can meet your needs for extra space.
When is a Coach Suitable?
If you are planning to travel with a large rugby club, a university group, or a large corporate team, then hiring a coach is the way to go. They are made to carry big groups of people comfortably over long and short distances, with premium amenities and dedicated underbelly storage.
Pros of Hiring A Coach
- Extra Capacity: A single coach can carry up to 77 people, so everyone in your big group can arrive at the same time safely in a 77 seater executive coach.
- Expansive Storage: Coaches come with big undercarriage compartments. This is a great option if your group is bringing tents, sports gear, and weekend supplies to the festival.
- Comfortable Interiors: Coaches usually come equipped with air conditioning, reclining seats, and sometimes onboard toilets and wheelchair access when available, which can make long journeys, specifically, a lot more enjoyable.
Cons of Coaches
- Harder to Manoeuvre: They require skilled drivers to be able to drive through narrow roads and also need larger and specific drop-off zones.
What Size Coach Do You Need?
- 30 to 35-Seater Coaches: When you have outgrown a minibus but still don't require a full-sized coach, a 30-seater coach can be a good option. They offer more comfort and better storage according to your group’s travel, budget and storage requirements.
- 49 to 53-Seater Coaches: This is the go-to option for large group travel. For instance, a 50 seater coach is an excellent solution for big groups, as it offers maximum seating and luggage capacity.
- 70 to 77 Seater Executive Coaches: For extra-large groups requiring extra storage and premium seating capacity, these coaches serve the exact purpose. You can hire a 72-seater bus for your extra-large group travelling to the 7s festival in Cheltenham. Your luggage rests in the undercarriage storage, while you can keep your personal belongings in the overhead compartments safely.
Why Hire a Minibus or Coach with a Driver?
1. No Stress Of Driving
One of the biggest advantages of hiring a vehicle with a driver is that none of the people in your group will have to be the designated driver. In other words, everyone can enjoy travelling without worrying about driving. Your driver will take care of all the navigating, parking, and dealing with the problems of traffic, so your group can start to relax the moment you step on board.
2. Easy Door-to-Door Service
Hiring a coach or a minibus will give you a really smooth journey from start to finish. The driver can pick up your group from a main pre-decided location and take you straight to the drop-off point at Newlands Park. This direct and quick transfer is in the best interest of travellers, in particular for sports teams which have to arrive together and on time.
3. Value For Money
A hired coach or minibus is usually an economical mode of travel, as the costs get divided among all the passengers. This facilitates fuel efficiency, and you don't have to buy multiple parking tickets. In contrast, a single vehicle will let you enjoy a lavish travel experience at a lower price per person when you add all these factors.
Where People Stay for Cheltenham 7s
- On-Site Festival Camping: Many visitors opt for on-site accommodation. You have the liberty to bring your own tent for camping. Or you can book the glamps, which are pre-pitched tents. The best part about being on-site is that you get to enjoy the live music, DJ stages, food bars, and other activities without worrying about getting a taxi.
- Cheltenham Town Centre Hotels: If you prefer being a guest in a hotel, Cheltenham's main town is only 10-15 minutes from the venue.
- Budget & Standard Accommodations: Some great options to consider for a hotel on a budget include Holiday Inn Express Cheltenham, Premier Inn, or Travelodge.
- Luxury Stays: If you need premium comfort, then you can book the George, Malmaison or the Queens Hotel, located in and around the Montpellier area.
- Local Airbnbs & Serviced Apartments: Groups of friends or rugby teams who frequently travel together may decide to rent the whole house or apartment in Cheltenham. This usually works out to be less expensive per person.
Smart Booking Tips for Your Festival Transport
To be sure that you get the best transport for your group and avoid any last-minute stress, you should remember these important booking tips:
1. Book Early to Secure Your Spot
The Cheltenham 7s Festival is a very popular event; that's why transport companies get very busy during this time. To secure your desired vehicle size at the best prices, it is very necessary to book your minibus or coach ahead of time. Last-minute bookings can cost you a lot more, or all the good ones will already be gone.
2. Choose a Good Company
Make sure the transport company that you want to hire has a good reputation, positive reviews and, most importantly, a valid Public Service Vehicle (PSV) operator licence.
3. Be Clear About Your Luggage
If you want to get a quote, mention the exact amount of luggage that you have. With details, the company can recommend a vehicle with enough storage.
4. Give a Detailed Plan
When you are making the final booking, communicate about the following things:
- Exact pick-up & departure points
- Your date and timings.
Also, keep in mind that there might be traffic jams on Saturday morning between 8:00 AM and 9:00 AM.
Final Word
The best way to have a great and hassle-free time at a festival is to figure out your travel options, find parking spots, and consider hiring a professional minibus or coach service. So, gather your team, arrange your transport, and prepare to enjoy the fun at Newlands Park.
