Priority Number One is buying a Radio Receiver so that no matter where you are, you can listen to all the action from Wednesday’s trot up to Sunday’s finale via Horseware Ireland Radio Badminton. If you’re heading to Wednesday’s trot up at 4.30pm, be sure to get there early as it gets busy pretty early and you’ll want a good viewing point.
A full course walk is a must and you’ll often catch the riders out and about so good photo opportunities here. Download the course before you arrive with the free CrossCountry Lite Phone app.
Credit: The Gaitpost
There are some great locations for a pit stop including the Top Deck on Nyetimber’s 1960s Routemaster and Skinny Lager are making their Badminton debut – find them in Lakeside Complex where there’s also live big screening of all the action.
Or you can join one of the organised course walks in aid of the British Horse Society, the largest equestrian charity in the UK and Badminton’s 2018 Charity of the Year. Yogi Breisner, Jane Holderness-Roddam and Nick Gauntlett will each be hosting a walk and it’s the perfect opportunity to hear how they think the course will ride. Plus Lucinda Green MBE is also hosting her Back On Track Cross Country walk.
To secure a place (numbers are limited) on the BHS course walks please contact: Eleanor Hashim on 02476 840548 or e mail eleanor.hashim@bhs.org.uk – where a donation of £10 will go towards their vital work.
Yogi Breisner 2.00pm Wednesday 2 May 2018
Jane Holderness- Roddam 11.00am Thursday 3 May 2018
Nick Gauntlett 3.00pm Thursday 3 May 2018
‘Back on Track’ Cross Country Walk with Lucinda Green – Friday 4th May 12.15 for 12.30pm – meet at Fence 3 with £15 each per head. Please note, places are available on a first come, first served basis, immediately prior to the start of the walk.
TGP’s Editor Sarah Heseltine enjoys a quick pit stop
The Food Avenue near the Rural Crafts Marquee has a wonderful selection of gastronmonic treats for the foodies amongst you – our all time fave is Inverawe Smokehouses on Worcester Way where you can’t beat a smoked salmon sandwich to refuel.
Pick up an official souvenir from the Joules Official merchandise stand before you max out the credit card in the shopping aisles. There is so much to choose from for you, your home, dog and most importantly your horse! We’ll be making a bee line to Wychanger Barton on Withybed Way to be tempted by their great selection of leading brands including Equilibrium Products, Mark Todd, Gatehouse and NuuMed before trying to lose Horse Phobic Husband as we make a dash for Somerset Way and the gorgeous brands calling our name! Be sure to check our Fairfax & Favor’s Amira boots, which are perfectly complemented by a quick trip to Hicks & Brown in the Country Collection Marquee for a browse of their stunning fedoras.
Get the trot-up vibe with one of Peachy Belts stunning detachable buckles – you can find them in the Country Living marquee and whilst there, be sure to sniff out Gun Dog Gin.
There’s some incredible art to drool over – no trip is complete without a swoon over the work by some of the UK’s leading wildlife and equestrian artists on Collier & Dobson’s stand on Deer Park Drive. The World of Food & Drink marquee needs a day in itself to savour all the wonderful treats from cheese, to fudge, coffee to toffee and more gin – our friends at Pinkster will be on site to tempt you with a pretty tipple.
Credit: Pinkster Gin
In the World of the Horse marquee you’ll find lots to discover. Take time to talk to the lovely folk on the stands as it’s the perfect opportunity to discover different feeds, bedding and kit…solariums too. If you are taking your canine companion with you, there are lots of places to find water and just remember to keep tight of that dog lead especially on Saturday. No one wants a “FENTONNN! experience in the middle of all the action.
Electric scooters and wheelchairs are available on loan by courtesy of Event Mobility. Check out Badminton’s website for details.
We could go on and on as there is simply so much to discover and enjoy away from the competition but needless to say is the main attraction and our advice is get there early, whether at a fence for the cross country on Saturday, the grand stand for the showjumping finale and most importantly the car parks! One final tip is to dress comfortably – its all about the layers as there’s a lot of walking and the weather will be changeable. It’s wise to take a water proof with you, something light that can be scrunched up and doubles up as something to sit on. Charge your camera batteries, check you’ve got a memory card in and switch off the flash! Have a wonderful visit and don’t blame us when your credit card statement arrives!
