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How do I get to the Badminton Horse Trials?

News imagePA Media A general view via a drone of horses being inspected in front of Badminton House on day one of the MARS Badminton Horse Trials 2025 at The Badminton Estate, Gloucestershire. PA Media
It is one of the most popular events in the horse racing calendar

The Badminton Horse Trials will return for its 78th year next week and is expected to draw large crowds of up to 200,000 people.

Gates open at the Badminton Estate every day at 08:00 BST from Wednesday to Friday, from 07:00 on Saturday and from 07:30 on Sunday.

Situated about 15 miles (24km) from Bath and Bristol, traffic is expected to be heavy around the equestrian event and drivers are advised to only use satnav devices until they see appropriate AA Signage from Stroud, Cirencester, Chippenham or to follow the M4, J15, J17 and J18.

Organisers say tickets for the event must be bought before arriving and there will be no ticket sales on the day.

People can also listen to Radio Badminton traffic reports (frequency 87.7FM) and monitor the Badminton website and social media for traffic updates.

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Tickets are available until midnight before each respective day of the event, with prices ranging from £27.50 to £56.50.

Guests can cycle to the event and there are bike stands available at each entrance, however bicycles are not permitted on the show grounds.

News imagePA Media A man riding a horse with a crowd of people watching him from stands in the foreground.PA Media
There are a multiple different ways to get to the event this year

All drivers wanting to park will need a parking pass, which can be purchased for £23 on the event website. This must be left in the front window of vehicles.

Organisers recommend guests to leave ample time to get to the event, particularly on Cross Country day.

Rail

The nearest railway stations to the Badminton Estate are Yate and Chippenham.

The journey from Bristol to Yate takes about 20 minutes and it is a further 20-minute drive to the Badminton Estate from the railway station with limited direct public transport.

Dedicated event coaches will be operating from the railway station, which can be booked online, with more details available on the event website.

News imagePA A woman riding a horse at the event, there is a crowd of people in the foreground watching her from behind a rope.PA
The event is very busy, welcoming 180,000 to 200,000 guests

Coach

Some coach journeys are being provided by private companies.

More information about this is available on the event website.

Coaches will have to buy coach parking, which can be purchased on the website for £23.

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