Saturday: We will make a morning departure, and should arrive at Gatcombe Park around lunchtime, having made a coffee stop en route. The Gatcombe Festival of British Eventing consists of 4 different competitions. Today there will be dressage for the Novice Championship, the Advanced, the Intermediate Championship and the Open Championship. There will also be showjumping for the Novice Championship and the Advanced, plus Novice and Advanced cross-country. You will also have an opportunity to walk the Open cross-country course, and see how you would tackle the imposing obstacles. You could also fit in a bit of shopping while the trade stands are relatively quiet. At the end of the afternoon, we will make our way to our hotel and a relaxing dinner.
Sunday: We will check out of our hotel, and make our way back to Gatcombe Park. Today there will be all three phases for the Intermediate and Open Championships, culminating with the Open cross-country. The winner will take the title of British National Champion. For those who are not feeling too energetic, there are again various arena attractions throughout the day. After the final presentation, we will make our way homewards, and should arrive back before midnight. A meal stop will be made on the motorway.
YOUR HOTELS: The Swindon, Marriott.
The 4 star Swindon Marriott is within easy reach of Gatcombe. It has a well-appointed restaurant and bar, plus super leisure club with swimming pool, sauna, steam room and fitness centre.
