Badminton 4th May

[Fluffypiglet]

OH and I would like to go for a day out to Badminton this year but due to issues at home we can’t stay overnight. I’m therefore less keen to do the big XC day as we live over 2hrs away so it will mean getting up stupidly early to get there early enough not just to sit in a queue of traffic. Last time we stayed locally so we’re there for breakfast and a wander before it got too busy.

I would quite like to go on the Thursday which is the grassroots competitors day. If anyone has been on the grassroots day - is it worth it? Are the shops all open and places to eat or is it quite deserted? I like the idea of it being quieter but still being able to mooch about and see the big fences and some competition before spending Sunday and Monday watching the big stuff at home on my comfy sofa!

all opinions welcome! Thank you

 

[Afon_34]

Mum and I went to the grassroots day last year having always been to the XC day in previously years and really enjoyed it- all shops were open but a lot less busy and really enjoyed watching the grassroots XC - Id recommend going

 

[ihatework]

Shops and food open. You can walk the course. Pretty quiet. Stay for the jog if that interests you.
I’m not sure I’d travel 2 hours to watch 90/100 but that’s just me!

 

[eggs]

I've not been on Grassroots day but go every year but not for XC day (except for last year when a friend of mine was riding but I also went on the Friday).

I prefer going on non-xc day as it is quieter. This year we are going on SJ day which you can watch on the big screen without needing to purchase grandstand tickets but usually we go on the first day of dressage.

Walking the course is so much easier - and on SJ day you can get right up to the fences, other days you have to keep behind the string - and the shops are quieter and of course the traffic is to much better! We are just under two hours away but find it an easy day trip.

 

[Fluffypiglet]

It is a long way just to watch 90/100 but last time we went to the big day I got very irritated with people so this way I’d get to see the course, go shopping, watch some horse stuff and then actually see the big stuff at home.

OH not keen on the dressage day and whilst I quite like it I’m probably more keen on seeing some normal people having their (hopefully) best day! Someone we know qualified a few years ago and was so excited. Unfortunately she had a run out/ fell off but was still so thrilled to have been there.

 

[Fluffypiglet]

Mum and I went to the grassroots day last year having always been to the XC day in previously years and really enjoyed it- all shops were open but a lot less busy and really enjoyed watching the grassroots XC - Id recommend going

this is the correct answer Exactly what I’m hoping for - thank you

 

[ihatework]

SJ day not an option? It’s generally my favourite day to go.

 

[Fluffypiglet]

SJ day not an option? It’s generally my favourite day to go.

i thought about it but have some shopping requirements and I thought everything will be sold by the last day! I want to try some stuff on so need it to be in stock .

 

[Spotherisk]

Grassroots day is lovely, highly recommended for the relaxed atmosphere and ability to move around without feeling crowded.

 

[Hormonal Filly]

A few friends love grassroots day, much quieter but all the shops are open and you can walk the full XC course.

We love XC day.. but it was so, so busy last year.