burghley - silly question, first time, what do you do?

[amanda1788]

Ok this is going to seem really silly but i have never been to burghley before and am going and just wondered for xc day what is it like? Like what do you do? I know the shops are their all day to look round, but for the xc do you just wonder around the course and look at the different jumps you can watch?mI know it seems silly but i have no idea what to expect when i get there.
Thanks

 

[Baileysno1]

Shop Shop shop!!!!!!!!!! To witnin an inch of your life.

And wander round the course and get some food and stuff

 

[Lordy100]

Get there early, really early, then you have chance to look round the shops before starting out on the XC course.

 

[Hornby]

Hi, Hope you have a good day. I usually go but have given it a miss this year. I would advise comfortable shoes, bring your own lunch (as it is expensive there), don't take your dog or child and it will be crowded (maybe not as bad tomorrow as on a really sunny day). When you arrive, take careful note of where your car is parked (clever people put a helium balloon on the ariel) or you will lose it. There will be queues for the loos so fit that in before you need to go - not when urgent. Buy a programme so you know what the course looks like and who the riders are (or print it all off Burghley website before you go!). If you arrive before the XC starts go shopping...you are unlikely to find bargains but you will find lots of lovely stuff to tempt you. I like to be aware of what items would cost online though so I don't get seduced into buying something for a more expensive price just cos it is at Burghley. Once the XC starts I walk round the course and watch a couple of horses at each fence. It is a long way though and you can be guaranteed not to be in the right place to see any important developments. If you want to really know how the comp is going the score boards are behind the main arena opposite the members area. Inside the main arena is a large screen and you can watch the action here in comfort, you will see the important developments and save your feet. I hope the weather is not a pain!

 

[louisesb]

I get there really early and look rond the shops first (after have the obligatory sausage & egg roll to get me going), this generally means the shops are quieter too! Then, dump purchases back at the car and start on the xc course. Generally stand at each fence and watch one or two (more at the complex fences) riders go over each one.
Have a fab day - I can't go this year and I have to advise wellies and macs all the way I think!! Hope it's not too wet.

 

[DuckToller]

Good advice from Hornby, would also suggest you could walk the course backwards as slightly less people do it in reverse, so you can sometimes reach a popular jump and wiggle your way to the front more easily. I rarely manage to get to every jump as usually run out of time and energy, I sit down at one of the big screens to watch a bit of everything. Definitely worth having a running order so you can decide whether to wait at a particular jump to see a famous rider go or not.

If going with friends, pick a spot or two to meet up in case of getting lost, the mobile networks get quite busy towards the end!

 

[SunshineTallulah]

If you hear a whistle then you know a horse is on its way, just make sure you are on the right side of the ropes at all times.

You'll have a great day!