CAPE TOWN RACING & CRICKET TOUR
Featuring The Kings Plate & England Cricket Test vs South Africa
Cape Town, South Africa
Cape Town Racing & Cricket Tour – 1 – 11 January 2027
January 1, 2027 - January 31, 2027
We are delighted to introduce an unforgettable South African tour, combining world class horse racing with iconic sightseeing and the unique opportunity to enjoy Test Match cricket in one of the most spectacular settings on earth.
The tour is based in Cape Town, a city famed for its dramatic coastline, mountain backdrops and vibrant atmosphere. This journey blends elite sport with unforgettable travel experiences, offering you the chance to enjoy the very best of the Western Cape both on and off the racecourse.
Racing takes centre stage with exclusive behind the scenes access to the Cape Town equine world. Highlights include a visit to Milnerton Stables to meet leading trainers and watch their horses on the gallops, along with a breathtaking morning on the beach where top racehorses are exercised along the shoreline. The racing pinnacle comes at the prestigious King’s Plate, South Africa’s most stylish and celebrated raceday, where guests will enjoy full hospitality in a private box overlooking the finishing straight.
Beyond the track, the itinerary showcases the region’s standout experiences. From visiting Drakenstein Stud and exploring the winelands of Franschhoek and Constantia, to seeing the African penguins at Boulders Bay and driving along the spectacular Chapman’s Peak, this tour offers a wonderful balance of racing and sightseeing.
Cricket lovers will also have reserved seats for each day of the Test Match at Newlands, one of the most picturesque grounds in the world, while alternative sightseeing options in Cape Town are available for those who wish to explore more of the city.
With flights, transfers, hotel accommodation, daily breakfast, exclusive racing access, cricket tickets, sightseeing tours and hosted dinners included, this tour is a standout addition to the programme.
Optional extensions, including New Year in Cape Town or a three night luxury safari, are also available for those looking to make the journey even more memorable.
*Due to the high demand and limited number of places available, we recommend letting us know your intentions as soon as possible. You can register your interest if you would like more details or have any questions, or reserve your space now to secure your place in Cape Town for this very special racing and cricket tour
ENGLAND V SOUTH AFRICA TEST MATCH
The England men’s cricket team’s tour of South Africa in December 2026 to January 2027 features a series of three five-day Test matches, forming one of the most eagerly anticipated global cricket contests of the season. As part of this tour, Newlands Cricket Ground in Cape Town will host one of the Test matches in early January 2027.
Newlands is widely regarded as one of the most picturesque Test venues in the world, set against the dramatic backdrop of Table Mountain and offering fans an unforgettable setting to enjoy the traditional format of the game. Test cricket demands tactical nuance and stamina as both sides compete over five days to outscore and outlast each other, with every session bringing the potential for standout individual performances and gripping team battles.
KING’S PLATE
The L’Ormarins King’s Plate is South Africa’s most distinguished horse race and a cornerstone of the Cape Town summer racing calendar. First run in 1861 after Queen Victoria donated a silver plate and prize money for the inaugural contest, the event blends a rich sporting heritage with stylish social flair and has been staged annually at Kenilworth Racecourse ever since.
Run over 1600 metres as a Grade 1 weight-for-age contest, the King’s Plate attracts the finest thoroughbreds from across the country, with the winner earning prestige as well as an invitation to compete on the international stage. The atmosphere on the day is electrifying, with the racing matched by elegant fashion, live music and lively after-race celebrations that make it one of the Cape’s most anticipated events each January.
Example Itinerary
Friday 1 January
- Flight from the UK to Cape Town on an overnight journey
Saturday 2 January
• Arrive in Cape Town and transfer to your chosen hotel
• Check in and time to relax after your journey
• Welcome drinks in the evening
• Hosted welcome dinner with the group
Sunday 3 January
• Breakfast at the hotel
• First day of the Test Match at Newlands Cricket Ground, one of the most picturesque venues in the world
Monday 4 January
• Breakfast at the hotel
• Second day of the Test Match at Newlands
• Alternative option: Guided visit to the V and A Waterfront followed by a boat trip to Robben Island for a fascinating historical tour
Tuesday 5 January
• Breakfast at the hotel
• Third day of the Test Match at Newlands
• Alternative option: V and A Waterfront visit and Robben Island tour for those not attending the cricket
Wednesday 6 January
• Early morning visit to Milnerton Stables to meet leading trainers
• Watch racehorses exercise on the gallops
• Return to the hotel for breakfast
• Fourth day of the Test Match at Newlands
• Alternative option: Trip up Table Mountain for panoramic views over Cape Town
Thursday 7 January
• Breakfast at the hotel
• Final scheduled day of the Test Match at Newlands
• Alternative option: Free day with optional excursions available, including Camps Bay, Cape of Good Hope, or a scenic coastal tour via Muizenberg, Hout Bay and Simon’s Town
Friday 8 January
• Breakfast at the hotel
• Early morning beach visit to watch top racehorses train along the shoreline with a leading trainer
• Visit to Boulders Bay to see the famous African penguin colony
• Hosted dinner in the evening with special racing guest
Saturday 9 January
• Breakfast at the hotel
• Attend the prestigious King’s Plate raceday
• Private hospitality box overlooking the finishing straight
• All food and drink included throughout the raceday
• Post racing entertainment with live music and a vibrant social atmosphere
Sunday 10 January
• Breakfast at the hotel
• Full day tour of the Constantia Winelands
• Visits to two wine estates with tastings
• Lunch included at one of the estates
• Scenic drive along Chapman’s Peak with photo stops
Monday 11 January
• Breakfast at the hotel
• Check out of the hotel
• Visit to Drakenstein Stud to view some of South Africa’s leading stallions
• Free time in the town of Franschhoek for sightseeing, shopping or lunch
• Transfer to the airport for your return flight home or onward flight to Port Elizabeth for your safari extension
PLEASE NOTE THIS ITINERARY IS ONLY PROVISIONAL.
Inclusions
- Return economy flights from the UK to Cape Town
- Return airport transfers in Cape Town
- Nine night stay at your chosen hotel
- Breakfast each morning
- Welcome drinks on arrival
- Hosted welcome dinner
- Reserved seat for each day of the Test Match at Newlands
- Return transfers to Newlands Cricket Ground on match days
- Behind the scenes stable visit to Milnerton
- Morning on the beach to watch top trainers exercise their horses
- Visit to Boulders Bay to see the African penguins
- Hosted dinner on Friday evening with a special racing guest
- Return racecourse transfers on King’s Plate day with full hospitality including food and drink
- Tour of the Constantia Winelands with wine tasting and lunch
- Visit to the stunning Drakenstein Stud
- Visit to the charming town of Franschhoek