The box office for the 2026 Defender Burghley Horse Trials opened last week for membership and general admission tickets.
Tickets for this year’s event, which will take place from Thursday 3 – Sunday 6 September, are currently available at super advanced rates, offering the best savings on the gate price.
As well as launching ticket sales, changes and upgrades for the 2026 edition of the Lincolnshire CCI5* have also been announced.
This year’s event will see an upgrade to the shopping village as a new shopping avenue is planned. The Insights Stage, which hosts an array of big-name interviews, has also been relocated and will now sit alongside a food court and gardens next to the House Arena.
“We look forward to welcoming visitors to enjoy the best human and equine athletes in the world competing over Derek di Grazia’s cross-country course; the legendary shopping village, Insights Stage and Main Arena masterclasses – as we strive to make each Burghley better than the last,” said event director Martyn Johnson.
Legend to retire
Also taking place during this year’s event is the retirement of Ballaghmor Class, the eye-catching grey gelding who partnered Oliver Townend to four CCI5* titles, including two at Defender Burghley in 2017 and 2023. His retirement ceremony will take place in the Main Arena on Sunday 6 September.
As well as top-class entertainment and shopping opportunities, the event is also renowned for its food and drink and hospitality options and has lots to entertain children and less-horsey members of the family.
Table reservations for the Avebury restaurant can be made via the event website as can “glamping” in Burghley’s walled garden with Burghley Boutique. “Tea and the Trot-Up” on Wednesday, 3 September returns, as does the fun-packed Family Zone, offering activities such as face-painting, dog agility, Miniature Defenders and hobby horses.
The nominated charity for this year’s event is World Horse Welfare.
For more information and to book tickets, click here.
Image © DBHT/Peter Nixon.
