Cheltenham is often described as the cultural centre of The Cotswolds, described in the New York Times in January 2016 as a town enjoying a cultural renaissance with many “happening spots”, and featured in the Independent in November as a “Design Destination” with stylish places to eat, drink and stay.
Get Outdoors
Summer in Cheltenham has much to offer, you can enjoy many of the fantastic outdoor spaces that the town has to offer, which include Pittville Park and the superb Sandford Parks Lido with its retro renaissance feel, one of the largest outdoor swimming pools in the UK, set in landscaped gardens with a 50-metre main pool, a children’s pool, and paddling pool as well as many events.
Enjoy a guided Walking Tour if you want to see Regency Cheltenham, and many of the architectural and heritage features that can still be seen today, or experience the more modern redevelopments which have seen a new generation of visitors to Cheltenham.
Eat & Drink
With a continental feel, enjoy cafe culture or a bite to eat al fresco at some of the many high street and independent restaurants, cafes and bars across the town including our own fantastic restaurant Joules where all dishes are cooked to order using as much as possible locally sourced ingredients.
The Brewery Quarter is a buzzing district where old meets new and is home to branded stores, a multi-screen cinema, bowling alley and bars offering live gigs and entertainment throughout the week.
If you enjoy a tipple, Cheltenham has everything to offer from Gin Tasting to Brewery Tours and Beery walking tours, as well as Foodie Tours.
Theatre, Culture & Heritage
With Cheltenham Town Hall, plus three theatres, Cheltenham offers a year-round programme of performances for all ages to enjoy from Opera to Pantomime, and appearances from many famous faces. Each September, enjoy the free Heritage Open Days that offer you the chance the explore many of the town’s finest buildings.
The Wilson, Cheltenham’s Museum & Art Gallery is home to an internationally significant museum collection of exceptional quality and variety and fine art collections, and their temporary gallery spaces offer an exciting programme of changing exhibitions. The birthplace of Gustav Holst is open to the public as a Museum, one of England’s most respected composers, best known for his work The Planets. It is one of only two composer birthplace museums in the country.
Shop!
Well-known for a fantastic shopping experience, Cheltenham offers High Street shops and independent shopping quarters such as Montpellier and The Suffolks, and in 2018 John Lewis will open a flagship store in the former Beechwood Shopping Centre.
Things to Do
As the home of Festivals, Cheltenham is not only host to the annual Cheltenham Festival & Gold Cup, but also the Cheltenham Festival Series – Jazz, Music, Science and Literature. In addition, the many venues across the town, both large and small, offer an annual entertainment programme to suit every age and genre.
As well as family theatre, lots of free events for kids take place throughout the year, whether it be part of one of the festivals or in one of the many parks and open spaces, from sport to arts and crafts. Cheltenham is also close to many attractions, including Adam Henson’s Cotswold Farm Park, Prinknash Deer & Farm Park and Leisure at Cheltenham.
2017 sees Stage 7 of the OVO Energy Tour of Britain come to Cheltenham, as the town lays host to the Bloor Homes Cheltenham Festival of Cycling, sure to add to to our place on the international map.
Getting Here
Easily accessible from the M5, Cheltenham lies just over an hour away from Bristol and Birmingham and under two hours away from London. There are excellent transport links by rail and road to the town. Bordering The Cotswolds, Cheltenham offers an excellent base from which to explore the area too.
Why not check out the TripAdvisor Top Ten Things to Do in Cheltenham or pop into our Tourist Information Centre, situated at The Wilson – Cheltenham’s Museum and Art Gallery, for ideas and inspiration. You can call the tourist information centre on 01242 23743.
We look forward to welcoming you.