Just over the border into Gloucestershire, Cheltenham is a hop, skip and a jump from Oxfordshire, and is guaranteed to appeal to all ages and tastes. Come for the Regency architecture and stay for the fabulous bars and restaurants. There’s the world-famous Cheltenham racecourse; a plethora of vibrant festivals; and – of course – all that glorious Cotswold scenery on its doorstep.
Take in the Regency splendour
Due to the size, number and frequency of the Regency style buildings in Cheltenham, it has been named Britain's most complete Regency Town. From the iconic Pittville Pump Room which stands grandly at the head of a sweeping lawn in Pittville Park, to the shopping district of Montpellier with the gorgeous fluted columns and Caryatids, there are plenty of Regency sights to soak in and enjoy. There are plenty of walking tours on offer – take a guide or navigate at your own pace with this self-guided Cheltenham tour.
A day at the races
A spa resort town wouldn’t be complete without a racecourse. Cheltenham Racecourse is the jewel in jump racing crown. Join the crowds for the biggest jump racing event in the UK, The Cheltenham Festival, in March or plan a balmy evening in May for Race Night.
Award-winning restaurants
Luxuriate in the fine dining of Michelin Star and 4 AA rosettes restaurant Le Champignon Sauvage or how about experiencing true Sri Lankan hospitality and cuisine at the Coconut Tree in St Paul’s. The town is home to many incredible independent restaurants, all offering exceptionally good service and delicious food including cheese fondue at Domaine 16 or fabulous sustainable caught seafood at Purslane.
A blossoming street art scene
Since 2017 the Cheltenham Paint Festival has been brightening up the streets of the Regency Town with incredible street art by renowned urban artists such as Inkie, Dank and Fabio Petani. One of the best things about the Cheltenham Paint Festival is that many of the large scale / full wall art murals remain permanent fixtures so they can be enjoyed year-round. Download a map from the Paint Festival website and take in the incredible sights of the 8k street art route.
Unwind at the spa
A visit from King George III to Cheltenham’s original mineralised spring in 1788 secured Cheltenham's position as a spa town and became a catalyst for its transformation into a sought-after destination for the wealthy. Today Cheltenham’s spas and wellness centres, including C-side, Ellenborough Park, or the Greenway Hotel and Spa are a major draw for visitors from all over the world.
Breweries and bars
Cheltenham is filled with brilliant places to drink and be merry. Favourites on Bath Road, include the Exmouth Arms and neighbouring Bath Road Beers for home-style cooking, local brews and sun-soaked beer gardens. In The Brewery Quarter just off the High Street you’ll find favourites including Flight Club, The Botanist and The Alchemist. Or, if you’re after unique venues try Dunkertons Cider in Dowdeswell Park; across the road you’ll find Sibling Distillery and Battledown Brewery and just behind Cheltenham Spa train station you can explore Cheltenham's local brewery, DEYA Brewing Company, where you can try the beer for yourself in the Taproom.
Unforgettable countryside walks
Sitting in the middle of a valley, Cheltenham is surrounded by beautiful open spaces. Visit the Devil’s Chimney atop Leckhampton Hill, explore the rich wildlife of Crickley Hill or enjoy a sunset overlooking the Cheltenham Racecourse at the top of Cleeve Hill. Griffiths Avenue Nature Reserve includes two meadows of wildflowers which support fifteen species of butterfly along with several large mammals such as badgers and foxes. Meanwhile, The Wildfowl and Wetland Trust is just a short drive from Cheltenham and comprises more than 800 hectares of specialist habitats.
Step Back in Time
Known as The Friendly Line in the Cotswolds GWSR offers an opportunity to sample the glory of steam train travel from 50 years ago. With a 29-mile round trip from Cheltenham Racecourse train station through the picturesque Cotswold countryside, past hamlets and villages, you’ll be treated to panoramic views of the Malverns, the Vale of Evesham and Wales.
For the full list of festivals and events taking place in Cheltenham in 2024, see: visitcheltenham.com/the-festival-town
