By Known as the “Cultural Capital of the Cotswolds,” Cheltenham, England is a vibrant spa town that combines elegant Regency architecture, lush parks, and a thriving arts and festival scene. Whether you’re visiting for a weekend escape or stopping by during a Cotswolds road trip, Cheltenham offers a delightful mix of history, culture, food, and outdoor fun.
Here’s a complete guide to what to do in Cheltenham England.
Explore Montpellier and the Promenade
Start your visit in Montpellier, Cheltenham’s most stylish district. Discover:
- Upscale shops and boutique cafés
- Elegant Regency buildings with ornamental caryatids
- The beautiful Montpellier Gardens
Don’t miss The Promenade, a tree-lined street with high-end shops and charming arcades.
Visit the Pittville Pump Room
This iconic building is Cheltenham’s last remaining spa pump room. Once a fashionable wellness retreat, it now hosts:
- Classical music concerts and afternoon teas
- Weddings and public events
- A chance to taste mineral-rich spa waters (if you dare!)
Located at the north end of Pittville Park
Browse The Wilson Art Gallery and Museum
A must-visit for culture lovers, The Wilson features:
- Fine art, crafts, and contemporary exhibitions
- The Arts and Crafts Movement collection
- Exhibits on Cheltenham’s history and Antarctic explorer Edward Wilson
Free entry; located in the town centre
Attend the Cheltenham Races
Cheltenham is world-famous for horse racing, especially:
- The Cheltenham Festival (March): One of the biggest events in British sport
- Gold Cup Day: The highlight of the jump racing season
- Other meets from October to April
Book early—race weeks bring tens of thousands of visitors
Relax in Pittville Park
Cheltenham’s largest park, perfect for:
- Picnics, walks, and boating on the lake
- Adventure playgrounds and swan pedal boats
- Seeing birds and animals at Pittville Park Aviary
Attend a Cheltenham Festival
Cheltenham hosts several world-class festivals, including:
- Literature Festival (October)
- Jazz Festival (May)
- Science Festival (June)
- Music Festival (July)
These events attract major authors, musicians, and speakers from across the UK.
Enjoy Afternoon Tea
Treat yourself to a classic English experience at:
- The Daffodil – A stunning Art Deco former cinema
- Cotswold Grange Hotel – Traditional with a modern twist
- The Ivy Montpellier Brasserie – Stylish setting, central location
Shop Local in Cheltenham
Explore unique shops and independent retailers in:
- The Suffolks – Great for antiques and boutiques
- Montpellier Arcade – Historic covered shopping
- Regent Arcade – Modern shopping centre
Hike Cleeve Hill
The highest point in the Cotswolds, Cleeve Hill offers:
- Stunning views of Cheltenham and beyond
- Walking and cycling trails along the Cotswold Way
- Wildlife, wildflowers, and ancient stone monuments
Take a Day Trip to Sudeley Castle
Just 20 minutes from Cheltenham, Sudeley Castle in Winchcombe is:
- The burial place of Queen Katherine Parr, Henry VIII’s sixth wife
- Home to glorious gardens and Tudor history
- A perfect half-day trip from town
Visit a Spa or Wellness Retreat
Continue Cheltenham’s spa tradition with a relaxing treatment:
- Ellenborough Park Spa
- Chapel Spa
- Cowley Manor (luxury countryside spa nearby)
Catch a Show at Everyman Theatre
This beautifully restored Victorian theatre offers:
- West End musicals
- Classic drama and comedy
- Ballet, opera, and local productions
Check their schedule in advance—tickets sell fast during festivals
Cycle the Honeybourne Line
A scenic and traffic-free cycle path connecting:
- Cheltenham Spa Station to Pittville Park
- With murals, gardens, and community spaces along the way
Take the Kids to Cotswold Farm Park
About 30 minutes from Cheltenham, this family favourite features:
- Rare-breed animals and hands-on feeding
- Tractor rides and indoor play barns
- Owned by BBC’s Adam Henson
Go Rock Climbing or Bouldering
For active visitors, try:
- Boulders Cheltenham – Indoor climbing walls for all ages
- Go Ape at Forest of Dean (40 minutes away) – Zip lines and treetop adventure
Discover Hatherley Park
A peaceful Victorian garden in the suburbs:
- Popular with locals and birdwatchers
- Features a duck pond, floral displays, and walking paths
Join a Regency Architecture Walking Tour
Take a self-guided or guided tour exploring:
- Elegant townhouses and crescents
- Royal Well, Montpellier Walk, and Lansdown Crescent
- Cheltenham’s Georgian legacy
Visit the Holst Birthplace Museum
Home of composer Gustav Holst, this museum includes:
- A period kitchen
- Music rooms and personal artefacts
- Interactive exhibits on music and Victorian life
Explore Cheltenham’s Food & Drink Scene
Top-rated restaurants include:
- Le Champignon Sauvage – Michelin-starred fine dining
- Prithvi – Contemporary Indian cuisine
- Koj – Japanese fusion by a MasterChef finalist
Day Trip to Broadway or Bourton-on-the-Water
From Cheltenham, it’s easy to visit other Cotswold villages:
- Broadway: Elegant high street and views from Broadway Tower
- Bourton-on-the-Water: The “Venice of the Cotswolds” with riverside charm
View Local Art at Parabola Arts Centre
A hidden gem for exhibitions, theatre, and cultural events:
- Modern performances and visual art
- Part of Cheltenham Ladies’ College
Conclusion
From historic spa architecture to arts festivals, foodie finds, and easy access to the Cotswolds countryside, there’s no shortage of memorable things to do in Cheltenham, England. Whether you’re a culture buff, nature lover, or festivalgoer, Cheltenham delivers an experience as elegant as its Regency buildings.
FAQs
Q 1: What is Cheltenham famous for?
Cheltenham is famous for its Regency architecture, literary and music festivals, and the Cheltenham Races, especially the Gold Cup.
Q 2: What are the top free things to do in Cheltenham?
Free activities include walking in Pittville Park, visiting The Wilson Museum, exploring Montpellier, and hiking up Cleeve Hill.
Q 3: How many days do you need in Cheltenham?
A 2–3 day visit allows time to explore the town, enjoy a local event, and take a day trip to the Cotswolds or Sudeley Castle.
Q 4: Is Cheltenham good for families?
Yes! With parks, splash pads, museums, and family-friendly events, Cheltenham offers plenty for children of all ages.
Q 5: Can I visit Cheltenham without a car?
Absolutely. Cheltenham is walkable and well-connected by train and bus, with local taxis and bike hire options.
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