Things To Do
in Cheltenham
Cheltenham is a Regency-era spa town in Gloucestershire, England, famed for elegant terraces and leafy parks. It's a lively hub for festivals, from horse racing to literature, drawing visitors year-round. Strolling the Montpellier Quarter reveals Regency architecture, boutique shops, and refined cafés.
Surrounding the town, the Cotswolds rise softly with walking trails and countryside charm just a short ride away.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your day with a leisurely breakfast at one of the local cafes, savoring traditional English tea and pastries. Afterwards, take a peaceful stroll around the Montpellier District, where you can admire the stunning Regency architecture and charming terraces. Don’t forget to visit the Cheltenham Art Gallery and Museum to appreciate both local and international art.
Enjoy a delightful lunch at a nearby bistro, sampling some local delicacies that Cheltenham has to offer. Post-lunch, venture to the beautiful Pittville Park to engage in a relaxing walk or a paddleboat ride on the lake. Spend some time at the Pump Room taking in the natural mineral water on offer, a nod to the town's spa heritage.
As the sun sets, head to the iconic Cheltenham Racecourse to soak in the vibrant atmosphere of evening horse races. Dine at a fine restaurant nearby, where a variety of international cuisines will tempt your palate. Conclude the evening with a stroll down the Promenade, enjoying the lights and ambiance of this historic town.
Start your morning with a visit to the historic Sandford Parks Lido for a refreshing swim or a leisurely walk around its grounds. Following the swim, head to Regency Square for a hearty breakfast at one of its charming cafes, fueling up for a day of exploration. Make your way to the Cheltenham Town Hall to discover its rich history and architectural beauty.
After lunch at a quaint pub, visit the Everyman Theatre and take a backstage tour to learn about its history and ongoing productions. Spend the afternoon wandering through the Cheltenham Literature Festival’s bond with big-name authors if you are an avid reader. Wrap up your cultural exploration with a visit to the Holst Birthplace Museum, celebrating composer Gustav Holst's life and works.
In the evening, catch an exciting performance at the Everyman Theatre, where a variety of shows from drama to musicals are often on offer. After the curtain falls, enjoy a delicious dinner at a restaurant known for local and seasonal ingredients. To cap off your day, explore the nightlife at local pubs or cocktail bars near the town center for a chill vibe.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-18 |
| 🍽️Meal for two in mid-range restaurant | $40-70 |
| ☕Coffee in cafe | $3-5 |
| 🧃Bottle of water | $1-3 |
| 🏨Hotel room per night | $100-180 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Excellent festival scene and Regency architecture
- Compact city with high walkability and easy access to the countryside
- Crowds during festival periods can be busy and parking challenging
- Some venues and dining spots can be pricier in peak seasons
Places to Visit in Cheltenham
Visit one of these nice places.
Iconic Regency architecture with elegant arches and arched shopfronts; ideal for architectural detail and golden-hour photography.
Picturesque lake, bridges, and the historic Pump Room set against landscaped greenery—great for reflections and candid park scenes.
Impressive façade and grand interior spaces; captures of blue-hour lighting and ceremonial entrances.
Grand avenues, plane trees, and well-kept green spaces offer classic townscape shots, especially in morning light.
Food in Cheltenham
Cheltenham Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A classic regional pie made with seasoned pork; best found at local delis and pubs.
Must-Try!
A quintessentially English treat of scones with clotted cream and jam, often enjoyed in tea rooms around Montpellier and the town centre.
Roast or simmered dishes featuring locally raised lamb, commonly found on pub menus across Cheltenham.
A beer-cheese sauce served over toasted bread; a comforting pub staple throughout the area.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Seasonal stalls around The Promenade and Bath Road offering local produce, baked goods, and street fare on market days.
Seasonal food pop-ups and drink stalls during festival seasons, showcasing regional producers.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
British etiquette favors orderly queuing; wait your turn patiently in shops, bakeries, and at bus stops.
A simple hello or please/thank you goes a long way; conversations are generally friendly and reserved in public spaces.
Being on time for appointments or reservations is appreciated.
Stand on the right on escalators, give up seats for those who need them, and mind the gap between train and platform.
Safety
Tipping in Cheltenham
Ensure a smooth experience
In pubs and restaurants, a tip of 10-15% is customary if service is not included; rounding up the bill is also common and appreciated.
Card payments (including contactless) are widely accepted; cash is still handy in smaller venues and markets.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild and often breezy with blooming parks; great for outdoor walks and riverside photography. Markets and gardens begin their outdoor season.
Warm days and lively outdoor events; expect crowds around festival periods and longer daylight hours for late-evening strolls and photos.
Vibrant foliage in parks and surrounding countryside; pleasant temperatures for walking and countryside photography.
Cool to cold with a fair chance of rain; interiors shine in theatres and pubs, and town lights create atmospheric night photography.
Cheltenham at Night
Hiking in Cheltenham
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
High point offering sweeping views over Cheltenham and the Severn Valley; part of nearby countryside paths.
Popular clifftop and hillside routes with rewarding landscapes and wildlife.
Historic trails in the nearby Cotswolds fringe with country lanes and scenic overlooks.
Airports
How to reach Cheltenham by plane.
Staverton, near Gloucester; smaller regional flights and general aviation, about a 1-hour drive from Cheltenham.
Major international airport about 60-90 minutes by car or train; good for European and international connections.
Large airport with extensive domestic and international flights; about 1.5–2 hours by road or rail via connections.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A steady student presence due to nearby Colleges and universities; vibrant youth culture in certain quarters.
Families enjoy parks, museums, and family-friendly events throughout the year.
A sizable portion of the population with appreciation for cultural and leisure amenities.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Cheltenham hosts the world-famous Festival at Prestbury Park; a central part of local sporting culture.
Nearby clubs and regional teams; rugby is a popular sport in Gloucestershire.
Local clubs and nearby teams offer regular matches; The surrounding counties have strong football traditions.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Cheltenham.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are widely available in pubs and cafes; look for veggie mains, veggie pies, and cheese-based dishes, and ask about sauces or broths to avoid meat stocks.