The market town of Cheltenham, on the edge of The Cotswolds, would never be the same again after its mineral springs were discovered in the 1700s. With Neoclassical spa facilities, terraces of stuccoed townhouses and opulent gardens, it has been described as Britain’s most complete Regency town. What's more, Cheltenham is a big festival town, known for horse racing, music and literature. Oh, and lets not forget, the shopping is fantastic too. Check out our blog for cool tips on how to have the best time in Cheltenham and to book your stay.
PITVILLE PARK & PUMP ROOM
This spot was once a place of repose for people taking the waters at the Pump Room. The park has an ornamental pond and an aviary with an assortment of birds and rabbits. The large boating lake also rents out pedal boats and rowboats in summer. The Regency pump is still intact, and is an impressive, monolithic structure made from marble and scagliola.
SUDELEY CASTLE & GARDENS
A must-see on any visit to the Cotswolds, the castle boasts royal connections that stretch back over 1,000 years. Walk in the footsteps of past kings and queens including Richard III, Elizabeth I and Lady Jane Grey. Inside, the castle contains many fascinating treasures. Outside, the castle's magnificent gardens are world-renowned, providing variety and colour from spring through to autumn.
SANDFORD PARK
Annual bedding displays are set around Unwins Fountain, and clipped topiary features guard the entrances to the Park. The Annecy Gardens, named after one of Cheltenham's twin towns, are to the north side, and the Italian Gardens, complete with sunken pool and fountains, lie to the west. This park is the perfect place to enjoy and ice cream or a picnic with friends. Fancy a dip? Check out the lido, it’s one of the UK’s largest outdoor heated pools.
SHOP, SHOP, SHOP!
With many shops housed in gorgeous Regency buildings, combining the High Street brands with fantastic independent retailers who offer unique products you won't find anywhere else, Cheltenham has become ‘the’ shopping destination. With 4 shopping districts: The Promenade, Montpellier, The Suffolks, Tivoli and Bath Road, you can easily spend a whole day. And if that's not enough, check out the outlet stores at Gloucester Quay for impressive designer label finds.
HONEYBOURNE LINE
Running from Cheltenham Spa train station to Prince of Wales Stadium and Pittville Park, a former railway line that provides a traffic free route through central Cheltenham which you can walk or cycle. En route, you will enjoy street art murals, beautiful landscapes and stunning architecture.
