Located in the heart of the scenic Cotswolds, Cheltenham is a city
famous for many things – its horseracing and award-winning gardens
being just two of them. Then, of course, you have the Regency
architecture of the city centre and the lively shopping district,
elements that come together to bring vivacity and life to this
Gloucestershire city. Further, the city also proves to be a fine base
from which to explore the surrounding Cotswolds, home of gently rolling
hills and quaint, charming villages.
Places of interest
When you come to Cheltenham, you will soon discover that the draw of
the city lies in its appearance, for it has long been considered to be
one of Britain’s prettiest towns. Accordingly, many of Cheltenham’s
places to visit are ones that focus on scenic displays and historic
buildings. Some of the most popular tourist destinations are:
composer Gustav Holst (of ‘The Planets’ fame), this Regency home shows
life as it was in the Victorian period – and incorporates a working
Victorian kitchen.
lakes, a golf course and spacious, well-tended lawns, whilst the
historic Pump Room contains the drinkable spa waters that originally
made Cheltenham famous.
have been enjoyed by thousands of visitors every year – not least due
to the 25,000 bedding plants used annually to create the extensive
floral displays.
Cheltenham, the castle is open during the summer and visitors have the
chance to see some of the beautiful paintings and artefacts inside.
cafes, smart shops and an attractive history. Lined with trees and
boasting Regency architecture throughout, it is considered to be the
most picturesque part of the city.
Things to do
During your stay in Cheltenham, you’ll discover a pleasing variety of
attractions to visit and things to do, whether you’re a family or
couple, or just visiting alone. Throughout the year, the city is
buzzing with activity, playing host to many festivals and events, such
as the Literature Festival. Just a few things to see and do include:
the city throughout the year, and at the same time stays a concert
programme in which the music ranges from the classical to the
contemporary.
live entertainment, where you can watch musicals, comedy, drama and
even West End productions on tour.
racing during the October to April season. Why not time your visit to
coincide with the popular National Hunt Festival in March, or visit the
Hall of Fame that relays the history of steeple chasing?
tour in which you’ll join a guide and take in some of the most
beautiful views of the English Cotswolds.
animal demonstrations and displays, an ideal place to visit for all the
family. There are many rare breeds of farmyard animal from sheep to
cattle, waterfowl to horses.
Food & Drink
Cheltenham is home to many different types of restaurant, with the
focus on quality. Of course, if you’re after something fast and easy,
you’ll find plenty of different cafés and takeaways serving up
what you’re looking for, but Cheltenham particularly prides itself on
being the home of many stylish eateries. Here are some of the best you
can sample:
Cheltenham at this French restaurant, which has a relaxed and welcoming
style.
Montpellier district, this friendly eatery serves a variety of dishes
on the menu, including plenty of old favourites. Eat in style.
offers a range of different seafood. Alternatively, keep it simple and
enjoy the stylish accompaniment of oysters with champagne.
this Californian restaurant is both welcoming and atmospheric, boasting
the famous Mississippi Seafood Platter and the taste bud-teasing Duck
from Heaven.
bistro and wine bar.
Hotels Accommodations
There are literally hundreds of places to stay during your visit to
Cheltenham, whether you’re looking for a hotel, guesthouse, bed and
breakfast or self-catering establishment. Alternatively, other types of
accommodation include camping and caravan sites and hostels. Many of
the hotels offer special offers and it’s always advisable to search
around to find the best deals. Elizabethan manors and country mansions
serve as the setting for some of the top hotels in the district.
Cotswold Grange
Hotel
The Prestbury
House Hotel Oaks Restaurant
Entertainment
The night life in Cheltenham is completely entertaining with a host of
nightclubs and exciting pubs and bars. You’ll find Cheltenham to be a
welcoming and friendly city where you’ll always feel safe. If you’re
looking for a nightclub, Subtone and Enigma are two of the most
popular, with attractive line-ups of events going on all the time;
alternatively, if you’re a fan of Hollywood then you’ll discover that
the Odeon cinema shows all the latest blockbusters as well as popular
British films.
Cheltenham is sometimes called a city within a park, and when you
visit, you’ll see why. The architecture of the city itself is beautiful
enough, with Regency-period buildings (over two thousand of them
listed!) and attractive designs, but the picturesque parks are what
make Cheltenham really special. There are lots of tree-lined avenues,
plenty of floral displays and many more examples of nature in bloom
that give Cheltenham a truly attractive appearance. Combine this with
the wealth of activities and places to see, and it’s hard to deny that
Cheltenham is one city you really must visit.
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