Cheltenham is a cute, traditional English town with plenty of tourist attractions. So here are the best things to do in Cheltenham over a few days.
1. Pittville Park
Opened in 1825, Pittville Park is the city’s largest ornamental park and includes playgrounds, a boating lake & an aviary.
Definitely one of the most popular things to do in Cheltenham is to take a walk around the beautiful grounds on a sunny day.
Divided by Evesham Road, there is the eastern side of the park, which is overlooked by Pittville Pump Room, and home to the main children’s play area and the aviaries where you’ll find popular birds and bunnies.
Then there’s western side of the park, with its more natural layout and small areas of woodland. Here you can go fishing, play tennis, play pitch and putt golf and there’s even a skate park.
2. Pittville Pump Room
The Pittville Pump Room was the last and largest of the spa buildings to be built in Cheltenham, and is listed as a grade 1 historical building.
Now, the spectacular building is used as a private hire venue. Overlooking the lawns and lakes of Pittville Park, it regularly hosts weddings, parties and corporate hospitality.
However, when not in use, you can wander into the Main Auditorium to see its fine interior and sample the fountain’s historically medicinal Spa Waters for free!
3. Cleeve Hill
Cleeve Hill is the highest point of both the Cotswolds hill range, and the county of Gloucestershire, at 1,083 feet. Although the walk to the top really isn’t hard at all.
You can park at the Rising Sun Hotel / Pub and walk the rest of the way. Through the gates and no doubt past a few sheep!
The views from the top are incredible as it overlooks the whole of Cheltenham and you can get some great photos.
Don’t forget to reward yourself with a local beer on the way down.
Definitely our favourite of the things to do in Cheltenham!
4. Everyman Theatre
The Everyman is Gloucestershire’s theatre – and has been serving the county (and beyond) since 1891.
If you’re stuck for things to do in Cheltenham one evening, then The Everyman Theatre is a great option!
The Everyman presents a wide range of productions, including ballet, opera, drama, dance, comedy, music events and our traditional family pantomime, as well as many community projects, education workshops and youth theatre sessions.
Not only are you supporting local but tickets usually aren’t too expensive!
5. Montpellier Gardens
A great way to start your day!
This flat park and gardens makes for an easy stroll and if you’re lucky enough you may even catch a trio playing in the old fashioned band stand!
The Gardens are home to tennis courts, a skate park, a cafe and even a small gallery where monthly exhibitors can display their work.
6. Holst Birthplace Museum
Explore Cheltenham’s historic house, the Holst Birthplace Museum, where composer Gustav Holst was born in 1874.
This 19th-century home of the celebrated composer, is now a museum with exhibits on Victorian life in England.
It’s almost like a time capsule of 19th century life with a working Victorian kitchen, Victorian bedroom, scullery and nursery.
Definitely one to add to the things to do in Cheltenham list for historians or composer enthusiasts.
7. Town Hall
Cheltenham Town Hall, unlike most town halls, is a public venue and not the seat of the borough council.
Therefore similar to Everyman Theatre, you can find all sorts of events such as orchestras and comedians performing throughout the year.
The town hall was built in 1902–03, in order to provide a venue for social events, replacing the old Assembly Rooms in High Street which had been demolished to build a bank.
8. Shop The Promenade
Because every town has a high street worth shopping.
Cheltenham offers traditional shopping streets, many housed in gorgeous Regency Buildings, combining the High Street brands you know and love, with fantastic independent retailers who offer things you won’t find anywhere else.
For those unique gifts, we recommend visiting The Promenade.
9. The Hare And The Minotaur Statue
The Hare and the Minotaur Statue can be found along The Promenade, outside House of Fraser.
It’s a pretty impressive statue, and was initially part of a temporary exhibition by the Gloucestershire based artist Sophie Ryder. It was created in 1995 and featured at the Cheltenham Museum and Art Gallery.
The statue itself features a female hare and a male Minotaur seated on an oversized bench.
The statue is taller than any human and is made of reclaimed scrap metal; up close you can spot cogs and cooker hobs, screws and all sorts of other things.
10. Visit The Beer Gardens
One of the most popular things to do in Cheltenham, apart from the races of course, is to hop the beer gardens in the summer.
With many local IPA beers to choose from, the pub/beer garden scene is on another level to most of the surrounding towns.
We spent the afternoon down at Outdoor Inn, chucking bean bags around and having fun with friends in the sun to round off our weekend in Cheltenham!
Where To Stay In Cheltenham
Luxury
Get the celebrity treatment with world-class service at Ellenborough Park.
Set in Cotswold countryside, Ellenborough Park is a magnificent English country estate with a luxury spa, fine dining and .
The hotel is just a 10-minute drive from Cheltenham town centre.
The spacious bedrooms at Ellenborough Park have luxury bathrooms with fluffy bathrobes and locally-produced toiletries.
Rooms also feature flat-screen TVs, iPod docks and free Wi-Fi access, and many have garden views.
Mid-Budget
DoubleTree by Hilton Cheltenham
The Georgian manor house of DoubleTree by Hilton Cheltenham offers complimentary WiFi, , and is set in landscaped gardens that overlook Lilley Brook’s 18-hole .
Guests can enjoy the onsite spa, beauty salon and fitness centre.
Guests can also enjoy a drink at the bar or a meal in the restaurant.
Budget
Central Studios Albion Street by RoomsBooked
Gloucester Place Studio by Roomsbooked is located in the centre of Cheltenham, with a range of shops, cafes, restaurants and bars within a 5 minute walk from the hotel.
Free WiFi is available in all rooms. All rooms come with a fridge, a microwave, tea/coffee making facilities and a flat-screen TV. There is also a desk area for laptop use.
For more places to stay in Cheltenham, you can check the latest prices on Booking.com.
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