- Top Attractions
- See & Do
- Eat & Drink
- Hotels
- Apartments
- Vacation Rentals
- Bed & Breakfasts
- Villas
Why Visit Cheltenham
Cheltenham's Regency architecture, seen in Pittville and Montpellier, dates to the early 1800s. Stucco facades, wrought iron balconies, and fanlights above doorways display fine craftsmanship, defining what is Cheltenham famous for beyond its racecourse heritage.
The town sits at the edge of the Cotswolds, with Cleeve Hill, the highest point, offering panoramic views. Pittville Park, featuring a pump room and lake, is ideal for a stroll. The nearby Cotswold Way offers hiking routes with views across rolling limestone hills and farmland.
Local life often centers around the Cheltenham Festival at Prestbury Park, making horse racing a highlight among the best reasons to visit Cheltenham. Outside race season, The Suffolks hosts artisan markets, while the Literature and Jazz Festivals draw international audiences year-round.
- CheltenhamUnited Kingdom
- CheltenhamUnited Kingdom
- CheltenhamUnited Kingdom
- CheltenhamUnited Kingdom
Quick Travel Essentials
- Mar-Maymild, blooming gardens
- Jun-Augwarm, tourist peak
- Sep-Novcooler, fewer visitors
- Dec-Febcold, festive events
- #ComfortableShoes
- #LightJacket
- #Umbrella
- #ReusableWaterBottle
- #PowerAdapterTypeG
- 3-4 days for highlights
- 5-6 days with side trips
- Pound Sterling (£)
- English
- English is an official language here
- #PittvillePark
- #MontpellierGardens
- #CheltenhamArtGallery
- #EverymanTheatre
- #ThePromenade
- #Racecourse
- Attend a festival
- Explore the Regency architecture
- Walk the Cheltenham Spa
- Visit the Daffodil Trail
- Enjoy tea at Montpelier
- Shop at The boards
Recommended Hotels in Cheltenham by Experience
Things to do in Cheltenham
Discover
In Cheltenham, explore famous sights like the Old Town, the Montpellier Gardens, and the renowned Wilson Art Gallery. Discover unique Cheltenham attractions that showcase history and natural beauty during your visit.
Experience
Experience cycling routes, hiking trails, and Cheltenham cultural activities like concerts, local festivals, and historical tours. Engaging in these activities reveals the authentic spirit of what to see in Cheltenham.
The Wilson Art Gallery
Cultural site showcasing local and national art.
Montpellier Gardens
Victorian gardens ideal for relaxation and nature.
Cheltenham Racecourse
Iconic sports venue known for horse racing events.
Imperial Gardens
Beautiful gardens featuring floral displays.
Everyman Theatre
Historic venue offering diverse live performances.
Montpellier Walk
Charming area with boutique shops and cafés.
Borough Theatre
Cultural site for local productions and shows.
Before You Arrive
Getting There
How to get to Cheltenham: a direct train to Cheltenham Spa from London Paddington takes roughly 2 hours (£30-£60). Birmingham Airport (BHX) and Bristol Airport (BRS) require onward bus or rail connections.
Getting Around
Within Cheltenham, explore using local buses, the primary public transport in Cheltenham. Stagecoach operates routes covering key areas. Walking is pleasant in the compact centre. Taxis and private hire are readily available.
Local Essentials
For Cheltenham travel tips for first-timers, note that most shops and attractions accept card payments. Book popular events far in advance. Driving in Cheltenham's town centre can be congested; use car parks on the outskirts for easier access.
Where to Stay in Cheltenham
Where to Eat and Drink
Celebrate
Traditional food in Cheltenham features dishes like a hearty roast, fish and chips, and Eton mess for dessert. Dining often includes casual café culture and late-night meals, making it easy to enjoy local cuisine any time.
Enjoy
For a fantastic culinary experience, The Daffodil boasts elegant dining, booking ahead is advisable. Enjoy drinks at The Langton, a popular pub with a vibrant atmosphere. For coffee, check out Boston Tea Party, one of the top cafes in Cheltenham.
Turtle Bay Cheltenham
Caribbean restaurant serving jerk dishes, curries & rum cocktails.
The Coconut Tree Cheltenham
Sri Lankan street-food spot serving tapas-style dishes & cocktails.
The Ivy Montpellier Brasserie Cheltenham
Upscale brasserie offering modern British dishes & classic cocktails.
Events & Festivals
Celebrate
Cheltenham cultural activities include traditional festivals and historic gatherings that celebrate England's heritage, offering visitors an authentic look into local customs, community spirit, and regional traditions.
Enjoy
Among the top things to do in Cheltenham are contemporary theatre shows and art exhibitions that highlight both local and international talent, reflecting the town's growing reputation as a center for modern culture.
Cheltenham Festival
Major horse racing event in March with thrilling races.
Cheltenham Literature Festival
World-renowned world's longest-running literature fair.
Cheltenham Jazz Festival
Premier jazz festival in May with international and UK artists.
Cheltenham Folk Festival
Annual celebration of folk music and traditions in August.
Festive Opening
Christmas lights, festive market and music.
Cheltenham Open Studios
June event showcasing local artists' work.
A proper English town done right
Cheltenham just has this easy-going feel that's hard to find. The Promenade is genuinely one of the nicest shopping streets I've walked along - clean, elegant, and full of good cafes. Everything felt relaxed and not too crowded.
Gold Cup weekend was something else!
Came for the Cheltenham Festival and wow, the racing energy is unlike anything I've experienced. Cheltenham Racecourse is massive and so well organized. The crowds were buzzing and the whole town gets involved. Great craic all around!
Lovely place for a weekend break
Really enjoyed walking around Montpellier Quarter - the Regency architecture is beautiful and there are some great independent restaurants tucked in there. The whole place feels well looked after. Good food, friendly locals, easy to get around on foot.
Great stop on our UK road trip
We stopped in Cheltenham for two nights and it ended up being one of the highlights of our whole UK trip. Pittville Park is gorgeous and so peaceful. The town has a really polished feel without being stuffy. Definitely worth more than just a quick stopover.
Beautiful town with a lot going on
The Cheltenham Literature Festival had such a good lineup this year. Nice to be in a town that takes culture seriously. The cafes around the High Street were cozy and the locals were really welcoming. Felt like a place with real character.
Charming and easy to explore
Came during the Jazz Festival and the whole town just came alive. Live music spilling out onto the streets, great pubs, and the food scene was better than I expected. Suffolk Road area had some brilliant spots. Really good few days.