Cheltenham Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Sudeley Castle which includes heritage architecture, château or palace and a park
The Model Village which includes interior views
Sudeley Castle which includes a garden, a river or creek and château or palace
Cheltenham
Cheltenham Art Gallery and Museum which includes interior views and music

This town in England’s picturesque Cotswolds region is famous for regency architecture, pristine parks, lively shopping districts and horse racing.

Cheltenham is a lively spa town renowned for its handsome architecture, glorious parks, stylish shopping districts, festivals and sporting events. Cheltenham is in the heart of the Cotswolds, a picturesque region of meadows, hills and historic towns in south-central England. The town rose to prominence in the 1700s after the discovery of a natural spring, which attracted esteemed visitors such as King George III.

The focal points of Cheltenham are the tree-lined Promenade and fashionable Montpellier Walk. Find independent boutiques, eclectic restaurants and lively pubs inside graceful 19th-century buildings. Nearby, Imperial Square and Gardens is surrounded by colourful flower displays and Georgian houses. Relax in Montpellier Gardens, the setting for summer concerts and food and jazz festivals.

Visit local museums to learn about the town’s long history and famous sons. The Cheltenham Art Gallery and Museum has ancient artifacts and celebrates local pioneers, including Antarctic explorer, Edward Wilson. Discover the life of revered composer Gustav Holst at the Holst Birthplace Museum. Enjoy an evening of music or theatrical entertainment at the Cheltenham Town Hall or century-old Everyman Theatre.

Cheltenham has numerous public parks. Centrally located Sandford Park features an ornamental garden, fountains and an outdoor swimming pool. A short walk from the town centre is Pittville Park, with sprawling green lawns, a boating lake, aviaries, a golf course and skate park. Be sure to sample the medicinal spa water at the park’s architecturally impressive Pittville Pump Room.

Enjoy the thrill of horse racing at Cheltenham Racecourse. In March it’s the setting for one of the world’s most prestigious events, the Cheltenham Gold Cup. Festivals held here, such as June’s Wychwood Festival, welcome famous bands and musicians.

Although a fascinating town in its own right, Cheltenham is also a short drive from some of England’s other appealing destinations. Bath, Bristol and Birmingham are just over 50 miles (80 kilometres) away, easily reachable via trains and buses. Alternatively, board the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway for a steam train journey through the quaint towns and villages of the Cotswolds.

Leonardo Hotel Cheltenham
Leonardo Hotel Cheltenham
4 out of 5
Gloucester Road, Cheltenham, England
The price is £80 per night from 13 Jul to 14 Jul
£80
13 Jul - 14 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this eco-certified hotel in Cheltenham. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,007 reviews)
"very nice and comfortable beds"

Reviewed on 23 Jun 2025

Leonardo Hotel Cheltenham
Delta Hotels by Marriott Cheltenham Chase
Delta Hotels by Marriott Cheltenham Chase
4 out of 5
Shurdington Road, Brockworth, Cheltenham, England
The price is £77 per night from 27 Jul to 28 Jul
£77
27 Jul - 28 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this spa hotel in Cheltenham. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,006 reviews)
"Nice with air cons and comfy n beds, horrible pillows however"

Reviewed on 25 Jun 2025

Delta Hotels by Marriott Cheltenham Chase
Ellenborough Park
Ellenborough Park
5 out of 5
Southam Road, Cheltenham, England
The price is £220 per night from 10 Jul to 11 Jul
£220
10 Jul - 11 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Cheltenham. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition ...
9/10 Wonderful! (522 reviews)
"The hotel is attractive and well positioned."

Reviewed on 16 Jun 2025

Ellenborough Park
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Crescent Place by Mansley
Crescent Place by Mansley
3 out of 5
1a Crescent Place, Cheltenham, England
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Cheltenham. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, parking (surcharge) and Netflix. Popular attractions Cheltenham Racecourse and The Promenade ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (69 reviews)
Spacious
"The room was a very generous size, with a large comfy bed and a large delightful window. The kitchenette was equipped with brew facilities, a fridge, complete with fresh milk and water (which i hadn't expected). Location was ideal for me and close to town amenities. And had the option of parking ..."

Reviewed on 24 Jun 2025

Crescent Place by Mansley
Portland Apartments
Portland Apartments
3.5 out of 5
43 Portland Street, Cheltenham, England
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly aparthotel in Cheltenham. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Cheltenham Racecourse ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (129 reviews)
"Meet and greet was exceptional. Appartment supplies were excellent. Location was easily accessible for main shopping/theatre/bars/eateries. Would definately recommend and would re-book."

Reviewed on 21 Jun 2025

Portland Apartments
Strozzi Palace Suites by Mansley
Strozzi Palace Suites by Mansley
4 out of 5
55 St Georges Place, Cheltenham, England
Stay at this 4-star apartment in Cheltenham. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, parking (surcharge) and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (184 reviews)
"I absolutely loved my stay at Strozzi Palace and will definitely stay again. Minor things which could’ve addressed were that the balcony area and chair cushions need some attention but it didn’t affect our stay. The room was lovely and the staff were great. I’d highly recommend."

Reviewed on 8 Jun 2025

Strozzi Palace Suites by Mansley
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Cheltenham

4.3
Top destination
5 - Excellent
174
5 - Excellent 49%
4 - Good
140
4 - Good 39%
3 - Okay
34
3 - Okay 9%
2 - Disappointing
7
2 - Disappointing 2%
1 - Terrible
3
1 - Terrible 1%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

a great place to relax

4/5 - Good

Jenny

Lovely town - we caught the last day of 'Light up Cheltenham' Pubs were lovely. Dined at the Giggling Squid which was average - shocked at how expensive it was! £90 for 2 mains and 2 sides with one glass of red wine and 2 small bottles of beer

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Good place for a night out.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

The main shopping area is pretty much like any other in a town of this size. The area around the hotel, however, is lovely.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

We had a great time and enjoyed travelling and walking around the area of the hotel

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

Didn’t visit city , only attending function in hotel

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