Visit Cheltenham

Visit Cheltenham

Located less than an hour’s drive from the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley, Cheltenham is known as one of the UK's most elegant spa towns.

With its Regency architecture, green open spaces, boutique shopping, vibrant arts scene, and world-famous festivals, it’s the perfect destination for a stylish day out.

Whether you’re after culture, shopping, fine dining or beautiful parks, Cheltenham offers something for everyone.

Discover the Charm of Cheltenham

Festivals and Events

Cheltenham is known as the festival town. From its literary festival to its renowned races, food and drink, music and film festivals, Cheltenham hosts 25+ significant festivals each year.

• Cheltenham Literature Festival – one of the most prestigious literary festivals in the world
• Cheltenham Jazz Festival – attracting international talent
• Cheltenham Science Festival – engaging and inspiring
• Cheltenham Music Festival – celebrating classical music
• Cheltenham Racecourse – home to the world-famous Cheltenham Festival and the legendary Gold Cup in March

The Cheltenham Festival held at Cheltenham Racecourse is the most prestigious jump racing event of the year, with the grand finale, the legendary Gold Cup bringing in 75,000 people. The Forest of Dean often plays host to visitors looking for a rural getaway with easy access to the races and many of our accommodation providers even put on transport for Gold Cup day.

There’s something happening almost every month, giving the town a lively, festive atmosphere all year round.

Regency Architecture

You can expect tree-lined streets filled with grand Regency buildings, graceful terraces and ornate ironwork balconies. Montpellier, Lansdown and Pittville are among the town’s most beautiful areas, perfect for a stroll.

Cafés, Restaurants and Independent Shops

Cheltenham is packed with independent cafés, restaurants, and boutiques. Browse stylish shops in Montpellier or the Suffolks, enjoy brunch at a buzzing café, or treat yourself to an evening of fine dining.

Parks and Green Spaces

Relax in the beautiful Pittville Park, enjoy the ornamental gardens and boating lake, or visit the historic Pittville Pump Room where visitors once came to "take the waters."

The History of Cheltenham

A mix of the traditional and the new, Cheltenham is the UK’s most complete Regency town. As you stroll along the promenade, it’s easy to see why it became the hip 18th century hang out for holidaying Brits, after the enterprising Henry Skillicorne unearthed its health-giving spa waters – even gaining the Royal Seal Of Approval after the visit of the then-reigning monarch, George III.

An Easy Day Trip from the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley

Cheltenham sits to the north east of the Dean Wye around a 30 minute drive from the outskirts, 45 minutes from the heart of the Forest and parts of the Wye Valley. It is nestled against the Cotswold hills with easy access from the M5. It has a train station and bus station with good access to Gloucester and the Forest of Dean.

See our Getting Here page for information on travel in the area. Interested in walking? The Gloucestershire Way joins the town and the Forest via a fantastic off-road national trail.

For further information about Cheltenham visit www.visitcheltenham.co.uk where you will find helpful guides on:
• What’s On in Cheltenham
• Shopping in Cheltenham
• Restaurants in Cheltenham
• Things To Do in Cheltenham