It’s in the heart of the Gloucestershire countryside and is surrounded by some of the most spectacular scenery seen anywhere in the UK, but what does the former spa town of Cheltenham have to offer visitors looking to take a trip? As it happens, there are plenty of attractions here to explore. To make it easy for you, here are a few:
Visit Cheltenham Racecourse
Probably the most famous venue in the whole town, Cheltenham Racecourse is most famous for hosting the Cheltenham Festival, a four-day event featuring some of the biggest meetings on the horse racing calendar.
Over 200,000 visitors come to the Festival every year, while millions of viewers worldwide bet on the outcome of some of the races. If you fancy a flutter, you could bet on the Cheltenham Festival with bookmakers Ladbrokes.
Visit the Screening Rooms
This old-fashioned cinema offers something that many modern equivalents don’t – a sense of atmosphere and hand-crafted snacks to enjoy while watching the latest art-house production or big money blockbuster. When you’ve got a couple of hours to spare, why not pay it a visit?
Stroll down the Promenade
Leading on from the picturesque Montpellier district, the Promenade is perhaps Cheltenham’s most beautiful street. Flanked by outstanding examples of Georgian architecture, you can shop till you drop here if in need of a little ‘retail therapy’ while you can rest your feet on one of the benches on this tree-lined stretch of the town centre.
Walk through the Cotswolds
Cheltenham is surrounded by the hills that make up the Cotswolds, meaning you don’t have to go too far from your hotel to visit the National Park. Just a couple of miles away from the centre, you can plan your own walking route or take in some of the views of the town itself from above while having a picnic!
Gustav Holst Birthplace Museum
The celebrated composer was born in the spa town in 1874, and was arguably Cheltenham’s most famous son. He composed over 200 works and his influence is felt by many modern composers who want to achieve a sound similar to that he created during his successful career. Visiting the museum is a must for any fan of classical music.
Photo: Clanger’s England
