Guidebook for Cheltenham
Shops & Boutiques
Several dozen high-street, independent and specialist retailers in a modern indoor shopping mall.
14 locals recommend
Regent Arcade Shopping Centre
Regent StreetSeveral dozen high-street, independent and specialist retailers in a modern indoor shopping mall.
The Promenade is a beautiful tree-lined shopping street that leads from High Street to the independent areas of Montpellier. The Prom, as it is known by the locals, is home to House of Fraser at Cavendish House, along with shops such as Jo Malone, Whistles, Reiss, Oliver Bonas, and Viengard Hill, Toast and Anthropologie.
11 locals recommend
Cheltenham Promenade
16 PromenadeThe Promenade is a beautiful tree-lined shopping street that leads from High Street to the independent areas of Montpellier. The Prom, as it is known by the locals, is home to House of Fraser at Cavendish House, along with shops such as Jo Malone, Whistles, Reiss, Oliver Bonas, and Viengard Hill, Toast and Anthropologie.
Montpellier is set at the end of the Promenade just after Imperial Gardens. Shopping here is in individually styled shops and boutiques with everything from clothes to homeware, and a dance shop sit side by side in Regency buildings with restaurants and a wine bar to give this quarter of the town a real village feeling to the Cheltenham shopping experience.
Montpellier Walk
Montpellier WalkMontpellier is set at the end of the Promenade just after Imperial Gardens. Shopping here is in individually styled shops and boutiques with everything from clothes to homeware, and a dance shop sit side by side in Regency buildings with restaurants and a wine bar to give this quarter of the town a real village feeling to the Cheltenham shopping experience.
Bath Road
Bath RoadA great locals' area with independent food shops, pubs and bistros.
With a wealth of great brands such as premium dining brand Cosy Club, much-loved barista – SOHO Coffee Co., a 104-bedroom Premier Inn, Cineworld – including ViP, IMAX and 4DX screens, Lost World Golf, Nando’s, Five Guys and Hollywood Bowl, dwell time is already high as visitors love to shop, dine, stay and play.
55 locals recommend
The Brewery Quarter
Henrietta StreetWith a wealth of great brands such as premium dining brand Cosy Club, much-loved barista – SOHO Coffee Co., a 104-bedroom Premier Inn, Cineworld – including ViP, IMAX and 4DX screens, Lost World Golf, Nando’s, Five Guys and Hollywood Bowl, dwell time is already high as visitors love to shop, dine, stay and play.
Parks & Gardens
Montpellier Gardens lie close to the town centre and are an important part of Cheltenham's regency landscape. Many of the buildings surrounding the gardens are listed grade one. The site has been owned by the borough council since 1893 and is part of the Cheltenham Central Conservation Area which, at over 600 hectares, is one of the largest in the country. The gardens can be broadly split into two recreational zones. You'll find most of the park facilities in the southern section, including toilets, cafe, tennis courts and a toddlers' play area. The larger informal northern section is used for promenading, sitting, and informal children's play.
56 locals recommend
Montpellier Gardens
24 Montpellier Spa RdMontpellier Gardens lie close to the town centre and are an important part of Cheltenham's regency landscape. Many of the buildings surrounding the gardens are listed grade one. The site has been owned by the borough council since 1893 and is part of the Cheltenham Central Conservation Area which, at over 600 hectares, is one of the largest in the country. The gardens can be broadly split into two recreational zones. You'll find most of the park facilities in the southern section, including toilets, cafe, tennis courts and a toddlers' play area. The larger informal northern section is used for promenading, sitting, and informal children's play.
The 56-acre arboretum at Batsford is situated just a mile west of the historic market town of Moreton-in-Marsh in the heart of the Cotswolds. A former home to the famous Mitford family, interest in the arboretum begins in late winter when the snowdrops, aconites and early flowering daffodils spring into life, followed by magnolias, hellebores, fritillaries and the beautiful Japanese ornamental cherries – stars of the show from late March until mid-April. The handkerchief tree is another show-stopper in May, as are the beautiful wildflower meadows which bloom in high summer.
Batsford
The 56-acre arboretum at Batsford is situated just a mile west of the historic market town of Moreton-in-Marsh in the heart of the Cotswolds. A former home to the famous Mitford family, interest in the arboretum begins in late winter when the snowdrops, aconites and early flowering daffodils spring into life, followed by magnolias, hellebores, fritillaries and the beautiful Japanese ornamental cherries – stars of the show from late March until mid-April. The handkerchief tree is another show-stopper in May, as are the beautiful wildflower meadows which bloom in high summer.
Painswick Rococo Garden is a beautiful place to escape, explore and imagine. It was designed in the 1740s as an English country gentleman's pleasure garden, a place for holding intimate garden parties. Laid out in a hidden valley around Painswick House, the Garden is now the country's only complete surviving rococo garden. Since 1984, the Garden has been rescued from ruin and transformed into a stunning place to escape the busy world. Ripe for riotous pleasure and romance, this is still a fanciful place, and is dotted with perfect spots for socialising or snuggling.
107 locals recommend
Painswick Rococo Garden
Gloucester RoadPainswick Rococo Garden is a beautiful place to escape, explore and imagine. It was designed in the 1740s as an English country gentleman's pleasure garden, a place for holding intimate garden parties. Laid out in a hidden valley around Painswick House, the Garden is now the country's only complete surviving rococo garden. Since 1984, the Garden has been rescued from ruin and transformed into a stunning place to escape the busy world. Ripe for riotous pleasure and romance, this is still a fanciful place, and is dotted with perfect spots for socialising or snuggling.
Opened in 1825, Cheltenham's largest ornamental park includes playgrounds, a boating lake and an aviary. Imperial Gardens, which can be found at the rear of the Town Hall, were originally planted out for the exclusive use of the subscribers to the Sherborne Spa. The spa was constructed in 1818 on the site now occupied by the Queens Hotel. Over the intervening years, the gardens have undergone many changes, with the formal style you now see being laid out just after the second world war. Each year, approximately 25,000 bedding plants are used to produce the magnificent floral displays enjoyed by thousands of visitors every year. During the summer months, Imperial Gardens becomes host to many outdoor events and festivals including the Literature, Jazz, Science and Music Festivals.
157 locals recommend
Pittville Park
Opened in 1825, Cheltenham's largest ornamental park includes playgrounds, a boating lake and an aviary. Imperial Gardens, which can be found at the rear of the Town Hall, were originally planted out for the exclusive use of the subscribers to the Sherborne Spa. The spa was constructed in 1818 on the site now occupied by the Queens Hotel. Over the intervening years, the gardens have undergone many changes, with the formal style you now see being laid out just after the second world war. Each year, approximately 25,000 bedding plants are used to produce the magnificent floral displays enjoyed by thousands of visitors every year. During the summer months, Imperial Gardens becomes host to many outdoor events and festivals including the Literature, Jazz, Science and Music Festivals.
Travel
Starline Taxis Cheltenham
6 Royal Well PlWildlife
The Cotswold Wildlife Park is a truly fantastic day out for both little and big kids! As one of the UK’s largest zoological collections, the park is home to over 260 different species of animals set in 160 acres of beautiful landscaped parkland and gardens. With daily talks on the penguins and lemur feeding, a hands-on animal farmyard, narrow-gauge railway and adventure playground, there’s plenty to see and do to keep the whole family entertained!
443 locals recommend
Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens
The Cotswold Wildlife Park is a truly fantastic day out for both little and big kids! As one of the UK’s largest zoological collections, the park is home to over 260 different species of animals set in 160 acres of beautiful landscaped parkland and gardens. With daily talks on the penguins and lemur feeding, a hands-on animal farmyard, narrow-gauge railway and adventure playground, there’s plenty to see and do to keep the whole family entertained!
Sitting in the heart of the Cotswolds, Adam Henson’s Cotswold Farm Park has a longstanding reputation for a fun-filled day out. Visitors of all ages can interact closely with the animals and learn about farming, past and present. As the home of rare breed conservation, visitors can meet over 50 flocks and herds of farm animals, including Gloucestershire Old Spot Pigs and Highland cattle. The Touch Barn and Demonstration Barn can be enjoyed all year round, as they are undercover and protected from the elements. With an adventure playground, Farm Safari, Maze, Tractor School, Sand Pits and Jumping Pillows, there’s lots of entertainment for children of all ages. The on-site restaurant, serving seasonal food and Adam’s own beer is a hit with the adults!
251 locals recommend
Cotswold Farm Park
Sitting in the heart of the Cotswolds, Adam Henson’s Cotswold Farm Park has a longstanding reputation for a fun-filled day out. Visitors of all ages can interact closely with the animals and learn about farming, past and present. As the home of rare breed conservation, visitors can meet over 50 flocks and herds of farm animals, including Gloucestershire Old Spot Pigs and Highland cattle. The Touch Barn and Demonstration Barn can be enjoyed all year round, as they are undercover and protected from the elements. With an adventure playground, Farm Safari, Maze, Tractor School, Sand Pits and Jumping Pillows, there’s lots of entertainment for children of all ages. The on-site restaurant, serving seasonal food and Adam’s own beer is a hit with the adults!
Outdoor Activities
Cheltenham racecourse, the jewel in Jump racing’s crown, plays host to the best horse jumping action in the world from 350 spectacular acres in the lee of the beautiful Cotswold hills. Whether you’re here on a crisp bright October day or a balmy evening in May, you’ll feel that unmistakable Cheltenham magic. There are 16 days of top-class Jump racing in the Cheltenham race calendar, with hundreds of thousands of racing fans visiting every year. Spectators can enjoy a wide variety of race experiences from the relaxed meetings in October and April to the exciting November Meeting and family fun on New Year’s Day. But the real focus of the Jump season, is of course, The Festival™ presented by Magners, taking place over four days in March with the backdrop of the magnificent Cotswolds.
284 locals recommend
Cheltenham Racecourse
Evesham RoadCheltenham racecourse, the jewel in Jump racing’s crown, plays host to the best horse jumping action in the world from 350 spectacular acres in the lee of the beautiful Cotswold hills. Whether you’re here on a crisp bright October day or a balmy evening in May, you’ll feel that unmistakable Cheltenham magic. There are 16 days of top-class Jump racing in the Cheltenham race calendar, with hundreds of thousands of racing fans visiting every year. Spectators can enjoy a wide variety of race experiences from the relaxed meetings in October and April to the exciting November Meeting and family fun on New Year’s Day. But the real focus of the Jump season, is of course, The Festival™ presented by Magners, taking place over four days in March with the backdrop of the magnificent Cotswolds.
Just a few miles outside Cheltenham, a haven for ultra-keen and pro mountain bikers. This 100-acre bike park just outside the centre of Gloucester is the biggest privately-owned mountain bike facility in England. It features downhill trails, an indoor pumptrack, a dirt jump barn and field, as well as the unique ‘uplift’ feature, with transport for you and your bike back to the top of the hill after a descent. If you can’t bring your own bike, bikes are available for hire.
15 locals recommend
Flyup 417 Bike Park
Just a few miles outside Cheltenham, a haven for ultra-keen and pro mountain bikers. This 100-acre bike park just outside the centre of Gloucester is the biggest privately-owned mountain bike facility in England. It features downhill trails, an indoor pumptrack, a dirt jump barn and field, as well as the unique ‘uplift’ feature, with transport for you and your bike back to the top of the hill after a descent. If you can’t bring your own bike, bikes are available for hire.
This national long distance trail of 102 miles (164km) runs between Chipping Campden in the north and the city of Bath in the south, mostly all along the Cotswold escarpment and passing through many picturesque Cotswold villages. The Cotswold Conservation Board, which manages this AONB, provides details of a 4-mile moderate walk starting at Broadway and taking in Broadway Tower.
70 locals recommend
Cotswold Way
B4070This national long distance trail of 102 miles (164km) runs between Chipping Campden in the north and the city of Bath in the south, mostly all along the Cotswold escarpment and passing through many picturesque Cotswold villages. The Cotswold Conservation Board, which manages this AONB, provides details of a 4-mile moderate walk starting at Broadway and taking in Broadway Tower.
Art & Culture
Cheltenham Festivals is a charity running outreach programmes throughout the year, culminating with the town’s internationally acclaimed Jazz (May), Science (June), Music (July), and Literature (October) Festivals over a total of 36 days. The four festivals feature nearly 1,000 events, with 25% of their programme free to enter. Bringing in world-famous acts, performers, experts and authors year on year, the town well and truly comes to life during the Festivals. Head to the website to see if your stay coincides with one of the above but, be warned, tickets can be snapped up months in advance for the most popular events.
58 locals recommend
Cheltenham Festivals
109- 111 Bath RdCheltenham Festivals is a charity running outreach programmes throughout the year, culminating with the town’s internationally acclaimed Jazz (May), Science (June), Music (July), and Literature (October) Festivals over a total of 36 days. The four festivals feature nearly 1,000 events, with 25% of their programme free to enter. Bringing in world-famous acts, performers, experts and authors year on year, the town well and truly comes to life during the Festivals. Head to the website to see if your stay coincides with one of the above but, be warned, tickets can be snapped up months in advance for the most popular events.
Victorian theatre in the heart of Cheltenham presenting a wide range of shows from comedy, drama, musicals & opera. They also produce a family pantomime.
124 locals recommend
Everyman Theatre
10 Regent StVictorian theatre in the heart of Cheltenham presenting a wide range of shows from comedy, drama, musicals & opera. They also produce a family pantomime.
Rich in heritage, opulence and vibrancy, the much-loved jewel of Cheltenham sets a stunning backdrop for an impressive year-round events programme, as well as private functions and corporate hospitality.
71 locals recommend
Cheltenham Town Hall
Imperial SquareRich in heritage, opulence and vibrancy, the much-loved jewel of Cheltenham sets a stunning backdrop for an impressive year-round events programme, as well as private functions and corporate hospitality.
Longborough Festival Opera is one of the UK's finest country opera houses, with its 500-seat theatre overlooking the glorious rolling hills of the Cotswolds. Each performance is created especially for the Festival: talented designers, directors, conductors and the best up-and-coming artists coming together to bring you something you won't have seen anywhere else. The 2019 Festival runs from 5 June to 3 August, and includes Wagner's Das Rheingold, Donizetti's Anna Bolena, Mozart's Don Giovanni, and Cavalli's La Calisto. Bring your own picnic hamper or eat in one of Longborough's many dining options. (Note: dogs are not permitted, except guide dogs by prior arrangement.)
17 locals recommend
Longborough Festival Opera
Longborough Festival Opera is one of the UK's finest country opera houses, with its 500-seat theatre overlooking the glorious rolling hills of the Cotswolds. Each performance is created especially for the Festival: talented designers, directors, conductors and the best up-and-coming artists coming together to bring you something you won't have seen anywhere else. The 2019 Festival runs from 5 June to 3 August, and includes Wagner's Das Rheingold, Donizetti's Anna Bolena, Mozart's Don Giovanni, and Cavalli's La Calisto. Bring your own picnic hamper or eat in one of Longborough's many dining options. (Note: dogs are not permitted, except guide dogs by prior arrangement.)
Food scene
The Stroud farmers’ market is one of the biggest and busiest farmers markets in the United Kingdom and is also known for being a bit of a celebrity haunt. While it has been featured by multiple cooking shows and major national publications, it has not lost its authenticity with all produce and crafts gathered or created within a 17-mile radius. It is also multi-award winning, scooping not one but two FARMA awards for Best Farmers’ Market and Radio 4’s Best Farmers’ Market in the country in 2010. The market has between 50 and 55 stalls depending on the season, including Cotswold cheeses, chutneys and preserves, speciality butchers, cooked food stalls, ice cream and certified organic traders. The market also has several special events throughout the year such as the apple day festivities in October, Christmas events in December and the occasional cooking demonstration from local celebrity chef, Robert Rees.
35 locals recommend
Farmers Market
The Stroud farmers’ market is one of the biggest and busiest farmers markets in the United Kingdom and is also known for being a bit of a celebrity haunt. While it has been featured by multiple cooking shows and major national publications, it has not lost its authenticity with all produce and crafts gathered or created within a 17-mile radius. It is also multi-award winning, scooping not one but two FARMA awards for Best Farmers’ Market and Radio 4’s Best Farmers’ Market in the country in 2010. The market has between 50 and 55 stalls depending on the season, including Cotswold cheeses, chutneys and preserves, speciality butchers, cooked food stalls, ice cream and certified organic traders. The market also has several special events throughout the year such as the apple day festivities in October, Christmas events in December and the occasional cooking demonstration from local celebrity chef, Robert Rees.
The Ivy Montpellier Brasserie in Cheltenham is an all-day dining British restaurant with an all-encompassing menu serving modern British and international classics, seven days a week. Located in the stunning grade I listed Montpellier Rotunda building, the restaurant serves breakfast, elevenses, lunch, weekend brunch, afternoon tea and dinner and features a private dining room and a bar, offering relaxed yet sophisticated dining in the popular town in Gloucestershire.
74 locals recommend
The Ivy Montpellier Brasserie Cheltenham
Montpellier StreetThe Ivy Montpellier Brasserie in Cheltenham is an all-day dining British restaurant with an all-encompassing menu serving modern British and international classics, seven days a week. Located in the stunning grade I listed Montpellier Rotunda building, the restaurant serves breakfast, elevenses, lunch, weekend brunch, afternoon tea and dinner and features a private dining room and a bar, offering relaxed yet sophisticated dining in the popular town in Gloucestershire.
Classic on the outside, contemporary British on the inside located in the heart of Cheltenham. Traditional classics and modern European dishes showcase the best seasonal ingredients in the restaurant. All ingredients are sourced and gathered locally wherever possible but always from British lands and shores.
30 locals recommend
No. 131
131 PromenadeClassic on the outside, contemporary British on the inside located in the heart of Cheltenham. Traditional classics and modern European dishes showcase the best seasonal ingredients in the restaurant. All ingredients are sourced and gathered locally wherever possible but always from British lands and shores.
Dating from the 17th century, the Inn has proven to be a popular retreat for those appreciating good food, fine wine and real ales.
32 locals recommend
The Green Dragon Inn Pub & Shop
Dating from the 17th century, the Inn has proven to be a popular retreat for those appreciating good food, fine wine and real ales.
Creative food and drink in a stylish and cotemporary environment in the heart of Cheltenham’s upmarket Montpellier.
6 locals recommend
Door 4
4 Montpellier WalkCreative food and drink in a stylish and cotemporary environment in the heart of Cheltenham’s upmarket Montpellier.
A specialist in independent wines and spirits, John Gordan’s is a fantastic wine bar in Montpellier with over 200 whiskies and 150 gins to choose from!
40 locals recommend
John Gordons - Specialist Spirit Merchant - Wine, Whisky & Gin Bar - Food
11 Montpellier ArcadeA specialist in independent wines and spirits, John Gordan’s is a fantastic wine bar in Montpellier with over 200 whiskies and 150 gins to choose from!