Cheltenham City guide, including hotels

Located in the heart of the scenic Cotswolds, Cheltenham is a cityfamous for many things – its horseracing and award-winning gardensbeing just two of them. Then, of course, you have the Regencyarchitecture of the city centre and the lively shopping district,elements that come together to bring vivacity and life to thisGloucestershire city. Further, the city also proves to be a fine basefrom which to explore the surrounding Cotswolds, home of gently rollinghills and quaint, charming villages.Places of interestWhen you come to Cheltenham, you will soon discover that the draw ofthe city lies in its appearance, for it has long been considered to beone of Britain’s prettiest towns. Accordingly, many of Cheltenham’splaces to visit are ones that focus on scenic displays and historicbuildings. Some of the most popular tourist destinations are:
The Holst Birthplace Museum. Originally the home of the famouscomposer Gustav Holst (of ‘The Planets’ fame), this Regency home showslife as it was in the Victorian period – and incorporates a workingVictorian kitchen.
Pittville Park & Pump Room. The beautiful Park contains twolakes, a golf course and spacious, well-tended lawns, whilst thehistoric Pump Room contains the drinkable spa waters that originallymade Cheltenham famous.
The Imperial Gardens. For almost two hundred years, the gardenshave been enjoyed by thousands of visitors every year – not least dueto the 25,000 bedding plants used annually to create the extensivefloral displays.
Sudeley Castle & Gardens. Located just eight miles outside ofCheltenham, the castle is open during the summer and visitors have thechance to see some of the beautiful paintings and artefacts inside.
The Promenade. Cheltenham’s most famous street boasts pavementcafes, smart shops and an attractive history. Lined with trees andboasting Regency architecture throughout, it is considered to be themost picturesque part of the city.Things to doDuring your stay in Cheltenham, you’ll discover a pleasing variety ofattractions to visit and things to do, whether you’re a family orcouple, or just visiting alone. Throughout the year, the city isbuzzing with activity, playing host to many festivals and events, suchas the Literature Festival. Just a few things to see and do include:
Cheltenham Town Hall. The elegant hall plays host to festivals inthe city throughout the year, and at the same time stays a concertprogramme in which the music ranges from the classical to thecontemporary.
The Everyman Theatre. This hotspot features a massive variety oflive entertainment, where you can watch musicals, comedy, drama andeven West End productions on tour.
Cheltenham Racecourse. This world-famous venue is home to plenty ofracing during the October to April season. Why not time your visit tocoincide with the popular National Hunt Festival in March, or visit theHall of Fame that relays the history of steeple chasing?
Cotswolds Coach Tours. Take the opportunity and join a scenic coachtour in which you’ll join a guide and take in some of the mostbeautiful views of the English Cotswolds.
Cotswold Farm Park. See history brought to life with numerousanimal demonstrations and displays, an ideal place to visit for all thefamily. There are many rare breeds of farmyard animal from sheep tocattle, waterfowl to horses.Food & DrinkCheltenham is home to many different types of restaurant, with thefocus on quality. Of course, if you’re after something fast and easy,you’ll find plenty of different cafés and takeaways serving upwhat you’re looking for, but Cheltenham particularly prides itself onbeing the home of many stylish eateries. Here are some of the best youcan sample:
The Scena Bistro. Enjoy one of the finest dining experiences inCheltenham at this French restaurant, which has a relaxed and welcomingstyle.
Off the Square Restaurant. Located in Cheltenham’s fashionableMontpellier district, this friendly eatery serves a variety of disheson the menu, including plenty of old favourites. Eat in style.
Monty’s Seafood Restaurant. Visit and enjoy a flexible menu thatoffers a range of different seafood. Alternatively, keep it simple andenjoy the stylish accompaniment of oysters with champagne.
The Storyteller Restaurant. Located in the heart of Cheltenham,this Californian restaurant is both welcoming and atmospheric, boastingthe famous Mississippi Seafood Platter and the taste bud-teasing Duckfrom Heaven.
Epicurian. This is one of Cheltenham’s top restaurants, featuring abistro and wine bar.Hotels AccommodationsThere are literally hundreds of places to stay during your visit toCheltenham, whether you’re looking for a hotel, guesthouse, bed andbreakfast or self-catering establishment. Alternatively, other types ofaccommodation include camping and caravan sites and hostels. Many ofthe hotels offer special offers and it’s always advisable to searcharound to find the best deals. Elizabethan manors and country mansionsserve as the setting for some of the top hotels in the district.Kings Arms HotelCheltenham Park HotelGeorge Cheltenham LtdBeaumont HouseMacdonald Queen's HotelCotswold GrangeHotelHotel On The ParkNorth Hall HotelThe PrestburyHouse Hotel Oaks RestaurantClarence Court HotelThe Quality Hotel CheltenhamCleeve Hill HotelThistle CheltenhamThe CheltenhamTownhouse HotelLords of the ManorRising Sun HotelWhite Hart InnDe La Bere HotelOaklands Bed and BreakfastEntertainmentThe night life in Cheltenham is completely entertaining with a host ofnightclubs and exciting pubs and bars. You’ll find Cheltenham to be awelcoming and friendly city where you’ll always feel safe. If you’relooking for a nightclub, Subtone and Enigma are two of the mostpopular, with attractive line-ups of events going on all the time;alternatively, if you’re a fan of Hollywood then you’ll discover thatthe Odeon cinema shows all the latest blockbusters as well as popularBritish films.Cheltenham is sometimes called a city within a park, and when youvisit, you’ll see why. The architecture of the city itself is beautifulenough, with Regency-period buildings (over two thousand of themlisted!) and attractive designs, but the picturesque parks are whatmake Cheltenham really special. There are lots of tree-lined avenues,plenty of floral displays and many more examples of nature in bloomthat give Cheltenham a truly attractive appearance. Combine this withthe wealth of activities and places to see, and it’s hard to deny thatCheltenham is one city you really must visit.This Article may be freely copied as long as it is not modified andthis resource box accompanies the article, together with workinghyperlinks.


By Maria Williams Williams