Cheltenham Local Information: 10 top things to know... more

  • 1. History of Cheltenham

    Cheltenham was awarded a market charter in 1226, but it is most famous for its status as a spa town. Legend has it that the medicinal properties of the water were discovered after people noticed pigeons pecking at salt deposits around the spring. In 1788, King George III visited Cheltenham for five weeks to take the spa water cure, and many distinguished figures and aristocrats...Read more followed his lead. Cheltenham’s popularity as a spa town continued through the Victorian era, and in 1830, the Pitville Pump Room was created just as a place where people could enjoy the spa waters. Read less

  • 2. Now in Cheltenham

    Cheltenham is a spa town in the county of Gloucestershire and is a gateway to the stunning Cotswolds. It is highly regarded for its cultural events, and is the home of many festivals and the famous Gold Cup horse racing event.

  • 3. Events in Cheltenham

    Cheltenham is the place to visit for year round festivals, there is always something exciting happening! Whether you want to enjoy the Gold Cup Horse Racing, Wychwood Festival of Music or one of the renowned Science, Literature, Jazz or Folk festivals, you really are spoilt for choice in Cheltenham.

  • 4. Attractions in Cheltenham

    Cheltenham has many attractions including the National Waterways Museum, Winchcombe Folk and Police museum, Cotswold Farm Park and The Gustav Holst Birthplace Museum. The National Waterways Museum takes visitors through the history of Britain’s inland waterways. The Winchcombe Folk and Police Museum is a unique museum that explores the history of the ancient town of Winchcomb...Read moree and displays The Police Collection with antique Police memorabilia. The Cotswold Farm Park offers a great family day out, and at the Gustav Holst Birthplace Museum you can learn all about the famous composer of The Planets. Read less

  • 5. Things To Do in Cheltenham

    Visitors to Cheltenham are often surprised by how good the shopping is! Cheltenham’s tree lined avenues and cafes create a continental feel, and are the perfect place to indulge in some retail therapy.

  • 6. Business in Cheltenham

    With great shops, restaurants and bars, Cheltenham is buzzing with the presence of many well known businesses and independent local favourites.

  • 7. Transport in Cheltenham

    Cheltenham is easily accessed from areas in the West of England with regular train and bus services. The Cheltenham Spa Express goes directly from Cheltenham to London, and used to be known as the ‘Cheltenham Flyer’. The town is next to the M5, providing excellent transport links to London, Bristol and Birmingham.

  • 8. Entertainment in Cheltenham

    The Festival Calendar in Cheltenham is arguably one of the best in the UK, and the spa town is full of culture and entertainment all year round.

  • 9. Famous Landmarks in Cheltenham

    Cheltenham is often described as the ‘the most complete Regency town in England’, and boats a host of stunning Regency architecture. Gloucester Cathedral in Cheltenham is a must see for any visitors to the town. It is still used daily for worship, and dates back to Medieval times.

  • 10. Interesting Facts about Cheltenham

    The cloisters in Gloucester Cathedral were used in some scenes for the hugely successful Harry Potter films.

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Cheltenham Events

  • 01 July 2013 - 31 July 2013

    Gloucester Quays Food Festival

    Celebrity chefs pull in the crowds at the annual Gloucester Quays Food Festival. The three-day celebration of food takes place in the Gloucester Quays outlet shopping centre and includes live cooking performances on the Aga Rangemaster Cookery Theatre. Big names to have

  • 01 July 2013 - 31 July 2013

    Cheltenham Cricket Festival

    Cheltenham Cricket Festival is the world’s longest running cricket festival on an out ground. Founded in 1872 by James Lillywhite, the festival still remains popular to this day. The festival is set in an idyllic location and offers a programme that features cricket m

  • 01 August 2013 - 31 August 2013

    Gloucester Tall Ships Festival

    Gloucester Docks are a hive of activity during the annual Gloucester Tall Ships Festival. Tall ships sail into the docks for the celebrations during the August bank holiday, as well as smaller modern boats and narrow boats. Visitors can go aboard many of the ships for

  • 01 September 2012 - 30 September 2012

    Underground Festival

    The Underground Festival is a celebration of new musical talent from all over the UK. The festival is held over two days in September in Gloucester Guildhall, and features a packed programme of live performances. The Guildhall was shortlisted in NME’s search for Brit

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