Cheltenham is a vibrant, colourful and exciting place to live and work with so many beautiful places to explore and visit, from a whole host of amazing restaurants and bars to the town’s many beauty spots – not to mention its famous festivals.
SoGlos has teamed up with Visit Cheltenham and its ‘Find Your Happy Place’ campaign to round up just some of the reasons why a visit to Cheltenham is bound to make you smile in 2021, now the town is reopening and welcoming visitors back.
What’s more, you can share pictures of your happy place on social media with the hashtag #HappyPlaceCheltenham, tagging Visit Cheltenham — and explore the hashtag yourself for happy place inspo!
1. Find Your Happy Place at The Brewery Quarter in Cheltenham
With everything from restaurants and bars such as Nandos and The Alchemist, to gyms and escape rooms, Cheltenham’s Brewery Quarter is brimming with a range of venues to keep the whole family happy.
But that’s not all, as several new exciting venues set to open including Hubbox as well as Indian street food restaurant Mowgli with more expected to be joining them later this year.
2. Find Your Happy Place at Cheltenham’s restaurants and bars
The Brewery Quarter isn’t the only go-to place for foodies in Cheltenham. The town is brimming with amazing independent restaurants to enjoy — and with the recent wet weather, diners have been making the most of being able to eat inside.
Whether you’re looking for somewhere the whole family can enjoy, want to try dishes from around the world without leaving the town or just fancy visiting one of the many cocktail bars in the town, foodies will certainly find their happy place here.
3. Find Your Happy Place at The Everyman Theatre in Cheltenham
After having to keep its doors closed for months, The Everyman Theatre has finally been able to welcome people back to enjoy the magic of live performances.
And with the likes of Hairspray, Priscilla Queen of the Desert, The Play That Goes Wrong and plenty more all set to take to the stage over the next couple of months, there is so much to look forward to. What’s more, visitors can grab a bite to eat at the Everyman Cafe Bar, both indoors or alfresco, ideal for meeting friends, colleagues and family for a catch up.
4. Find Your Happy Place on one of Cheltenham’s walks
Over the last year we have all been encouraged to exercise outdoors more and there’s no better way to explore Cheltenham and its surrounding countryside than on foot.
With some incredibly beautiful settings in the town, people can find their happy place watching the sun set on Leckhampton Hill, walking their dogs on Crickley Hill or capturing a birds eye view of Cheltenham Racecourse at the top of Cleeve Hill.
5. Find Your Happy Place exploring Cheltenham’s Regency Cycle Trail
Ideal for a family day out or just to explore the town on two wheels, Bicycle Hub’s Regency Cycle Trail takes in the likes of the historic Pittville Pump Room, the wonderful array of shops in Montpellier as well as the beautiful landscapes that surround Cheltenham.
Follow the trail by using a detailed guide and mobile app – beginning at Bicycle Hub’s unit at Cheltenham Spa train station before embarking on a gentle six mile cycle trail that will take you along the pleasant Honeybourne Line, through Pittville Park, down traditional Cheltonian styled streets and through the town centre.
6. Find Your Happy Place at one of Cheltenham’s newest venues
Although the last year has been tough for businesses — especially the hosptiality industry — it has also seen a whole host of new venues pop up around the town and now is the time to venture out and visit them.
With everything from new cocktail bars like Urban Fox and Imperial Haus, a variety of different restaurants such as Holee Clucker and Bao & BBQ, a new coffee roastery as well as a brand-new GCHQ-inspired escape room to discover.
7. Find Your Happy Place eating ice cream from The Boathouse in Pittville Park
If you’ve walked in Pittville Park at least once then you are bound to have seen the picturesque Boathouse, which was built in 1984, and is located in the heart of the park — and if you haven’t already been it’s well worth a pit stop on your next walk.
Stopping for an ice cream from the Boathouse is almost mandatory if you’re visiting Pittville Park. It also offers freshly ground coffee, a selection of whole leaf teas, snacks and more – and you can even enjoy a whole host of leisure activities, including boating on the lake!
8. Find Your Happy Place at The Play Farm
With a sizeable play frame and dedicated areas for toddlers and babies, The Play Farm in Cheltenham’s Brewery Quarter provides the perfect place for little ones to play freely, come rain or shine.
What’s more, the play centre has a comfortable environment that allows parents to relax while the kids play, as well as a full restaurant and café which is just what everyone needs after a little run-around!
9. Find Your Happy Place at the Holst Birthplace Museum
Take a trip back in time and explore Cheltenham’s only Regency domestic room that is open to the public. The Holst Birthplace Museum is a time capsule of 19th century life and is where composer Gustav Holst was born in 1874.
With everything from a Victorian bedroom, nursery, scullery and kitchen, there is so much to discover at the museum — including exhibitions, an impressive art collection and the piano on which Holst composed ‘The Planets’. There’s also a programme of events and children’s activities that take place throughout the year.
