With its plethora of independent restaurants and bars, incredible architecture, iconic racecourse and plenty of green spaces right on the doorstep, it’s no surprise that The Sunday Times declared Cheltenham the 'best place to live in the south west' in 2020.
Whether you’re a local looking to explore more or a tourist visiting the town for the first time, SoGlos has selected the 10 best things to do in Cheltenham — from soaking up the Regency sights to cheering on the horses at the racecourse.
Enjoy world premiere entertainment at the Everyman Theatre
A much-loved theatre that’s been entertaining audiences since 1891, Cheltenham's Everyman is an architectural gem both inside and out. With the auditorium designed by prolific theatre architect Frank Matcham, the space has inspired performers for generations, making it a must-see for locals and visitors.
One of the liveliest arts venues in the county, the Everyman plays host to a diverse variety of productions all year-round, including high-profile shows and world-premieres which people get to see here, in the county, first — including the massively successful Great British Bake Off — The Musical and acclaimed choreographer Matthew Bourne's The Midnight Bell.
Experience 'the roar' at Cheltenham Racecourse
One of the most talked-about experiences at the Cheltenham Festival, the 'Cheltenham roar' is a thunderous cry made by around 70,000 racing and betting fans in the grandstands when the starter raises the tape for the first race of the event.
Renowned for its incredible atmosphere, the four-day festival takes place annually in March at Cheltenham Racecourse. Usually coinciding with Saint Patrick's Day, it's particularly popular with Irish visitors — and it's one not to miss!
Soak up the Regency sights
Head to Cheltenham’s famous Promenade and admire some of the sights of the Regency town, including the Municipal Buildings and Neptune Fountain. And just a short walk up the road in Montpellier, see the famous Caryatids.
Pittville Park is also home to one of the most impressive examples of Regency architecture in town. The Grade I listed Pittville Pump Room is surrounded on three sides by a majestic regency colonnade which, along with its ornate domed ceiling and dramatic entrance, makes it a truly impressive sight.
Try your hand at clay pigeon shooting
Whether you've shot before or are a complete beginner, try out clay shooting at one of the UK's top 10 largest shooting schools, Ian Coley Sporting, in Cheltenham.
Providing everything you could need — an instructor, shotguns, cartridges, clays, all safety equipment and lots of fun! — you'll meet your instructor at the clubhouse who will equip you with an appropriate gun. This might be a 12, 20, 28 or 410 gauge shotgun. You will then challenge you friends in shooting a variety of different clay pigeon targets under the guidance of a friendly and experienced instructor.
Take part in a masterclass at Dunkertons
Discover the skills, secrets and history of cider making at a Dunkertons Masterclass.
Starting off with a welcome cider on arrival, masterclasses at Dunkertons Cider last around two hours and include a guided tour of the cidery, a lesson in cider blending with the master cider maker and a souvenir Dunkertons Cider glass goblet to take home.
Make a splash at Sandford Parks Lido
Promising a great day out for swimmers old and young, make a splash in Cheltenham's outdoor swimming spot — with a heated 50-metre pool at Sandford Parks Lido, plus sunbathing spots and an on-site cafe.
Opened in 1935 with entry costing just sixpence, the lido has welcomed visitors from Cheltenham and beyond ever since, maintaining its position as the town’s summer hot spot.
Explore fascinating artefacts and fine art at The Wilson
The Wilson art gallery and museum — which underwent an extensive refurbishment in 2022 — holds a fascinating collection of historical artefacts and fine art spanning the ages and continents, high profile touring exhibitions and special events across four floors.
Plus, after exploring, The Wilson Kitchen arts cafe on the ground floor welcomes visitors with the smell of freshly brewed coffee and a selection of delicious cakes and pastries, offering a small but perfectly formed menu covering tasty breakfasts to light lunches, with vegan and gluten-free options, as well as a kids' menu.
Dine at one of Cheltenham's impressive independent restaurants
Cheltenham’s vibrant independent restaurant scene offers the chance to eat your way around the world without leaving town.
Try Domaine 16 for a selection of cheesy — and classically French — dishes, such as a croque monsieur, gooey baked Saint Marcellin, or a cheese and charcuterie plate; tuck in to Sri Lankan food at The Coconut Tree with the menu spanning the likes of coconut sambal, kotthu and traditional egg hoppers; and Japanese food such as freshly-rolled sushi, gyoza dumplings, hearty ramen bowls, at KIBOU.
Take in spectacular views from Cleeve Hill
Looking to tick a mountain off your bucket list? You don't need to travel far, with Gloucestershire’s highest point, Cleeve Hill, being named the ‘fastest mountain to climb’ in the UK in a 2021 study — you might even meet some cows along the way!
As the highest point of the Cotswold hills, the Gloucestershire peak offers remarkable views over Cheltenham — including its famous racecourse — and out towards Wales from the top; while keen explorers can also find the neolithic monument, Belas Knap, close to the summit.
Relax at a luxury spa at Gloucestershire's only five-star hotel
For a leisurely break, escape to Gloucestershire’s only five-star hotel, Ellenborough Park, which boasts an outdoor pool and offers a range of deluxe spa breaks, designed to allow guests to completely switch off in the venue’s beautiful spa.
Choose from a number of spa packages, many of which include afternoon tea, dinner in Ellenborough Park’s fine dining restaurant and a wonderful night’s sleep in one of many comfortable, classically styled rooms.
