Boasting amazing architecture, world-famous attractions and peaceful parks, Cheltenham is home to a host of historic, iconic, and natural sights.
SoGlos has found 12 of the town’s best sights to feast your eyes on, showcasing just why we’re so lucky to be surrounded by these lovely local gems and architectural beauties.
Cheltenham Racecourse
A world-famous destination, Cheltenham Racecourse is the jewel in jump racing’s crown, welcoming over 700,000 visitors throughout the year. Playing host to some of the best horse racing action in the world, the home straight has been the setting for plenty of thrilling contests since the first races were held on Cleeve Hill in 1818.
Pittville Pump Room
Standing at the top of the park, Pittville Pump Room is one of Cheltenham’s most iconic and beautiful sights. The grade I-listed building is surrounded on three sides by its majestic regency colonnade which, along with its ornate domed ceiling and dramatic entrance, makes it a truly impressive sight.
Everyman Theatre
Cheltenham’s much-loved theatre that’s been entertaining audiences since 1891, the Everyman is an architectural gem both inside and out. With the auditorium designed by Frank Matcham, the space has inspired performers for generations, making it a must-see for locals and visitors.
The Rotunda
A grade I-listed building in the heart of Montpellier, The Rotunda is a striking sight thanks to its colonnade and domed ceiling. Now housing The Ivy Montpellier Brasserie, the historic building features opulent décor and a showstopping central bar.
Imperial and Montpellier Gardens
Offering a pretty setting for picnics, relaxed drinks and catching some rays, Cheltenham’s Imperial and Montpellier Gardens both offer a lovely, landscaped area in town. With an alfresco bar in the former and characterful bandstand in the latter, the gardens welcome flocks of visitors during the warmer months.
The Daffodil
Situated in the Suffolks area of Cheltenham, The Daffodil is one of the town’s most unique buildings, with gorgeous period features including a sweeping staircase, characterful chequered flooring and a large dining room that exudes art deco style.
Cheltenham Town Hall
Surrounded by Corinthian-style columns with a grand entrance, Cheltenham’s grade II-listed Town Hall is reminiscent of Baroque-style architecture; the venue welcomes audiences to soak up its magnificent interiors, including the striking coved ceiling.
Cheltenham Ladies’ College
Built at the end of the 19th century, the iconic copper dome at Cheltenham Ladies’ College was originally built as an observatory; drawings in the College Archives show that it once contained a large telescope, with the dome itself designed to rotate to offer the best possible view across the night sky.
A striking feature, Cheltenham residents are sure to recognise the impressive dome from walking through the Montpellier area of town.
Sandford Parks Lido
Opened in 1935 with entry costing just sixpence, Sandford Parks Lido has welcomed visitors from Cheltenham and beyond ever since, maintaining its position as the town’s summer hot spot. Promising a great day out for swimmers old and young, it’s no wonder that visitors flock to the 50-metre pool year after year!
The Royal Crescent
The Georgian townhouses of The Royal Crescent create a lovely sweeping arch standing proudly in Cheltenham’s town centre and dating back to the 1800s. Now home to local businesses and surrounding the town’s bus station, the crescent offers a beautiful example of the town’s period architecture.
Pittville Park
Popular with families, dog walkers, runners, picnickers and nature lovers alike, Pittville Park opened in 1825, famous for its rolling lawns, characterful bandstand and its star attraction, the picture-perfect lake.
The Promenade
A cosmopolitan space in the heart of town, Cheltenham’s famous Promenade is home to magnificent regency buildings, prestigious shops, lovely eateries, and the ornamental Neptune Fountain, all of which create a lovely path from the high street up into the Montpellier district.
