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GloucestershireVisit Cheltenham

The medieval town of Cheltenham became a spa in 1716 after a spring, believed to have healing properties, was discovered in the town.

Legend has it that curious locals tried the waters after noticing that pigeons thrived after pecking at the salty deposits around the spring.  When King George III came to drink the waters in 1788 many aristocratic and notable figures followed suit. 

The town was a very fashionable resort between 1790 and 1840 and during this time it developed in the architectural style popularised by the Prince Regent in Brighton, with classical crescents, terraces, squares and elegant villas set amid formal avenues and gardens.

Designed specifically for leisure and pleasure, the town was frequented by a host of royal, noble and distinguished visitors including Princess (later Queen) Victoria, the Duke of Wellington, Lord Byron, Jane Austen and Charles Dickens. 

Complimenting the Regency architecture are some interesting late-19th century buildings including the neo-Gothic Cheltenham College and the French-Gothic Ladies College. 

Although Cheltenham's popularity as a spa town eventually declined, the town remained prosperous and after World War II grew in importance with the establishment of the Government Communications Headquarters (G.C.H.Q.), one of the West's most important secret surveillance centres. 

Today Cheltenham has a thriving commercial centre and an important tourist destination as a base from which to explore Gloucestershire and the Cotswolds.

The early 19th century layout has survived and today Cheltenham is the most complete Regency town in England.  Most of the town centre is a conservation area of outstanding national importance. 

The town's finest Regency attraction is the Pittville Pump Room.  This splendid Grecian-style building was designed for balls and entertainments as well as the taking of medicinal waters.   At this Grade I Listed Building visitors can still take the famous spa water. 

The Pump Room is set amid the delightful Pittville Park with its ornamental parkland and lakes.  The town has many other open spaces including the tree-lined Promenade, Sandford Pak and the Imperial Gardens.

Cheltenham has museum to visit include the Cheltenham Art Gallery and Museum and the Holst Birthplace Museum, located in a restored Regency house.

Between October and April visitors can also enjoy a day at the world famous Cheltenham Racecourse, home of the National Hunt racing.

      Location Map of Cheltenham
What To See -

Cheltenham Tourist Attractions

 
Cheltenham Racecourse , home of National Hunt Racing. One of England's top racecourses, it hosts 16 fixtures from October to late April including the 3 day Open Meeting in November and the National Hunt Festival in March.  The racecourse also hosts conferences, exhibitions and concerts throughout the year.  Open for racing Oct-Apr.  Tel: 01242 5130144 Admission Charge
 
Holst Birthplace Museum,  4 Clarence Road, Pittville, Cheltenham, GL52 2AY, a short walk from town centre, Gustav Holst (1874 - 1934), composer of 'The Planets', was born in this Regency terrace house which now illustrates the 'upstairs/downstairs' way of life in Victorian and Edwardian times. Period rooms include a working Victorian kitchen and laundry, Regency drawing room, Victorian bedroom and Edwardian nursery. The story of the composer and his music is told alongside many of his personal belongings.  Visitors can hear Holst's music being played.  Open: Feb-Dec: Tue-Sat 10:00-16:00 Tel: 01242 524846  Admission Charge
 
Cheltenham Art Gallery and Museum, Clarence Street, Cheltenham, GL50 3JT, famous for its collection relating to the Arts and Crafts Movement with furniture, textiles, ceramics, silver, jewellery, metalwork and carvings produced by the Arts and Crafts Movement - inspired by William Morris.  Other displays include Dutch and British paintings, Chinese and English pottery and local archaeology.  Exhibition illustrating the history of Cheltenham. Shop and cafe. Open all year: Mon-Sat 10:00-17:20  (Open at 11:00 on 1st Thursday of each month).  Closed Sundays and Bank Holidays. Tel: 01242 237431.
 

Where To Stay in Cheltenham

Call our Hotel Telephone Reservations Line: 0870 4786316

Hotels


? Price Guide shown for a room for 2 people per night is based on the lowest price per person per night available in the future
Price Guide: from £130 per room
Mercure Queens Hotel The Promenade Cheltenham GL50 1NN MAP
Well known for its grand, neo-classical facade which overlooks the Imperial Gardens on Cheltenham’s famous Promenade, The Queen’s is a mere stroll from the town’s many excellent shops and restaurants.

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? Price Guide shown for a room for 2 people per night is based on the lowest price per person per night available in the future
Price Guide: from £59 per room
Barceló Cheltenham Park Hotel Cirencester Road Charlton Kings Cheltenham GL53 8EA MAP
The Cheltenham Park Hotel is a beautifully extended Regency manor house set in its own gardens with a natural lake. The hotel offers luxurious bedrooms and nestles at the edge of the Cotswolds, yet is only 2 miles from the town centre. The ...

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? Price Guide shown for a room for 2 people per night is based on the lowest price per person per night available in the future
Price Guide: from £115 per room
White Hart Inn High Street Winchcombe near Cheltenham GL54 5LJ MAP
The White Hart is a 16th Century inn in the heart of Winchcombe, a small historic town set in the Cotswold countryside. Reopened at the end of 2006, it offers guest accommodation comprising of 8 en-suite bedrooms and a new bar, restaurant and ...

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Alias Hotel Kandinsky Bayshill Road Cheltenham GL50 3AS MAP
like the living room of a great-aunt you always suspected had a racier life than she let on FX Jan 03Nestled in the heart of regency Cheltenham, minutes away from the wonderful Cotswold hills. The Alias Hotel Kandinsky offers a warm welcome to all.

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? Price based on cheapest room for 2 people per night available in next few days
Prices from: £105 a room a LivePriceTM
George Cheltenham 41-49 St Georges Road Cheltenham GL50 3DZ MAP
The privately owned George Hotel offers Regency-style elegance, comfort and luxury in the heart of Cheltenham.

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? Price based on cheapest room for 2 people per night available in next few days
Prices from: £64 a room a LivePriceTM
Clarence Court Hotel Clarence Square Cheltenham GL50 4JR MAP
Clarence Court is a townhouse hotel located the centre of Cheltenham, perfect for shopping and expoloring the Cotswolds the hotel is privately owned by professional hoteliers, offering friendly and personalised service.

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? Price based on cheapest room for 2 people per night available in next few days
Prices from: £50 a room a LivePriceTM
Cheltenham Regency Hotel Gloucester Road Cheltenham GL51 0SS MAP
This elegant and friendly hotel is conveniently located only a few miles from the centre of Regency Cheltenham, yet only minutes from the motorway network.

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Guest Houses, Bed & Breakfasts, Inns and Other Hotels


? Price based on cheapest room for 2 people per night available in next few days
Prices from: £40 a room a LivePriceTM
Central Hotel 7 - 9 Portland Street Cheltenham GL52 2NZ MAP
Cheltenhams most centrally located hotel. Trading as an Aparthotel we offer quailty cut price budget accommodation on a room only basis, with self catering facilities to each room. Most with En-Suite facilities. A real alternative to B&B in Cheltenham. If

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? Price based on cheapest room for 2 people per night available in next few days
Prices from: £49 a room a LivePriceTM
De La Bere Hotel Southam Cheltenham GL52 3NH MAP
A lovely 15th century Cheltenham Tudor manor house set in grounds, part of which overlook Cheltenham racecourse. The hotel boasts tennis and squash facilities.

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? Price based on cheapest room for 2 people per night available in next few days
Prices from: £70 a room a LivePriceTM
Thistle Cheltenham Gloucester Road Cheltenham GL51 OTS MAP
Standing in attractive grounds on the outskirts of Cheltenham, the Thistle Cheltenham Hotel offers excellent service. The hotel boasts an atmosphere of informality and quiet efficiency; perfect for business guests.

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? Price based on cheapest room for 2 people per night available in next few days
Prices from: £99 a room a LivePriceTM
The Wheatsheaf Hotel West End Northleach near Cheltenham GL54 3EZ MAP
Featuring open fires and flag stone floors, this 17th century stone Cotswold coaching inn fuses rustic and contemporary styles.

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? Price based on cheapest room for 2 people per night available in next few days
Prices from: £45 a room a LivePriceTM
New Property Wellington Street Cheltenham GL50 1XZ MAP
A new 62 bedroom designer budget hotel in the heart of Cheltenham, offering value for money, great customer service, innovative design and an exciting experience away from home.

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? Price based on cheapest room for 2 people per night available in next few days
Prices from: £60 a room a LivePriceTM
The CheltenhamTownhouse Hotel 12-14 Pittville Lawn Cheltenham GL52 2BD MAP
The Stunning contemporary refurbishment of this centrally located Townhouse is complemented grand leafy surroundings a short walk to the Racecourse and Pittville Pumprooms, free parking and considerate hosts.

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? Price based on cheapest room for 2 people per night available in next few days
Prices from: £69 a room a LivePriceTM
Beaumont House Shurdington Road Cheltenham GL53 0JE MAP
AA&RAC 4Diamonds,Tourism Council Silver Award 1999,Award 2000/1Children from 10. No Pets.No Smoking Hotel 1850 Regency Hotel, converted to Hotel in the 1980's. Set in beautiful gardens, off street parking.

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Holiday Cottages


Cheltenham Apartments 16 Montpellier Spa Road Cheltenham GL50 1UL
Our luxury serviced apartments offer a stylish home from home for those requiring short term accommodation in this elegant and popular town.

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St James Apartment Honebourne Way Cheltenham GL50 3UB
This one-bedroom, 4th floor apartment is located in the exclusive, newly built St James Walk complex in Cheltenham town centre.

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Central Serviced Apartments 7-9 Portland Street Cheltenham GL52 2NZ
Ideally located in Cheltenham town centre, in the heart of the Cotswolds, these serviced apartments offer a more luxurious alternative to a hotel, and are popular with business people.

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Hollowmead Cheltenham GL51 9RY
Hollowmead is a two bedroomed bungalow with large garden and conservatory in Cheltenham, situated in a quiet location on the edge of countryside, yet only two miles from the town centre and all its attractions. Ideal location for race ... Sleeps 5

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Holmer Cottages Woolstone Cheltenham GL52 9RG
3 Cottages - Holmer Cottages are late 19th century semi-detached brick cottages, each with its own south-facing terrace and private garden overlooking an old apple orchard. Each cottage is charmingly furnished and fully equipped for a ... Sleeps 3 /3/2

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Around The Cheltenham Area


Tourist Information on Nearby Towns To Visit - straight line distance:

Tewkesbury (7.31 miles) Gloucester (7.68 miles) Painswick (9.47 miles) Northleach (11.29 miles) Stroud (12.32 miles) Broadway (12.96 miles) Cirencester (13.46 miles) Bourton-on-the-Water (13.54 miles) Evesham (14.33 miles) Pershore (14.74 miles) Stow-on-the-Wold (15.14 miles)

Info
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Where To Stay

What To See

Around The Area
Information Centre
77 Promenade
Cheltenham
GL50 1PP
Tel: 01242 522878

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