Cheltenham Tourist Information

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 Park and the Imperial Gardens.

Cheltenham has museums to visit that 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.

Cheltenham has a Tourist Information Centre