Scroll down for more accommodation and visitor attractions in and around Cheltenham.
Accommodation and travel ideas in Cheltenham
Cheltenham has been a health and holiday spa town resort since the discovery of mineral springs there in 1716. The spa waters continue to be taken recreationally at Pittville Pump Room, built for this purpose and completed in 1830. Cheltenham's success as a spa town is reflected in the railway station, which is still called Cheltenham Spa, and spa facilities in other towns that were inspired by or named after it.
Horse racing began in Cheltenham in 1815, and became a major national attraction after the establishment of the Festival in 1902. Whilst the volume of tourists visiting the spa has declined, the racecourse attracts tens of thousands of visitors to each day of the festival each year, with such large numbers of visitors having a significant impact on the town.
Historic places to visit in Cheltenham
The town is resplendant in Regency terraces of cream-white houses and wrought-iron railings. Elegant garden squares ringed by charming architecture make Cheltenham a delightful period piece. Be aware, however, that Cheltenham is not a town lost in time. There are modern developments side by side with the older buildings, and the effect is not always pleasing.
The Promenade is the heart of Regency Cheltenham, a refined main street filled with beautiful architecture. In the summer months baskets of flowers are hung from the buildings that verge on The Promenade. Further out of the town centre is the Pittville Pump Room, perhaps the finest remnant of the Regency boom still intact in Cheltenham. It was built between 1825-30, and now houses a museum including historical costumes. There are concerts in the ballroom and in the park that surrounds Pittville. One of Cheltenham's most famous native sons was composer Gustav Holst, born here in 1874. His birthplace in Clarence Street is now a museum housing memorabilia and an exhibit of life "below stairs". Nearby attractions include Leckhampton Hill, where an Iron Age hill fort tops the promontory. Also at Leckhampton is the Devil's Chimney, a 50 ft. high column of limestone. Local legend says that it rises staright from Hell, but the shaft is actually caused by centuries of quarrying for building stone.
Historic bed and breakfasts (B&B's) and hotel accommodation in Cheltenham
The more historic hotels and bed and breakfasts will be towards the centre but there are a decent range of hotels throughout the city along with more rural hotels and B&Bs to stay within easy reach of the city. Overall, there is a good range of bed and breakfast accommodation.
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Places to stay
Places to visit
Guided tours
