1 Hour Drive

Cheltenham has long been heralded as the cultural capital of The Cotswolds, providing a wonderful place to stay with an accessible gateway into the wider region. We are well connected with driving, rail and public transport routes, making it simple to visit our top pick sites within a one-hour radius (ish*). We have also created pages for nearer points of interest (30-minute radius) and further points of interest (day trips), depending on your preference and time constraints. 

Towns & Villages

Perhaps two of The Cotswolds most famous picturesque villages are within an hour of Cheltenham - Bourton on the Water and Bibury. Bourton is famous for its riverside location and bustling independent shop scene, while Bibury offers the quintessential Cotswold village image. Chipping Campden - home to the start of The Cotswold Way, Broadway, Moreton in Marsh and Stow on the Wold are also worth a visit and very accessible. 

Outdoor & Country

Much of The Cotswolds region is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), meaning it is a landscape of significant value and has a conservation order placed upon it for preservation purposes. This gives you plenty of scope to explore glorious countryside and enjoy astounding views, and if you're keen on walking why not complete some or all of the 102-mile Cotswold Way. If you want help, our partner Compass Holidays organise walking, cycling, driving and activity holidays around The Cotswold region. 

Heading in the opposite direction from The Cotswolds the world-famous Forest of Dean offers the chance to explore ancient woodland. Scenes from Doctor Who, Star Wars and Sherlock Holmes among others have been filmed in these woodlands and there are plenty of walking and cycling routes to explore off-road. 

For open spaces with a more cultured feel there are two major arboretums within an hour's drive of Cheltenham - Westonbirt and Batsford.

For more recommendations within easy access of Cheltenham, please contact our Tourist Information Centre on 01242 237431 where the team can offer advice, maps, public transport routes and suggested day trips. You can also join one of the guided tours around the area where an expert will show you the best sites on offer.

*Please note, all our recommendations are made according to average travel times but may vary according to driving speeds, traffic and road maintenance. Please factor departure times and these specific conditions as part of your trip planning.