Beyond Cheltenham

The Regency spa town of Cheltenham is ideally located a 15 minute drive from the historical city of Gloucester; a 30 minute drive from the Forest of Dean and in the foothills of the Cotswold escarpment.

The Cotswolds is an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, stretching beyond Chipping Campden to the north, Cheltenham to the west, beyond Woodstock and towards Oxford in the east and as far as Bath in the south.

Popular for days out amongst local people, it is known across the world and much favoured by holidaymakers, attracting visitors from all over the world who wish to experience “real England”. Rolling hills, quaint properties made of local honey-coloured limestone, known as Cotswold stone, and traditional drystone walls make up the landscape of this beautiful area. It is known to be picture-postcard perfect, but there is more to this region than initially meets the eye.

Here's some of our regional highlights...

Bourton on the Water

Just under 16 miles away from Cheltenham, Bourton on the Water is regularly voted one of the prettiest villages in England. It is home to the Cotswold Motor Museum, Birdland, Cotswold Perfumery, The Cotswold Brewery and The Model Village, which is a one-ninth scale replica of Bourton on the Water in local stone! Shops and cafes line the pretty main street, with a stream running through, and there is a range of accommodation on offer. 

Stow on the Wold

Sat above Bourton on the Water, Stow on the Wold is approximately 18 miles from Cheltenham. Another of The Cotswolds’ pretty villages, it is lined with elegant shops, bistros, and places to stay, it is near to attractions such as Adam Henson’s Cotswold Farm Park, Batsford Arboretum, Broadway Tower and the GWR Heritage Railway.

Moreton in Marsh

Just 22 miles from Cheltenham, Moreton in Marsh is a Cotswold Market town, with Tuesday being the traditional market day. This historic town is also known for the annual Moreton in Marsh Show, a one-day agricultural and horse show that takes place each September. Just off the High Street towards Evesham you will find the Wellington Aviaition Museum and Art Gallery, and nearby is the village of Chastleton with its' historic Chastleton House, now managed by the National Trust.

Bibury

18 miles south east of Cheltenham, Bibury just a short drive from Cirencester. Often described as “the quaintest village in England” by the national newspapers with its  “truly perfect” Arlington Row of weaver's cottages. Bibury is also home to Bibury Trout Farm and the Church of St. Mary which are popular places to visit.

Cirencester

Cirencester is around 15 miles from Cheltenham. This busy Cotswold town has many shops, and places to eat and has a bustling local feel. The market square is dominated by the Parish Church of St John the Baptist, and the town still hosts many markets. Cirencester Park and The Bathurst Estate host The Cotswolds Show and Polo and is open 8am to 5pm every day throughout the year, where visitors are welcome to walk or enjoy the scenery on horseback.

For further information on all there is to see and do, visit the official tourism website for the Cotswolds.