Welcome to Cheltenham

A wonderful mix of the traditional and the new,  Cheltenham nestles against the Cotswolds as the perfect place to unwind and refresh your mind, body and soul.  With unique festival vibes, an abundance of independent and much loved High Street shops, and incredible dining experiences from street food to Michelin starred fine dining. Cheltenham truly is a must-visit town.

Voted the Best Place to Live in the South West by The Sunday Times with its education, culture and connectivity highlighted amongst its best attributes.  As the most complete Regency town in Britain with a population of just 117,000, Cheltenham is intimate and friendly, a civilised place of culture, learning and discovery.

Here are a few of the reasons why you should visit Cheltenham, The Festival Town…

Incomparable festivals

Cheltenham plays host to 35+ significant festivals a year, several of which are world leading.   There’s the world’s longest-running literary festival, Cheltenham Literature Festival. The Cheltenham Music Festival  which is 75+ years old plus the Jazz and Science Festivals. And of course, not forgetting The Cheltenham Festival, the most prestigious jump racing event of the year, with the grand finale, the legendary Gold Cup.

Striking Regency architecture

As you would expect from the most complete Regency town in Britain, Cheltenham is brimming with history. As you stroll along the promenade, it’s easy to see why it became the hip 18^th century hang out for holidaying Brits, after the enterprising Henry Skillicorne unearthed its health-giving spa waters – even gaining the Royal Seal Of Approval after the visit of the then-reigning monarch, George III.

Award-winning restaurants

Cheltenham is also an exciting foodie destination, with so many unique restaurants to explore and discover. There really is something to suit every palate – from David Everitt Matthias’s Michelin-starred ‘Le Champignon Sauvage’, to dining on food from around the world, unique food from independently run eateries, guide book recommended restaurants and many award-winning restaurants.

Buzzy nightlife

Whether you’re enjoying a night out in The Brewery Quarter, taking in the arts at one of our four theatres, or simply relaxing in one of Cheltenham’s unique bars and nightclubs, there’s plenty to keep you entertained.

Cheltenham has successfully retained its Purple Flag award for the seventh consecutive year. The nationally recognised award is given to towns and cities that have an appealing, safe and welcoming evening and night-time economy.

Don’t just take our word for it…

Still need a little convincing to book your stay in Cheltenham?  We are proud to have received rave reviews from international press including the New York Times who described our town as enjoying a cultural renaissance with many "happening spots".  The Sunday Times referred to Cheltenham as "a family-friendly spa town that puts the gloss into Gloucestershire" and the Independent called Cheltenham a "Design Destination" with stylish places to eat, drink and stay.

We look forward to welcoming you to Cheltenham, The Festival Town – your oasis of calm, creativity and culture.