Cheltenham Activities

As the cultural capital of the Cotswolds, Cheltenham is ideally situated to take advantage of urban landscapes and extensive countryside alike. We're highly sought-after as a destination for casual country pursuits, and offer graded activities to suit all fitness levels.

As an added bonus, it's just a short drive to much of the wider Cotswolds villages and towns, giving access to some premier-class facilities for all sorts of activities.

Walking & hiking in and around Cheltenham...

Whether you are an urban explorer, keen to explore history and heritage, a countryside rambler or a keen hiker, Cheltenham is a brilliant destination for all three. Our status as most complete Regency Town offers a unique historical insight into the era, and you can stroll at your leisure, or opt for a Regency tour. 

In the spring and summer guided tours of Regency Cheltenham take place. These are run by knowledgeable Blue Badge Guides. See our Tours & Trails section for more information. 

Meanwhile, countryside coveters can leave the verdant town behind and be in unspoiled fields, pastures and meadowland. You can leave the town centre and hit one of the many local bridleways within minutes, or a short drive will have you enjoying the likes of Cranham Woods and Crickley Hill which are all just a short distance from Cheltenham.

For hikers, Cheltenham is of course a landmark waypoint on the Cotswold Way, and you can roam for miles towards Winchcombe heading North or Painswick and Stroud heading South along this heralded National Trail. Less formal walks are also available across the many hills and scarps in the area if you just want a ramble. Find out more about the outdoor spaces near Cheltenham...  

If you want help booking a walking holiday in the area, we can recommend Compass Holidays, who are experts in the local area and who can also move your luggage along The Cotswold Way.

Cycling in Cheltenham & the Cotswolds

As hosts of one stage of the Tour of Britain 2017, we can attest to being a cycling friendly town. Cycling is a great way to get around the town, and if you don't want to bring your own bikes, then you can hire them from The Bicycle Hub based at Cheltenham Spa Railway Station. You can get off the train and grab a bike, park in the hire centre car park, or arrange for delivery to your accommodation. Cheltenham Borough Council has put together a cycle map of Cheltenham. 

Of course, if you are into road cycling, then as well as hopping on a bike in the town centre, you can tackle one of the many hills in the area, and be out in the Cotswolds in a matter of minutes. The hills may be steep but the views are worth it - trust us!

For more inspiration check out...

Top Seven Cheltenham Walks

Best Dog Walks in Cheltenham

Recommended Bike Rides in Cheltenham & the Cotswolds

Other activities...

Swimming

Leisure at Cheltenham offers excellent indoor swimming facilities with a main pool, teaching pool, diving pool and splash pad area for young children. They have a family fun swim session every Saturday and Sunday, and lane swimming is also in place at certain times. A hoist is available. Why not try out their relaxing health spa with a jacuzzi, steam room, sauna and relaxation area.

Should the great British weather allow, head to the nostalgic Sandford Parks Lido, with a 50m pool and a children’s pool with slides and a paddling pool. They have a café and hold various events throughout the summer as well as a dog swim at the end of the year just before the pools are drained. 

Crazy Golf: A great activity with the kids, particularly on a wet day, is Mr Mulligan’s indoor golf located at The Brewery Quarter. They have two 18-hole indoor courses to choose from, each with a unique theme. 

Golf: Golfers and societies are welcome at Lilley Brook Golf Club on the gentle slopes of the Cotswold escarpment with panoramic views and a course that's suitable for all levels. Other close courses include Brickhampton Golf Course (Churchdown), National Star Golf Course (Ullenwood), Cleeve Hill Golf Course, Shipton Golf Course (Andoversford) or Naunton Downs (Naunton). Alternatively, tee off at Cotswolds Hills Golf Club, a 6,800 yard championship course, which is playable virtually all year, and located just a few minutes from Junction 11A of the M5.

Beyond Cheltenham...

As an accessible location in the Cotswolds, it is easy to take advantage of all the great activities we have on the doorstep. The Cotswold Water Park, located at South Cerney offers a wide range of outdoor activities, including walking, cycling, bird-watching, watersports and a dive centre. Meanwhile Gloucester Docks and Quays offers a great day out and you can hire a boat too. 

You can’t visit Cheltenham without at least considering some horse-riding, so why not head to Cotswolds Riding which is just a short drive from the town. They have over 50 horses and ponies to suit any level of ability and are based in the village of Stanton at the foot of the Cotswolds escarpment. Riders enjoy magnificent views as they traverse many miles of paths and bridleways, with virtually no roads to tackle. Novices will be taken on accompanied hacks, while intermediate or advanced riders can enjoy faster hacks, cross country, show jumping and dressage schooling facilities. 

Scroll down to take a more detailed look at all the attractions and activities Cheltenham has to offer!