As the centre for the Cotswolds, there are plenty of things to do in Cheltenham.

1. Shopping

Cheltenham now has 2 shopping malls: Regent Arcade and Beechwood Shopping Centre. These are hosts to a variety of local stores and national chain shops, as well as department stores such as Debenhams and BHS. You can feast on chocolate or pamper yourself with body lotions and candles. The other shopping area to investigate is the Promenade, which is home to many specialist stores as well as the large Cavendish House department store.

2. Restaurants and Nightlife

Even outside Race Week, Cheltenham has a bustling town centre, attracting up to 30,000 people who enjoy the multiplex cinema, restaurants, pubs, bars and clubs. Cheltenham’s night clubs cater for a wide age range and you are almost certain to find somewhere that is to your musical taste. As one of the largest venues in the South West, The Centaur is host to a number of large concerts. You can sample almost any cuisine from Michelin starred restaurants through to a wide variety of Indian, Italian, Thai and other restaurants.

 

3. Horse Racing

Often referred to as the home of National Hunt racing, there are race meetings from October through to April. These are always well attended and you can choose your vantage point according to your budget. The Cheltenham Gold Cup is the highlight of the season and the town is full of people watching the races and celebrating St Patrick’s day. If you plan to stay in town, or anywhere close, at this time of year be sure to book well in advance.

4. Festivals

The famous literature festival is just one of the many festivals hosted in the town. There are also events for music, jazz, folk and science. The Greenbelt Music Festival is also held here each year. Most of these events are spread across the town including the Town Hal, Everyman and Playhouse theatres, the Pittville Pump Room as well as many smaller venues.

5. Museums

The composer Gustav Holst was born in Cheltenham and has a museum dedicated to him. There is also the main Art Gallery and Museum, centrally located next to the library. If you prefer something different, nearby Winchcombe has both a Railway museum and a Folk and Police museum.

 

6. Sport

As well as horse racing, football and rugby are sports that the locals are passionate about. The Robins (or Cheltenham Town F.C. to be more correct) are the local football team, currently playing in League One, the second highest football division, which means there is regular soccer action available. For those who prefer rugby, check out the many rugby clubs in town including the Saracens, Old Patesians and the Civil Service RFC.

7. Explore History

As well as visiting the Pittville Pump Rooms and sampling the spa water, you can investigate the roots of famous Cheltonians such as Eddie the Eagle, Richard Hammond, Edward Jenner, Brian Jones and many more. Cheltenham is also home to a number of historic churches and the district Prestbury is reckoned to be one of the most haunted villages in the UK.

Author: Simon Haughtone

Cheltenham is an excellent base for exploring the Cotswolds and surrounding areas. Choose from a wide range of Cheltenham hotels and guest houses to make your stay in Cheltenham a pleasant one.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Simon_Haughtone

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Cheltenham City Guide, Including Cheltenham Hotels

Located in the heart of the scenic Cotswolds, Cheltenham is a city famous for many things – its horseracing and award-winning gardens being just two of them. Then, of course, you have the Regency architecture of the city centre and the lively shopping district, elements that come together to bring vivacity and life to this Gloucestershire city. Further, the city also proves to be a fine base from which to explore the surrounding Cotswolds, home of gently rolling hills and quaint, charming villages.

Places of interest

When you come to Cheltenham, you will soon discover that the draw of the city lies in its appearance, for it has long been considered to be one of Britain’s prettiest towns. Accordingly, many of Cheltenham’s places to visit are ones that focus on scenic displays and historic buildings. Some of the most popular tourist destinations are:

The Holst Birthplace Museum. Originally the home of the famous composer Gustav Holst (of ‘The Planets’ fame), this Regency home shows life as it was in the Victorian period – and incorporates a working Victorian kitchen.

Pittville Park & Pump Room. The beautiful Park contains two lakes, a golf course and spacious, well-tended lawns, whilst the historic Pump Room contains the drinkable spa waters that originally made Cheltenham famous.

The Imperial Gardens. For almost two hundred years, the gardens have been enjoyed by thousands of visitors every year – not least due to the 25,000 bedding plants used annually to create the extensive floral displays.

Sudeley Castle & Gardens. Located just eight miles outside of Cheltenham, the castle is open during the summer and visitors have the chance to see some of the beautiful paintings and artefacts inside.
The Promenade. Cheltenham’s most famous street boasts pavement cafes, smart shops and an attractive history. Lined with trees and boasting Regency architecture throughout, it is considered to be the most picturesque part of the city.

Things to do

During your stay in Cheltenham, you’ll discover a pleasing variety of attractions to visit and things to do, whether you’re a family or couple, or just visiting alone. Throughout the year, the city is buzzing with activity, playing host to many festivals and events, such as the Literature Festival. Just a few things to see and do include:

Cheltenham Town Hall. The elegant hall plays host to festivals in the city throughout the year, and at the same time stays a concert programme in which the music ranges from the classical to the contemporary.

The Everyman Theatre. This hotspot features a massive variety of live entertainment, where you can watch musicals, comedy, drama and even West End productions on tour.

Cheltenham Racecourse. This world-famous venue is home to plenty of racing during the October to April season. Why not time your visit to coincide with the popular National Hunt Festival in March, or visit the Hall of Fame that relays the history of steeple chasing?

Cotswolds Coach Tours. Take the opportunity and join a scenic coach tour in which you’ll join a guide and take in some of the most beautiful views of the English Cotswolds.

Cotswold Farm Park. See history brought to life with numerous animal demonstrations and displays, an ideal place to visit for all the family. There are many rare breeds of farmyard animal from sheep to cattle, waterfowl to horses.

Food & Drink

Cheltenham is home to many different types of restaurant, with the focus on quality. Of course, if you’re after something fast and easy, you’ll find plenty of different cafs and takeaways serving up what you’re looking for, but Cheltenham particularly prides itself on being the home of many stylish eateries. Here are some of the best you can sample:

The Scena Bistro. Enjoy one of the finest dining experiences in Cheltenham at this French restaurant, which has a relaxed and welcoming style.

Off the Square Restaurant. Located in Cheltenham’s fashionable Montpellier district, this friendly eatery serves a variety of dishes on the menu, including plenty of old favourites. Eat in style.

Monty’s Seafood Restaurant. Visit and enjoy a flexible menu that offers a range of different seafood. Alternatively, keep it simple and enjoy the stylish accompaniment of oysters with champagne.

The Storyteller Restaurant. Located in the heart of Cheltenham, this Californian restaurant is both welcoming and atmospheric, boasting the famous Mississippi Seafood Platter and the taste bud-teasing Duck from Heaven.

Epicurian. This is one of Cheltenham’s top restaurants, featuring a bistro and wine bar.

Hotels & Accommodations

There are literally hundreds of places to stay during your visit to Cheltenham, whether you’re looking for a hotel, guesthouse, bed and breakfast or self-catering establishment. Alternatively, other types of accommodation include camping and caravan sites and hostels. Many of the hotels offer special offers and it’s always advisable to search around to find the best deals. Elizabethan manors and country mansions serve as the setting for some of the top hotels in the district.

Kings Arms Hotel
Cheltenham Park Hotel
George Cheltenham Ltd
Beaumont House
Macdonald Queen’s Hotel
Cotswold Grange Hotel
Hotel On The Park
North Hall Hotel
The Prestbury House Hotel & Oaks Restaurant
Clarence Court Hotel
The Quality Hotel Cheltenham
Cleeve Hill Hotel
Thistle Cheltenham
The CheltenhamTownhouse Hotel
Lords of the Manor
Rising Sun Hotel
White Hart Inn
De La Bere Hotel
Oaklands Bed and Breakfast

Entertainment

The night life in Cheltenham is completely entertaining with a host of nightclubs and exciting pubs and bars. You’ll find Cheltenham to be a welcoming and friendly city where you’ll always feel safe. If you’re looking for a nightclub, Subtone and Enigma are two of the most popular, with attractive line-ups of events going on all the time; alternatively, if you’re a fan of Hollywood then you’ll discover that the Odeon cinema shows all the latest blockbusters as well as popular British films.

Cheltenham is sometimes called a city within a park, and when you visit, you’ll see why. The architecture of the city itself is beautiful enough, with Regency-period buildings (over two thousand of them listed!) and attractive designs, but the picturesque parks are what make Cheltenham really special. There are lots of tree-lined avenues, plenty of floral displays and many more examples of nature in bloom that give Cheltenham a truly attractive appearance. Combine this with the wealth of activities and places to see, and it’s hard to deny that Cheltenham is one city you really must visit.

By: Ms Maria Williams -

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