Best Things To See And Do When You Visit Cheltenham, Cheltenham, England

An elegant Regency town on the edge of the Cotswolds, a place that combines culture and festivals with green spaces and lively restaurants. This is the spa town of Cheltenham, and – as I discovered on my recent trip – it is the perfect place for a short break. Whether you are drawn by history, architecture, shopping or the arts, here are some of the best things to do when you visit Cheltenham…

Cheltenham is often described as the most complete Regency town in England, shaped by the development of spa facilities in the early 19th century. Its elegant streets, crescents and parks sit alongside modern shopping districts and gourmet restaurants. Today it is also known as a festival town, home to world‑class events and an internationally renowned racecourse.

Cheltenham is conveniently located both for the towns and cities of the West Midlands and for the villages and countryside of the Cotswolds.

Cheltenham’s rise as a fashionable spa town began after the discovery of mineral springs in 1716. It was believed that the waters had health‑giving properties, and by the late 18th century the town was booming, attracting aristocratic visitors – including King George III – who came to take the waters. ...... (follow the instructions below for accessing the rest of this article).