Question 1

Where Is Cheltenham Located?

Accepted Answer

On the edge of the bucolic rolling hills of the Cotswolds in Gloucestershire county in southwest England is the town of Cheltenham. Arrive by car or train 100 miles west of London, 40 miles north of Bristol, and 50 miles south of Birmingham.

Question 2

What Is Cheltenham Known For?

Accepted Answer

Cheltenham has been recognized as a spa and holiday town since 1716 due to the discovery of natural mineral springs, but the village’s historical records date back to at least 803. Today, the bustling town is known for cultural festivals, nightlife, shopping, elegant Regency architecture, and most famously for the four-day horse races of Cheltenham Cup every March since 1902. The Cheltenham Racecourse was used by the U.S. Army Services of Supply during World War II as a storage depot for vehicles and artillery leading up to D-Day. In this same vein, southwest of town center lies Government Communications Headquarters providing surveillance, security, and intelligence for British government and armed forces in a massive and contemporary building locally known as “The Doughnut.” Cheltenham is frequently voted one of the best places to live in Great Britain, with a population nearing 120,000.

Question 3

A Quick Guide to Cheltenham

Accepted Answer

Festivals: The area is host to a full schedule of festivals throughout much of the year. Aside from the famous horse races, other themes include jazz, science, music, food and wine, comedy, literature, and even the paranormal. Plan your visit accordingly depending on if you’re seeking to participate or want to avoid these events.
The Wilson: Formerly the Cheltenham Art & Gallery Museum and renamed to honor Edward Wilson, the Antarctic explorer, The Wilson features multiple floors of national and international displays with free admission. The heart of the collection is based in the Arts & Crafts movement, including large arrays of furniture made in the Cotswolds. Collections additionally include fine art, local history, archeology, ceramics, as well as the story and memorabilia of its ill-fated polar explorer namesake.
Everyman Theatre: A decadent Frank Matcham-designed masterpiece that opened in 1891, the Everyman Theatre remains the oldest Matcham theatre in operation today, though it has been updated and refurbished while maintaining its original decorative style. Run by a charity organization and volunteers, it continues to offer a year-round schedule of performances across dance, music, opera, drama, and comedy.
The Brewery Quarter: A newly-developed eating and shopping complex at the south end of High Street, The Brewery Quarter offers a joyful and relaxed vibe. You’ll find a state-of-the-art cinema, gym, laser tag, indoor mini-golf, bowling alley, and children’s playland, in addition to numerous restaurants, cafes and bars.

Question 4

Popular Destinations Near Cheltenham

Accepted Answer

Pittville Pump Room: In the contiguous suburb of Pittville, Pittville Pump Room is the largest and last built of the former spa buildings. Today it lives on as an event and concert venue that’s open to the public with free entry as long as it’s closed for events. The building sits at the northeast end overlooking the large Pittville Park, where the southern end is lined with Regency-era townhouses and villas.
Sudeley Castle: A magical, sprawling 15th century castle nestled amongst nine individual award-winning gardens, Sudeley Castle is 20 minutes northeast of Cheltenham center in Winchcombe. It is the only privately owned home to have an English Queen — Catherine Parr, Henry VIII’s sixth wife — buried on its grounds in a marble tomb at St. Mary’s of Sudeley Chapel. The estate includes a restaurant, cafe, shop, and children’s playground. Well-organized to passionately display its 1,000 year history, it also remains an occupied private residence, so the castle is only open on specific dates between February to December.
Cotswold Farm Park: A farm and museum hybrid with a range of farm animals, Cotswold Farm Park is home to many endangered breeds kept immaculately clean and well-loved as their original mission was to save and educate people on rare breeds. Pet a piglet, feed a lamb, take a fun ride on a tractor, have a snack in the cafe, or a peek in the shop. The delightful journey to Cotswold Farm Park, 30 minutes east of Cheltenham, will take you along winding, country roads that give you great views of the Cotswolds during any time of year.

Question 5

Best Neighborhoods in Cheltenham

Accepted Answer

The Promenade: Highly regarded as one of the best shopping streets in the United Kingdom, The Promenade consists of a grand, tree-lined boulevard through town center, offering a mix of mainstream brands and independent shops. Regent Arcade Shopping Centre links the Promenade to High Street and is home of the Wishing Fish Clock, the world’s largest mechanical clock. It is also the site of Neptune’s Fountain, The Hare and the Minotaur sculpture, and Imperial Gardens behind Cheltenham Town Hall.
Montpellier: A highly walkable district at the end of the promenade, Montpellier exudes affluent and historical charm, with many nationally-registered Grade 1 buildings housing restaurants, bars and shops. The neighborhood is also part of the Cheltenham Central Conservation Area. Montpellier Gardens has public restrooms, a children’s playground, tennis courts, a skate park, an arboretum, and a cafe.
The Suffolks: The Suffolks is considered to be a quieter, meandering neighborhood full of independent, artisan shops and restaurants, set around Suffolk Square, just south of Montpellier Gardens. The area boasts bookstores, antique and home decor shops, vintage clothing and jewelry, as well as an amusing number of hairstylists. Pop into the Daffodil Restaurant inside a 1920’s Art Deco cinema, retaining many original features and furnishings. The district also hosts Cheltenham’s only Michelin-starred restaurant, Le Champignon Sauvage.
Bath Road: Just beyond The Suffolks is the heart and soul of South Cheltenham: Bath Road, a thriving local hub of community-oriented businesses, including all manner of banks, grocers, butcher shops, pharmacies, bakeries, shoe shops, florists, and stationary shops along with the requisite restaurants, cafes, and pubs.

Question 6

What is the price range for rentals in Cheltenham?

Accepted Answer

Vacation rentals in Cheltenham have a price range between $39-$7,912. The average price for rentals in Cheltenham is $261 per night.

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