8 Unmissable Things to Do in Cheltenham this Spring!
Discover 8 unmissable things to do in Cheltenham this spring, from exploring Regency architecture to enjoying the races, spas, dining, and vibrant street art.
There is so much to do in the Regency town of Cheltenham. Featuring the thriving arts and festival scene, award-winning bars and restaurants, and spectacular Cotswold scenery.
Here are the top 8 things to do in Cheltenham this spring!
1. Take in the Regency Splendour
Due to the size, number, and frequency of the Regency-style buildings in Cheltenham, it has been named 'Britain's most complete Regency Town'.
From the iconic Pittville Pump Room, which stands grandly at the head of a sweeping lawn in Pittville Park, to the shopping district of Montpellier with the gorgeous fluted columns and Caryatids, there are plenty of Regency sights to soak in and enjoy.
Why not take in the history of the town and discover the Cheltenham of Jane Austen, Lord Byron, and the Duke of Wellington with a guided walking tour? Or enjoy the Regency splendour at your own pace, on two wheels, with the Regency Cheltenham Cycle Trail, or on foot with our self-guided Cheltenham tour.
2. Experience a Day at the Races
A spa resort town wouldn’t be complete without a racecourse. Cheltenham Racecourse is the jewel in jump racing’s crown, playing host to some of the best jumping action in the world from 350 spectacular acres in the lee of the beautiful Cotswold Hills.
Whether you're here on a crisp bright October day for The Showcase, a balmy evening in May for Race Night, or joining the crowds for the biggest jump racing event in the UK, The Cheltenham Festival, in March, you'll feel the unmistakable Cheltenham magic. The racing, the setting, the tradition and history, and the shared sense of enjoyment all combine to give racegoers an experience they’ll never forget.
3. Indulge at an Award-Winning Restaurant
Cheltenham is fortunate to have many award-winning restaurants peppered throughout the town. Luxuriate in the fine dining of Michelin Star & 4 AA Rosettes restaurant Le Champignon Sauvage. Enjoy the warmth of Sri Lankan hospitality and cuisine at The Coconut Tree in St Paul’s. Or travel to the colourful streets of Tokyo at KIBOU, an award-winning Japanese hot kitchen and bar in the heart of the town centre.
The town is also home to many incredible independent restaurants, all offering exceptionally good service and delicious food you simply won't find anywhere else. Enjoy cheese fondue at Domaine 16 or fabulous sustainable caught seafood at Purslane.
4. Unwind with a Luxurious Spa Experience
A visit from King George III to Cheltenham’s original mineralised spring in 1788 secured Cheltenham's position as a spa town and became a catalyst for its transformation into a sought-after destination for the wealthy.
These days, Cheltenham’s spas and wellness centres are a major draw for visitors from all over the world. So, why not treat yourself to some self-love and care with a spa experience at the likes of C-side, Ellenborough Park, or the Greenway Hotel and Spa.
5. Enjoy a Cheeky Tipple at the Many Bars and Breweries
Cheltenham has a plethora of brilliant places to drink and be merry. Check out the many pubs on Bath Road, such as the Exmouth Arms and neighbouring Bath Road Beers, for home-style cooking, local brews, and sun-soaked beer gardens.
Visit The Brewery Quarter just off the High Street for social darts and sips at the newly opened Flight Club, as well as upmarket cocktails and clever concoctions at The Botanist and The Alchemist.
Travel slightly further afield and discover unique venues you won’t find anywhere else. Soak up the atmosphere at Dunkertons Cider in Dowdeswell Park; across the road, you’ll find Sibling Distillery and Battledown Brewery, and just behind Cheltenham Spa train station, you can explore Cheltenham's local brewery, DEYA Brewing Company, and try the beer for yourself in the DEYA Taproom.
For more evening inspiration, check out – Cheltenham Pubs & Bars, Cheltenham Beer Gardens, Cheltenham Wine Bars, and Cheltenham Cocktail Bars.
6. Stretch Your Legs During an Unforgettable Countryside Walk
Sitting in the middle of a valley, Cheltenham is surrounded by beautiful open spaces to spend many a leisurely day roaming. Visit the Devil’s Chimney atop Leckhampton Hill, take the dog out and explore the rich wildlife of Crickley Hill, or enjoy a sunset overlooking the Cheltenham Racecourse at the top of Cleeve Hill.
Cheltenham is also lucky enough to have some stunning nature reserves and Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) which make the most of our stunning Cotswold location. Griffiths Avenue Nature Reserve includes two meadows of wildflowers which support fifteen species of butterfly, along with several large mammals such as badgers and foxes. Meanwhile, The Wildfowl and Wetland Trust is just a short drive from Cheltenham and comprises more than 800 hectares of specialist habitats.
7. Enjoy a Picturesque Trip on a Steam Railway
Known as ‘The Friendly Line in the Cotswolds’, GWSR offers a unique opportunity to sample the glory of steam train travel from 50 years ago. With a 29-mile round trip from Cheltenham Racecourse train station through the picturesque Cotswold countryside, past hamlets and villages, you’ll be treated to panoramic views of the Malverns, the Vale of Evesham, and Wales.
8. Explore the Blossoming Street Art Scene
If you prefer the raucous and rough-edged quality of street art to that found in a gallery, then Cheltenham has got you covered here too.
Since 2017, the Cheltenham Paint Festival has been brightening up the streets of the Regency Town with incredible street art by renowned urban artists such as Inkie, Dank, and Fabio Petani.
One of the best things about the Cheltenham Paint Festival is that many of the large-scale / full-wall art murals remain permanent fixtures, so they can be enjoyed year-round.
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14 February 2025
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