A unique shopping and food destination, the spa town of Cheltenham is known as the festival town.
The History of Cheltenham
A mix of the traditional and the new, Cheltenham is the UK’s most complete Regency town. As you stroll along the promenade, it’s easy to see why it became the hip 18th century hang out for holidaying Brits, after the enterprising Henry Skillicorne unearthed its health-giving spa waters – even gaining the Royal Seal Of Approval after the visit of the then-reigning monarch, George III.
Things to do in Cheltenham
Cheltenham is known as the festival town. From its literary festival to its renowned races, food and drink, music and film festivals, Cheltenham hosts 25+ significant festivals each year.
The Cheltenham Festival held at Cheltenham Racecourse is the most prestigious jump racing event of the year, with the grand finale, the legendary Gold Cup bringing in 75,000 people. The Forest of Dean often plays host to visitors looking for a rural getaway with easy access to the races and many of our accommodation providers even put on transport for Gold Cup day.
Visit Cheltenham from the Dean Wye
Cheltenham sits to the north east of the Dean Wye around a 30 minute drive from the outskirts, 45 minutes from the heart of the Forest and parts of the Wye Valley. It is nestled against the Cotswold hills with easy access from the M5. It has a train station and bus station with good access to Gloucester and the Forest of Dean.
See our Getting Here page for information on travel in the area. Interested in walking? The Gloucestershire Way joins the town and the Forest via a fantastic off-road national trail.
For further information about Cheltenham visit www.visitcheltenham.co.uk where you will find helpful guides on:
• What’s On in Cheltenham
• Shopping in Cheltenham
• Restaurants in Cheltenham
• Things To Do in Cheltenham
