19 unique Cheltenham gifts and experiences to treat Dad this Father’s Day

Father’s Day is just around the corner, and we have rounded up a superb selection of unique Cheltenham gifts and experiences to make Dad feel extra special on his special day.

From relaxing days out and exciting activities to delicious meals and great gift ideas, read on below for some of our top picks… 

Exciting Activities

Ian Coley

Don your ear defenders and set your sights on an afternoon of shooting at Ian Coley Sporting. One of the best shooting grounds and schools in the UK, it’s the perfect place to take Dad to channel his inner James Bond. Beginners and experienced shooters are both welcome with ‘Have-A-Go’ and ‘Pay & Play’ sessions available.

Piston Gin School

Treat Dad to a sensory journey at Piston Gin School as you work together to distil and bottle a unique gin creation. Whether Dad’s a gin fan or just enjoys seeing how the sausage gets made, day distillers will be delighted to discover the intricacies of gin-making at this hands-on masterclass. 

Boulders

Do you and your Dad enjoy an active day out? Grab some chalk and put your forearm strength to the test at Boulders Cheltenham. With a relaxed atmosphere and routes to suit all abilities, spending a few hours at Boulders gym is sure to leave you with a racing heart and a smile on your face. Plus, at the end of the session, you can reward Dad’s hard work with a can of Cheltenham-brewed Deya beer.   

Eat Sleep Axe

Make Dad feel like a true Viking this Father’s Day at Cheltenham’s premiere urban axe-throwing venue Eat Sleep Axe. Test your arm on a variety of fun games, including axe darts, noughts and crosses, or even zombies, all projected onto specially designed end-grain targets. Each lane can take up to four people and sessions last between 60 and 90 minutes. 

Fun Days Out

Culture Fest

For something a bit different this Father’s Day weekend, head to Pittville Park on 15th June and immerse yourself in art, food, music, and dance from around the world. Welcoming everyone from the community and beyond, the free event promises visitors a unique, fun-filled summer afternoon for the whole family.  

Cheltenham Theatres

Treat Dad to an evening at the theatre this Father’s Day and you’ll be spoilt for choice on what to watch.

Running from the 11th to the 15th of June at The Everyman Theatre, Life of Pi is an emotional and immersive retelling of the beloved best-selling book by Yann Martel, featuring world-class puppetry and jaw-dropping visuals. 

Meanwhile, at The Cheltenham Playhouse, Roll The Damn Dice is bringing their monthly dose of madness with a D&D-inspired night of improv and comedy on Thursday 20th June.

Dunkertons Park

What could be better than a refreshing pint of crisp cider in the sunshine? This Father’s Day treat Dad to a day out at Dunkertons Park and you can make a day of it with enough ciders for a personal tasting, five fantastic eateries to grab a bite from, and a rustic farm shop to pick up a last-minute gift. There’s nearly always something happening at the park, so if you’re looking for entertainment then you’re in luck too. With their monthly quiz night taking place on the 19th of June, and soulful sounds from Jamaican singer-songwriter Onika Venus arriving on the 23rd.       

GWSR Real Ale Festival

Steam-powered trips and craft ale sips combine for one glorious day out for Dad this Father’s Day. The Steam and Real Ale Festival returns to the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway from Friday 14th to Sunday 16th June. Taste over 40 local real ales at the Winchcombe and Toddington station bars before hopping on board one of the heritage steam or diesel trains for a ride through the beautiful Cotswold countryside, bliss. 

Prescott Bike Fest

Does your Dad have a need for speed? Prescott Bike Festival is the place to be for bike fans and motorheads this summer in Cheltenham. Check out the special guests with their rare and marvellous motorbikes in the paddocks. Hit the food village, roll out the picnic blanket and watch the bikes race by in the sunshine. Or grab your bike and join like-minded motor heads to ‘Run the Hill’, it's all taking place on the 23rd of June.

Delicious Dinners

Ellenborough Park

For a memorable Father’s Day lunch fit for a king, look no further than Ellenborough Park. Expertly prepared by their suite of talented chefs, expect succulent meats, seasonal vegetables and more trimmings than you can shake a stick at, all served in their timelessly elegant 15th-century-styled restaurant. Or, if the sun is out and shining, you can take to the lawn and enjoy your Father’s Day roast with a picturesque Cotswold backdrop.   

The Tavern

If you prefer the cosy comforts of a local pub to 15th-century splendour, then bring Dad to the Tavern on Royal Well Place. They will be serving up mouth-watering Sunday roasts with a trio of meats to choose from (or why not tuck into all three) as well as a selection of light bites and proper puds for those with a sweet tooth. 

Nook on Five

For those who enjoy dinner with a view, you can’t do much better than Cheltenham’s first rooftop bar and restaurant Nook on Five. With an iconic vista overlooking Imperial Gardens and the Regency skyline of Cheltenham, diners can look forward to an innovative menu of contemporary British and French cuisine and an extensive wine and cocktail list ready to raise a toast to dear old Dad.  

Pho

Serving fantastic Vietnamese street food at an affordable price, Pho is the perfect Father’s Day alternative for those looking for a light nutritious lunch. Pho specialises in pho (who’d have guessed it) a delicious rice noodle soup from Vietnam. Also on the menu are spring and summer rolls, tasty curries and wok-fried noodle and rice dishes.  

Chaplais Kitchen

Serving freshly made pizza and pasta from their charming Montpellier nook, Chaplais Kitchen promises uncomplicated, great-tasting food made with passion and only the finest ingredients. Whether you want to take Dad out for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner Chaplais can deliver, providing a lovely little escape for the family this Father’s Day.

Thoughtful Gifts 

John Lewis

John Lewis has a wide selection of gifts to treat Dad this Father’s Day. How about a nice slate cheeseboard for next month’s wine and cheese night? A Foxx Smith London weekender bag for his next trip away. Or a Lego Icons Land Rover Defender kit to help him recapture his childhood.   

Farrar and Tanner

The award-winning personalised gift retailer has a showroom in Cheltenham, making it the perfect place to find the perfect present for the perfect Dad! Home to an impressive collection of products from renowned brands including Barbour, Culinary Concepts, Edwin Jagger, Robert Welch, and many more. We especially like the stag-adorned whisky tumblers by English Pewter Co. and the Manopoulos walnut backgammon set.

My Pastalicious

With an incredible assortment of Italian deli products to choose from, you can create a delicious custom food hamper to die for this Father’s Day. Or grab yourself a selection of organic Italian bread, fresh cheeses and tempting charcuteries and put together a picnic spread he won’t forget. The My Pastalicious store is only a stone throw’s away from Pittville Park and the stunning Pittville Pump Room, for a leisurely lunch in the park with a view to rival even the Nook’s!  

Gloucestershire Guild of Craftsmen

Want to get Dad something unique? At the The Gloucestershire Guild of Craftsmen nearly all their works have been lovingly hand-made by local artisan makers, so whatever you choose you know you will be getting Dad something one of a kind. 

The guild is a charitable membership organisation made up of designer-makers. Selling and showcasing a changing selection of jewellery, ceramics, textiles, furniture, leatherwork, glass, basketry and more at their Cheltenham store and online.

Cheltenham Gift Card

Can’t quite decide on what to get Dad this Father’s Day? Take the guesswork out of the equation with a Cheltenham Gift Card, a great, flexible present for any occasion. Currently accepted at more than 100 businesses in the town, including shops, restaurants, hotels, bars and cafes, Dad can shop to his heart’s content, and you can pick out an amazing gift together. 

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