Ladies weekend in Cheltenham & Gloucester

We've rounded up the best ideas and activities for an unforgettable ladies weekend in Cheltenham and Gloucester. From stylish afternoon teas and wine tasting; sophisticated dinner and cocktails; relaxing spa breaks and unique adventures. Whatever you choose you’ll be sure to create long lasting memories with your closest female friends.

If you’re a bridesmaid scouting for fun hen weekend activities or you are simply trying to organise a fun ladies weekend to make up for time lost during the pandemic, this guide is for you.

The city of Gloucester and The Festival Town of Cheltenham are located just five miles apart, with great rail and bus connections. We believe the two destinations offer all the ingredients for an unforgettable ladies weekend. Read on to see why!

For stag do ideas check out – Stag do ideas & activities in Cheltenham & Gloucester

Images - Gin masterclass at Memsahib Lounge (left), shopping in Cheltenham (right)

Relaxing activities for a ladies weekend in Cheltenham & Gloucester

Swim, soak and recharge during a day at the spa

Cheltenham and Gloucester are home to many stylish spas. We recommend the award-winning Cowley Manor C-Side Spa (reopening in July 2023 after a major renovation) with its incredible heated outdoor and indoor pool; The Greenway Hotel & Spa with full treatment menu, hydrotherapy pool and stylish outdoor space with hot tub and the heavenly countryside retreat at Ellenborough Park.

For full details check out – Spas in Cheltenham | Spas in Gloucester

Shop until you drop

Both destinations offer fabulous shopping opportunities. Cheltenham is home to many stylish independent boutiques and High Street favourite stores including John Lewis, whom offer a fabulous free personal shopping experience for groups (and individuals). The key shopping areas to explore are the High Street, Montpellier and The Suffolks.

Neighbouring Gloucester is home to the very popular Gloucester Quays offering up to 70% off the RRP from big brands like Tommy Hilfiger and All Saints.

Catch up over afternoon tea with fizz

Indulge in bite size sandwiches and fruit-filled scones with a glass of fizz (or two!) You’ll be spoilt for choice when selecting places to enjoy afternoon tea in Cheltenham and Gloucester. We recommend…

Luxury hotels – Queens Hotel, No 131, Ellenborough Park, The Greenway Hotel, Cowley Manor

Independent hidden gems – The Nook on Five (Cheltenham's only rooftop bar & restaurant), Regency Tea Rooms, The Find, Lily’s Restaurant & Tearoom (located on the most photographed street in Gloucester!)

Enjoy a movie under the stars

Can anything beat a warm summer evening with your best friends watching a hit classic movie, whilst sipping on Prosecco?

There are several venues in both Cheltenham and Gloucester to enjoy movies under the stars this summer from Sandford Park Lido to Cowley Manor and the Open-Air Theatre Festival at the Tuckwell Amphitheatre.

Memsahib Gin Masterclasses

Memsahib Lounge, 47 - 49 Promenade, Cheltenham GL50 1PJ

Want to try something a little different during your ladies weekend in Cheltenham? How about a gin masterclass at Memsahib Lounge? Or an Anglo-Indian cookery masterclass with an award-winning chef? Both masterclasses include afternoon tea and are run frequently throughout the year.

Memsahib Lounge also caters for private dining in their bar and lounge, as well as drinks reception events and exclusive hire for private parties and dinner.

Sibling Gin Distillery Tours

Coxhorne Farm, London Road, Charlton Kings, Cheltenham, GL52 6UY

Owned by four siblings who set up their gin distillery next to their family brewery in 2014. The unique distillery tours are run frequently throughout the year. Learn how they make gin and how to taste gin like a pro (whilst your glass is topped up throughout!) The tour also include nibbles and a gin themed quiz with prizes.

Wine Tasting at Tivoli Wines

56 Andover Road, Cheltenham, GL50 2TL

The Wine Library at Tivoli Wines in Cheltenham provides wine lovers with the opportunity to taste and learn about wine in a relaxing atmosphere.

With as many as 20 wines to sample from state-of-the-art Enomatic wine dispensing machines, you and your friends can chill out on Chesterfield sofas and enjoy the wines at your own pace.

Images - Bike ride in Cheltenham (left), guided tour in Cheltenham (top), paddleboarding on Sharpness Canal in Gloucester (bottom).

Active ladies weekend activities in Cheltenham & Gloucester

Discover Regency Cheltenham on two wheels

For an unforgettable day with your friends hop hire a bike from Compass Holidays (electric or push bike, the choice is yours!) and take a ride along the Honeybourne Line, stopping to take photos of the Cheltenham Paint Festival street art, and make your way over to Pittville Park.

Explore Pittville Park Boating Lake in a rowing boat

Enjoy a relaxing row around the boating lake before stopping at the Boathouse Café or Pittville Pump Room Heritage Café for an ice cream or caffeine boost!

Learn about Regency Cheltenham’s hidden gems (or Gloucester’s ghosts and ghouls!)

Book on a guided walking tour with blue badge guides – Around Cheltenham or Tour and Explore to discover the rich history of Cheltenham Spa and the towns past and present interesting characters. Or embrace your theatrical side with a guided walking tour hosted by Cheltenham Promenaders.

Alternatively, if a ghost tour is more your thing you’ll love Gloucester Ghost Walks. Gloucester is one of the most haunted cities in the country. Walk through the darkened streets and hidden alleys to discover secrets under the cover of night.

Explore the waterways in Gloucester

Book a self-drive boat with Gloucester boat hire and explore the nearby Gloucester & Sharpness Canal to get a different perspective of the historic docklands. Pass under the working swing bridges and explore the wild and beautiful countryside further down the canal.

The boats seat 8 people and can be booked throughout the day for 30 minutes up to 3 hours.

Images - Skiing at Gloucester Ski & Snowboard Centre, Gloucester (left & top), paddleboarding in Gloucester Docks (bottom)

Take to the water on a paddle board

Llanthony Warehouse, Gloucester Docks, Gloucester, GL1 2EH

Discover Paddling offer memorable kayaking, canoeing and paddle boarding experiences from SUP safaris, paddles to the pub and private group sessions bespoke to your ladies weekend requirements.

Perfectly positioned in the heart of the Historic Gloucester Dock with easy access to transport links and local cafes and restaurants. You can be sure to relax and unwind as you meander along the stunning waterways enjoying a paddle with your best friends. 

Hit the slopes

Matson Lane, Robinswood Hill, Gloucester, GL4 6EA

Gloucester Ski and Snowboard Centre is one of the longest outdoor artificial ski slopes in the UK for skiing and snowboarding fun. With options for group packs and coaching, and recreational practice for seasonal skiers.

Tubing is popular with all ages and does not need any previous experience to enjoy. The large inflatable rings can be spun and linked with others and there are several options for large parties.

Alongside the ski slopes you can also enjoy golf, squash, sauna, Jacuzzi and a leisure pool. As well as Battle Hill, a totally wireless outdoor laser tag facility that offers all the thrills of paintball without the bruises.

Other ladies weekend ideas in Cheltenham and Gloucester – Escape Rooms Cheltenham | Escape Hunt Cheltenham  | Electric Scooter Hire | Things to do in Cheltenham | Things to do in Gloucester | What's on in Cheltenham | What's on in Gloucester

Images - Imperial Haus (left & top), drinks outside Montpellier Wine Bar (bottom)

Cocktail & wine bars for a ladies weekend in Cheltenham

Cheltenham is blessed with many stylish and sophisticated venues to enjoy cocktails and wine for an unforgettable ladies night.  Here are a few of our favourites…

The Nook on Five

Cheltenam's only roof top bar and restaurant offers an unforgettable night out with views over the rooftops of Regency Cheltenham. 

The cocktail menu features popular contemporary cocktails alongside an extensive wine list. Here you can expect a glamorous interior with live piano music at weekends and special events throughout the year. The restaurant is also available for private parties. 

Queens Hotel Summer Garden

The Promenade, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL50 1NN

The iconic Queens Hotel is a prime spot to head to for drinks either in the summer garden or the stylish lounge area. 

Gin & Juice

No 131 The Promenade, Cheltenham, GL50 1NW

Recently named the 'Best Hotel Gin Bar in the World' by Gin Magazine, you’ll be in safe hands for an unforgettable ladies night out in Cheltenham at the Gin & Juice, located at No. 131 on The Promenade.

Offering an exceptional range of over 350 gins (and growing!), classic and signature cocktails and an extensive wine menu. Food is served Thursday - Sunday from 12pm until 8pm, followed by house DJ's and special guests playing into the early hours on Fridays and Saturdays. Make sure you try the Candyfloss Gin, an instagrammable delight!

More inspiration - Wine bars in Cheltenham | Cocktail bars in Cheltenham | Pubs and bars in Cheltenham 

Images - Scallops at YOKU (left), Japanese banquet at KIBOU (top), Chicken Tikka at The Mahal (bottom)

Restaurant recommendations for a ladies weekend in Cheltenham

Whether you are looking for a sophisticated dining experience, a casual affair or something in between, we guarantee Cheltenham has the perfect restaurant for your ladies weekend.

Restaurant Journey

Bath Road, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL53 7HA

A casual fine dining restaurant which has received rave reviews from none other than the Michelin Guide itself. Expect spectacular food in a fun and vibrant setting - this is fine dining without the pomp and ceremony!

The food takes centre stage and the number one aim of the Restaurant Journey team is to delight and surprise guests. Throughout the evening you’ll be treated to lively music, kitchen theatrics and a seamless serving performance.

The Mahal

Montpellier Drive, Cheltenham, GL50 1TY

In second place on Trip Advisor is the majestic surroundings of The Mahal. Meaning ‘a mansion or a palace’. Here you can expect glamour, opulence, sensational dishes and superior service providing a truly wonderful Indian dining experience.

YOKU

No 131 The Promenade, Cheltenham, GL50 1NW

Dress to impress at Cheltenham’s newest Japanese sushi restaurant located in the No 131 on the Promenade. Aspirational dining and cocktail experiences, in a unique and exquisite setting. Food and drinks served in a theatrical style are guaranteed to surprise and delight.

For more casual restaurants head to Regent Street or The Brewery Quarter for lots of incredible dining venues perfect for making memories with your closest friends. Our favourites include…

KIBOU

Regent Arcade, Cheltenham, GL50 1JZ

KIBOU is a Japanese hot kitchen and bar that’s as colourful as the streets of Tokyo from where it draws its inspiration. Their menu showcases the melting pot of Japanese cuisine found in Tokyo. With the freshest, handmade sushi, steaming bowls of ramen, crisp tempura, pillowy bao buns and much more.

You’ll also find an ambitious selection of Japanese whisky and sake on offer. Along with Japanese brewed beers, high-balls and signature Japanese-inspired cocktails.

Pho

The Brewery Quarter, Henrietta Street, Cheltenham, GL50 4FA

Pho recently opened in Cheltenham and has already become a huge hit with locals and visitors. Pho specialises in pho, the national dish of Vietnam – a delicious and nutritious rice noodle soup. Also on the menu you’ll find fresh spring and summer rolls, curries, wok-fried noodles and rice dishes, Vietnamese beers, coffees and much more.

Other excellent options - Domaine 16 | The Alchemist | The Botantist

More inspiration – Award winning restaurants Cheltenham | Independent restaurants in Cheltenham | Al fresco dining in Cheltenham

More inspiration for your ladies weekend - Cheltenham festivals & major events | Cheltenham shows, concerts & comedy | Cheltenham accommodation