Insider tips for students in Cheltenham

This is a guest post by Emily Redman, a recent graduate from the University of Gloucestershire. When she isn't writing you can often find Emily lifting heavy(ish) stuff at the gym or scouting for bargains in local charity shops. 

Article updated 3 April 2024

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So, you’ve made it to university – well done! Your Student Nosh book is on the shelf and your cupboards are full of oversized bags of pasta. The inside of your home/halls is cosy enough and you’re ready to venture into your new town. So where do you go from here?

If you’ve only just arrived in Cheltenham, the town may look a little more... reserved than a typical student would hope for. But dig a little deeper and you will find some unique, quirky and vibrant places that make this town special. Read on below for some of the best places to explore as a new student in Cheltenham.

Images feature Curious Cafe (left), Boat House in Pittville Park (top), Lido (bottom).

Guide to Student Life in Cheltenham - Day

Leisure at Cheltenham (student discount £27 a month)

Exercise is one of the best stress busters when looming deadlines have got you frazzled, and Leisure at Cheltenham is the perfect place to work up a sweat. With classes, swimming and an athletics track included in the price it is one of the best value gyms in the town.

The Gym

The ethos of The Gym is to provide high-quality, low-cost gym facilities for all. They frequently have student offers including membership discounts and free lessons. If you’re looking for just a gym without the fuss, this is probably your best bet.

Barber N Bar (Monday-Thursday £13 for students.)

Having your hair cut away from home may feel a bit like you’re cheating on your barber, but at Barber N Bar, you’ll be able to drink your guilt away (for no extra price) while getting a decent haircut. 

Row a boat in Pittville Park (1hr - £12)

From Easter to September, boating at Pittville Park is an idyllic way to fill a summer afternoon. They have small and large boats which can hold a maximum of 3 - 5 people respectively. It’s a cheap way to do something different with your friends.

Sandford Parks Lido (student/concession ticket £5)

Speaking of summer, this is my absolute favourite place to be when the temperature allows. The heated pool is suitable for serious swimmers, or for people looking to go somewhere on a hot day. Oh – and it has a slide! 

Browsers Cheltenham

Browsers is one of my favourite ever vintage shops. The place is full of quirky Retro pieces from all different decades, and, most importantly, the prices are fair.

Charity shops in Cheltenham

There are loads of really good charity shops on the High Street and Bath Road. As they’re constantly updating their stock, I’m always popping in on my walk back from lectures. I try to not buy anything from Fast Fashion brands, so supporting charities and shopping sustainably is a win-win for me!

Curious Café, Bath Road 

Hands down this is the best place for a hangover brunch in Cheltenham. There’s a pretty courtyard at the back where you can get some fresh air to help clear your head, and I’d recommend anything with the doorstop bread – it’s second to none. The whole menu comes at a really reasonable price, making it my favourite café in Cheltenham. 

Petit Coco

This quaint French bistro in Cheltenham is my favourite restaurant in the town. It’s a tiny underground restaurant with an authentic atmosphere and brilliant food.

Images feature Frog & Fiddle (left), DEYA (right).

Guide to Student Life in Cheltenham - Night

MrMulligan’s Lost World of Golf (£7.95 per student, per game.)          

I LOVE mini golf, so as soon as Mr Mulligan’s opened, I went straight down to the Brewery Quarter to investigate. There are two fairly big courses but I’d say just one game is enough, followed by a drink in the bar. What's more, after 8.45 pm the venue is strictly 18+ only so you don't have to worry about it being packed with kids. 

The Secret Bar at The Clarence Social

If you go through the main bar at The Clarence and down the steps, you’ll find a door that resembles some sort of vault, leading you through to the secret underground bar. 

The décor will give you serious ‘you can’t afford me’ vibes (it isn’t cheap) but if you want a ‘bougie’ night of luxury, this secret bar is your place.

Revolution Cheltenham

Just across the road from The Clarence is Revolution Cheltenham. Once a church, Revs has been transformed into a cute but classy bar and restaurant. 

Sign up to receive Revolution’s latest deals, and you’ll receive fairly regular vouchers for free cocktails and other drinks too.  

Deya Brewery

Situated near the train station, DEYA is Cheltenham's signature brewery with a huge selection of in-house pale ales, IPAs and hoppy beers on the menu. They have a taproom on-site and a large, sun-trapping outdoor space that is often frequented by local food trucks. It's cool and a bit different, the perfect spot for a chilled summer's evening. 

The Frog and Fiddle

This hearty, down-to-earth pub is also a live music venue offering gigs and various events throughout the year. They have a selection of discounted drinks for those with a student ID, and the rest of the menu is reasonably priced too. Try one of their delicious teapot cocktails next time you stop in. 

2Pigs

Tucked away down a small side street next to the Cheltenham Minster is 2Pigs, the town's best alternative club and live music venue. If you fancy something a bit different to the usual 'club bangers' going down at MooMoos and Popworld, then this is the place to be on Friday and Saturday nights. 

Guide to Student Life in Cheltenham - Vegans

Vegetus

I haven’t yet been here, but I’ve heard from my vegan friends that it’s amazing.  It now has a Sunday roast and a new tapas menu, along with a good selection of fake meats and vegan cakes.

The Coconut Tree

The Coconut Tree is a bar and restaurant offering delicious Sri Lankan street food and fiery cocktails in a cool, stripped-back venue. 

Although the menu isn't strictly vegan, the vast majority of their dishes are vegan or vegetarian. You must try the stir-fried chickpeas and pineapple curry.

Images Cheltenham Literature Festival (top), Everyman Theatre performance (bottom), Gloucester Cheese Rolling (right).

Student Guide to Cheltenham: Local Culture

Cheltenham Literature Festival

Cheltenham has a variety of festivals throughout the year but the literature festival is arguably the most popular. It’s free to explore around the festival, tickets for the big talks usually sell out really quickly.

Everyman Theatre (discounted tickets for 16 to 25-year-olds on select performances) 

I love going to the theatre, it’s such a good way to escape normality and submerge yourself into another world for a couple of hours. It's MUCH cheaper than a night out (and often more entertaining too…)

Cineworld (Student ticket £8.20)

I only go to the cinema if I REALLY want to go see a film (I have a fairly short attention span) however, the Cheltenham venue does boast 4DX, IMAX and VIP screens which can certainly up the wow factor. 

Gloucestershire Cheese Rolling 

This annual, world-famous, race sees a load of people run/fall down a really steep hill, chasing a wheel of cheese. It’s really as crazy as it sounds but it’s hilarious. If you can get to Cooper’s Hill in Gloucester for May – go and watch. Or if you’re mad enough, have a go yourself.

Cleeve Hill

Being surrounded by nature, Cheltenham has a good variety of walking/running routes to clear the cobwebs. You can see for miles at the top of Cleeve Hill and it’s a nice way to do something free with friends, by yourself, or maybe as a picnic date. Walking to the top on Bonfire Night is a hack way to see a load of displays from a distance.