Father’s Day gifts and experiences

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 gin gets made, day distillers will be delighted to discover the intricacies of gin-making at this hands-on masterclass. 

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. 

Padel Shift

For the sporty Dads, why not head to Padel Shift and challenge him to a fun-filled Padel showdown? After working up an appetite, tuck into something tasty from the Knead Bakery, right onsite at Elkstone Studios.

The Greenway Hotel & Spa

Give Dad a day to remember with the thrill of Laser Clay Pigeon Shooting, followed by a delicious three-course lunch. Challenge his aim in a fun and competitive setting, no recoil, no loud gunfire, just pure enjoyment.

Flight Club Cheltenham

Make Father’s Day extra memorable with a visit to The Brewery Quarter, where you’ll find Flight Club, the perfect place to add a competitive twist by challenging Dad to an epic game of social darts in a lively atmosphere. Enjoy a fantastic selection of food and drinks together to round off the day in style.

Fun Days Out

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.

Why not treat Dad to a visit to the Everyman Theatre, where The Magic of the Bee Gees will have everyone grooving on Saturday 14 June? Or, if Dad has a guilty pleasure for dramas, By Royal Appointment will be at the theatre from Tuesday 17 to Saturday 21 June.

Meanwhile, at the Cheltenham Playhouse, Kick Up the 80s will bring their high-energy show, blasting recreated 80s classics from across the decade, on Sunday 15 June, perfect for nostalgic Dads.

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. Dunkertons has a jam-packed event schedule throughout the year, so there's always something exciting coming up. For a special Father’s Day experience, treat Dad to a cider-making masterclass, or enjoy a tour or cider and cheese pairing for a unique gift.

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 13th to Sunday 15th 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 22nd 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.  

Gloucester Rugby

Celebrate Father's Day at Kingsholm Stadium, the perfect spot for rugby fans, and treat Dad to a delicious three-course Sunday lunch, which includes a gift for every father. Before the main course, each guest will also be entered into a raffle to win a signed shirt.

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.

The Brewery Quarter offers a wide range of delicious dining options to treat Dad this Father’s Day. Pho serves fantastic Vietnamese street food at an affordable price, making it perfect for those looking for a light and nutritious lunch. For something spicier, head to Mowgli for authentic Indian street food and enjoy the vibrant, lit-up interior. Or step into The Alchemist, where you’ll find not only delicious food but also legendary cocktails that bring experiments straight to your table.

There are plenty more delicious dining options to discover in and around town. For dads who love Japanese food, KIBOU is the place to be, serving up a tempting range of authentic dishes. Fancy a taste of Southern Italy? Head to the newly opened Settebello restaurant, where traditional recipes take centre stage. For Dads who can’t resist a perfectly cooked steak, Sef Steakhouse is a must-visit, offering premium cuts of dry-aged meat cooked over charcoal.

On Crescent Place, you'll find Nagomi, a Japanese-Korean restaurant with an interactive twist, where you can grill meats right at your table. For a lighter bite, bring Dad to The Find and enjoy exceptional seasonal food in a relaxed setting. And for those who love a classic Sunday roast, restaurants like Tailors, No1 Cheltenham, and The Ivy are all excellent places to treat Dad (and yourself) to a delicious meal to celebrate the day.

A wide selection of hotel restaurants in the town centre are serving up traditional Sunday roasts to make Father’s Day extra special. Whether you’re after a hearty roast dinner or a gourmet meal, you’ll find fantastic places to dine, including Victoria’s at The Queens Hotel, No. 38 The Park, Hotel du Vin, Malmaison, and No. 131.

If you're heading out of the town centre, treat Dad to a Father’s Day lunch at The Greenway Hotel or Cowley Manor Experimental. Both are nestled in the beautiful countryside, offering stunning views and a relaxing atmosphere to make the day truly memorable.

Thoughtful Gifts 

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.

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.

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 Longchamp weekender bag for his next trip away. Or a Lego Icons Land Rover Defender kit to help him recapture his childhood.

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. 

---