Experience the enchanting magic of Christmas in Cheltenham

We invited local influencer, Kelly Terranova, and her young son Fred, to return to Kelly’s hometown Cheltenham to rediscover the festive magic in our Regency town. They’ve shared their top tips for a memorable visit…

Last weekend, my son Fred and I were lucky enough to explore all Cheltenham has to offer as a Christmas destination in partnership with Visit Cheltenham. This blog shares all we got up to over our weekend, packed with so many brilliant (inclusive) ideas families can have fun in Cheltenham this year. If you are after something that feels magical, memorable, and idealistic then Cheltenham is the place to be.

We started off our trips with some food (like all people with good sense would!) and headed to The Brewery Quarter where there are a wide range of restaurants and things to do. We opted to visit the Brewhouse & Kitchen as we had heard Santa was paying a visit, so any chance to meet the big man was a chance worth taking. The staff were so friendly, and it gave us time to chat and make plans of where we were going to go next and what we would like to see over the weekend. Santa cracked some brilliant jokes about sprouts and his little elf, Twinkle Demelsa was cheerful and fun, making lunch something that little bit more special. We both had a fish finger sandwich and chips and finished with a nice warm drink before heading out for the next part of our little adventure.

With reservations at the Queens Hotel, we checked in and spend time relaxing in the room, which overlooked the Promenade where busy shoppers were coming and going. Hotels for kids are great as they feel like such a novelty, and I couldn’t help but laugh when Fred showed me the ‘house phone’ and said, ‘What’s this?’. Oh, how quickly I forget the things they never knew existed.

In the afternoon we went to see the Christmas panto, Mother Goose at The Everyman Theatre. Oh. My. Goodness. It was BRILLIANT! We both laughed our heads off from start to finish and Fred, age 6, was mesmerised by the dancing, and sparkles and all the slapstick humour on display. Tweedy Clown is incredibly talented and has a remarkable way of humouring both adults and children at the same time. I would go back again in a heartbeat. It is absolutely worth the visit if you have not yet booked tickets.

By the time we left, it was dark outside, so we headed back to the hotel for dinner, a little date night with mum and son. We ate at Victoria’s, the onsite restaurant, the food was wonderful. They have a children’s menu, so food was available for little palettes as well as big, and it was really lovely to sit and eat surrounded by all the pretty lights whilst looking out on the Promenade together. Staff at the hotel were cheerful, helpful and nothing was ever too much trouble.After a quick visit to my parents to wish my mum a happy birthday and help her open and read her cards, we turned in for the night. In the morning after a leisurely start and 10am check out we grabbed some breakfast at Victoria’s. Lots of choice with cereal and the usual continental offers, as well as plenty on the menu to order and choose from too. Again, staff were lovely, and nothing was ever too much trouble.

We headed into town to do a spot of Christmas shopping, particularly marvelling at the decorations in the various shops down the Promenade. After buying a few gifts for people we enjoyed a cup of tea back at Queens Hotel and greeted my mum (a wheelchair user) and my dad and her carers too. The Queens had good accessibility for her, and even offered up their disabled parking for her to be close to the Cheltenham Ice Rink, where we were due to go shortly.

The Cheltenham Ice Rink was our last stop, and what a stop to finish on. Situated in the gardens just opposite hotel, the Ice Rink is a festive delight. Not only is it affordable and fun, but it is also accessible meaning wheelchair users can enjoy it too. Access is good and the work to get wheelchair users on the ice first for ease of joining the traffic. Carers can wear specialised shoes provided by the rink to offer stability on the ice whilst pushing too. Fred and I used the banana skate aids and he really enjoyed the speed at which we could whizz round using them. It was the perfect way to end a brilliant weekend.

So, take it from us! Step into a winter wonderland as Cheltenham transforms into a truly magical place this Christmas season! 🌟✨ From the dazzling lights throughout the high street to the festive cheer of the panto and ice rink, there's something enchanting for everyone to enjoy. Let the holiday spirit take hold as you explore the magical delights that await in this charming town, my hometown, Cheltenham. 🎅🏻🎁

Watch the video Kelly shared on Instagram, featuring their weekend highlights...

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A post shared by ☼ K e l l y T e r r a n o v a ☼ (@kellyterranova_)

We hope Kelly and Fred have convinced you to book a visit to Regency Cheltenham this Christmas! For more festive inspiration head to – Cheltenham at Christmas.