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An active 48 hours in Cheltenham
This suggested itinerary will enable you to…
- Explore a sporty side to Cheltenham that you may not know existed
- Sweat it out on sleek padel courts and the tallest high ropes in Europe
- See how the pros do it at rugby, racing, football, snooker and more...
For those craving a weekend escape packed with energy, adventure, and a few unexpected thrills, Cheltenham delivers. It’s the perfect base for everything from hiking Cotswold ridgelines to axe throwing, padel matches, and even clay pigeon shooting.
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Images - Ian Coley Sporting, Cheltenham Lido and Gloucester Rugby
Day 1 - Lanes to Long Shots
Morning: Start Strong with a Quick Swim
🏊♀️ Ease into your weekend with a dip at Cheltenham Lido, our much-loved open-air pool. Heated and surrounded by leafy gardens, it’s a tranquil summer dream. Better yet, come for a late evening swim and watch the sky flush crimson red as the sun goes down over the park. Bliss.
Visiting out of season or during a downpour? Head to Leisure At Cheltenham for indoor laps and a newly refurbished gym.
🏃♀️ Prefer running to swimming? The weekly Parkrun in Pittville Park welcomes runners of all skill sand ability to join in a social 5k around the picturesque park and lakes. From 9am every Saturday.
🥓 Refuel nearby: Head to Curiosity Cafe on Bath Road and enjoy their gorgeous garden and boutique decor while tucking into a hearty breakfast.
Afternoon: Golf or Guns
It’s decision time, will you aim for the green or the clay?
⛳ Set on the scenic Ullenwood estate, the friendly course at StarGolf is perfect for a chilled round or two. And once you've finished sinking birdies, you can head to the on-site StarBistro for a bite. A yummy cheeseburger or Korean noodle salad certainly hits the spot post-play!
🔫 Prefer trigger pulls over tee shots? Ian Coley Sporting is the place to be. This award-winning centre offers clay pigeon shooting for all levels. You’ll get professional instruction, plenty of laughs - and likely a newfound obsession. Like StarGolf, Ian Coley has a cafe serving light lunches perfect for a post-shoot nibble.
Evening: Watch the Pros Do It
After a full-on afternoon, let someone else take the spotlight. You’ve earned a spectator seat.
⚽ Renowned for their electric matchday crowds, Cheltenham Town FC at The EV Charger Points Stadium is the place for footie fans to be here in Cheltenham. With a raw, real and fiercely loyal energy, the atmosphere here is unmatched across the county.
🏉 Prefer a bit of rugby? Kingsholm Stadium in Gloucester is one of rugby’s most iconic venues The stadium is at the heart of the Gloucester Rugby identity, alive with the raw passion of stands filled with Cherry & White. Expect hearty chants and muddy scrums.
🥗 Dinner tip: Fancy something fancy after all that sweat and mud? No. 38 The Park is just a stone's throw from the EV Points Stadium and has a host of elegant, seasonal dishes to choose from. Or, for something a little (or a lot) more low-key, swing by The Airs & Graces on your back to town for thinly baked pizzas and incredible wings!
Gloucester fans, meanwhile, should check out visitgloucester.co.uk. It features the tastiest guides available in our sister city.
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Images - Padel Shift, Boulders, Eat Sleep Axe.
Day 2 - Stretch, Scale, Swing
Morning: Yoga & Vertical Gains
🧘 After a physical first day, we'll start the Sunday with muscle-easing yoga. Cheltenham’s wellness scene is growing fast, and you have many options. For the ultimate detox, check out Ella & Fleur Hot Yoga, whose heated studios allow for the deepest, most restorative stretches.
🧗 Now those limbs are nice and loose, we'll swap yoga pants for climbing shoes at Boulders Cheltenham. This bright, airy bouldering gym is as fun for first timers as it is for seasoned crimpers. Fancy something higher. Drive to 270 Climbing, between Cheltenham and Gloucester, where you’ll find the tallest high ropes course in Europe at a staggering 18 metres. Not one for vertigo sufferers!
🥐 Brunch break: After all that activity, you’ll be ready to recharge. Just a short bus ride from Boulders (on the way back to town) is Bistro du Vin at Hotel du Vin, offering a hearty breakfast menu with hot favourites and a relaxed country-style buffet - open to all.
Afternoon: Padel, Badminton or Downhill Thrills
Time to test your reflexes.
🎾 Padel Shift at Elkstone Studios is home to one of the UK’s sleekest padel setups. This hybrid of tennis and squash is social, fast-paced and incredibly addictive. Sessions get booked quickly - so book ahead - then head to the award-winning, on-site Knead Bakery for a delicious, post-rally pastry.
🏸 Want something classic? Leisure At Cheltenham also has courts for badminton - great if you’ve brought a crew and want some healthy competition.
🚴♂️ Or, if you’re all about adrenaline, hit 417 Bike Park near Crickley Hill. With downhill trails, jumps and an indoor pump track, it’s a mountain biker’s playground. Hire gear on-site or bring your own setup.
🍜 Food options: For food on the fly, The Brewery Quarter is the place to be, with a variety of delightful eateries to choose from, including Indian street food (Mowgli) Vietnamese noodles (Pho) and theatrical feasts (The Alchemist).
Evening: Precision & Play
Round off your weekend with some light-hearted (or not-so-light-hearted) competitive fun.
🪓 Channel your inner Viking at Eat, Sleep Axe, on Winchcombe Street. This urban axe-throwing centre packs some serious cool factor! Coaches help you stick your first throw - after that, it’s all in the elbows, trust us.
🎯 Want a safer option with just as much buzz? Flight Club Cheltenham offers a high-tech darts experience with cocktails and retro-chic booths. It’s social darts with serious style.
🍸 Final toast: The best part about finishing up at Flight Club is that you can continue the party long into the night at their large bar (if you’re still standing at all, that is).
But, if you're dying to see a tiny bit more Cheltenham before heading home, might we suggest The Tavern or Tailors for cosy pub vibes, Nook on Five or No.131 on the Prom for classy cocktails, or Mr Cambray's Curiosity for something a little quirkier and more colourful.
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Images - WST British World Open, Cheltenham Racing, Prescott Hill Climb
Seasonal Sporting Extras
Time your visit right and you could catch some world-class sporting events to round off your active escape.
🏇 Cheltenham Racecourse is the home of Jump racing, hosting 16 thrilling days across the season - from October’s Showcase to May’s Race Night. Highlights include the seasonal meets, Festival Trials Day, and the iconic Cheltenham Festival in March. Discover non-racing events at the Racecourse here.
🏏 World-class cricket with Cotswold views, on the stunning grounds of Cheltenham College. Having been played on the same grounds for over 150 years, the Cheltenham Cricket Festival is the oldest of its kind in the world. If the idyllic setting isn't enough, perhaps being a part of history will be.
🏎️ Prescott Speed Hill Climb in Gloucestershire hosts thrilling annual motorsport events, including four rounds of the British Hillclimb Championship, the classic-filled Prescott Historique, and Bike Fest.
🥾 Cheltenhams Three Peak Challenge is a 22-mile walk (and adventure) through Gloucestershire's most picturesque landscapes - Crickley, Leckhampton and Cleeve Hill. While raising vital funds for the Aim Up charity
🚲 Discover Cheltenham and the surrounding countryside on two-wheels with the Ride for Ryder - The Sportive, one of the longest running and best loved charity cycling events in the Cotswolds. Riders can support Sue Ryder and enjoy some of the most stunning routes in the Cotswolds come July.
🎱 The British World Open Snooker, held at the Centaur Arena since 2023, is fast becoming a staple in Cheltenham’s events calendar. Expect unrivalled drama this September, with stars like world number one Judd Trump and World Champion Kyren Wilson set to compete.
🏉 Cheltenham 7s Festival is a high-energy summer weekend combining sport, music, and non-stop entertainment. Expect a unique blend of competitive action and party vibes, with headline music acts, a fitness competition zone, and lots of sports!
Where to Stay in Cheltenham
Rest is essential - especially when you’re scaling walls and chasing balls. Luckily, Cheltenham has a wealth of hotels and apartments for all budgets. Many of which are located close to activity centres and sporting venues:
George Hotel - 49 St George's Road, Cheltenham
Situated in the heart of Cheltenham, The George on St. Georges Road is ideal for getting out and exploring the town centre. With convenient options for public transport if you want to travel further afield and see a game of rugby or take on some clay pigeons.
Holiday Inn Express - 33 Dunally Street, Cheltenham
For those wanting to stay close to the action, Holiday Inn Express, just steps from the Brewery Quarter, offers a stylish and comfortable place to recharge. Close to Flight Club, axe throwing and yoga, and within walking distance of the racecourse, there’s plenty to see and do.
Cowley Manor Experimental - Cowley, Cheltenham
Just outside the town, Cowley Manor offers a more tranquil setting without sacrificing access to adventure. After a luxurious night’s sleep and a hearty breakfast, you’re well placed for a high ropes course at 270 Climbing or a competitive match at Padel Shift in Elkstone.
Cleeve Hill Hotel - Cleeve Hill, Cheltenham
If you're here to explore the natural beauty of the area, Cleeve Hill is your gateway to the Cotswolds. As the highest point in the region, it’s the perfect starting point for a hike along the Cotswold Way, with sweeping views and peaceful trails that stretch for miles.
Need a little recovery after all that activity? Don’t miss our guide to Cheltenham’s best spa hotels - ideal for unwinding, recharging, and giving those well-used muscles a well-earned rest.
Useful Sports Shops in Cheltenham
Arrived in Cheltenham and forgot your kit? We're home to several useful sports & outdoor stores to get you ready and raring to go again. Including, but not limited to, Decathlon, JD Sports, Go Outdoors and Williams Cycles.
