Things to do in Cheltenham
Looking for the best things to do in Cheltenham? You’ve come to the right place.
Cheltenham offers a unique blend of heritage, culture, green spaces and leisure facilities — perfect for a short break, day trip or longer stay. Whether you’re visiting solo, with family or friends, there’s something here for every kind of explorer.
Explore Cheltenham’s unique character
As the UK’s most complete Regency town, Cheltenham is full of striking architecture and fascinating stories. Don’t miss:
- Walking tours of Regency buildings and historic landmarks
- Holst Victorian House, birthplace of composer Gustav Holst
- The iconic Cheltenham Racecourse, home of the Cheltenham Festival
Enjoy the great outdoors
Relax and unwind in one of our many award-winning parks and gardens, like:
- Pittville Park – with its boating lake, aviary and play areas
- Sandford Park – a tranquil spot near the town centre
- Cotswold countryside – just minutes away, perfect for walks and cycling
Family fun & activities
Cheltenham is packed with attractions for families, including:
- The Lido – a classic 1930s outdoor pool
- The Brewery Quarter – with a cinema, bowling, indoor golf, soft play and more
- Sudeley Castle & Gardens - a Tudor jewel with 1,000 years of history, formal gardens, events, tours and exhibitions.
- GWSR Steam Railway – step back in time with a nostalgic journey through the countryside
- Cotswold Farm Park - a family friendly farm with animals and outdoor play
Food, culture & nightlife
- Enjoy live music, theatre and comedy throughout the year
- Experience Cheltenham’s continental café culture by day, and its vibrant nightlife after dark
- Browse high street favourites and independent boutiques in our stylish shopping districts
A base for outdoor adventures
Cheltenham is the perfect base to explore the Cotswolds and nearby attractions, with easy access to:
- Walking and cycling routes
- Golf, clay shooting and equine sports
- Day trips to Gloucester, the Forest of Dean, Tewkesbury and more
Plan your visit
Whether you want a culture-packed itinerary or a relaxing getaway, Cheltenham has something for everyone.
Explore our full things to do listings and don’t forget to check out the latest what’s on in Cheltenham and attractions in Cheltenham for even more inspiration.
25 reasons to visit Cheltenham in 2025
Join us for a year packed full of exciting events, landmark anniversaries, and new experiences.
Shop until you drop
Cheltenham is a shopper's paradise with an abundance of independent and High Street favourite shops.
Explore the outdoors
Cheltenham is a beautiful town in a glorious location, home to award-winning parks and gardens.
Featured attractions
Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway
- Churchward House
The Friendly Line in the Cotswolds offers a unique opportunity to sample train travel from 50 years…
Cheltenham Lido
- Keynsham Road
The 50 metre main swimming pool is one of the largest outdoor pools in the country, set in…
Imperial Gardens
- Imperial Square
The Imperial Gardens are located just off the Promenade, at the rear of Cheltenham Town Hall. The…
Pittville Park
- East Approach Drive
Opened in 1825, Pittville Park is the largest ornamental park in Cheltenham and features the…
Montpellier Gardens
- Montpellier
Montpellier Gardens lie close to the town centre and are an important part of Cheltenham's…
Cheltenham Racecourse
- Cheltenham Racecourse
The Home of Jump Racing! Nestled in 360 spectacular acres in the beautiful Cotswold hills…
Flight Club
- Unit 11
Flight Club has reinvented darts for the 21st century, housed in a spectacular setting in The…
The Wilson - Cheltenham Art Gallery & Museum
- Clarence Street
Brought to you by The Cheltenham Trust in Partnership with Cheltenham Borough Council, this…
Holst Victorian House
- 4 Clarence Road
Explore life in Cheltenham’s only Victorian home open to all, the birthplace of composer…
Ian Coley Sporting Ltd
- N/r Andoversford
Shooting School - Ian Coley Sporting are one of the best shooting grounds and schools in the UK…
Everyman Theatre
- 7-10 Regent Street
Whether you visit the Everyman to see ballet, opera, drama, dance, comedy, music events or their…
Cheltenham Town Hall
- Town Hall
Cheltenham Town Hall is now home to an impressive all year round programme of major festivals…
Adam Henson's Cotswold Farm Park
- Guiting Power
Sitting in the heart of the Cotswolds, Adam Henson’s Cotswold Farm Park has a long-standing…
The Brewery Quarter
- Henrietta Street
The Brewery Quarter prides itself on being a 'one-stop shop where you can shop-dine-stay and…
Escape Rooms Cheltenham
- 52 Winchcombe Street
Escape Rooms Escape Rooms Cheltenham provides fun escape room challenges for teams of up to six…
Piston Gin School
- Unit 2, Bamfurlong Industrial Park
Arrive at the Distillery Once you step through our doors you’ll be greeted by your Distiller…
Dunkertons
- Dowdeswell Park
Gloucestershire’s largest cidery and bespoke shop is open for tastings and tours to the public…
Cheltenham Playhouse Theatre
- 47 - 53 Bath Road
The Cheltenham Playhouse was established as a Civic Theatre in 1945, with parts of the building…
Elkstone Studios Venue
- Elkstone Studios
Elkstone Studios is a transformed farmyard turned vibrant destination. Enjoy a food hall, bakery…
The Paint Club
- Held at: Bottle of Sauce / Fioro Lounge
Step-by-step painting workshops in pubs and bars across Cheltenham and Gloucestershire! Even if you…
Dryhill Cottage & Vineyard
- Dryhill Farm
Set within the breathtaking Cotswolds, only five miles from the beautiful Regency town of…
Tivoli Cinema
- Tivoli Cinema Cheltenham
Tivoli, Cheltenham,a luxury cinema, café and bar boasts state-of-the-art technology…