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Attractions
Cheltenham is home to lots of fantastic cultural attractions for all ages to enjoy. From our fabulous venues who host events and activities, to our historic treasures that are a must-visit. There’s something for every interest, whatever it may be.
Our award-winning Pittville Park was the brainchild of Joseph Pitt, who founded the area of Pittville to the North of the Town with stunning Regency townhouses, surrounding a huge green park. You can still see the original gates as you enter the park, and it also features a boating lake, skate park, tennis courts, golf putting green, a wildlife lake, a menagerie of animals, a huge children’s playground, and of course the famous Pittville Pump Rooms, home to our spa waters, at the top of a grand sloping lawn.
The nostalgic art deco Lido at Sandford Park is a must during summer months, offering two heated outdoor pools. Meanwhile Cheltenham Town Hall is an iconic cultural venue offering a year-round events programme, and our iconic Hare and Minotaur sculpture on The Promenade offers a wonderful taste of culture. With a growing arts, theatre and music scene, entertainment venues include the Town Hall, the Everyman Theatre, The Playhouse, Cheltenham Racecourse and The Bacon Theatre. Live entertainment takes place in many of Cheltenham's pubs and music venues, and the recently expanded Brewery Quarter in the centre of town is home to a Cineworld Imax multiplex cinema, Hollywood Bowl, Mr Mulligan’s Lost World indoor adventure golf and The Play Farm, an indoor soft play area suitable for children up to the age of 12.
If the weather isn't kind, head to one of Cheltenham’s Museums or Galleries. The Wilson - Cheltenham's Art Gallery & Museum, also home to the Tourist Information Centre, is an attraction enjoyed by both locals and visitors alike and offering free admission. With a gallery dedicated to their extensive fine art collection, it puts on many exhibitions and seasonal events throughout the year. The birthplace of Gustav Holst, composer of 'The Planets', can be found at the Holst Birthplace Museum in Clarence Road on the north side of the town, and they, too, host events, particularly geared to children and families during the school holidays.
Galleries in Cheltenham include The Gardens Gallery in Imperial Gardens, Whitewall Gallery at the back of Cavendish House, or Castle Fine Art on The Promenade.
Of course, Cheltenham is also the home of Cheltenham Town Football Club who play at Whaddon Road, Cheltenham Cricket Club, and Cheltenham College who hold the annual Cheltenham Cricket Festival, and where Gloucestershire County Cricket Club have played more than 300 first-class and more than 70 List A matches.
Moving beyond Cheltenham, and in the local area you will find a huge number of other popular attractions within easy driving distance, including Adam Henson’s Cotswold Farm Park, Sudeley Castle and Prinknash Deer Park and Bird Gardens, Gloucester Cathedral, Gloucester Docks & The Quays, Tewkesbury Abbey, Tewkesbury Marina and villages such as Painswick, Stroud and Bourton-on-the-Water.