Cheltenham isn’t just known at The Festival Town for arts and culture – it’s also a festival town for sport. From the roar of the Cheltenham Gold Cup crowd to the tranquil lawns of the Cheltenham Cricket Festival, football matches at Cheltenham Town Football Club to top-class tennis and golf, sport runs through Cheltenham’s veins.
Whether you’re a passionate spectator or an active participant, there’s plenty to enjoy in and around the town.
Cheltenham Racecourse – the home of jump racing
Few sporting venues can match the prestige of Cheltenham Racecourse, the world-famous home of National Hunt racing.
The racecourse hosts 16 top-class Jump racing meetings each year, culminating in the legendary Cheltenham Festival and Gold Cup in March. This four-day spectacle draws 265,000 visitors from around the globe, creating an electric atmosphere across the town.
If you prefer a quieter experience without as many crowds, the Christmas Meeting, May Race Night and April Meeting offer a more relaxed way to enjoy world-class racing.
More about horse racing in Cheltenham → thejockeyclub.co.uk/cheltenham
Cheltenham Cricket Festival – a summer tradition
Each summer, the idyllic grounds of Cheltenham College host the Cheltenham Cricket Festival – the world’s longest-running cricket festival.
For over 140 years, Gloucestershire County Cricket Club has played here, offering an unbeatable summer experience: sunshine (fingers crossed), beautiful Regency surroundings, and top-class cricket. Take a picnic, sip a Pimm’s, and enjoy the quintessential English summer sport.
Football – home of The Robins
Cheltenham Town Football Club, known as The Robins, bring competitive league football to the town. Matches are played at the EV Charger Points Stadium on Whaddon Road, where fans enjoy a lively, family-friendly atmosphere.
The club also runs community events and youth programmes, making it a great choice for visitors and locals looking to experience football up close.
More about football in Cheltenham → ctfc.com
Racquet sports – tennis, squash, and more
For tennis enthusiasts, the East Glos Club offers top-class facilities including tennis, squash, and padel courts. The club regularly hosts county-level matches and tournaments, as well as social play for all abilities.
More about racquet sports in Cheltenham → eastglos.co.uk
Croquet, boules, and lawn sports
Founded in 1869, Cheltenham Croquet Club is one of the oldest and largest croquet clubs in England, welcoming both experienced players and beginners.
Cheltenham also has an outdoor boules terrain – perfect for a casual game on a sunny day.
More about racquet sports in Cheltenham → cheltenhamcroquet.org
Cycling – a legacy of the Tour of Britain
Cheltenham has proudly hosted stages of the Tour of Britain, leaving a lasting legacy for cycling in the area. Today, the town offers scenic routes for road cyclists, leisure riders, and mountain bikers, with Cleeve Hill, Leckhampton Hill, and the surrounding Cotswolds providing both challenge and beauty.
A new 26-mile cycleway is being built. Gloucestershire Cycle Spine links Bishop's Cleeve and Cheltenham with Gloucester and, eventually, it will link Stroud.
Full details on the Gloucestershire County Council website – Gloucestershire Cycle Spine
Golf, walking, and outdoor pursuits
Cheltenham’s location at the edge of the Cotswolds makes it perfect for golf, walking, clay shooting and other outdoor sports.
- Golf – From Cleeve Hill Golf Course to Lilley Brook Golf Club, there are challenging courses with spectacular views.
- Walking – From the 102-mile-long Cotswold Way National Trail to much shorter local hill walks, visitors are spoilt for choice for spectacular walks in the local area. Enjoy self-guided routes thanks to the Cotswolds National Landscape.
- Clay shooting – Ian Coley Sporting attracts shooting fans from across the region to practice their skills at the 2025 CPSA shooting ground of the year.
Cheer on Gloucester Rugby star players
Just eight miles away, Kingsholm Stadium in Gloucester is home to Gloucester Rugby. The club was established over 150 years ago in 1873. Today the team competes in the English Premiership and European competitions. Match days bring fans from across the country, many staying in Cheltenham, which makes the perfect base for a weekend of sport.
