Cheltenham can be found in the heart of Gloucestershire and is within easy driving distance of the cities of Swindon and Oxford. It is also close to the picturesque villages that can be found in the Cotswolds.
But, in Regency Cheltenham there are plenty of things for one to do and see whilst visiting this historic spa town.
1. Cheltenham Racecourse and its Hall of Fame – This traces the history of steeple chasing right the way back to 1819. You can look back through the winners of the Gold Cup, one of National Hunt racing’s premier races, but you can also find out how Cheltenham has become an Irish stronghold in the world of racing. The exhibition also looks at the numerous racehorse trainers and jockeys who have helped to make this course special in the world of racing.
2. Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway – Steam trains run almost every weekend during the summer between Toddington, Winchcombe and Cheltenham. There are also extra trains at differnt times of the year and seasonal events that can be enjoyed by young and old alike.
3. The Holst Birthplace Museum – This terraced Victorian building has had the kitchen lovingly renovated and inside you will find many items that are to do with the composer of the music suite “The Planets”. You can spend time exploring the composer’s youthful days and also his later years and even see the piano where he composed his music along with some of his music scores.
4. The Pittville Pump Room – This grand building is often used as the symbol of the town and is the jewel of its Regency architecture. It has a commanding view of the lawns and lakes of Pittville Park and is host to many displays and exhibitions throughout the year. If you are feeling brave then you have the opportunity to taste the unpleasant waters which many from around the country would flock to for they believed they could cure all kinds of ailments.
5. Sandford Parks Lido – This is one of the UK’s biggest outdoor pools and is surrounded by landscaped gardens. Not only is there the main pool which measures 50 meters but there is also a children’s pool plus a paddling pool All the pools are heated during the summer season. However, this park doesn’t offer just the facility for swimming you can also play volleyball, table tennis and basketball here as well.
6. St Mary’s Church – This is the oldest building in the town and was built in the middle of the 11th Century. It displays the Royal Coat of Arms and this was to commemorate the visit made by George III in 1788. Another feature which many enjoy is the 14th Century rose window, the canopied piscine and lierne vaulting of the baptistery. Plus inside there are many memorials to some of its citizens including Henry Skillicorne who developed the town’s first spa.
Next time you stay in Cheltenham, check out this list of Cheltenham accommodation.
