Cheltenham Events
Cheltenham is blessed with a number of large festivals that happen in and around the town throughout the year.
The year kicks off with the Gold Cup Festival at the Racecourse. One of the most famous in the steeplechase calendar. Outside of the prestigious week racing takes place from October through to April, and is always a good day out.www.cheltenham.co.uk.
Increasingly, Cheltenham is known for its Jazz and Literature Festivals (in May and October respectively). There is a tremendous buzz around town during the festivals, and it’s easy to see why. With a such wide range of events there is something for absolutely everyone. We like to be involved and often have packages to see an event and stay. Up and coming events are the Science and Music festivals during the summer, they are both inspiring events that are worth a visit www.cheltenhamfestivals.com.
The Cricket Festival is a fortnight of first class cricket within easy reach of the hotel, in the last week in July and first week of August. Relax and sit back, and hope for a little sun. Details of matches have yet to be released www.soglos.com.
Historical
Within walking distance of the hotel there are a number of shorter historical expeditions that can be taken. The Art Gallery and Museum boasts a respected collection of Arts and Crafts furniture including a William Morris piece.
Slightly out of town are the Pittville Pump rooms and the Holst Birthplace Museum. Try out the spa water in this regency style building or learn more about this great British composer.
A little further afield Tewkesbury Abbey and Gloucester Cathedral are steeped in history whilst Gloucester Docks tells a much more urban tale of the past.
Within a short drive is Cirencester, in Roman times it was second only to London in size. In and around the area are a number of wonderfully restored villas and historical artefacts.
For those interested in horticultural history Chipping Chamden is a charming village with Hidcote Manor gardens open to see a fine example of Arts and Crafts landscaping.
Foodie
We do like our food and wine, and whilst we would love you to stay with us all the time, we know you like to get out and explore.
St Anne’s Vineyard in Newent is a family business in a beautiful setting. Their shop offers an interesting range of English wines made from their own grapes. The Three Choirs Vineyard is always a favourite and growing in popularity.
There are many great farm shops around Gloucester, The Organic Farm shop in Cirencester is one such place, dedicated to organics. Daylesford Farm shop is another, wander around the produce before popping into the Michelin bibbed café.
Farmer’s markets are plentiful in the area, Cheltenham itself hosts one on the second and last Friday of each month. Stroud has built up a good reputation – with each market held weekly on Saturdays from 9 until 2. Guest Experience will be happy to show you a full list with locations.
Family
For those who enjoy the outdoors try Westonbirt Arboretum, for parents it’s a leisurely amble through 18,000 trees and a great chance for the kids to run about, or perhaps Cotswold Farm park which offers the opportunity to interact with an unrivalled collection of rare breeds and learn more about farming and conservation.
The world famous Slimbridge is within easy reach too, Britian’s largest wildfowl sanctuary and breeding ground is well worth a visit.
Beatrix Potter fans will love the museum and shop at The Taylor of Gloucester, in Gloucester itself.
Older families might enjoy a trip to Cotswold water park – with over 40 square miles of lakes and activites, or perhaps a visit to Gloucester Cathedral to see the setting for some of the Harry Potter films.
Out and About
Cheltenham is the gateway to the Cotswolds and there are so many great places to get out and enjoy. The Cotswolds really does give a vision of rural England, from pretty stone villages, surrounded by evergreen farmland.
Quaint villages like Broadway through to larger towns like Cirencester are largely un-spoilt and have inspired numerous writers, composers and artists. Maybe take a trip to Bibury, the location for Arlington Row, perhaps one of the most photographed groups of houses. Exploring these areas is all part of the fun, you never know what you might find!
We have a number of maps and guides to help you decide on the walk you would like, from the gentle stroll through to the more serious trek.
why look at the walking guides, walking guides
Shopping
We are just a few footsteps away from the shops of Montpellier, which boasts mainly independents. There are some great shops to discover – Foundation clothes are a hit with many guests and already award winning, as is Kitchener – a shop where you will find kitchen equipment you didn’t know existed.
Further afield is Bicester Village – designer heaven, offering big names at reduced prices. More locally Gloucester Quays has recently opened.
Whilst out and about in the Cotswolds there are plenty of independent shops to browse, including a number of antique emporiums.
For the essentials, the main shopping area of Cheltenham has it covered.
Theatre Going
Cheltenham and the surrounding areas have a great mix of theatre and shows on offer. here is just a taste of whats on offer
We are very fortunate to have within two minutes walk The Parabola Arts Centre. Their mission is to support emerging artists from across the UK and inspire young audiences.
For something more main stream try The Everyman. From stage classics through to live comedy.
A little further afield, we like Gloucester Guildhall. NME had them on their short list in 2011 for one of the best small venues in Britain.
