Cheltenham, United Kingdom
Region: Gloucestershire
Geographic Coordinates: 51.900000, -2.066700
Temperature Range: -10.0°C to 30.0°C (14°F to 86°F)
Climate: Seasonal.
Population: 116447
Language: English
Cheltenham is a picturesque spa town located in the south-west of England, In Gloucestershire. It is situated on the edge of the Cotswold Hills and boasts stunning Regency architecture, Beautiful parks and gardens, And a vibrant cultural scene. One of Cheltenham’s most famous landmarks is its elegant Promenade which runs through the heart of the town centre. Here you’ll find high-end shops, Cafes and restaurants housed in grand Georgian buildings with beautifully preserved facades.
The Promenade leads to Montpellier Gardens – a tranquil oasis where you can relax among ornamental flowerbeds or enjoy an open-air concert or theatre performance during summer months. Pittville Park is another must-visit attraction covering over 160 acres featuring two lakes, A boathouse café, Children’s play area and plenty of open green space for picnics or games. There are also several walking trails that take you through peaceful woodlands surrounding Pittville Pump Room – an impressive Grade I listed building that once served as a spa resort. For history buffs, Cheltenham has plenty to offer too.
The Wilson Art Gallery & Museum showcases local art collections from past centuries as well as modern exhibitions throughout its three floors while Holst Birthplace Museum celebrates one of Britain’s greatest composers Gustav Holst who was born here. Cheltenham Racecourse is another popular destination hosting some prestigious horse racing events such as Gold Cup Festival every year attracting thousands from all over UK & Ireland. Foodies will love exploring Cheltenham’s culinary scene with everything from traditional English pubs serving hearty meals to Michelin-starred restaurants offering fine dining experiences using locally-sourced ingredients.
All in all, Cheltenham is a delightful town that has something to offer everyone. Whether you’re interested in culture, History, Shopping or simply relaxing in beautiful surroundings this charming spa town is definitely worth a visit!
- Cheltenham Racecourse
- Pittville Park
- The Wilson Art Gallery and Museum
- Montpellier District
- Cheltenham Town Hall
- Holst Birthplace Museum
- Everyman Theatre
- Sandford Parks Lido
- Sudeley Castle & Gardens (just outside of Cheltenham)
Industries and Businesses in Cheltenham, United Kingdom
- Technology
- IBM
- Raytheon
- GCHQ (Government Communications Headquarters)
- Finance
- St James’s Place Wealth Management
- Zurich Insurance Group
- Education
- University of Gloucestershire
- Tourism
- Pittville Pump Room
- Montpellier Gardens
- Regent Arcade Shopping Centre (over 60 stores)
- Healthcare
- Gloucestershire Royal Hospital
- Winfield Hospital
- Nuffield Health Cheltenham Hospital
- Creative Industries
- Wychwood Festival
- Jazz Festival
- Literature Festival
- Manufacturing
- Clothing
Cheltenham is a town with a diverse range of industries and businesses. The thriving technology industry includes companies such as IBM, Raytheon and GCHQ. The finance sector is also significant with companies such as St James’s Place Wealth Management and Zurich Insurance Group having their headquarters there. The University of Gloucestershire is based in Cheltenham which attracts students from all over the world.
Tourism is also an important industry for Cheltenham due to its beautiful architecture and historic buildings like the Pittville Pump Room and Montpellier Gardens which are popular attractions for tourists. There are several shopping centres including Regent Arcade Shopping Centre which has over 60 stores.
Cheltenham has several hospitals located within or near to it including Gloucestershire Royal Hospital, Winfield Hospital and Nuffield Health Cheltenham Hospital. The town also has an active arts scene with festivals throughout the year including Wychwood Festival, Jazz Festival & Literature Festival attracting visitors from far & wide.
Finally there are several manufacturing units that produce goods like clothing etc.
- The town was established in 1716 by Henry Skillicorne, a wealthy merchant who discovered the healing properties of the local mineral springs.
- In the early 19th century, Cheltenham became a fashionable spa town and attracted many wealthy visitors, including King George III.
- The first National Hunt Festival was held in Cheltenham in 1902, which later became known as the Cheltenham Festival.
- During World War II, Cheltenham was home to GCHQ (Government Communications Headquarters), which played a crucial role in intercepting enemy communications.
- Notable people associated with Cheltenham include poet and composer Ivor Gurney, actor Richard Burton, author Laurie Lee and musician Gustav Holst.
- Other notable events include the opening of Pittville Pump Room in the 1830s; construction of Montpellier Spa and Gardens; establishment of University College at St Paul’s Church (now University of Gloucestershire); opening of Holst Birthplace Museum; hosting several international music festivals such as Jazz Festival and Literature Festival etc.
- The Wilson Art Gallery and Museum
- Cheltenham Town Hall
- Pittville Pump Room
- Holst Birthplace Museum
- Cheltenham Racecourse
- Sudeley Castle
- Montpellier District
- Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway
- The Everyman Theatre
- Cheltenham Art Centre
- Cheltenham Town Football Club is a professional football club located in Cheltenham, United Kingdom. The team was founded in 1887 and currently plays in League Two of the English Football League.
- Cheltenham Rugby Football Club is a rugby union club based in Cheltenham. It was established in 1926 and currently holds its home games at Newlands Park.
- Cheltenham Hockey Club is a field hockey club situated in Cheltenham. It was founded back in 1902 and has both men’s and women’s teams that compete at various levels.
- Cheltenham & County Cycling Club is an over 100-year-old cycling club that organizes regular rides for members of all abilities, as well as hosting races throughout the year.
- Other notable sports teams from the area include Cheltenham Harriers Athletics Club, which has been operating since 1896, and Gloucestershire Cricket Club which plays some of its home matches at the College Grounds situated in Cheltenham.
- Cheltenham Literature Festival is a highly anticipated cultural event that draws in numerous visitors annually. The festival showcases talks and readings from renowned authors, poets, and thinkers.
- The Cheltenham Jazz Festival is a five-day celebration of jazz music featuring performances by both local and international artists.
- The Science Festival brings together scientists, researchers, and the public for an exciting week-long celebration of science and technology.
- Music lovers can enjoy several festivals throughout the year in Cheltenham such as Wychwood Music Festival, 2000 Trees Festival, and Lakefest.
- Foodies can indulge in various food & drink festivals held annually including Gin & Jazz festival, Cotswold Beer & Cider festival and Cheese Rolling Race Day.
- Horse racing enthusiasts won’t want to miss Gold Cup Day at Cheltenham Racecourse where they can witness some of the best horse racing action in the UK with large crowds gathering every year.
- During Christmas time there is an outdoor market set up with stalls selling festive treats such as mulled wine, cakes etc., known as the Christmas Market in Cheltenham.
- The Ox: a steakhouse that serves locally sourced meat and fish.
- Lumiere: a Michelin-starred restaurant that offers modern British cuisine with a French twist.
- The Coconut Tree: a Sri Lankan street food restaurant that serves small plates and cocktails.
- Prithvi Restaurant: an Indian fine dining restaurant that focuses on regional cuisine.
- Simpsons Fish & Chips: a traditional fish and chip shop with fresh seafood options.
- The Daffodil: an Art Deco-style restaurant housed in an old cinema, serving European dishes with locally-sourced ingredients.
- Bhoomi Kitchen: an authentic South Indian vegetarian restaurant serving dosas, curries, and thalis.
- Petit Coco Bistro & Wine Bar: a cozy French bistro serving classic dishes like escargots and coq au vin.
- Kibou Sushi Bar & Japanese Restaurant: a sushi bar offering fresh sushi rolls, sashimi, and other Japanese specialties.
- Fat Toni’s Pizzeria Cheltenham: an independent pizzeria offering Neapolitan-style pizzas made with quality ingredients from Italy and the UK.
- Pittville Park is a large park that includes a lake, play areas, tennis courts, and a pitch and putt course.
- Montpellier Gardens is a beautiful park with gardens, fountains, and sculptures.
- Imperial Gardens is another popular park in the town center that has flower beds and seating areas.
- Sandford Parks Lido is an outdoor swimming pool complex that’s open during summer months.
- Cheltenham Racecourse hosts horse racing events throughout the year.
- Leisure at Cheltenham is a leisure center offering swimming pools, fitness classes, and sports facilities.
- The Brewery Quarter is an entertainment complex featuring restaurants, bars and cinema.
- Cheltenham Art Gallery & Museum showcases art exhibitions in their museum space.
- Cheltenham Town Football Club has a football stadium for watching matches.
- Cineworld Cheltenham shows the latest movies at their cinema location.
