Cheltenham, Gloucestershire

Lucky you if you get to stay near Cheltenham on your luxury large group holiday in the UK. This is a town that feels like a city, the vibe is upbeat and there’s loads to see and do.

What most people think of when you mention Cheltenham is the Cheltenham Festival and the Gold Cup, 4 exciting race days held at Cheltenham Racecourse in March every year, drawing over quarter of a million visitors to the town. It’s also known for its lovely Regency architecture, from the days when it was a very fashionable spa town – in recent memory you could try spa waters at the Pittville Pump Room in Pittville Park. Then there are the jazz, science, music and literature festivals – all events that pull a big crowd to town.

You can certainly get your retail therapy fix in Cheltenham; there’s a good mix of big names stores and smaller independent shops, the Montpelier District has lots of one off boutiques and homeware retailers, The Suffolks has a more bohemian air with vintage, crafts and antiques. Twice a month you can pile your baskets high with local goodies at the Farmers Market.

Cheltenham is the kind of place that has something for everyone. You could easily while away a whole day browsing the collections and fine art at the Wilson Cheltenham Museum and Art Gallery; rent a rowing boat and join the ducks on the lake at Montpelier Gardens, watch a play ballet or opera at The Everyman Theatre.

When it comes to eats, there’s a humongous choice of cafes, bars and restaurants, whether you want to just stop by for coffee, have a relaxed lunch, go for afternoon tea, or get glammed up for cocktails followed by din-dins in a posh restaurant, Try Muse Brasserie for French fusion, Yoku for Japanese fine dining, and The Mahal for exquisite and authentic Indian food.

So go and explore, get to know Cheltenham your way, find what you like best, tell your friends about it.

All information correct at the time of writing

Large Holiday Houses in Gloucestershire