The Wilson Cheltenham Museum and Art Gallery, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire
The Wilson Cheltenham Museum and Art Gallery is just strides from the promenade and the High Street, so it’s easy to find when you’re visiting Cheltenham on your large group holiday in the UK.
You really can lose yourself here – before you know it a whole day has gone while you’ve been immersed in the fascinating collections held at the museum. Of international significance are the Arts & Crafts collection, the fine art, which includes Dutch paintings from the 17th and 19th centuries, and the Wilson Archives – relating to Cheltenham born Edward A Wilson, an Antarctic explorer who joined two of Captain Scott’s expeditions.
There is so much to discover about the history of Cheltenham, including its heydays as a Regency spa town; see costumes and textiles, decorative art, coins and old toys. Where else, all under one roof, will you find a Beetle Wing dress, embroidered silk postcards from the First World War, an early 20th century seed-covered head dress from the Jukun people of Nigeria, and 13th century porcelain from the Yung Dynasty of China?
There’s also a Community Art Gallery with exhibitions that change on a regular basis, and there’s a café onsite where you can go and talk about your favourite collections over tea and cake. Admission is free, if there are at least 10 of you but no more than 20, you can book a guided tour at a very small cost per head.
Open: Tues- Sat 10am-5pm, Sunday 10am-4pm
T: 01242 528764
All information correct at the time of writing