Before we started planning our trip to the Cotswolds, we had never heard of Cheltenham. If the city is new to you, too, we’ll let you in on the secret: It’s an absolute gem.
Renowned for its Regency elegance, artistic vibes and lush green spaces, Cheltenham far surpassed our expectations.
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This One Day in Cheltenham Itinerary details a fun way to discover the city’s marvelous sights – even if you only have a single day to do so!
Why Visit Cheltenham
The city emerged as a fashionable resort town in the late 1700s, its popularity blossoming wildly after King George III visited to ‘drink the waters’ in 1788.
Remnants from the days when Cheltenham was an affluent spa destination – like the terraced homes, boutique shopping lanes and beautiful gardens – are still why visitors are drawn here today.
We made Cheltenham our base as we explored the Cotswolds Without a Car. Initially, we were just looking for a place from where we could see the region without getting behind the wheel.
Little did we know that Cheltenham would be one of the highlights of our trip! From the grandiose 17th century architecture to modern street art murals, we were captivated from the moment we arrived.
One Day in Cheltenham Itinerary
We have condensed our best experiences into a perfect 1-Day Cheltenham Itinerary. It showcases the top things to do, see and eat.
The outlined itinerary covers one full day of sightseeing, but you can use it to plan your Cheltenham trip, whether you’re staying for a few hours or multiple days.
Later, we share a map of the recommended attractions and a few logistical travel tips to get you on your way!
Morning: Breakfast with a Side of History
Begin your day in the timeless Montpellier district. Sit down for breakfast at The Ivy, which is housed in the domed Rotunda, formerly the Montpellier Spa.
The posh social space was built in the early 1800s – complete with a pump room and ballroom – and the restaurant has retained many of the original features.
If you don’t have time for a sit-down breakfast, grab tasty pastries from Otis and Belle, a Cotswolds independent artisan bakery.
Mid-Morning: Cheltenham Exploration
Spend the rest of the morning exploring the city center and soaking in the charm of this historic English spa town.
Browse the shops and pop into galleries along Montpellier Street. Don’t miss the famed caryatids – statues of armless women acting as pillars – a distinctive 1840s feature that emulates ancient Greek architecture.
Visit Montpellier Gardens – and stop at the small (and free) Gardens Gallery to view the current artwork on display.
Continue to the Imperial Gardens, which were created in the 1820s as the exclusive pleasure gardens of the Sherborne Spa. Now a public space, it bursts with color in the summertime.
Marking the northern boundary of the gardens is Cheltenham Town Hall. Marvel at the classic Edwardian structure that was built in 1902 as you make your way to Sanford Park.
This green space is quiet and serene – and we believe it’s one of the best hidden gems in Cheltenham.
Enter Sanford Park through the brick gates on Bath Road, pass the water feature and seek out the ornate Unwin’s Fountain.
If you have time, follow the shaded path along the babbling River Chelt to the Sanctuary Garden at the south end.
Midday: More Sightseeing, Lunch and Museums
By midday of your Cheltenham 1-Day trip, make your way toward the heart of the city.
Exit Sanford Park through the historic gates to High Street. Wander northwest, admiring the age-old buildings along the route.
The Vine, a green-tiled Victorian pub, and The Old Restoration, a half-timbered house that opened as a pub in 1661 (but closed in 2023), are two of our favorites.
Continue north through the pedestrianized zone. Despite being mostly tacky shops, chain stores and betting parlors today, the area has been the center of the city since its medieval origins.
Duck down Regent Street, a stylish lane lined with specialty shops and fun restaurants that spill onto the walkway.
Go to The Cheeseworks, a local cheese monger showcasing British products. Enjoy a delectable cheese platter for lunch in the ‘Upstairs’ restaurant or just buy a few nibbles for a snack later.
Next, find the famous Neptune Fountain. The strikingly beautiful fountain was designed in the 1890s and is a city landmark.
Walk the length of The Promenade, a partially tree-lined lane that still exudes the sophistication and style of the Regency era.
Stop by the free Wilson Art Gallery Museum to view the current exhibits. The collections are spread across 3 floors of the modern, recently renovated venue.
Swing by St. Mary’s Minster – the oldest building in the city. The church has welcomed guests for over 850 years and is the only medieval structure still standing in Cheltenham. Go inside if they are open (typically only 11am-1pm).
The Holst Victorian House, where the composer spent his childhood, is another point of interest. However, we skipped it, because there is still more to see in Cheltenham in one day!
Afternoon: Pittville Park
Now trek north to the sprawling Pittville Park. Developed in the 1820s as a rival spa town, the project never fully materialized. It was preserved, however, as a public ornamental park.
Enter through the original 1833 cast iron gates on Clarence Road and walk the length of the Lawn. Pause at the Eastern Lake to admire the views before crossing the old bridge.
Finally, stroll up the slope to the centerpiece Pittville Pump Room. Although no longer a spa, the domed building is still used for events (and is open for tours on a limited basis).
With ample energy, extend your exploration north from Pittville to the renowned Cheltenham Racecourse. It can be reached on this countryside walk.
Late Afternoon: Historic Honeybourne Line
Rather than retracing your steps back to the center of town, hop on the Honeybourne Line pedestrian path.
Once a crucial railway line, the disused tracks have been transformed into a traffic-free green corridor. The walking trail connects Pittville Park to Cheltenham Spa train station.
Along the route, keep your eyes peeled for street murals. Recently, artists have collaborated at the Paint Festival to create stunning works. Some of our favorites are located within the Honeybourne Line Tunnels.
Evening: Dinner and Drinks
There are so many excellent restaurants and fun places for a pint that we are offering three suggestions for how to spend a night in Cheltenham!
City Center Burgers
From the Tunnels, circle back to the city via the Chelt Walk and then make your way to The Beefy Boys on Regent Street.
The award-winning burger joint is wildly popular – and for good reason! They take smash burgers to the next level with creative toppings. Just be sure to make reservations.
After your meal, pop over to the Brewery Quarter. A hub of entertainment, you can grab drinks, catch a movie or play a round of mini golf.
Dine in The Suffolks
If you really want to round out your sightseeing, aim for The Suffolks on the south side Cheltenham.
Detour from the Honeybourne Path onto Malvern Road. Pass by Christ Church and gawk at the gorgeous architecture that lines the street and culminates at Lansdown Estate.
Now walk south on Bath Road to the epicenter of The Suffolks. The food in the district ranges from pub grub (The Exmouth Arms) to international eats (Cantina del Barrio) to Michelin star meals (Le Champignon Sauvage).
First though, we recommend starting with local craft brew at Bath Road Beers. Favored by locals and visitors, it’s an excellent spot to sip unique beverages from the region.
Craft Brewery and Food Trucks
DEYA Brewing Company is inconspicuously tucked behind the train station. Their taproom is a beer oasis in an industrial park and we believe it’s one of the best places to spend an evening in Cheltenham.
Occupying two vast warehouses – and filling the space between with outdoor tables – the brewery is an enormous complex dedicated to delicious craft brews.
There are two permanent food trucks on site that crank out pizzas and flatbreads, with additional guest vendors on weekends.
If you would rather take your meal with you, we can recommend both Curry Express (for tasty Indian fare) and HAKKA (for delicious Chinese). Both are just a short walk from the train station.
Map of Cheltenham Itinerary Attractions
Use this interactive map of the attractions featured in our Cheltenham trip plan.
Cheltenham Travel Tips
Deciding what to do is just one part of planning your itinerary for Cheltenham. Don’t worry, we have some advice on travel logistics, too!
How To Get to Cheltenham
For our trip, we took a GWR train from London Paddington direct to Cheltenham Spa. The ride takes 2 hours and there are numerous daily frequencies. Check schedules and fares on National Rail.
Where To Stay
As previously mentioned, we stayed in Cheltenham for a week as we explored the Cotswolds by Bus. For our longer visit, we went with an apartment through Airbnb.
That said, if we were in Cheltenham for one night, our first pick would be the lovely Queens Hotel at Imperial Gardens.
For something a bit more affordable, check Booking.com and read our tips for Finding the Best Hotels at Cheap Rates!
What To Pack
Prepare for your full day of Cheltenham sightseeing by packing all the right things!
Durable Shoes: Our Cheltenham Itinerary for One Day covers a lot of ground! Wear comfy and versatile travel shoes for your day trip.
Weather Gear: Sunscreen and your favorite sunglasses are essential in the summer. But a raincoat or travel umbrella are always a good idea in England!
Travel Camera: For quality photos, bring an actual camera on your UK vacation. We use a DSLR Canon Rebel with a 18-135mm lens.
Day Bag: Carry a travel day pack that is big enough to stow everything you need. We prefer these small backpacks.
Trip Insurance: Travel doesn’t always go as planned; consider purchasing insurance for your European Getaway.
Start planning your trip to the UK! Search for the lowest airfares, the best accommodations and fun things to do…then start packing! Want additional advice? Head over to our Travel Planning Page and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page!
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- Best of London in One Week
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- Plan a Trip to Bristol
- 3 Days in Edinburgh
- Take a Trip to Canterbury
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