Cheltenham City Guide, Including Cheltenham
Hotels
Author: Ms Maria Williams

Located in the heart of the scenic Cotswolds, Cheltenham is a
city famous for many things – its horseracing and award-winning
gardens being just two of them. Then, of course, you have the
Regency architecture of the city centre and the lively shopping
district, elements that come together to bring vivacity and life
to this Gloucestershire city. Further, the city also proves to
be a fine base from which to explore the surrounding Cotswolds,
home of gently rolling hills and quaint, charming villages.

Places of interest

When you come to Cheltenham, you will soon discover that the
draw of the city lies in its appearance, for it has long been
considered to be one of Britain's prettiest towns. Accordingly,
many of Cheltenham's places to visit are ones that focus on
scenic displays and historic buildings. Some of the most
popular tourist destinations are:

The Holst Birthplace Museum. Originally the home of the famous
composer Gustav Holst (of 'The Planets' fame), this Regency
home shows life as it was in the Victorian period – and
incorporates a working Victorian kitchen.

Pittville Park & Pump Room. The beautiful Park contains two
lakes, a golf course and spacious, well-tended lawns, whilst
the historic Pump Room contains the drinkable spa waters that
originally made Cheltenham famous.

The Imperial Gardens. For almost two hundred years, the gardens
have been enjoyed by thousands of visitors every year – not
least due to the 25,000 bedding plants used annually to create
the extensive floral displays.

Sudeley Castle & Gardens. Located just eight miles outside of
Cheltenham, the castle is open during the summer and visitors
have the chance to see some of the beautiful paintings and
artefacts inside.
The Promenade. Cheltenham's most famous street boasts pavement
cafes, smart shops and an attractive history. Lined with trees
and boasting Regency architecture throughout, it is considered
to be the most picturesque part of the city.

Things to do

During your stay in Cheltenham, you'll discover a pleasing
variety of attractions to visit and things to do, whether
you're a family or couple, or just visiting alone. Throughout
the year, the city is buzzing with activity, playing host to
many festivals and events, such as the Literature Festival.
Just a few things to see and do include:

Cheltenham Town Hall. The elegant hall plays host to festivals
in the city throughout the year, and at the same time stays a
concert programme in which the music ranges from the classical
to the contemporary.

The Everyman Theatre. This hotspot features a massive variety
of live entertainment, where you can watch musicals, comedy,
drama and even West End productions on tour.

Cheltenham Racecourse. This world-famous venue is home to
plenty of racing during the October to April season. Why not
time your visit to coincide with the popular National Hunt
Festival in March, or visit the Hall of Fame that relays the
history of steeple chasing?

Cotswolds Coach Tours. Take the opportunity and join a scenic
coach tour in which you'll join a guide and take in some of the
most beautiful views of the English Cotswolds.

Cotswold Farm Park. See history brought to life with numerous
animal demonstrations and displays, an ideal place to visit for
all the family. There are many rare breeds of farmyard animal
from sheep to cattle, waterfowl to horses.

Food & Drink

Cheltenham is home to many different types of restaurant, with
the focus on quality. Of course, if you're after something fast
and easy, you'll find plenty of different cafés and takeaways
serving up what you're looking for, but Cheltenham particularly
prides itself on being the home of many stylish eateries. Here
are some of the best you can sample:

The Scena Bistro. Enjoy one of the finest dining experiences in
Cheltenham at this French restaurant, which has a relaxed and
welcoming style.

Off the Square Restaurant. Located in Cheltenham's fashionable
Montpellier district, this friendly eatery serves a variety of
dishes on the menu, including plenty of old favourites. Eat in
style.

Monty's Seafood Restaurant. Visit and enjoy a flexible menu
that offers a range of different seafood. Alternatively, keep
it simple and enjoy the stylish accompaniment of oysters with
champagne.

The Storyteller Restaurant. Located in the heart of Cheltenham,
this Californian restaurant is both welcoming and atmospheric,
boasting the famous Mississippi Seafood Platter and the taste
bud-teasing Duck from Heaven.

Epicurian. This is one of Cheltenham's top restaurants,
featuring a bistro and wine bar.

Hotels & Accommodations

There are literally hundreds of places to stay during your
visit to Cheltenham, whether you're looking for a hotel,
guesthouse, bed and breakfast or self-catering establishment.
Alternatively, other types of accommodation include camping and
caravan sites and hostels. Many of the hotels offer special
offers and it's always advisable to search around to find the
best deals. Elizabethan manors and country mansions serve as
the setting for some of the top hotels in the district.

Kings Arms Hotel
Cheltenham Park Hotel
George Cheltenham Ltd
Beaumont House
Macdonald Queen's Hotel
Cotswold Grange Hotel
Hotel On The Park
North Hall Hotel
The Prestbury House Hotel & Oaks Restaurant
Clarence Court Hotel
The Quality Hotel Cheltenham
Cleeve Hill Hotel
Thistle Cheltenham
The CheltenhamTownhouse Hotel
Lords of the Manor
Rising Sun Hotel
White Hart Inn
De La Bere Hotel
Oaklands Bed and Breakfast

Entertainment

The night life in Cheltenham is completely entertaining with a
host of nightclubs and exciting pubs and bars. You'll find
Cheltenham to be a welcoming and friendly city where you'll
always feel safe. If you're looking for a nightclub, Subtone
and Enigma are two of the most popular, with attractive
line-ups of events going on all the time; alternatively, if
you're a fan of Hollywood then you'll discover that the Odeon
cinema shows all the latest blockbusters as well as popular
British films.

Cheltenham is sometimes called a city within a park, and when
you visit, you'll see why. The architecture of the city itself
is beautiful enough, with Regency-period buildings (over two
thousand of them listed!) and attractive designs, but the
picturesque parks are what make Cheltenham really special.
There are lots of tree-lined avenues, plenty of floral displays
and many more examples of nature in bloom that give Cheltenham a
truly attractive appearance. Combine this with the wealth of
activities and places to see, and it's hard to deny that
Cheltenham is one city you really must visit.


About The Author: Biography Name: Maria Williams Website:
http://www.sleepuk.com Biography: Maria writes for Sleep UK -
providers hotels in Cheltenham.