Cheltenham: 7 Fun Things To Do In Cheltenham
Author: Simon Haughtone

As the centre for the Cotswolds, there are plenty of things to
do in Cheltenham.

1. Shopping

Cheltenham now has 2 shopping malls: Regent Arcade and
Beechwood Shopping Centre. These are hosts to a variety of local
stores and national chain shops, as well as department stores
such as Debenhams and BHS. You can feast on chocolate or pamper
yourself with body lotions and candles. The other shopping area
to investigate is the Promenade, which is home to many
specialist stores as well as the large Cavendish House
department store.

2. Restaurants and Nightlife

Even outside Race Week, Cheltenham has a bustling town centre,
attracting up to 30,000 people who enjoy the multiplex cinema,
restaurants, pubs, bars and clubs. Cheltenham's night clubs
cater for a wide age range and you are almost certain to find
somewhere that is to your musical taste. As one of the largest
venues in the South West, The Centaur is host to a number of
large concerts. You can sample almost any cuisine from Michelin
starred restaurants through to a wide variety of Indian,
Italian, Thai and other restaurants.

3. Horse Racing

Often referred to as the home of National Hunt racing, there
are race meetings from October through to April. These are
always well attended and you can choose your vantage point
according to your budget. The Cheltenham Gold Cup is the
highlight of the season and the town is full of people watching
the races and celebrating St Patrick's day. If you plan to stay
in town, or anywhere close, at this time of year be sure to book
well in advance.

4. Festivals

The famous literature festival is just one of the many
festivals hosted in the town. There are also events for music,
jazz, folk and science. The Greenbelt Music Festival is also
held here each year. Most of these events are spread across the
town including the Town Hal, Everyman and Playhouse theatres,
the Pittville Pump Room as well as many smaller venues.

5. Museums

The composer Gustav Holst was born in Cheltenham and has a
museum dedicated to him. There is also the main Art Gallery and
Museum, centrally located next to the library. If you prefer
something different, nearby Winchcombe has both a Railway museum
and a Folk and Police museum.

6. Sport

As well as horse racing, football and rugby are sports that the
locals are passionate about. The Robins (or Cheltenham Town F.C.
to be more correct) are the local football team, currently
playing in League One, the second highest football division,
which means there is regular soccer action available. For those
who prefer rugby, check out the many rugby clubs in town
including the Saracens, Old Patesians and the Civil Service RFC.


7. Explore History

As well as visiting the Pittville Pump Rooms and sampling the
spa water, you can investigate the roots of famous Cheltonians
such as Eddie the Eagle, Richard Hammond, Edward Jenner, Brian
Jones and many more. Cheltenham is also home to a number of
historic churches and the district Prestbury is reckoned to be
one of the most haunted villages in the UK.


About The Author: Cheltenham is an excellent base for exploring
the Cotswolds and surrounding areas. Choose from a wide range of
Cheltenham hotels and guest houses at
http://www.smoothhound.co.uk/cheltenh.html and make your stay in
Cheltenham a pleasant one at
http://www.smoothhound.co.uk/cheltenh.html