Cheltenham is a veritable cultural centre nestled in the Cotswolds. In one adorable Regency town, four amazing festivals take place; beginning with the Cheltenham Jazz Festival in spring and continuing over the course of the year with celebrations of science, music, and literature.
Cheltenham is an inclusive town, perfect for every type of adventurer – whether you’re a dancer, a shopaholic, a wanderer, or a gourmand. Discover how to enjoy a day, a weekend – or even longer – with CrossCountry.
Train tickets to Cheltenham
At CrossCountry, we make it easy to take a day trip to Cheltenham Spa by train with routes to the town from all over the UK. Whether you’re travelling from Cardiff Central, Birmingham New Street, Manchester Piccadilly, or a number of other transport hubs, take us on your journey.
To get the most out of your trip, book an Advance Ticket before your journey so you can benefit from the best prices. We also recommend travelling with a Railcard as it’s the best way to consistently make big savings on rail travel.
Experience Cheltenham
Places to eat in Cheltenham
If you’re travelling from quite far afield, you’ll likely have worked up an appetite on your way to Cheltenham. Head to Scandinavian Coffee Pod once you arrive; you’ll know it by the distinctive glass and yellow iron pod inviting you inside for an almond croissant and a speciality coffee. Another fabulous option in the morning is The Curious Café & Bistro. We recommend the Blacksmith's breakfast, a smorgasbord of sausages, beans, eggs, and everything else that makes fry-ups such an institution in the UK – plus you get a free cup of tea or coffee!
For dinner, try Sam’s Montpellier, winners of Gloucestershire’s Foodie Awards in 2024. On their menu, Earth offers delicacies like wild mushroom & truffle arancini; Sea features Cornish mussels or a smoked mackerel rillette; while Land offers panko-crumbed sweet and sour pork or slow-cooked lamb shoulder – among other tasty items. You can taste heaven too with their delectable dessert menu.
Places to stay in Cheltenham
Looking to spend a weekend away in Cheltenham? There are plenty of options close to the town centre, suitable for all budgets. In the Montpellier district, you’ll find Hotel du Vin, a boutique hotel with sheets of Egyptian linen good enough to sink into, deep roll-top baths perfect for pampering, and a refined bistro with a creative flair for food.
No.131 is a luxury option boasting contemporary rooms with emperor-sized beds, complimentary signature blend coffee, and a decadent cocktail bar. You can also grab dinner at either of their two restaurants, Yoku and The Terrace.
Please note: CrossCountry is unable to support with any hotel related queries or booking requests. For further information, please contact the hotels mentioned directly.
Heritage & culture in Cheltenham
Cheltenham’s elegance isn’t just for show. Architecture lovers will feel right at home wandering the streets lined with Regency terraces, grand villas, and immaculate gardens. A great place to start is Pittville Park, where the Grade I-listed Pump Room reminds us of Cheltenham’s roots as a spa town.
Next, pay a visit to The Wilson to explore the town’s local history and admire the fine art, featuring everything from Arts and Crafts pieces to rotating contemporary exhibitions. Bookworms should time their visit to the Cheltenham Literature Festival, one of the oldest in the world, while scientists will love the interactive talks and events held during the Science Festival.
Shopping in Cheltenham
The Regency streets of Cheltenham are a joy to shop amongst. The Promenade is the town’s most elegant stretch of shops. It also hosts arts & crafts markets, farmers markets, and various other events designed to support local businesses. Next, head to Montpellier, where you’ll find independent fashion, artisan homeware, and plenty of places to pause for a coffee between purchases.
The Brewery Quarter is full of your favourite restaurants, high street staples, and entertainment options, including a cinema and a bowling alley. Cheltenham is perfect for wandering and pondering, the tree-lined boulevards, the historic architecture, the diverse offering of small businesses and big brands, all of it lends itself to one of the best places for shopping in the UK.
