From internationally renowned festivals to an award-winning food and drink scene, the elegant Regency town of Cheltenham, Gloucestershire has a lot to discover in 2026.
The beautiful Regency town of Cheltenham, in Gloucestershire, is well-known for being one of the best places to live in the UK, thanks to its excellent schools, great job opportunities (the home of GCHQ amongst other notable employers), and its proud reputation as ‘The Festival Town’ (hosting over 35 festivals and events every year). However, Cheltenham is not just a fantastic place to live and work, it’s also one of the best places to visit for a day trip or staycation, and here are five reasons why Cheltenham is one of the top UK locations to visit in 2026:
- A beautiful base for exploring the Cotswolds
The cosmopolitan town of Cheltenham, with its elegant Regency architecture and historic parks, is nestled on the western edge of the stunning Cotswold National Landscape, providing the ideal base for visitors to enjoy the best of both the lively town and the surrounding Cotswold countryside. The Forest of Dean, Wye Valley National Landscape and Malvern Hills National Landscape are all within easy reach of Cheltenham too.
Check in to one of Cheltenham’s many fantastic accommodation options (see reason 2 below for details) as your base then follow one of the four ‘Romantic Road’ routes starting from Cheltenham and exploring some of the very best English and Welsh countryside. From the North Cotswolds circuit (taking in picturesque towns such as Winchcombe and Stow-on-the-Wold) to the new Malvern Route (passing through the scenic Malvern Hills National Landscape via historic, riverside Tewkesbury and the Cathedral city of Gloucester) the routes cover both one and two-day driving tours.
- Stay overnight in a sumptuous spa hotel or an affordable serviced apartment
Whether you want a central location or a countryside retreat, serene spa hotel or convenient serviced apartment, Cheltenham has accommodation to suit everyone.
For a luxurious stay, book into one of Cheltenham’s excellent hotels. Ellenborough Park Hotel (rooms from approx. £229 per night) is a stunning five-star country house hotel and spa steeped in history and surrounded by 90 acres of countryside, overlooking Cheltenham from the side of Cleeve Hill (the highest point in the Cotswolds). Great for couples and equally as hospitable for families (with children staying and eating for free during school holidays).
The Greenway Hotel & Spa, holder of four AA Red Stars (rooms from approx. £169 per night), is well-located on the edge of Cheltenham, making it ideal for exploring both the town and surrounding countryside. This 16th century Elizabethan manor house hotel boasts an award-winning spa and excellent dining.
Elegant town centre options include The Queen’s Hotel (rooms from approx. £90 per night), said to be one of Europe’s oldest hotels, located in prime position overlooking the manicured lawns of Imperial Square, and within hopping distance of Cheltenham’s bars, restaurants, cafes, shops and nightlife. The George Hotel (rooms from approx. £90 per night) is right in the centre of town, offering design-led bedrooms, a 24-hour pantry, automatic check in and drop-and-go check out, it’s a great choice for style and convenience.
For an eco-conscious stay, book into one of the Beechurst Serviced Apartments. This certified B corp accommodation provider offers sustainable, affordable self-catering apartments in a converted Victorian farmhouse, with parking and easy access to the M5.
No.38 The Park (rooms from approx. £109 per night), nestled in a leafy corner of Pittville Park, just minutes on foot from Cheltenham Racecourse, is a beautiful Georgian townhouse offering 13 individually designed rooms, and is a great choice for couples or families (it’s dog friendly too).
- Over 35 festivals and hundreds of events every year
Cheltenham is known as ‘The Festival Town’ and hosts over 35 festivals and events every year. Highlights include:
- The Cheltenham Festival(10th – 13th March), including the world-famous Gold Cup: the pinnacle event of the horse jump-racing calendar and attracts thousands of racegoers each year
- Cheltenham Jazz Festival(29th April – 4th May): blending internationally acclaimed artists with breakthrough talent and homegrown up-and-comers, celebrating its 30th year in 2026.
- Cotswold Festival of Steam at Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway(23rd – 25th May): bank holiday weekend filled with majestic steam trains and picturesque landscapes
- Wychwood Festival(29th – 31st May): popular, independent, family-friendly festival celebrating its 20th year in 2026
- Fantasy Forest Festival(17th – 19th July): this inclusive, family-friendly festival celebrates the rich and varied genres of fantasy, sci-fi, cosplay, historic and medieval reenactment, steampunk and everything in between!
A full programme of festivals and events in Cheltenham in 2026 is available on the Visit Cheltenham website.
- Fantastic food & drink
Considered one of the best places for food and drink in the south west, Cheltenham is home to a wealth of excellent independent and small group restaurants.
For fine dining, Lumiere and Le Champignon Sauvage both boast a Michelin star and offer elegant, refined dishes. Cheltenham’s adult-only rooftop bar and restaurant, The Nook on Five, is located in the heart of the town and is headed up by celebrity chef John Burton-Race. No.131 The Terrace is perfect for chic, al fresco dining, while inside Yoku offers Japanese fusion cuisine in smart, stylish surroundings.
For a more laid-back option, try The Beefy Boys on Regent Street for mouth-watering, award-winning burgers, loaded fries and boozy milkshakes. The Tivoli (run by the team behind The Bell Inn, Langford, Peter Creed and Tom Noest) has a stellar reputation for hearty British pub food and is the perfect place to tuck into a Sunday roast. Belgrave House Settebello serves up southern Italian dishes from brunch through to dinner and is a lively location for post-dinner cocktails.
For a grab-and-go lunch, My Pastalicious (a family-run Italian deli) serves up fresh organic focaccia and ciabatta sandwiches, salads, tiramisu and cannoli, while Habibah (a family-run café serving vibrant Arabic food) serves delicious falafels, salads and flatbreads – both great options for busy days exploring Cheltenham or the wider surrounding area.
The Farmers Market (held on the Promenade twice a month) and The Suffolks Sunday Markets (held several times per year) are both excellent for sourcing locally produced cheese, bakery items, charcuterie, preserves, desserts and drinks.
Don’t miss a visit to Dunkerton’s Park to try their award-winning organic cider, or to tuck in to some of their popular resident food trucks (such as The Woozy Pig, Baz & Fred’s pizza or Casa Loca Tacos), as well as Deya Brewery’s Taproom, serving up 25 draft lines of locally-brewed beer, as well as natural wines and ciders. Both locations offer a lively year-round event programme and are popular with families of all ages.
- Explore Cheltenham’s cultural and visitor attractions
Those with an interest in history, culture and heritage will have plenty to enjoy in Cheltenham. The award-winning Wilson Art Gallery and Museum hosts a diverse range of displays, exhibitions and events, including a notable Arts & Crafts Movement collection inspired by William Morris, and the story of Cheltenham-born Edward Wilson and his explorations with Scott of the Antarctic. Visit Holst Victorian House for a unique insight into the life of famous composer Gustav Holst, born here in 1874.
Families will enjoy a day out at Cheltenham Lido (open for the summer season from late March – early October, and cold water sessions from late October – early March), or Adam Henson’s Cotswold Farm Park, just 20 minutes or so from the town centre. Sudeley Castle & Gardens is another excellent day out (whether visiting with or without children), open 14th March – 1st November 2026, located in the picturesque nearby market town of Winchcombe.