I have lived in Cheltenham for most of my life. I was born here, grew up here, and chose to move back here after living in Chicago. And yet, despite my many years living in the Gloucestershire town, often known as the “Centre of the Cotswolds”, there is so much of the regency town that I never make the most of. I was recently invited to enjoy a festive winter weekend break in Cheltenham by Visit Cheltenham to see just what our beautiful town has to offer at this time of year. I joined Claire from Weekend Candy and Lucy from Explore the Cotswolds on a brilliant staycation in Cheltenham and here’s what we got up to.
*I was hosted by Visit Cheltenham and the venues mentioned in this blog post but all of the opinions are my own*
Where We Stayed
There’s a lot of great options when picking where to stay in Cheltenham but as a local, I never make the most of the wonderful hotels and apartments in the area. From manor houses to chic luxury apartments and hotel rooms, this Cotswold town has it all. During our stay, we were lucky enough to spend our time in two of Cheltenham’s most desirable spots for accommodation.
Ellenborough Park
Our first night was spent in the only 5-star hotel in Cheltenham, Ellenborough Park. The perfect luxury retreat, it is set between Cleeve Hill, the highest point of the Cotswolds, and Cheltenham Racecourse, home to perhaps one of the things Cheltenham is best known for – the Gold Cup. Steeped in history, the beautiful buildings and rooms at Ellenborough are equally matched by the gorgeous 90 acre grounds that you can enjoy on your stay here.
As for the rooms themselves, think traditional interiors. Large, sprawling beds, rolltop baths and plush robes are just some of the things that await you when you check in to your room. What’s more, this countryside hotel boasts multiple restaurants serving up some of the finest British food, available even if you aren’t staying at the hotel. We enjoyed a meal in the 15th-century restaurant before cosying up at the fire in the stunning Great Hall for a nightcap.
If you’re looking to relax, Ellenborough Park also has a spa on site with an outdoor heated pool. Spa packages are available, but if you opt for this, I would thoroughly recommend adding an afternoon tea to complete your day. Again, you don’t have to be staying at the hotel to make the most of these facilities, but if you have family in town or are visiting from further afield, I couldn’t recommend this hotel more for a truly special stay.
For those of you with furry friends, Ellenborough is dog-friendly and even has a menu for your canine companions!
Neptune Apartments
Our second night saw us move from the beautiful views of Cleeve Hill to the very heart of Cheltenham town. One of the newest accommodation offerings in Cheltenham, Neptune Apartments are perfectly located on popular shopping street, The Promenade and have interiors that could easily feature on any double-page spread of a magazine. We met with Mandy, one of the team behind Neptune, and she told us how they are keen to keep everything about Neptune “local but luxury”. Each of the luxury apartments are named after a local village and whether you’re staying in The Painswick or The Blockley, you’re sure to be pleased with your choice.
From the moment you step into the simply stunning entrance hall, be prepared to be wowed by the timeless style of Neptune. With a modern twist, even the ANI toiletries in the bathrooms are sure to impress you. Each apartment has the benefit of a having a kitchen, allowing you to be self-catering should you wish, but with so many of Cheltenham’s brilliant restaurants just a stone’s throw away, we’d suggest you go out for dinner.
Perfect for those looking to have a home away from home, Neptune Apartments are sure to be a hit whatever your reason for having a weekend break in Cheltenham.
Where We Ate
Unlike hotels, restaurants in Cheltenham are something of my speciality. A frequent diner of the incredible Cheltenham restaurant scene, I was extremely excited to sample some of my favourites and some new additions to what is arguably, Gloucestershire’s best spot for diners. If you’re looking for more ideas on the best restaurants in Cheltenham, be sure to check out my blog post here so that you can enjoy a fantastic meal next time you have a staycation in Cheltenham. So where did we eat?
The Nook
Cheltenham’s newest restaurant and the only rooftop dining space in the town, The Nook is home to iconic views and delicious British food. A long-awaited addition to the town, The Nook doesn’t disappoint. A well-thought out menu, with all dietary requirements catered for, I throughly enjoyed my duck croquettes, followed by marmite chicken (I loved it!) and for dessert, a dairy-free Christmas pudding and custard! With an emphasis on local produce, even the bar is filled with some of the best in local wines and spirits. Hand-crafted cocktails made for the perfect end to our wonderful meal. Service from staff was brilliant despite opening only a few short weeks ahead of our visit and I am definitely looking forward to returning to The Nook in the new year. As the summer approaches, I can see the need to book far in advance for a spot on what is bound to be one of Cheltenham’s busiest hotspots – The Nook’s unique terrace overlooking Imperial Gardens.
Victoria’s at Queen’s Hotel
www.queenshotelcheltenham.co.uk
I only discovered Victoria’s earlier this year despite walking past the Queen’s Hotel on a regular basis for most of my life! Think quintessential British dining but with a modern twist and international influence, Victoria’s is a stylish restaurant within the hotel but open to all. Keen to show off some of the best local produce too, Victoria’s is proud to play host to freshly baked breads from La Boulangerie and locally farmed meat from Waghorne Artisan Butchers as well as many others on its menu. On this particular visit, I enjoyed the salmon with mussel risotto but I have never eaten something I haven’t enjoyed there!
In the summer, Victoria’s is home to a fabulous secret garden tucked away in the heart of Cheltenham and serves up delicious lunches, dinners and drinks and each Sunday, you can also enjoy a delicious roast at one of Cheltenham’s best kept secrets.
Whilst at the hotel, it is also well worth taking a visit to one of the most iconic spots in Cheltenham – the famous Queen’s Hotel staircase. With the same historic wallpaper as the Houses of Parliament, this staircase has to be seen to be believed.
Ellenborough Park Restaurant
Whilst Ellenborough has multiple dining options available, we opted for what is arguably the most unique places to eat in all of Cheltenham. The historic, wood-panelled main restaurant of Ellenborough dates from the 15th century and the menu is as special as your surroundings. An emphasis on British food, and especially on locally-sourced products, Ellenborough Park Restaurant offers you an unforgettable dining experience. With service as warm as the fire next door in the Great Hall, I was wowed with a delicious venison dish followed by a sumptuous salted caramel tart when we enjoyed a dinner feast in the evening service.
We also had the pleasure of enjoying a breakfast in the main restaurant and honestly, I don’t think they come any better than this. Whether you’re enjoying the extensive continental option, or want to order something more from the à la carte menu, breakfast at Ellenborough is the best way to start the day. Importantly, the restaurant also caters for multiple dietary requirements and have good gluten-free and vegan options available.
…and Where We Drank
The Garden Bar, Apres-Ski
Set in the magnificent Imperial Gardens, the Garden Bar (part of Cheltenham Town Hall) has had a festive makeover and for those of you enjoying a winter weekend break in Cheltenham, you can max out your hygge with a cup of mulled wine at the themed après-ski bar. Lucy from Explore the Cotswolds, Claire from Weekend Candy and I even snapped a selfie on the Garden Bar’s newest addition – their ski lift seat!
If you’re not looking for mulled wine as an option and rather, are looking for your next caffeine fix, make sure you read my list of the best places for coffee in Cheltenham.
Where We Went
We ate well, we drank well, and we slept very well during our time in Cheltenham. However, we also enjoyed some really brilliant attractions and things to do during our winter weekend break in Cheltenham. Here’s just a few of the things we got the chance to visit.
The Brewery
The Brewery Quarter has become a mainstay of all things entertainment in Cheltenham. Whether you’re looking to play golf at Mr Mulligans, enjoy a game of bowling at Hollywood Bowl or watch the latest movie at Cineworld, there are plenty of choices available for you. On our trip, we indulged in some social darts courtesy of Flight Club. A really fun alternative way to spend a few hours, players at Flight Club can enjoy darts with a twist. Throw your darts like normal but check out the electronic scoreboard to see who’s winning in these fast-paced multi-player game alternatives to the traditional darts you might find down your local. You don’t have to be a darts pro to enjoy these games but I can’t guarantee it won’t get competitive!
Holst Victorian House
www.holstvictorianhouse.org.uk
If history is more your thing, why not step back in time and enjoy a trip to the Holst Victorian House. Previously the Holst Birthplace Museum, this museum has been the recipient of lots of renovation to showcase not just its most famous inhabitant but also the lives of others within the house. Whether you wants to see where the family would have lived upstairs, or experience life as a servant in the scullery and kitchen downstairs, you won’t be disappointed with this museum replete with period furniture and artwork. Don’t worry though – if it’s Holst you’re most interested in, you can still learn lots about one of the UK’s most famous composers, Gustav Holst and his music in the museum, as well as having the chance to see the piano at which he wrote his most famous piece, ‘The Planets’.
The Holst Victorian House museum often runs workshops perfect for families including Victorian cooking, Christmas puppet shows and craft workshops.
The Wilson
On the subject of history, whether you’re spending a weekend in Cheltenham or you’re local to the area, the recently renovated Wilson museum is well worth a visit. Named after Edward Wilson, the Antarctic explorer who once called Cheltenham home, The Wilson museum is home to significant collections of ‘exceptional quality and variety.’ Beyond learning about Edward Wilson, you can also learn about the town’s history itself with exhibits on King George III’s visit to Cheltenham, the history of the racecourse and our important link to the development of the jet engine as well as Cheltenham’s role in the Arts and Crafts Movement. I remember trips to the museum as a child very vividly, and so it is incredible to be able to see some of my favourite exhibitions as well as some new ones once again find a home in Cheltenham. Admission to The Wilson is free (with a suggested donation of £5) so it is the kind of place you can keep returning to time and time again, and of course, it is absolutely perfect for families to visit.
Guided Tour of Cheltenham
Guiding us through our historic heritage trail through “the most complete regency town in the UK” was Anne Bartlett, a Blue Badge Tourist Guide. Giving us a unique insight of the town’s history, Anne got me to see a whole different side to the town that I wander through so frequently. Of course, Anne started our tour with how Cheltenham came to be known as a spa town in the first place – it has to do with some rather helpful pigeons and a very royal visitor – but she then took us through the town’s history whilst walking us through the town itself. Extremely knowledgable, Anne covers the Heart of England and so even draws links between Cheltenham and the surrounding areas and she taught me plenty of new things about the town that I have called home for so long. I would definitely recommend a trip with Anne, even if you’re local and looking for something totally different to do in Cheltenham.
Pittville Pump Rooms
If you live in Cheltenham and have a family, or a dog, Pittville Park is sure to be well known to you. If you’re staying in Cheltenham for the weekend and looking for a beautiful local walk, then Pittville Park is the perfect place. Whether you’re local or a tourist, one thing you may not have visited before is the Pump Rooms themselves. Site of one of the town’s spa wells, you can pretend that you’re an extra in Bridgerton as you walk around the magnificent regency building. Once you’ve finished at the Pump Room, be sure to take a stroll around the park itself and enjoy the lakes, boathouses and circular walks. There’s also an incredible play area and plenty of pitstops for a coffee, hot chocolate, or even ice-cream depending on the weather!
Spectacle of Light
If you’re on a winter weekend break in Cheltenham, or if you’re looking for the perfect festive tradition, you must include Spectacle of Light at Sudeley Castle in your itinerary. A magical night-time light trail set in the grounds of medieval Sudeley Castle, Spectacle of Light takes you on a journey through enchanted trees and magnificent castle ruins. Whilst enjoying the illuminated trail, be sure to stop off and enjoy some festive food and mulled wine and cider and of course, don’t forget to stop outside St Mary’s Church in the grounds of Sudeley Castle and take a moment to remember Queen Katherine Parr who is entombed in the church.
A Weekend Break in Cheltenham
Cheltenham is the perfect place to spend the weekend whether you’re coming from near or far. I had the best time exploring my hometown as a tourist and I’m looking forward to returning to some of the venues mentioned above, as well as discovering more to do here. Read what Lucy from Explore The Cotswolds thought about our weekend break in Cheltenham, and what Claire from Weekend Candy thought too. You can also read more about this trip from Lisa at Visit Cheltenham who kindly looked after us for the weekend.
If you’re looking for things to do in Cheltenham, my first port of call is always the Visit Cheltenham website and their free event listings. I also wrote the perfect post for Candace Abroad if you’re looking to use Cheltenham as a base to explore the Cotswolds and beyond. You can also follow me on Instagram where I do a roundup of “what’s on in Gloucestershire this weekend” each Friday as well as sharing some of my favourite events and restaurants in the Cotswolds and beyond. Let me know your favourite things to do in Cheltenham and the Cotswolds!
