Things to do in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire

Heading to Cheltenham and looking for things to do in the town? Having been born and bred in Cheltenham, I’ve pulled together my guide on the best things to see and do here.

Cheltenham is a beautiful Regency spa town, and nowadays there are so many great things to do here. Having been born and bred in the town, it’s been so great to watch it grow and develop over the years into a true destination in its own right. Whether you’re interested in a day at Cheltenham Races or would rather eat and drink your way around the town, there’s so much going on no matter which time of year you visit. It’s a town full of gorgeous architecture – you’ll find rows of Regency and Georgian townhouses, and a whole handful of leafy parks. All of this makes Cheltenham so much more than a gateway to the Cotswolds. From cider parks to snippets of history to indulgent spas, there are so many things to do in Cheltenham. Without further ado, here’s a local’s guide to the top things to do in Cheltenham.

Things to do in Cheltenham: a summary

It sounds like such a cliche, but there really is something for everyone in Cheltenham. It might be known around the world for horse racing, but the town offers tons of culture and heritage alongside a fast-growing foodie scene and bustling nightlife. There are plenty of attractions, parks, and points of interest to check out, with new things popping up all the time. Cheltenham retains its status as a Festival Town too – there are multiple festivals from the Literary Festival to the Jazz Festival throughout the year, so you may want to tie in your trip with one of those. As the most complete Regency town in the UK, you’ll likely want to explore the gorgeous architecture and parks, which is easy to do as Cheltenham is incredibly walkable. In this guide, I’ll break down the top things to do by category so you can pick which things appeal most for your visit.

Take a walking tour

Part of the appeal of visiting Cheltenham is that it’s incredibly walkable. There are plenty of things to see in the town, and I’ll often spend my weekends walking between coffee shops and the town’s pretty green spaces. One of the best things to do in Cheltenham, however, is to take a walking tour. It can really help you to gain your bearings, as well as sharing key facts and tidbits of information that you might never have known otherwise. Did you know, for instance, that the founding member of the Rolling Stones, Brian Jones, hailed from Cheltenham? I recommend following a self-guided audio tour like the one below you can book via Viator for a few quid, so that you can explore Cheltenham at your own pace.

Here are a few more of my favourite tours to take in Cheltenham:

• Sibling Gin Distillery, for a guided tour of their distillery to learn what’s unique about Sibling Gin, how they make gin, and how to taste gin like a prop. They’ll keep your glass topped up at all times, you’ll enjoy nibbles, and there is even a gin pub quiz where you can win prizes.
• The Romantic Road. A driving tour included in The Telegraph’s Great British Drives, the Romantic Road covers Cheltenham and the Cotswolds countryside. Many people choose to take route one which begins in Cheltenham, across to some true Cotswold gems including Broadway, Blockley, Stow-on-the-Wold, and Upper Slaughter. For the true experience, enjoy classic car hire or take a luxury chauffeur tour.
• The Wilson Art Gallery & Museum offers guided tours where you can learn more about Cheltenham’s local history, from the history of the Wilson family and native explorer Edward Wilson to the development of its Arts and Crafts collection.
• Blue Badge Tours, where experts show you Cheltenham’s most important buildings and monuments. The spring and summer months are perfect for enjoying one of these.

Take a dip in the 1930s outdoor lido

Dating back to 1935, Sandford Parks Lido is one of the largest outdoor pools in the country at 50 metres long. Today, the lido retains all its original features, and is set in landscaped gardens. One of the best things to do in Cheltenham, the lido is perfect for a sunny day (or a cooler one if you’re feeling brave!) There’s plenty to do for all the family with slides, a kids’ pool, table tennis, and volleyball all included in the price. Swimming lanes are reserved on most days, and you can grab refreshments from the poolside cafe. All of the pools are heated to at least 21 degrees.

Go rowing in Pittville Park

Head to the Boathouse Cafe in Pittville Park, on the edge of the boating lake. As well as being a great Cheltenham cafe serving freshly ground coffee and homemade sandwiches and cakes, the Boathouse Cafe is where you can hire rowing boats to take out on the lake at Pittville Park. There’s no need to book beforehand, and the team at the Boathouse Cafe will also equip you with life jackets. It’s a fun thing to do in Cheltenham, particularly over summer. Large boats hold 5 people and smaller boats hold 3 people.

Ride on a steam train with GWSR

For a true taste of nostalgia, enjoy a heritage steam and diesel railway through beautiful Cheltenham and the Cotswolds. The Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway is operated by volunteers, offering a round trip of 28 miles. It runs on a section of the former Great Western Railway’s track from Cheltenham to Birmingham. Now, you can take the steam train from Cheltenham Racecourse to Broadway, passing some incredible Cotswolds scenery on the way. Keep your eyes peeled for adorable villages and sprawling views across to the Malvern Hills and beyond.

Visit one of Cheltenham’s many parks and gardens

Cheltenham has so many beautiful parks and gardens, alongside the leafy Promenade. You can’t visit the town without exploring some of them and relaxing with a picnic or a coffee. Pittville Park is one of the most iconic parks in Cheltenham – it’s home to the Grade I listed Pittville Pump Rooms where you can taste the town’s spa waters. Sandford Park has a few fountains and landscaped gardens, but Imperial Gardens is my favourite – you’ll find colourful flowerbeds and lawns as well as the Imperial Bar, where you can enjoy a Pimms in the park in the summer. Beautiful Montpellier Gardens is well worth a visit too, and they’re a hub for some of Cheltenham’s festivals, including the Literature, Jazz, and Science Festivals.

Visit an art gallery or museum

If you’re a self-confessed culture vulture and fancy learning more about Cheltenham and its rich history, you’ll be pleased to learn about Cheltenham’s museum and gallery, and the Holst Victorian House:

• The Wilson Art Gallery & Museum – home to Cheltenham’s art gallery and museum, The Wilson features regularly changing exciting displays of arts and crafts, fine arts, and an archive which is home to some incredible artefacts related to former Cheltonian and Antarctic explorer, Edward A. Wilson.
• Holst Victorian House – the former home of legendary The Planets composer, Gustav Holst, when he was born in 1874, Holst Victorian House is a museum founded by Holst’s daughter back in the 70s. Nowadays, you can see Holst’s piano, discover where he was born, and explore rooms as they would have been found back when he was a child during the Victorian era.

Go for afternoon tea

It doesn’t get more quintessentially British than going for an afternoon tea in Cheltenham. And where better than our beautiful spa town to enjoy one? You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to afternoon tea spots in the town. A few of my favourites are Ellenborough Park with their magnificent surroundings, tea ‘bible’, and the excellent service you’d expect from a 5* hotel. Everything is freshly baked onsite too. Another great spot in Cheltenham for afternoon tea is the Queens Hotel in its magnificent spot overlooking Montpellier Gardens. Their Queens Tiffin Afternoon Tea offers delicious sandwiches including poached salmon and cream cheese, as well as some tasty savoury bites like beef and horseradish Yorkshire puddings.

After some afternoon tea inspiration? Check out my guide to the best places for afternoon tea in Cheltenham.

Hire a bike

If your time in Cheltenham is limited, or you’re simply a keen cyclist, hiring a bike is one of the best things to do in Cheltenham. Bike hire is available from Cheltenham train station from the Bicycle Hub, so you can conveniently pick up your bike once getting off the train. It’s super easy to book your bikes online, so I’d recommend arranging your hire before arriving into Cheltenham. Cycling from the train station into the town takes just a few minutes, and I’d really recommend following Cheltenham Borough Council’s tourist cycle trail. It takes you past most of the town’s primary attractions and districts. Don’t worry, you’ll pass plenty of great coffee shops, cafes, restaurants, and bars on your way for some much needed pit stops!

Visit Cheltenham Racecourse

If you’re a fan of horse racing, you simply can’t visit Cheltenham without heading to the Racecourse! One of the world’s most famous racecourses, Cheltenham Racecourse can’t be missed off a list of the best things to do in Cheltenham. It is the home of jump racing, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors each year, and is famous for its sprawling Cotswold countryside views. I’d really recommend tying in your visit to Cheltenham with one of the key racing events. The Gold Cup Festival in mid-March is Cheltenham’s most famous event, but there’s a growing roster of exciting dates throughout the year including New Year’s Day Racing. Aside from racing, the Racecourse also hosts a number of events including live music and comedies.

Check out my ultimate guide to Cheltenham Races.

Soak up the cafe culture

One of my favourite things about Cheltenham is its cafe culture. Did you know Cheltenham was crowned the coffee capital of the UK thanks to its sheer quantity of coffee shops? As well as all the high street coffee brands you’d expect to find, there are dozens of independent coffee shops and cafes across the town, as well as some amazing brunch spots. It would be rude, therefore, not to indulge in your favourite flat white or cappuccino and relax or go for a walk in one of the many parks. Whether the sun is out or it’s a rainy day, enjoying a coffee and a slow morning or afternoon is one of the best things to do in Cheltenham.

Check out my guide to the best coffee shops in Cheltenham.

Catch a show at the theatre

In a town inspired by the arts and music, one of the best things to do in Cheltenham is visit the theatre. You might be surprised to learn that Cheltenham actually has three theatres – the Everyman Theatre, the Bacon Theatre, and The Playhouse. Here’s what to expect from each of the town’s theatres:

• The Everyman – having been putting on performances since 1891, the Everyman has an impressive auditorium. It presents a wide range of productions, from ballet to opera to comedy to pantomime. There’s also a cafe, bar, and restaurant for you to enjoy during the interval. The Everyman recently debuted the Great British Bake Off Musical, which has since gone on to star in London’s West End.
• Bacon Theatre – completed back in 1991 to a high standard, Dean Close’s Bacon Theatre hosts state of the art facilities and has a great roster of events including touring theatre, live music, dance, productions, film, and speakers. There’s also a Greek style amphitheatre which hosts an open air theatre festival each year in July.
• The Playhouse Theatre – located in a Regency building, Cheltenham’s Playhouse Theatre was established back in 1945, and continues to host a number of plays, workshops, and events today. As well as catching a play, the building has an interesting history – it was originally used to sell an evaporated version of Cheltenham’s iconic spa waters, complete with baths for swimming. The pool itself used to be covered for performers to attend dances and fancy dress balls.

Explore the nearby Cotswolds

One of my favourite things about living in Cheltenham is its close proximity to the Cotswolds. In just a short drive, you can reach many of the Cotswolds’ most popular spots including Bourton-on-the-Water, Painswick, Stow-on-the-Wold, and many more. Daylesford Farm is within easy reach, with its plush lodgings, spa, restaurants, farm shop, and delicatessen. You might also fancy staying at the celebrity hotspot, Soho Farmhouse, which is also a short drive away. Classic car fanatics might fancy driving the Romantic Road, and hikers will love the miles of stunning walking routes across the area. Other outdoor activities to enjoy in the Cotswolds include cycling, playing golf, clay pigeon shooting, and various equine sports. A great day for all the family is a trip to Adam Henson’s Cotswold Farm Park. The farm park features a Touch Barn where kids can stroke the animals, a wildlife walk, an adventure playground, and even a farm safari.

Check out my guide to the best villages to visit in the Cotswolds.

Head to a vineyard

Cheltenham may not spring to mind as a hotspot for wine lovers, but did you know it’s close to a couple of fantastic vineyards that you can visit for winery tours and tastings? It’s something I recommend to anyone coming to visit me in Cheltenham, and all my guests really enjoy it! Woodchester Valley is open all year round for tours and tastings. They also host some events including ‘fizz and chips’ evenings and sparkling wine tasting with afternoon tea. Three Choirs Vineyard is another great vineyard – in fact it’s also one of the oldest in England! Boasting some delightful rooms and a brasserie as part of its 75 acre estate, Three Choirs is the perfect extension to your stay in Cheltenham after a few glasses of wine. Vine and Orchard – sister brand to Cheltenham’s favourite wine merchant, Tivoli Wines – also offers some wonderful guided tours and tastings. You’ll get to see some wonderful vineyards, cideries, and distilleries – all in the heart of the Cotswolds. You’re spoilt for choice, and visiting a vineyard is definitely one of the best things to do in Cheltenham.

Indulge in a spa break

It would be rude not to visit a town with ‘spa’ in its namesake and not visit one, wouldn’t it? Cheltenham has been a spa town resort since 1716, when a local discovered pigeons pecking at saltwater and became convinced that the natural spa waters were healing. Since then, Cheltenham has become the perfect destination for a wellbeing day or weekend. A favourite spa of mine in Cheltenham is at Ellenborough Park, Gloucestershire’s only 5* hotel. Offering a variety of indulgent spa days, choose from some luxurious massages and facials, and enjoy relaxing in the hotel’s spa facilities including an outdoor pool – perfect for sunny days. Keep your eyes peeled for the reopening of Cowley Manor and its major renovation by the Experimental Group. It has a wonderful spa and swimming pool with views over the luscious grounds.

Take a look at my pick of the best spas in Cheltenham

Find some street art

You may not know that Cheltenham has a growing reputation for its impressive street art. Back in 2014, Cheltenham was even home to a Banksy, as he created Spy Booth, a portrayal linked to the Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ) nearby, which provides intelligence and information to the government and Armed Forces. Nowadays, Cheltenham hosts its very own Paint Festival each year. Another date on Cheltenham’s prolific festival calendar, the Paint Festival brings incredible quality artwork from leading street artist into the spa town. All of the large walls used as part of the Paint Festival are permanent, and you can view them all year round. One of the best things to do in Cheltenham is to walk around the town and find these fabulous works of art. There’s an artwork Google Maps you can follow to see them all.

Visit Pittville Pump Rooms

A stunning Grade I listed property at the top of Cheltenham’s lush Pittville Park, Pittville Pump Rooms is the shining star of Cheltenham’s Regency architecture. Known for putting the ‘Spa’ in Cheltenham Spa, the building once catered to visitors of the town who would come to taste the legendary spa waters which they believed was the cure for a number of illnesses. Nowadays, the Pump Rooms are used for a range of cultural and commercial events. Head to Pittville Pump Rooms to admire the stunning architecture, and enjoy the views across the gardens and lakes of Pittville Park. There’s also the lovely Heritage Cafe Orangery where you can enjoy coffee and cake with a view.

Go cider tasting at Dunkertons Cidery

Gloucestershire’s biggest cidery is one of the best things to do in Cheltenham. Dunkertons Cidery is a family run organic cider maker where you can learn all about the art of crafting cider by hand. Run by Superdry founder, Julian Dunkerton, Dunkertons is a great place to go for a tasting and a tour of the cidery. You can shop their award-winning range of ciders in the onsite shop, from bottles to swing tops, as well as freshly baked bread, cheeses, charcuterie, and a range of pottery and glassware. At Dunkertons Park, you’ll also find some great eateries, including Woozy Pig with their artisan burgers, and Boulangerie Artisan, one of the most delicious bakeries you’ll find in Cheltenham. The marquee bar is perfect for the summer months, too – it often hosts events including a pub quiz night and even a pantomime at Christmas.

Step back in time at Sudeley Castle

One of the best things to do in Cheltenham to soak up a little history is take a trip to Sudeley Castle. Renowned for being the burial place of Henry VIII’s sixth wife, it is set in the gorgeous countryside surroundings of the Cotswold village of Winchcombe. Just a few miles out of Cheltenham’s town centre, Sudeley Castle is one of the few remaining castles in the UK that is still a private lodging. Dating back to 1442, Sudeley Castle is particularly notable in history thanks to its possession by King Richard III. Henry VIII’s sixth wife, Catherine Parr, spent her last months on earth at the castle. She eventually died from childbirth, and her tomb remains at Sudeley Castle. There’s a whole exhibition on Catherine Parr’s life as well as intimate love letters that she wrote to her last husband, Thomas Seymour. It’s a great day out with all of the family, and you can learn a lot while exploring the beautiful grounds and medieval ruins. There’s also a pheasantry, adventure play area, and a restaurant and cafe to enjoy during your visit.

Head to a festival

Cheltenham is known as a festival town for good reason. As well as its most famous festival, The Cheltenham Festival held each March at Cheltenham Racecourse, there are plenty of others that you may not be as familiar with:

• Cheltenham Jazz Festival – held each May in Cheltenham’s beautiful Imperial Gardens, Cheltenham Jazz Festival is one of the country’s most loved jazz festivals. Join over 20,000 music fans to experience some of the world’s biggest jazz icons.
• Cheltenham Science Festival – held in June each year at Cheltenham Town Hall
• Cheltenham Food and Drink Festival – held over a weekend in June, the Cheltenham Food and Drink Festival celebrates with live music, free wine tasting, cheese tasting, and a whole host of demonstrations and artisan food producers for local foodies to enjoy.
• Cheltenham Music Festival – held in July each year, Cheltenham Music Festival is a celebration of performances and events from leading international artists and talent over eight days.
• Cheltenham Cricket Festival – held at the magnificent grounds of Cheltenham College each July – August, enjoy a spot of cricket and a drink during the summer months.
• Cheltenham Paint Festival – watch artists work their magic at the end of July, and spot fresh street art creations and murals pop up around the town at Cheltenham Paint Festival.
• Cheltenham Literature Festival – held in October each year, join artists, novelists, and celebrities to learn more about their latest publications. Join anybody from Louis Theroux to Stanley Tucci for some truly inspirational talks.

Try out some of the foodie spots of Cheltenham

You might be surprised to learn that Cheltenham is quite a foodie hub these days, but from Michelin starred food to takeaway grub, there’s something for everyone. It feels like every month there is a new, exciting restaurant or gastropub opening up on the scene. For this reason, it would be wrong not to mention eating as one of the best things to do in Cheltenham! As a local, I’ve written a ton of guides on the best things to eat in the town as I’ve been lucky enough to try most restaurants in Cheltenham. See what takes your fancy from the below:

• The best brunch in Cheltenham
• The best Indian restaurants in Cheltenham
• The best takeaways in Cheltenham
• The best Sunday roasts in the Cheltenham

Enjoy some retail therapy at the independent boutiques

Cheltenham is great for shopping, and there a number of high end boutiques that make for great clothes and gift shopping. The High Street offers all the retail therapy and chain shops you could possibly need, although I highly recommend heading to the leafy Promenade. As well as being a beautiful street to walk along, it has some lovely boutique stores. You’ll also find the likes of Anthropologie, The White Company, Reiss, Oliver Bonas, and Hatchard’s here too. Continue up to Montpellier (perhaps with a stop off for a coffee or a wine along the way), and you’ll find plenty of gorgeous independent boutiques. A few of my favourites include Pink Vintage, an adorable pink shop selling gifts, homeware, and coffee and cake, Mimmo Studios for clothing, and Sandra Dee, a boutique selling luxury lingerie.

Climb one of the surrounding hills

Set in the heart of the Cotswolds, one of the best things to do in Cheltenham is to climb one of the surrounding hills to familiarise yourself with the town. There’s so much beautiful countryside in the area, and you can take in these incredible green views from the hills. Try taking a walk up to the local landmark of the Devil’s Chimney, a limestone column that’s said to mark the devil’s underground home. It’s also a wonderful viewpoint across the Cotswolds, where you can see across Cheltenham, Gloucester, and all the way over to the Malvern Hills. Cleeve Hill is another beautiful spot for walking near to Cheltenham Racecourse. A gentle yet challenging walk, the views are well worth it, with sprawling countryside for as far as the eye can see. It’s certainly a good way to get to know Cheltenham and beyond.

Stay the night

I’d highly recommend staying at least a night or two while visiting in Cheltenham. There are plenty of gorgeous boutique hotels to choose from, and it means you can relax and have a few drinks over dinner. Here are some of my favourite hotels in Cheltenham:

• No 131 The Promenade – located in prime position on Cheltenham’s leafy promenade, No 131 is arguably the town’s coolest hotel. Boasting exquisitely decorated rooms, roll top bathrooms, and views over Imperial Gardens, I’ve stayed before and really enjoyed it. It’s also home to the popular Gin & Juice bar, meaning you don’t need to go far to roll into bed after a few cocktails
• Ellenborough Park – set on the outskirts of town over acres of gorgeous countryside, there’s no better place to stay if you’re looking for a relaxing break. Offering a perfect location for visiting Cheltenham Races, this historic hotel offers upmarket chic. As well as the beautiful grounds which are perfect for an afternoon tea in the summer, I love the ‘welly room’. It’s packed full of Hunter wellies for you to go and have a stomp among the glorious grounds. There’s also a lovely spa and heated outdoor pool to enjoy.
• No 38 The Park – it’s not just the honesty bar that had me hooked on choosing No 38 as one of my favourite hotels in Cheltenham! This beautiful Regency hotel boasts the most wonderful decor and interiors, and each room is unique. It’s also set on Pittville Park, making it an ideal weekend staycation. I recommend grabbing a coffee in the morning and going for a walk around Pittville Pump Rooms.

Looking for somewhere to stay during your visit? Check out my guide to the best hotels in Cheltenham

Experience the nightlife

I can’t mention the best things to do in Cheltenham and not mention the town’s nightlife. Although sleepier than the bustling neighbouring cities of Bristol and Birmingham, Cheltenham still has plenty to offer for a night out. Get your night started at one of the many bars or pubs in the town – there are plenty to choose from. Head to The Brewery Quarter for bars like Brewdog and The Alchemist. Alternatively, Montpellier boasts a more sophisticated vibe, with establishments like The Ivy offering a decadent cocktail menu. If you’re looking for nightclubs, check out Home and Botanic or Popworld. You’re guaranteed a fun night and both are open until the early hours.

Head to the Tivoli Cinema

Tivoli Cinema isn’t just any old cinema, it’s a boutique cinema. Set in Cheltenham’s Regent Arcade, it’s a cinematic experience with a luxurious difference. Enjoy exquisite interiors, state of the art laser projection, and an onsite cafe and bar. You can choose from a range of delicious meals, cakes, and pastries as well as a full bar and coffee menu while enjoying a film. As well as in-screen dining, Tivoli Cinema has plush extra-wide sofas so you can enjoy your viewing in ultimate comfort. It’s perfect for a date night or a catch up with friends. I’ve even visited just to work from the cafe before – the staff are lovely and the food and drinks great!

Try your hand at clay pigeon shooting

Clay pigeon shooting may not be the most obvious choice when it comes to things to do in Cheltenham, but why not? Given that Cheltenham is on the edge of the Cotswolds and acres of countryside, it’s the perfect place to try it for yourself. Whether you’re visiting as part of a hen do, stag do, or just with your nearest and dearest, clay pigeon shooting is such a fun activity. I highly recommend trying out Ian Coley Sporting. I visited with my family last year and we had so much fun. They’ll walk you through all the steps so you know what you’re doing and how to improve. Who knows, you may even be a natural. There’s now a cafe onsite too for afterwards, or you can simply drive down the road to one of the most gorgeous pubs around, The Frogmill.

Check out the many pubs

As a fan of a tipple or two, I love the calibre of pubs on offer in Cheltenham. There’s truly something for everyone, whether you’re after great food or simply a local boozer for a few pints at the weekend. Having been born and raised in Cheltenham, I’m pretty familiar with most of the pubs in the town. After all, it would be rude not to add checking out the local boozers as one of the best things to do in Cheltenham! I’ve written a separate guide on the best pubs in Cheltenham, but here’s a summary of a few of my favourites:

• The Retreat – recognisable from its iconic deep red exterior and interior, The Retreat is undoubtedly one of my favourite pubs in Cheltenham. Set in one of my favourite parts of town, The Suffolks. it has a great atmosphere, serves a nice drink, and has a lovely little beer garden out the back to enjoy in the summer months.
• The Railway – nestled in the lower part of town near Waitrose, you’ll find The Railway. Satisfyingly unpolished, it boasts friendly staff, nice drinks, and a nicely manicured beer garden. They also serve excellent Thai style sharing plates, so visit with an appetite so you can try for yourself.
• The Plough – I’m definitely a fan of a beer garden, and The Plough in Prestbury is debatably unrivalled. Set out in the more rural village of Prestbury, it is certainly one of the oldest pubs around with a thatched roof and has a beer garden with a view. Perfect for enjoying a cider in the summer months!

Looking for a nice place for a pint? Check out my guide to the best pubs in Cheltenham.

Learn how to play polo

As a sport favoured by the pomp and pageantry, you might not have considered playing polo, but it is in fact one of the most fun things to do in Cheltenham. With a number of local polo clubs located between Cheltenham and nearby Cirencester, there are plenty of places to try your hand at the sport thanks to Cheltenham’s sprawling countryside. I’d recommend heading to Longdole Polo Club – it goes against the grain in a pursuit to make polo affordable and accessible to all. Offering polo lessons for absolute beginners or more experienced players, their accredited coaches can help you to learn the sport. In fact, Longdole is Prince Harry’s former club – if it’s good enough for him, it’s certainly good enough for you!

Watch the cheese rolling

It might possibly be the world’s weirdest extreme sport, but it’s something of a tradition here in Cheltenham. On the spring bank holiday each year at the end of May, head up to nearby Cooper’s Hill to watch the infamous cheese rolling in Gloucester. Brave (or crazy!) contestants will roll down the incredibly steep Cooper’s Hill after a huge Double Gloucester cheese. Not for the faint hearted, there are many accidents each year, and Brockworth Rugby Football Club is roped in to help catch the contestants at the bottom of the hill. Whoever crosses the finish line first is awarded with the Double Gloucester cheese! There’s also an uphill race for kids to take part in too. I’m pretty sure you won’t have seen anything quite like it before.

That’s my list of the best things to do in Cheltenham! Is there anything you’d add to the list? Let me know in the comments below.