Local Recommendations
Whether you're visiting Cheltenham for one of its renowned festivals or to discover the beauty of the Cotswolds, you've made an excellent choice! Cheltenham and its surroundings are rich in history have picturesque walks, charming villages, beautiful gardens and fantastic shopping! Within our Retreat and Potting Shed are a selection of tourist information leaflets for you to browse at your convenience along with bus timetables and What’s On guides. In the meantime, here are some additional local and slightly further attractions that we highly recommend visiting!
Cheltenham
Cheltenham is a charming spa town located in Gloucestershire. Nestled on the edge of the Cotswolds, it is celebrated for events like the Cheltenham Literature and Jazz Festival and the world-famous Cheltenham Festival - a major fixture in the horse racing calendar. With its leafy promenades, boutique shops, and vibrant arts scene, Cheltenham offers a unique blend of heritage and contemporary culture.
Here are some wonderful spots to check out:
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​Pittville Pump Rooms with Spa Water
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Cheltenham Racecourse
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Exclusive shopping at Montpellier
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Holst Birthplace Museum
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Neptune's Fountain on The Prom
Gloucester
Gloucester is a charming city steeped in history dating back to the Roman times. It is home to the stunning Gloucester Cathedral, which has even made appearances in the Harry Potter films including The Cloisters feature in a number of scenes. The city's historical docks have been transformed into a lively area filled with shops, cafes and museums, perfect for a relaxed afternoon by the water.
Here are some wonderful spots to check out:
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Gloucester Cathedral​
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Historic Gloucester Docks
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Gloucester Quays Outlet Shopping Centre
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Prinknash Abbey Bird Park
Cotswold Villages
The Cotswold villages are picture-perfect spots, known for their honey-coloured cottages, peaceful lanes, and beautiful countryside views. Here are some of our favourites below.
cirencester
A vibrant market town which is known for its rich Roman history and impressive parish church, often called the "Cathedral of the Cotswolds." The town offers a blend of independent shops, bustling markets, and beautiful parklands, making it a lively and welcoming destination.
26 minute drive
Other notable towns and villages to visit include...
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Ross on Wye
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Winchcombe and Sudeley Castle Berkley Castle
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Clearwell Caves
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Thornbury Castle
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Stonehenge
Eating Out
Eating out in Cheltenham is a wonderfully varied and vibrant experience, with everything from stylish modern bistros to cosy traditional pubs and elegant fine dining spots. The town's Regency streets are lined with independent cafes, international restaurants, and lively gastropubs, offering menus that celebrate both local produce and global flavours. Whether you're after a relaxed brunch, afternoon tea, or a special evening meal, Cheltenham's thriving food scene caters to every taste in a welcoming, laid-back atmosphere.
Our favourites...
the ox
This stylish steakhouse is renowned for its expertly cooked cuts of beef, including standout options like the 35oz Chateaubriand, complimented by triple-cooked chips and a selection of sauces. Alongside its meat-centric menu, the restaurant offers an impressive cocktail selection, making it a prime spot for both casual dinners and special occcasions.
East India cafe
The East India Cafe offers a refined take on Anglo-Indian cuisine, reimagining dishes from the British Raj era with contemporary flair. Located on The Promenade, this intimate restaurant combines locally sourced Cotswolds produce with exotic spices to create a unique and memorable dining experience.
the coconut tree
The Coconut Tree delivers vibrant Sri Lankan street food in a lively, laid-back setting, offering a variety of small plates like the popular Cheesy Colombo and spicy devilled dishes, all designed for sharing. With its relaxed atmosphere, creative cocktails, and warm hospitality, it's a go-to spot for flavourful, affordable dining with a distinctive island vibe.
dunkertons
Dunkertons Cider in Cheltenham is a celebrated organic cidery offering handcrafted ciders made from traditional methods. Visitors can enjoy tastings, tours, and a vibrant taproom experience with diverse food vendors and live events. A few culinary experiences include Mexican-style tacos, Indian tandoori dishes, Filipino cuisine, Dim Sum, sourdough pizzas and burgers with loaded fries.
Dog Friendly
Cheltenham is a dog-friendly town thanks to its abundance of green spaces like Pittville Park and Montpellier Gardens, alongside numerous pubs, cafes, and shops that welcome four-legged visitors. The town's relaxed atmosphere and regular dog-friendly events make it a great destination for pet owners.
Eating Locally
Eating Further Afield
Local Pub
Local Pub
Local Pub
Country Pub
Country Pub
Country Pub
Local Pub
Country Pub
Multiple different eateries
Country Pub
Georgian Restaurant and Pub
Local Pub
Walks
With its rolling hills, wide-open spaces and nature-rich valleys, the Cotswolds is what doggy dreams are made of. Offering endless adventures for owners and their four-legged friends, with literally thousands of public footpaths to explore — from Cleeve Hill to the mammoth 102-mile Cotswold Way.
25 minute drive
36 minute drive
32 minute drive
57 minute drive
37 minute drive
33 minute drive
