Cheltenham

CitySouth West, England

Cheltenham is a CITY in South West, England.

Cheltenham is a charming spa town in Gloucestershire, England, renowned for its Regency architecture, vibrant cultural scene, and prestigious festivals. Known as the 'Gateway to the Cotswolds,' Cheltenham offers a mix of historical elegance and modern attractions. The town is famous for its annual Cheltenham Festival, a highlight in the horse racing calendar, and the Cheltenham Literature Festival, attracting global literary figures. Visitors can explore the Pittville Pump Room, a stunning example of Regency architecture, or stroll through the beautiful Montpellier Gardens. Cheltenham also boasts a thriving food and drink scene, with numerous cafes, restaurants, and traditional pubs serving local specialties. The town's unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty makes it a must-visit destination.

Best time to visit Cheltenham

The best time to visit Cheltenham is from May to September for pleasant weather and outdoor events. March is ideal for the Cheltenham Festival, but expect crowds and higher prices.

October

Now

Right now

Condition
Overcast
Temperature
8°
Feels like
4°
Humidity
73%
Wind
19 km/h
Precipitation
0 mm

Typical for October

Weather
Cool 8-14°C

Travel notes

Crowds
Low
Prices
Low

Autumn colours; good for hiking.

Weather from Open-Meteo

Know before you go

Getting there

BRS

Bristol Airport

International

80 km away

BHX

Birmingham Airport

International

90 km away

LHR

London Heathrow

International

150 km away

Getting around

"Cheltenham has a reliable public transport system, including buses operated by Stagecoach. The town is walkable, with many attractions close to the center. Taxis and bike rentals are also available."

Stay connected

WiFi speed

30 Mbps

Mobile data

Excellent

WiFi

Widely available in cafes, hotels, and public spaces

Local SIM

Local SIM available at shops from $10

Calling code

44

Stay safe

Overall

8/10

Generally safe; stay aware in crowds.

Night safety

7/10

Generally safe; stay aware in crowds.

Transport

9/10

Scam risk

6/10

"Cheltenham is generally safe, but standard precautions against petty theft should be taken, especially in crowded areas. Emergency services are highly responsive."

Entry and health

Health information

"Cheltenham has excellent healthcare facilities, including the Cheltenham General Hospital. Travelers from non-EU countries should have travel insurance. Tap water is safe to drink."

Culture

Local customs

"Cheltenham has a refined, genteel atmosphere, reflecting its Regency heritage. Politeness is valued, and tipping 10-15% in restaurants is customary. The town has a strong equestrian and literary culture."
English

Costs and practicals

Cost level

Mid-range

Meals

$15-25 | a mid-range meal costs $15-25

Hotels

$80-150 | mid-range hotels range $80-150/night

Local transport

$2-4 | local bus ride ~$2-4

Cost notes

Prices higher during Cheltenham Festival (March).

Timezone

Europe/London +00:00 (GMT)

More facts

Population

0.1 million

Area

46.61 km²

Government

Local government district

ISO code

GB-CHM

Type

City

Frequently Asked Questions

Also known as: New Cheltenham

HistoricFamily-FriendlyHikingFestivals