Cheltenham: Things To Do in the Centre for the Cotswolds

Cheltenham is located just off the M5 motorway, between Bristol and Birmingham and is within easy driving distance of the cities of Swindon and Oxford. Plus if you are looking to explore some of the wonderful countryside around that makes up the Cotswold Hills.

However, in the town of Cheltenham Spa there are plenty of things for one to do and see whilst visiting this historic spa town.

1. Cheltenham Racecourse Hall of Fame – This looks at the history of racing and steeple chasing from it’s beginnings in 1819 through to the present day. You can look back through the winners of the Gold Cup, one of National Hunt racing’s premier races, but also about how the Irish became main players here as well. It also takes a look at the many trainers and riders who have helped to make this course special in the world of racing.

2. Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway – Steam trains run almost every weekend during the summer between Cheltenham, Winchcombe and Toddington. Plus at other times they also run seasonal events that can be enjoyed by young and old alike.

3. The Holst Birthplace Museum – This terraced Victorian property has had the kitchen restored and in it you will be able to look at many items that are to do with the composer of the music suite “The Planets”. You can spend time not just learning about the composers life as a child and also his later years and even see the piano on which he composed his music together with a collection of his musical scores.

4. The Pittville Pump Room – This grand building is often used as the symbol of the town and is the jewel of its Regency architecture. It overlooks the lawns and ornamental lakes of Pittville Park and provides you with the chance to step back in time and imagine what life was like when it was a thriving spa town. If you feel ready to take the plunge then you have the opportunity to taste the unpleasant waters which many from around the country would flock to for they believed they could cure all kinds of ailments.

5. Sandford Park Open Air Pool – This is one of England’s largest out door swimming pools and is surrounded by landscaped gardens. Not only is there the main pool which measures 50 meters but there is a children’s pool as well and a paddling pool All the pools are heated to a very pleasant 70 degrees or so. However, this park doesn’t offer just the facility for swimming you can also play volleyball, table tennis and basketball here as well.

6. St Mary’s Church – This is the oldest building in the town and was built during the middle part of the 11th Century. You will note that it bears the Royal Coat of Arms and this was to commemorate the visit made by George III in 1788. Another feature which many enjoy is the 14th Century rose window, the canopied piscine and lierne vaulting of the baptistery. Plus inside there are many memorials to some of its citizens including Henry Skillicorne who developed the town’s first spa.

When you next visit Cheltenham, use this comprehensive list of Cheltenham hotels.

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