Local attractions Angus recommends

Cheltenham is a beautiful spa town located in the heart of The Cotswolds. Famous for its horse racing, Regency heritage and architecture, Charles Dickens is quoted to say, "Rarely have I seen such a place that so attracted my fancy."

One of the many attractions in the town is the Art Gallery and Museum outlining, amongst other things, the life of the Cheltenham native Antarctic explorer Edward Wilson who perished with Scott on his ill-fated expedition to the South Pole in 1912.

The Holst Birthplace Museum is a tribute to the famous musician born in Cheltenham and even houses his piano in this restored Regency house.

To truly appreciate the "spa" town qualities of Cheltenham, a visit to the Pittville Pump Room which still offers visitors the opportunity to sample the town's famous spa waters is a must.

The best way to explore the town is by taking a walking tour organised by the local tourist office to coincide with the many town/horse racing events that take place in the town.

RECOMMENDED DAY TOURS 2009:

The Cheltenham Tourism Office has arranged some fantastic day coach tours of the local areas. For full details including booking information, please click here.

Why not stay at the Barceló Cheltenham Park Hotel for the night of the tour? The day tour dates are as follows:

Thursday 7th May – Bath
Thursday 21st May – Worcester & the Malvern Hills
Thursday 4th June – Glorious Cotswold Gardens Route 1
Thursday 11th June – A Taste of the Cotswolds
Thursday 18th June – Forest of Dean & the Wye Valley
Thursday 25th June – Burford & the South Cotswolds
Thursday 2nd July – Wool Towns & the Cotswolds
Thursday 9th July – Bibury & Buscot Park
Thursday 16th July – Bath
Thursday 23rd July – Worcester & the Malvern Hills
Thursday 30th July – Glorious Cotswold Gardens Route 2
Thursday 6th August – Stratford-upon-Avon
Thursday 13th August – Burford & the South Cotswolds
Thursday 20th August – Bibury & Kelmscott
Thursday 27th August – Wool Towns of the Cotswolds
Thursday 3rd September – Bath
Thursday 17th September – Forest of Dean & the Wye Valley