From internationally renowned festivals to an award-winning food and drink scene, the elegant Regency town of Cheltenham, Gloucestershire has a lot to discover in 2026.
The beautiful Regency town of Cheltenham, in Gloucestershire, is well-known for being one of the best places to live in the UK, thanks to its excellent schools, great job opportunities (the home of GCHQ amongst other notable employers), and its proud reputation as ‘The Festival Town’ (hosting over 35 festivals and events every year). However, Cheltenham is not just a fantastic place to live and work, it’s also one of the best places to visit for a day trip or staycation, and here are five reasons why Cheltenham is one of the top UK locations to visit in 2026:
A beautiful base for exploring the Cotswolds
The cosmopolitan town of Cheltenham, with its elegant Regency architecture and historic parks, is nestled on the western edge of the stunning Cotswold National Landscape, providing the ideal base for visitors to enjoy the best of both the lively town and the surrounding Cotswold countryside. The Forest of Dean, Wye Valley National Landscape and Malvern Hills National Landscape are all within easy reach of Cheltenham too.
Check in to one of Cheltenham’s many fantastic accommodation options (see reason 2 below for details) as your base then follow one of the four ‘Romantic Road’ routes starting from Cheltenham and exploring some of the very best English and Welsh countryside. From the North Cotswolds circuit (taking in picturesque towns such as Winchcombe and Stow-on-the-Wold) to the new Malvern Route (passing through the scenic Malvern Hills National Landscape via historic, riverside Tewkesbury and the Cathedral city of Gloucester) the routes cover both one and two-day driving tours.
Stay overnight in a sumptuous spa hotel or an affordable serviced apartment
Whether you want a central location or a countryside retreat, serene spa hotel or convenient serviced apartment, Cheltenham has accommodation to suit everyone.
For a luxurious stay, book into one of Cheltenham’s excellent hotels. Ellenborough Park Hotel (rooms from approx. £229 per night) is a stunning five-star country house hotel and spa steeped in history and surrounded by 90 acres of countryside, overlooking Cheltenham from the side of Cleeve Hill (the highest point in the Cotswolds). Great for couples and equally as hospitable for families (with children staying and eating for free during school holidays).
The Greenway Hotel & Spa, holder of four AA Red Stars (rooms from approx. £169 per night), is well-located on the edge of Cheltenham, making it ideal for exploring both the town and surrounding countryside. This 16th century Elizabethan manor house hotel boasts an award-winning spa and excellent dining.
Elegant town centre options include The Queen’s Hotel (rooms from approx. £90 per night), said to be one of Europe’s oldest hotels, located in prime position overlooking the manicured lawns of Imperial Square, and within hopping distance of Cheltenham’s bars, restaurants, cafes, shops and nightlife. The George Hotel (rooms from approx. £90 per night) is right in the centre of town, offering design-led bedrooms, a 24-hour pantry, automatic check in and drop-and-go check out, it’s a great choice for style and convenience.
For an eco-conscious stay, book into one of the Beechurst Serviced Apartments. This certified B corp accommodation provider offers sustainable, affordable self-catering apartments in a converted Victorian farmhouse, with parking and easy access to the M5.
No.38 The Park (rooms from approx. £109 per night), nestled in a leafy corner of Pittville Park, just minutes on foot from Cheltenham Racecourse, is a beautiful Georgian townhouse offering 13 individually designed rooms, and is a great choice for couples or families (it’s dog friendly too).
Over 35 festivals and hundreds of events every year
Cheltenham is known as ‘The Festival Town’ and hosts over 35 festivals and events every year. Highlights include:
- The Cheltenham Festival (10th – 13th March), including the world-famous Gold Cup: the pinnacle event of the horse jump-racing calendar and attracts thousands of racegoers each year
- Cheltenham Jazz Festival (29th April – 4th May): blending internationally acclaimed artists with breakthrough talent and homegrown up-and-comers, celebrating its 30th year in 2026.
- Cotswold Festival of Steam at Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway (23rd – 25th May): bank holiday weekend filled with majestic steam trains and picturesque landscapes
- Wychwood Festival (29th – 31st May): popular, independent, family-friendly festival celebrating its 20th year in 2026
- Fantasy Forest Festival (17th – 19th July): this inclusive, family-friendly festival celebrates the rich and varied genres of fantasy, sci-fi, cosplay, historic and medieval reenactment, steampunk and everything in between!
For the full programme of festivals and events in Cheltenham in 2026, see the Visit Cheltenham website.