Albion Street - Cheltenham

Cheltenham

Cheltenham also known as Cheltenham Spa, is a spa town and borough in Gloucestershire, on the edge of the Cotswolds in the South-West region of England. It has an image of being respectable and wealthy, and is the home of the flagship race of British steeplechase horse racing, the Gold Cup, the main event of the Cheltenham Festival held every March. The town also hosts several festivals of culture.

Cheltenham is a regional shopping centre, home to several shopping centres and department stores, the oldest being Cavendish House from 1823. It is well-known locally for its nightlife, with a wide range of pubs, wine bars, clubs and restaurants. It has a Michelin two-star restaurant, Le Champignon Sauvage. In 2006, Cheltenham was voted the best place to live in Britain.

The town itself is a sight to behold with its amazing Regency architecture, however for more traditional art lovers The Cheltenham Art Gallery & Museum has a notable collection of decorative arts from the era of the Arts and Crafts Movement. The Holst Birthplace Museum contains personal belongings of the composer of The Planets, including his piano. It also includes a working Victorian kitchen and laundry, Regency drawing room and an Edwardian nursery.

Every year, Cheltenham Festivals organises music, jazz, literature and science festivals in the town, attracting names with national and international reputations in each field. Live events take place regularly at venues including the Town Hall, the Everyman Theatre, The Playhouse Theatre and the Pittville Pump Room.