Overview:

Ever since King George III visited in 1788, Cheltenham has been riding on its reputation as a spa resort for the wealthy, and the town has some of the best examples of Regency period architecture. The area gained reputation from the 1700’s discovery of healing waters, the location is probably best know for its horse racing especially in mid March every year. The racecourse hosts the Gold Cup which attracts from all across the UK with people booking accommodation a year in advance on some occasions. 

Getting Around:

All normal transport services are available to get around Cheltenham with taxi’s easy to acquire. An all day Mega rider is very reasonably priced at £3.00. Frequent rail links to London Paddington, Bristol and the south and Birmingham and the north. The station is a little outside the metropolitan area. There is a regular bus service or an easy walk through Montpellier into the centre (15-20 minutes). It's too far to walk if drink induced mobility is an issue, so take a taxi.

Must See / Do:
• The Pittville Pump Room – still pumping the spa waters and a popular setting for weddings.
• Admire the caryatid statues along the Montpellier Walk
• Attend the Gold Cup horse-racing events (book early!)
• Explore the Art Gallery & Museum for its collection from the Arts and Craft movement.
• Have a drink in Rising Sun Hotel.
• Explore the Cotswolds.

History and Culture:

Spa waters were discovered at Cheltenham in the early 1700s and from there spread the areas reputation its popularity as a resort for the wealthy took off after George III and his wife visited in the latter part of the century. The waters can still be taken at the Pitville Pump Room.  Its popularity as a spa declined in the 20th Century, but it has become a destination for horse-racing, and the popularity of the annual Gold Cup often means visitors must book up to a year in advance or face having to find lodging much out of the town entirely. There have been occasions were people have bought hotel rooms as much as 50 miles out of the city as there are no vacancies anywhere closer!   

Nightlife:

There is nothing too unique about a night out in Cheltenham, having said that there is a lot going for this trendy and affluent area. The best that Cheltenham has to offer, the socialite and extroverted beautiful people are found in Montpellier. This area of the town has a good selection of wine bars to choose from. With the late night groups able to push on at either Moda or Hub that will bring you into the early morning with up to date tunes.    

Eating and Drinking:

There is a good range of cuisine on offer in Cheltenham with cuisine to meet all wallets. For groups that are looking for more money to spend on beers an option of the Old Restroation or Hog’s Head will line your stomachs with good pub grub and leave enough pounds coins in your pockets. For the mid range spender the very popular and posh, Storyteller is a good choice. Pitville Gates has a wide selection of late night fast food type places, including kebabs, Chinese, Indian and the like. Daffodil serves up food just as lovely as its Art Deco surrounds. If you feel like money is no object, do it at Le Champignon Sauvage, a highly rated and often-awarded French eatery.

Sport:

As mentioned the Gold Cup is the main sporting allure to the location and would be a fantastic opportunity to try and win a few pounds off the bookies. The area is obviously extremely busy during this weekend and if a hectic booze racing weekend is what your Stag has always wanted then this is a great option.