Can you really get into the festive spirit and discover the true essence of a destination in one day? I spent 24 hours in the Gloucestershire town of Cheltenham and discovered a magical array of Christmas experiences that can be enjoyed by the whole family. So if you’re looking for the best things to do in Cheltenham at Christmas, read on for this 24-hour guide and follow in my footsteps.
Is Cheltenham worth visiting?
Perhaps best known for its famous racecourse, annual festival and ladies college, the Regency town of Cheltenham is the gateway to the Cotswolds. However, there is so much more to Cheltenham than just horse racing and its pretty neighbouring villages. This 18th-century spa town, with an abundance of gorgeous Georgian architecture, tranquil parks, and vibrant food and drinks scene, is a destination in its own right. And at any time of the year…
Christmas in Cheltenham
There is something rather special about the twinkle of Christmas lights, the incredible smells from the Christmas market stalls and discovering festive activities in the lead up to the big event. And if you and your family fancy a last-minute getaway or a long weekend in Gloucestershire, then Cheltenham really does cater to all budgets, tastes and ages.
After being invited for a whirlwind break by Visit Cheltenham alongside fellow travel bloggers Cathy, Donna, Sarah and Lisa, I managed to pack in a lot of fantastic experiences – some suitable for families with kids, and others more for grown-ups or older tweens and teens. What all of the below have in common, however, is they’re all interesting, fun and interactive. Which one of these will you try for yourselves? Read on for 24 hours in Cheltenham…
For more Christmas in Cheltenham ideas visit Like Love Do and read this comprehensive guide.Â
In the morning…
Go on a guided walking tour of Cheltenham
What better way to get to know a town than through a fascinating walking tour? I put on my comfiest trainers and followed Blue Badge guide Sean, from Offbeat Cotswolds, as he told us tales from Cheltenham’s past, funny anecdotes and festive facts. Sean also pointed out several historic buildings including the Old Courthouse and explained why the pigeon is an important Cheltenham symbol.
This 90-minute Christmas tour takes in many of the town’s popular areas including the Promenade and Imperial Gardens. And with an easy pace and flat terrain, this Cheltenham walking tour is suitable for all. We even got to warm up with a complimentary exotically infused cup of tea afterwards at the trendy Memsahib Gin and Tea bar. Inspired by the British Raj period, this eclectic hidden gem serves tea, gin and Indian-inspired food.
Christmas walking tour costs £12 per personÂ
Time for lunch…
Indulge in a sumptuous afternoon tea
Okay, so afternoon tea isn’t technically lunch. But tell me who wouldn’t like to eat delicious finger sandwiches with an assortment of sweet treats at lunchtime? And where better to indulge in this veritable festive feast than in Gloucestershire’s only five-star hotel and spa, Ellenborough Park?
This 15th-century hotel set on sweeping grounds overlooking Cheltenham racecourse is luxury personified. In 1833, the 1st Earl of Ellenborough and former Governor General of India made the estate his home – and there are still many intricate details that remain to this day from original stain glass windows, stonework and even the ancient front door.
Sit by the glowing fireplace in the historic Great Hall, wander the estate and scoff homemade cakes and scones with lashings of clotted cream and jam. The sausage rolls, turkey and cranberry sandwiches were particularly delightful. This really is a wonderful treat for all. And, while Ellenborough Park is an upmarket luxury hotel, families are more than welcome. I know my boys would have been in cake heaven.
Ellenborough Park festive afternoon tea costs £30 per person
If you’d like to discover more of the best restaurants in Cheltenham read this article over on Extraordinary Chaos
Afternoon escapade
Marvel at the Spectacle of Light at Sudeley Castle
Nothing makes me feel more Christmassy than wrapping up warm and going on a good old stomp – especially when you need to walk off a huge meal. From Ellenborough Park, we made our way to the historic Sudeley Castle and Gardens, located in the pretty village of Winchcombe.
Now an annual Christmas event, the Spectacle of Light is a wonderful experience and I thoroughly enjoyed exploring the estate in the cover of darkness where flickering flames, rainbow light beams, and pretty lanterns create a magical glow across the estate.
What I loved about Sudeley’s impressive light trail, aside from the impressive displays including sparkling water fountains and projections across the castle walls, were the friendly ‘fairies’ that wandered the grounds. They added an air of enchanting fun for both adults and children. Meanwhile, the refreshment trucks offered a good range of warming drinks including gluhwein and creamy hot chocolate.
Sudeley Castle Spectacle of Light costs £22 per adult and £11 per child (3-15). Under 3’s free.
Nighttime fun
Get your skates on at Cheltenham ice rink
Ice skating in the UK is synonymous with the festive season and while I may not be the most graceful of skaters, it’s always fun to strap on skates and hit the rink. Cheltenham ice skating rink is situated in the glorious grounds of Imperial Gardens. An all-weather activity, friends and families can take to the ice come rain or shine – and various time slots mean you can choose to skate during the day, or at night where the twinkling lights add a more magical ambience.
Not so great on skates – or worried about little ones? Penguin skating aids are available to hire.
Tickets from £8 child, £9.50 adults, £8.50 concessions and £32 family ticket
Enjoy treats at Cheltenham’s Christmas Market
It wouldn’t be Christmas without a trip to a Christmas market. And Cheltenham Christmas Market has a wonderful choice of food and drink stalls, as well as gifts and Christmas decorations for sale. The aromas coming from the Promenade, where the Christmas Market is located, is enticing. The only issue is choosing what to eat and drink first…
Having worked up an appetite after our Sudeley Castle visit and the ice-skating, I was ready to get warm again with some delicious street food and fragrant mulled wine. Although, the Baileys hot chocolate was also rather tempting! From pulled pork and waffles to noodles and Caribbean cuisine, it took me a while to make a decision. In the end, I opted for jerk chicken with rice and dumplings. It was so tasty – and accompanied by my wine in a little boot mug, it was a great end to my busy day.
Time to sleep…
Where to stay in Cheltenham
From spa hotels to grand accommodation, there are over 100 different hotels in and around Cheltenham, so you’ll be spoiled for choice. If you want to be close to the action and able to walk to all the town’s main attractions, The Queens Cheltenham is a perfect choice.
This stunning historic building which opened in 1838 has seen its fair share of royalty and famous faces over the decades, and now it’s a four-star boutique hotel with an elegant and luxe veneer, without being overly ostentatious. The listed staircase is rather impressive, as are the stylish dining room and bar with bursts of blue velvet and gold furnishings.
The room I stayed in was elegant and comfortable, with a lovely view across the Imperial Gardens and Promenade. I was impressed with the overhead rain shower in the compact, yet functional bathroom. The breakfast choice in the morning was to a high standard, too, and the staff were welcoming and friendly.
Location-wise, The Queens is in an exceptional spot. Within walking distance of Cheltenham’s Christmas markets, Pitville Park, the Brewery Quarter and the main shopping district, it’s well placed for guests and families who want to ditch the car and explore on foot.
For a full review of Queens Cheltenham read this article from Mummy Travels
* My Christmas break in Cheltenham was hosted and organised by Visit Cheltenham and their partners.Â