Cheltenham the town is an exquisite place characterised by beautiful Regency townhouses with painted stucco facades and wrought iron balconies line the streets. Manicured gardens and places to dine give an air of elegance to the overall ambience. Cheltenham also boasts a range of impressive boutiques, shops, and artisan food outlets making a stroll around town irresistible for shoppers. Cheltenham has been a frequent winner of the Britain in Bloom competition and has won the Prix European d’Excellence. In fact, in the early 18th century it was stated that Cheltenham is the garden town of England.
Once more, we bring you our 50 things to do in Cheltenham guide part three and hope you enjoy reading about the wealth of great things on offer. If you’ve not yet read parts 1 and 2 then do so here: Part 1 | Part 2
- 24. Go Ape! High Wire Forest Adventure – Do you have an inner ape? Bring out the chimp inside with the three hours of fun-at this tree top adventure. There are 30ft rope ladders a huge Tarzan swing into a huge rope net and a zip wire through the forest of trees. Plenty of crawling through tunnels and high wire rope bridges complete the adventure.
- 25. Imperial Gardens – found behind the Town Hall, these gardens were planted originally for the exclusive use of patrons of the Sherborne Spa. Where the Queens Hotel now stands is where the spa was constructed in 1818. There were winter gardens at one time, but the gardens of today were established after World War II. Around 25,000 bedding plants are utilised each year to create the wonderful floral displays. The park is also the venue for many cultural events.
- 26. Sandford Gardens – Named for the sandy soil and ford crossing this lovely park is the hidden jewel in Cheltenham’s crown. The diminutive River Chelt flows through Sanford Park, which is full of ornamental ponds, water features, and fountains. Clipped topiary guards the park entrances and there is plenty of seating to stop at to eat a picnic lunch and gaze at the beauty of the flowers and plants.
- 27. Farmers Market – This market takes place in the Long Gardens, Promenade on the second, and last Friday of every month 9am until 3pm. The market is a bustling, busy, and bright place offering locally grown and produced vegetables, preserves, meat, and other fresh produce from around the Cotswold area.
- 28. Arts and Crafts market – This market features the best of local crafts and hand made items from local artisans. It is a very popular and attractive market with much to see and buy. Like the Farmer’s Market, it is also locate in Long Gardens, Promenade on one Saturday every month.
- 29. Promenade Shopping – The Promenade is without doubt one of the finest shopping areas in England. From long established Cavendish House a short stroll takes you to the highly fashionable stores of LK Bennett, Coast, Gap and Russell and Bromley. Style emporiums Jaeger, Hobbs, Karen Millen, and Jigsaw are just some of the delightful shops waiting to be explored. Quality gift shops and accessory shops for jewellery books and makeup are present bringing such outlets as Space NK for hours of cosmetic browsing!
- 30. Wishing Fish Clock – Created by author Kit Williams whose famous book is “Masquerade”, the clock has been designed to bring joy and delight to all those adults and children that gaze upon its action. Michael Harding a world famous clock maker from the local area built the working parts of the clock and structural parts.
- 31. Parabola Arts Centre – This is the home of contemporary performance in the county. The programme of engaging and creative includes dance, theatre, dance, music, and family shows. The grade II listed art gallery and award winning theatre design make it a pleasure to visit.
Once again, we have not fitted in all of the things we are bursting to share with you, so look out for part four of 50 things to do in Cheltenham coming soon!