Many of our visitors to Cooks Green Cottage enjoy an active holiday and some guests bring their beloved pets with them. We always welcome well-mannered dogs to our holiday home and in this final part of 50 things to do in Cheltenham; we will be introducing some of the walking trails that can be enjoyed in the town and around the outskirts. As ever, we will also be including some random places and activities of interest that visitors may enjoy.
43. Lineover Wood and Ravensgate Hill – This delightful walk of around two hours begins at Little Herbert’s Cheltenham (OS map reference SO 98185 19635) and is ideal for walkers of all types. Outdoor lovers will be well catered for and lovers of abundant flora will enjoy the many varieties of flowers along the way through Lineover Wood. Topped off by wonderful views from Ravensgate Hill, this walk will leave you refreshed and ready for a delicious Cotswold pub lunch or supper.
44. Cheltenham Circular Footpath – Cheltenham Borough Council is a keen supporter of active lifestyles. They have designed a number of walking routes for the enjoyment of residents and visitors. This clearly marked route is a circular walk around and about Cheltenham, which offers breath-taking views of the escarpment of the Cotswolds. This walking trail begins and terminates close to Pitville Park in the town and passes by the Dowedeswell reservoir and Cheltenham racecourse. The whole route is 25 miles in total so not for the faint hearted, but individual sections can be walked. Keen walkers will enjoy the challenge, rewarded with spectacular views.
The Well Walk Tea Room in Cheltenham45. Well Walk Tea Room, Cheltenham – It does have the word walk in the name, that is our excuse but we just thought we would slot in a favourite place if all this walking is making you feel peckish! This exquisite old style tearoom in the town is a well-loved favourite with visitors and has a very affordable menu. A varied menu offering the traditional tearoom delights of scones, pastries and cakes along with more substantial fare of soups and quiches satisfy the heartiest appetite. The surroundings of antiques, decorative objects, and textiles offer a real ambience set in one of Cheltenham’s first shops.
46. Whittington Court – Around five miles from Cheltenham stands Whittington Court a 16th century Cotswold stone manor house that stands on the footplate of a much earlier building. The house is surrounded by a moat and the interior is full of original features. There are Tudor fireplaces and wood panelling, carved staircases and ornamental over mantles featuring a coat of arms that was later used by George Washington to create the stars and stripes of the American flag. The building in this location goes back to the 14th century. You could always walk to the house from Cheltenham town, or alternatively enjoy a turn around the grounds here.
47. Cotswold Farm Park – A day of activity for the children is available at the Cotswold Farm Park in Cheltenham. This countryside experience will delight adults and children with many different activities such as rides on mini tractors, a play barn full of fun rides, restaurant, rare breeds, walking, pony trekking and locally sourced food and produce.
48. Inn at Fossebridge, nr Cheltenham – Here is a walk with a difference, not too far from Cheltenham there is a beautiful inn built of mellow stone where you can partake of an hours walk. This circular route takes you through the very pretty hamlet Fossebridge, the spot where Fosse Way drops down to the River Coln Cotswold valley, which is an area of outstanding natural beauty. After your walk relax and enjoy the atmosphere of this lovely inn. During the summer, there are four acres of garden where you can eat al fresco and even confine your stroll to a dander around the lake. In winter, welcoming log fires will take off the chill. An added bonus is this is a dog friendly place – perfect!
49. Cheltenham Cycle Touring Club – This cycling club is an ideal contact for those visitors wanting to explore the Cheltenham area on two wheels. With plenty of cycle routes on offer for different levels, there are lunch rides, elevenses rides, which take in beautiful countryside with the emphasis on fun and activity with plenty of refreshment stops. A great way to see the countryside, the club can be contacted through their website.
50. Guided Walk of Cheltenham – The Cheltenham Tourist Office is a great resource and has regular walking tours of Cheltenham led by a guide. This is an ideal introduction to the town for new visitors and then you can come back and see things that interest you at your leisure.
And that’s the end of our 50 things to do in Cheltenham guide.
