F EATURE TRAVEL
Cheltenham’s family-run Sibling Gin Distillery makes its own spirits from start to finish
The town’s Coconut Tree is a relaxed-dining Sri Lankan restaurant with a lively atmosphere
Cotswold Candlemakers is a shop in Bourton-on- the-Water, the Venice of the Cotswolds
THINGS TO DO There is always something going on in The Festival Town. Across the year, the town hosts over 25 major events and festivals, from four extraordinary days of horse racing in March to the world’s oldest cricket festival. Before visiting, it’s always worth checking which events and festivals are happening. There are also plenty of attractions to enjoy during your stay. As the UK’s most complete Regency town, there’s plenty of history to unearth during your stay. Take a stroll up to Pittville Park to explore Pittville Pump Room, a grand monument to the Regency era. Not too far away is the Holst Museum, the birthplace of Gustav Holst, where visitors have the opportunity to experience what the house would have looked like in Holst’s time. If you want to nd out even more about Cheltenham’s history, there are also bookable walking tours of the town that will enable you to truly delve into Cheltenham’s past. If you’re seeking experiences, then head to the outskirts of Cheltenham to Sibling Gin Distillery. Run by four siblings, this distillery o ers bookable tours to give visitors an insight into how its delicious gin is produced and, of course, there’s a tasting at the end. Alternatively, if you’d like to soak up some of the scenic surroundings during your stay, then do it in style. Starting from Cheltenham Racecourse, Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway will take you deep into the Cotswolds, stopping o at several picturesque towns on the way, including Winchcombe and Broadway. While in Winchcombe, swing by Sudeley Castle, the resting place of Catherine Parr, Henry VIII’s last wife. Surrounded by picturesque countryside, the castle is a beautiful place to visit, whatever the weather. In the evening, why not take in a show at one of Cheltenham’s theatres, catch a lm at the cinema or relax in one of the town’s many bars and restaurants.
WHERE TO EAT AND DR INK Cheltenham is a real foodie town, with an incredible array of businesses o ering delicious food and drink. For relaxed dining, opt for The Coconut Tree. This restaurant, rst established in Cheltenham, has become a rm favourite with locals, serving Sri Lankan street food in a cool, relaxed atmosphere. It’s a must for visitors to the town. Another option would be to head towards Regent Street. This part of town has a huge selection of restaurants and bars o ering a variety of cuisines and always has a lively ambiance in the evening. On the other hand, if you’re looking to celebrate a special occasion or a win at the races, Cheltenham has a fantastic choice of high-end restaurants, including Lumière, Prithvi, which serves up delicious Indian dishes, or the Michelin-starred Champignon Sauvage. WHERE TO SHOP Cheltenham is the shopping capital of the Cotswolds with a huge selection of shops, from well-known high-street brands to independent boutiques. For well-known brands, head to the High Street and the Promenade, where you’ll nd favourites such as John Lewis. Alternatively, if you’re looking for independent retailers, then the old Regency shopping areas of Montpellier and the Su olks are the places to go and are just a short walk from the town centre. Both are packed full with independent retailers and food and drink shops and are popular with locals looking to stray o the beaten track in search of something unique. For easy travelling around the town, you could also hire an e-scooter and see even more of Cheltenham. If you need more advice on places to stay and things to do in Cheltenham, go to visitcheltenham.com.
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