Cheltenham is a Regency-era spa town in Gloucestershire known for its elegant streets, welcoming squares and an inviting pace of life that has drawn visitors since the 1700s. Its mineral springs first made it a place of wellness and leisure, leading to grand buildings like Pittville Pump Rooms and terraces that reflect the town’s growth during the Georgian period. Today these historic sites sit alongside leafy parks such as Pittville Park, where boats drift on the lake and long walks under mature trees offer a calm start to any visit.

The town pulses with festivals through the year, giving travelers reason to return again and again. Cheltenham Literature Festival, the longest-running festival of its kind in the world, brings writers and readers together each autumn for talks, readings and book signings that span many genres. In spring and early summer, the Jazz Festival and Science Festival fill gardens and squares with performances, demonstrations and live debate on topics from music to robotics. For those intrigued by a blend of performance and intellect, these lively occasions define what many people think of as “Cheltenham season.”

No visit here is complete without discovering The Promenade and Montpellier district, where Georgian façades line streets of cafés, galleries, boutiques and eateries. The Promenade itself is framed by the ornate Neptune Fountain and draws locals and visitors to linger on benches and under leafy trees. Montpellier Gardens nearby become a hub for socializing, especially during festival weeks when outdoor concerts and open-air performances bring a spirited feel to the area.