Cheltenham Cottages with Hot Tubs

Get More From Your Cheltenham Hot Tub Cottage Break

Sightseeing

Cheltenham packs in loads of sights within a compact area. The Promenade is often called one of Britain's most beautiful streets with its Regency buildings and upmarket shops. I recommend starting your exploration here before heading to Pittville Park (GL52 3JE, open daily) with its boating lake and aviary.

The Wilson Art Gallery and Museum (4/5 TripAdvisor, GL50 3JT) houses impressive collections spanning from archaeology to contemporary craft. It's free to enter and open Tuesday-Sunday 9:30am-5pm.

Cheltenham Town Hall (4.5/5 TripAdvisor) hosts concerts and events in its magnificent setting. Even if nothing's on during your stay, the building itself is worth seeing.

For garden lovers, Imperial Gardens features over 25,000 bedding plants each summer. Time your visit for the Literature, Science, Music or Food Festivals when the gardens host special marquees and events.

Pet Friendly

We've found Cheltenham surprisingly good for dog owners. Pittville Park offers 33 acres of green space where dogs can run off-lead in designated areas. The park's western side is particularly good for pups who like to socialise.

The Exmouth Arms (GL53 7NR) welcomes dogs inside and out, even providing water bowls and treats. Their Sunday roasts are excellent too! Sandford Park Alehouse also allows dogs in certain areas and has won awards for its beer selection.

Cleeve Hill, just outside town, offers spectacular walks with panoramic views. Dogs will love the open space but watch for livestock in some areas.

Most cottages with hot tubs in Cheltenham specify if they accept pets, but always check any restrictions. Some might limit dogs to certain areas away from the hot tub for hygiene reasons.

Top 3 attractions you have to see in Cheltenham

Cheltenham Racecourse (GL50 4SH, 4.5/5 TripAdvisor) is world-famous for jump racing, particularly The Festival in March featuring the Gold Cup. Even outside race days, you can take a guided tour (£12 per person, book ahead) to see behind the scenes of this iconic venue. The atmosphere during race meetings is electric - I've never experienced anything like the roar when horses round the final bend.

Sudeley Castle (GL54 5JD, 4/5 TripAdvisor) sits just outside Cheltenham in Winchcombe. This 15th-century castle has royal connections - Katherine Parr (Henry VIII's last wife) is buried here. The gardens are spectacular, particularly the Queens Garden featuring over 80 varieties of roses. Open 10am-5pm March-October, adult tickets £18.50. One visitor wrote: "The history here is tangible, you can feel it in every stone."

Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway (GL54 5DT, 4.5/5 TripAdvisor) offers a nostalgic journey through stunning Cotswold countryside. The 28-mile round trip from Cheltenham Racecourse to Broadway passes through some of England's prettiest landscapes. Trains run most weekends and during school holidays. Adult return tickets £25. Kids love the special events like the Santa Specials in December.

When is the best time to visit Cheltenham?

March brings The Festival at Cheltenham Racecourse which is exciting but accommodation prices spike dramatically. Summer offers pleasant weather for exploring the Cotswolds. The Literature Festival in October attracts big names and bookworms. I find May and September offer the best balance of good weather and reasonable prices, plus your hot tub experience will be more pleasant in milder weather.

Do I need a car in Cheltenham?

The town centre is walkable and has good bus services. However, to properly explore the Cotswolds and reach rural cottages with hot tubs, a car is essential. Many of the best attractions like Sudeley Castle and Broadway Tower are outside the town and public transport options are limited.

What's parking like in Cheltenham?

Town centre parking can be expensive and busy, especially during festivals and race meetings. Most central car parks charge around £2-£3 per hour. Many cottages provide private parking, which is a big advantage. The Regent Arcade car park (GL50 1JZ) is centrally located if you need to park in town.

Are there any good walks near Cheltenham?

The Cotswold Way runs right past Cheltenham, offering spectacular walking. Cleeve Hill (the highest point in the Cotswolds) provides stunning views and is just 15 minutes from town. Crickley Hill Country Park combines woodland and grassland with panoramic vistas. After a day's walking, that hot tub will feel even better!

What's the food scene like?

Cheltenham punches above its weight for dining. The two-Michelin-starred Le Champignon Sauvage offers exceptional fine dining. For more casual options, The Brewery Quarter has numerous restaurants and bars. The farmers' market (second and last Friday monthly) is great for stocking up your cottage with local produce.

Can I bring children to Cheltenham?

Absolutely! The Leisure Centre has a fantastic swimming pool with slides. The Everyman Theatre runs children's shows during school holidays. Cotswold Farm Park (GL54 5UG) is a 20-minute drive away and brilliant for animal encounters. Many cottages with hot tubs are family-friendly, but always check safety features if bringing young children.

Some helpful links:

1. Visit Cheltenham Official Tourism Site
2. Cheltenham Racecourse Official Website
3. Cotswolds Tourism Guide to Cheltenham