Chessington(United Kingdom) Travel 2026: Cheap Flights, Hotels & Top Attractions

For a culturally immersive stay, The Montpellier Hotel is ideal—located near Cheltenham Art Gallery & Museum, it blends Georgian elegance with modern comfort. Guests enjoy access to Cheltenham Literature Festival events and nearby The Pittville Park gardens. Another top pick is The Royal Hotel Cheltenham, situated on The Promenade, offering panoramic views of the Pittville Pump Room and proximity to Cheltenham Town Hall Theatre. Both hotels provide curated local experiences, including guided heritage walks and tea ceremonies reflecting Cheltenham’s rich literary and spa history.

The optimal area to stay is The Town Centre or Pittville, both centrally located and within walking distance of major sights. Pittville Square hosts the iconic Pittville Pump Room, while The Promenade leads directly to Frampton Park and the Cheltenham Racecourse. Hotels like The Grand Hotel Cheltenham and The Montpellier Hotel offer excellent transport links via local buses and trains from Cheltenham Spa Station, making it simple to explore Cheltenham’s theatres, museums, and shopping streets without needing a car.

Cheltenham’s Thermal Springs are among the UK’s only naturally heated sulfur springs, flowing at 37°C from depths of 200 meters. The mineral-rich waters have been used since the 18th century for therapeutic benefits, particularly for skin and joint health. At The Cheltenham Spa Baths, visitors can enjoy traditional treatments like hydrotherapy pools, steam rooms, and massage therapies. The site also features an educational exhibition on Cheltenham’s legacy as England’s premier spa town, blending wellness and history seamlessly.

Yes, The Cheltenham Gardens Hotel offers a dedicated Family Fun Package with children’s welcome packs, indoor play zones, and supervised afternoon activities like craft workshops and storytelling sessions. Nearby The Montpellier Hotel provides family suites and partners with Frampton Park for seasonal outdoor events such as treasure hunts and nature trails. Both hotels feature high chairs, baby cots, and kid-friendly menus, ensuring a stress-free stay for families exploring Cheltenham’s parks, museums, and historic sites.

Try Cheltenham Cream Pie, a local favorite made with fresh dairy from nearby farms, served warm with custard. Visit The Old Town Market for artisanal breads, organic cheeses, and seasonal fruit. For dinner, head to The Pigeon Inn, known for its Yorkshire pud and slow-cooked lamb. Pair your meal with a pint from Cheltenham Brewery, which produces award-winning real ales. These culinary experiences reflect Cheltenham’s emphasis on quality ingredients and traditional British flavors.

Cheltenham has an efficient public transit system: Cheltenham Spa Station connects to London Paddington (1 hour), Bristol, and Birmingham via train. Local buses and trams run frequently across the city, linking The Promenade, Frampton Park, and Pittville Square. The Cheltenham City Pass grants unlimited travel on all services and includes discounts at top attractions like the Cheltenham Art Gallery and Racecourse. Walking is also convenient—most sights are within a 15-minute stroll from the city center.

Photographers should visit The Pittville Pump Room, a stunning neoclassical building with grand columns and ornate interiors. Capture the Cheltenham Bridge over the River Frome, especially at golden hour when reflections shimmer in the water. Frampton Park’s fountain and rose gardens offer lush backdrops, while The Montpellier Arcade’s Georgian façades create striking symmetry. Don’t miss St. Mary’s Church tower at dusk—the silhouette against the skyline is iconic. These locations blend architecture, nature, and light beautifully.

Don’t miss the Cheltenham Literature Festival, Europe’s largest literary event, featuring global authors and panel discussions. The Cheltenham Summer Music Festival brings live performances in Frampton Park, ranging from jazz to classical. During winter, the Cheltenham Light Festival transforms the city into a canvas of light art, projections, and interactive installations. These festivals highlight Cheltenham’s role as a cultural hub, offering unforgettable experiences for travelers seeking authentic local flavor.

Staying in a Georgian-style hotel like The Montpellier Hotel or The Royal Hotel Cheltenham offers a true taste of 18th-century English elegance. These buildings feature original stucco facades, sash windows, and period furnishings. Guests enjoy spacious rooms with high ceilings, antique décor, and quiet, tree-lined streets. Many offer afternoon tea service with locally sourced ingredients, enhancing the sense of historical immersion. It’s not just accommodation—it’s a journey into Cheltenham’s architectural and social heritage.

Absolutely. The Grand Hotel Cheltenham offers private balconies overlooking Frampton Park, couples’ spa packages, and candlelit dinners by the fireplace. The Montpellier Hotel provides luxury suites with deep soaking tubs and champagne welcomes. Both hotels are nestled in tranquil areas, perfect for evening strolls along The Promenade or sunset views at Pittville Park. With its elegant architecture, intimate cafés, and cultural charm, Cheltenham delivers a refined, romantic escape ideal for couples seeking quiet sophistication.