In this, the next post in our series of recession-busting travel ideas, we take a look at some of things that you can see and do for free in the Regency spa town of Cheltenham, in the UK.
1. Visit the Cheltenham Racecourse Hall of Fame
The Hall of Fame at Cheltenham’s famous racecourse features exhibits tracing the history of horse-racing and of the Cheltenham Gold Cup. Admission to the Hall of Fame is free of charge.
2. Relax in Pittville Park
Cheltenham’s Pittville Park is the perfect place for a stroll or a picnic. Opened in 1825, the park is home to the Pittville Pump Rooms, a beautiful Regency building, which was constructed between 1825 and 1830. The building was used to house British and American army personnel during World War II, and is now used as a venue for concerts, banquets and weddings.
The park has a pitch and putt course, tennis courts, and lakes where you can go boating or try your hand at angling, although there is a charge for these activities. There is a bandstand, which is used for events during the summer, and a refreshment kiosk. Younger children will enjoy the play area and the aviaries, where they can see birds, rabbits and chipmunks, and there is a skateboard park for older children.
3. Visit Cheltenham Art Gallery and Museum
The Cheltenham Art Gallery and Museum (Clarence Street, Cheltenham) has a range of collections including paintings, archaeological exhibits, items relating to local history, and an arts and craft collection. There is also a room dedicated to artefacts relating to Edward Wilson, who was born in Cheltenham and travelled to the Antarctic with Captain Scott.
The museum is open daily (except for Bank Holidays) and admission is free of charge.
4. See the Neptune Fountain
Take a stroll along the Promenade to the end of the Long Garden to see Cheltenham’s Neptune Fountain, which depicts the Roman God of the sea. The fountain was designed by engineer Joseph Hall, who was believed to have been inspired by Rome’s famous Trevi Fountain. It was sculpted by R.L. Boulton in 1893.
The Long Garden also contains several monuments, including the Cheltenham War Memorial, which was completed in 1921, and a memorial to local Arctic explorer, Edward Wilson.
5. Follow the Romantic Road
The area around Cheltenham, the Cotswolds, is an official Area of Outstanding Beauty, and if you have a car, you can spend a day touring the area. Cheltenham Borough Council’s Visit Cheltenham website has a booklet featuring two “Romantic Road” driving tour guides, which you can download free of charge .
The first of these tours, “The Romantic Road – A Tour for Today”, takes you on a 75-mile journey through the the following towns and villages: Winchcombe, Stanway, Broadway, Chipping Camden, Blockley, Moreton-in-Marsh, Stow-on-the-Wold, Upper Slaughter and Lower Slaughter.
The second tour, “The Romantic Road – A Tour for Tomorrow”, is a 90-mile trip and takes you through the following locations: Northleach, Burford, Lechlade, Fairford, Bibury, Cirencester and Painwick.
Image courtesy of: © Artbyallyson | Dreamstime.com
Tags: Cheltenham, holidays, UK holidays
[...] building is often used as the symbol of the town and is the jewel of its Regency architecture. …Five Free Things to Do in Cheltenham | Smart TravellerIn this, the next post in our series of recession-busting travel ideas, we take a look at some of [...]
An interesting list, and a nice one to pass onto friends. Thanks for this!