2025 Cheltenham Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in January)

The Cotswolds, also known as Cotswold, is located in the southwest of England, not far from London. It is governed by five counties including Oxford, and its boundary is roughly from Stratford-upon-Avon to the south, extending to Radstock near Bath. Most of the buildings here are built with Cotswold stone, which presents a unique honey color, making the architectural style of the entire region unique. Many buildings have a long history, dating back to the 16th century or even earlier. There are quaint country houses, elegant manors, spectacular castles and historic churches. In addition, the Cotswolds also has vast fields, dense forests, clear streams and beautiful gardens. The Cotswolds include: Bourton-on-the-Water, Bibury, Castle Combe, Chipping Campden, Moreton-in-Marsh, etc. Although they are not far apart, due to the limited time this time, only the first two places were visited. Bourton-on-the-Water: Known as the "Venice of the Cotswolds", the Windrush River runs through the town, there are many ancient stone bridges on the river, and there are colorful flowers decorated with century-old stone houses on both sides, as well as exquisite cafes, restaurants and shops, full of tranquility and leisurely atmosphere, it is a good place for leisurely walks. Bibury: Known as the "most beautiful village in England", there are famous Arlington Row houses here, built in 1380, small houses made of beeswax-colored stones, very quaint and elegant, surrounded by beautiful pastoral scenery and streams. In short, the Cotswolds is a charming area, its beautiful scenery, long history, rich culture and unique rural atmosphere attract tourists to come for sightseeing, vacation and experience rural life, and it is one of the popular destinations for rural tourism in the UK.

#celebratewithtrip A Charming English Village in the Heart of the Cotswolds. Plenty of little shops and cafes, together with model village, birdland and car museum. Lovely place, unfortunately spoilt by the weather-raining. It has gorgeous Cotswolds stone houses a stream going through it with ducks on. It is well worth a visit. Definitely will come back again! #unitedkingdom #couplestrip

Christmas

#europetrip The Cotswolds, a quintessentially English region, is a haven of rolling hills, honey-colored stone villages, and timeless charm. Designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, it’s perfect for leisurely strolls through idyllic towns like Bourton-on-the-Water, Bibury, and Stow-on-the-Wold. Ancient churches, cozy tearooms, and bustling markets add to its appeal. Visitors can explore historic landmarks such as Sudeley Castle or walk along the scenic Cotswold Way. With its thatched cottages, blooming gardens, and serene countryside, the Cotswolds feels like a step back in time. A favorite for romantics and nature lovers, it’s a tranquil escape brimming with English heritage.

Was amazing

My visit to Upper Slaughter during the winter months was nothing short of magical. Tucked away in the heart of the Cotswolds, this charming village felt like a hidden gem, offering the perfect winter retreat. The stone cottages, wrapped in ivy and dusted with snow, looked like something straight out of a fairy tale, and the peacefulness of the surroundings made it easy to lose track of time. Walking along the narrow lanes, I couldn’t help but admire the idyllic scenes—the River Eye gently flowing through the village, surrounded by frost-covered trees and fields. The quiet beauty of Upper Slaughter in winter was mesmerizing, and the village had a sense of calm that felt so refreshing compared to the hustle and bustle of city life. #countryside

Beautiful train station shots

The first snow of the season blankets the ground in a soft, pristine white, transforming the familiar landscape into a breathtaking winter wonderland. Each delicate flake glistens in the soft morning light, casting a serene ambiance over the world. It's a moment where time seems to pause, allowing us to savor the beauty of nature's transformation. The air is crisp and fresh, encouraging a lingering sense of wonder and awe. This magical scene, reminiscent of childhood joy, reminds us of the simple pleasures in life that bring warmth to our hearts even on the coldest of days.

My favorite friend and my everything

Beautiful day with delicious food

✨Hotel Highlights ♨️Amenities 🛁Room Environment 🍽️Breakfast 🛎️Hotel Service 💗Guest Experience

Need these more around the town

The small village of Bourton-on-the-Water in southwest England is one of the most beautiful villages in the Cotswolds. The shallow and narrow Windrush River winds around the town, and the clear green water is home to many fish. The river slowly flows through the ancient stone bridges in the center of the town, which are over 200 years old. The lush trees on both sides of the river bring a strong sense of greenery, and the hundred-year-old stone houses are decorated with colorful flowers. When you come here, it feels like you've entered a paradise. Here is a travel guide to Bourton that I have summarized. If it helps you, remember to like and favorite it❗ - Attractions: - The Model Village: This is a 1:9 scale replica of the buildings in Bourton-on-the-Water. It's very interesting and great for taking photos. It is open all year round (except Christmas), from 10:00 to 18:00 in summer and from 10:00 to 16:00 in winter. Ticket prices are £4.25 for adults, £3.25 for children (3 to 13 years old), £3.75 for those over 60, and free for children under 3. - Rivers and Bridges: The clear river runs through the entire village, with trees lining both sides of the riverbank and several bridges of different styles. You can stroll along the river, enjoy the beautiful scenery, and experience the tranquility and comfort of the British countryside. This is a free attraction. - Food: - The Old Bakery Tearoom: This is a traditional British teahouse and restaurant that offers a variety of snacks and light meals. The signature scones with jam and cream are soft and delicious. A scone set meal costs about £5 to £8. The sandwiches, cakes, and other snacks here are also popular, with prices ranging from £3 to £6. - The Swan Inn: This is a country-style pub and restaurant that offers authentic British food, such as fish and chips and roast meat. Fish and chips cost about £12 to £15, and a roast meat set meal costs about £15 to £20. The restaurant also offers a variety of beers and wines, making it a great place to experience the local food culture. - Notes: - Bourton is a small rural town with inconvenient public transportation. It is recommended to plan your itinerary and transportation in advance. If you are driving, be aware of local traffic rules and parking regulations. ⚠️ - The weather in the UK is changeable, so even in summer, it is best to carry rain gear and clothes suitable for different weather conditions. ⚠️

A view of the town of Cotswold on a sunny day. It was crowded with many tourists enjoying the warm sunshine. Pleasure with peaceful scenery and cute shops. #bibury#cotswolds#sunnyday

Nestled in the heart of the English countryside, Ellenborough Park Cheltenham at Southam Ln, Cheltenham, GL52 3NJ, United Kingdom, is a luxurious estate that's a destination in itself. 🌳🏞️ Imagine waking up in a spacious room with the charm of a grand manor, surrounded by lush hiking trails and the serenity of park-like grounds – it's a dream for nature lovers and those seeking a peaceful retreat. The hotel's service is as warm as a summer's day, ensuring that every need is catered to with a smile. 🛎️ While you may find yourself dining in due to the secluded location, the on-site culinary experiences promise to delight your taste buds. 🍽️ It's a place where luxury meets the great outdoors, offering a slice of opulent countryside living that's hard to match. So whether you're looking to indulge in the scenic views, enjoy a cozy stay, or explore the great outdoors, Ellenborough Park Cheltenham ticks all the boxes for a quintessentially British escape. 🇬🇧💼 #Cheltenham #CheltenhamHotel #CheltenhamTravel

🌿 Nestled in the serene Cotswolds, Cowley Manor Experimental is your go-to retreat at Cowley, Cheltenham, GL53 9NL, United Kingdom. Imagine a picturesque escape where every corner promises a blend of luxury and nature's charm. 🛏️ From the moment you step in, the vibe is all about top-notch service with a smile. Fancy a night in? They've got your back, ensuring your takeaway gets an escort right to your doorstep. Talk about royal treatment! 🌟 Whether you're lounging in the lush gardens or cozying up in the chic, well-appointed rooms, this haven is a masterclass in pampering guests. Cleanliness? Check. Amenities? You bet. It's the kind of place that makes you want to stay in all day, yet the beauty outside beckons. 🍃 Ready to indulge in countryside elegance? Cowley Manor's got the key to a perfect stay. #Cheltenham #CheltenhamHotel #CheltenhamTravel

#songkran2024

The clear Windrush River runs through the entire village and gently flows into the Thames River, with five low stone arch bridges spanning across it, each with a history of over two hundred years. The water of the Windrush River is shallow and crystal clear, with lush green trees lining the banks. A friend said this place is like the water towns of the Jiangnan region in China. Upon closer observation, it does resemble the water towns of Jiangnan, but with an added touch of spirituality. Old houses built along the river, small bridges over flowing water, restaurants, cafes, and bars are hidden within these old houses, with leisurely tourists sitting at the entrances. These houses, each with a history of hundreds of years, bear the marks of history on their mottled stone walls. Groups of visitors stroll by the river or casually sit on wooden chairs to enjoy the sunshine, composing a beautiful painting of the English countryside with the surrounding green trees and stone houses. After spending several days in the Cotswolds, Bourton-on-the-Water left the deepest impression on me, its very name is memorable. I really like the atmosphere of this little village; it's relaxed, simple, and comfortable, and it's much more beautiful than Venice~

High quality Japanese restaurant in Cheltenham. A must go Japanese restaurant I would say. Excellent food, fresh sashimi, good service. #cheltenham #sushi #sashimi