Cheltenham Travel Guide - Regency Elegance, Festivals and Spa Town Stays
Famous for its Regency architecture, tree-lined promenades and world-renowned festivals, Cheltenham Spa is one of England’s most stylish and welcoming destinations. Originally developed as a spa town in the 18th century, Cheltenham quickly became a fashionable retreat and today blends historic charm with vibrant modern living.
The town makes an ideal base for exploring Gloucestershire. Visitors can enjoy boutique shopping, cultural events and fine dining before discovering nearby highlights including Gloucester Cathedral, the Cotswolds, the Forest of Dean and historic market towns such as Tewkesbury, Stroud and Cirencester.
Map of Cheltenham Town Centre
> View the map of Cheltenham and explore other Gloucestershire maps to help plan your visit.
Travelling to Cheltenham
Travelling to Cheltenham by Car
Cheltenham is easy to reach by car and is well connected to the national motorway network.
If travelling from the Midlands and the North, leave the M5 at Junction 10 and follow signs to Cheltenham town centre.
If travelling from the South West, exit the M5 at Junction 11 and follow the A40 towards Cheltenham.
The A40 also provides a direct route from London, Oxford and South Wales.
There is extensive car parking available throughout the town - see below for options.
To help plan your route, download the map of Cheltenham.
Car Hire
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Travelling to Cheltenham by Train
Cheltenham Spa Railway Station is located just outside the town centre, approximately a 5-minute drive or a pleasant 20-minute walk.
Regular rail services operate to and from London, Bristol, Birmingham, Cardiff and destinations across Wales.
Cheltenham Spa Train Station address: Queens Road, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire GL51 8NP - Map.
Car park: Approximately 150 parking spaces are available at the station.
Enquiries: National Rail Enquiries.
Book tickets: Trainline.
Travelling to Cheltenham by Coach
National Express coaches operate frequent services to Cheltenham from destinations across the UK, offering a comfortable and affordable way to travel.
Megabus also provides services to Cheltenham, although routes are more limited.
Main coach stop address: Royal Well Bus Station, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire GL50 3PD - Map.
Car park: Several town centre car parks are located within easy walking distance.
Enquiries: Stagecoach West.
Book your coach tickets: National Express or Megabus.
Travelling to Cheltenham by Air
Gloucestershire Airport is located just outside Cheltenham, making travel by air a convenient option for visitors.
Scheduled services operate to the Isle of Man, with additional seasonal and charter flights available to other UK and European destinations.
Gloucestershire Airport address: Staverton, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire GL51 6SR.
Telephone: 01452 857700.
Further information: Gloucestershire Airport.
Travelling Around Cheltenham
Travelling around Cheltenham with Stagecoach West Buses
Stagecoach West operates local bus services throughout Cheltenham and across Gloucestershire, with frequent routes linking the town centre, suburbs and surrounding areas.
Cheltenham bus services: Routes operate from multiple stops across the town centre.
Customer service: Tel: 01452 418630 or Stagecoach customer information.
Timetables and route maps: Find your bus route.
Travelling around Cheltenham by Taxi
Taxi services operate throughout Cheltenham, with ranks conveniently located at the railway station, Royal Well bus station and key town centre locations.
Car Parking in Cheltenham
Cheltenham Park and Ride
A convenient and stress-free way to reach the town centre, ideal for shopping, festivals and major events.
Cheltenham has two Park and Ride sites serving the town:
Arle Court Park and Ride is located just off the M5 at Junction 11, providing quick access to the town centre.
Cheltenham Racecourse Park and Ride serves the north of Cheltenham and operates during major events and peak periods.
Locations and information: Cheltenham Park and Ride details.
Car Parks in Cheltenham
There are many car parks in Cheltenham, including facilities at major shopping areas, town centre locations and near popular visitor attractions.
Regent Arcade, Beechwood Shopping Centre, Montpellier and the Promenade all provide convenient parking options within walking distance of shops and restaurants.
Cheltenham Borough Council car parks: View the Cheltenham car park map.
