Renowned for its racecourse and festivals, Cheltenham is one of the UK’s most vibrant towns. But did you know it’s famous for its Regency history, too?
During the 18th century, Cheltenham underwent rapid growth, with buildings popping up across the landscape. Due to the large number of Regency-style buildings there today, it has been dubbed the most complete Regency town in Britain.
This guide to Cheltenham Regency architecture covers the following:
Read on to learn about Cheltenham’s humble beginnings and why it’s the UK’s most complete Regency town.
Cheltenham’s rich Regency history can be traced throughout the town. Much of its beautiful architecture was built when the Prince of Wales became Prince Regent during the early 19th century. Several key features characterise the buildings, including pilasters, curved windows and wooden window shutters.
The Regency time period began in 1811 and ended in 1820 when King George III died. Parts of Cheltenham’s Regency architecture were built before this period, and buildings continued to pop up into the 1840s.
Let’s explore Cheltenham’s history and how it became Britain’s most complete Regency town.
Cheltenham has been a famous health spa town since the early 18th century. Legend has it that in 1716, medicinal mineral waters were discovered on a piece of farmland, now home to Cheltenham Ladies’ College.
The farm’s owner, William Mason, noticed a flock of pigeons regularly gathered around a small surface spring. He decided to fence off the spring and charge visitors for access to the water, which was believed to heal many ailments, including running sores and skin diseases.
In 1738, Mason’s son-in-law, Captain Henry Skillicorne, inherited the farmland. During this time, nearby towns were becoming popular health resorts for the wealthy. Skillicorne spotted the potential to transform Cheltenham into a spa resort and built a well to service the town.
In an attempt to heal his poor health, King George III visited Cheltenham in 1788 to drink the healing water. After that, the town was deemed fashionable, and Cheltenham’s popularity increased dramatically.
By 1850, it was the largest town in Gloucestershire, home to more than 35,000 residents. Some of its most famous visitors include Jane Austen, Lord Byron and the Duke of Wellington.
After the King’s visit, Cheltenham’s reputation as a spa town soared, and its ‘healing’ water was bottled and sold across Britain. Visitors would stop at the original spa or one of the new rival spas established during the 19th century.
During this time, demand for accommodation in Cheltenham boomed, which saw Regency-style buildings popping up everywhere. Cheltenham’s popularity as a spa town lasted from roughly 1790 to 1840 when much of its fine Regency architecture was built.
Elegant and tasteful, Regency architecture is defined by striking elements and Georgian-style grandeur. A short walk around Cheltenham lets you see some of the historic Regency housing this town is famous for. We’ve rounded up three must-visit Recency spots in this quintessentially English town.
Montpellier is one of Cheltenham’s most historic districts, home to the famous Caryatids. Situated along Montpellier walk, these ‘armless ladies’ are distinctive columns which decorate the sides of cafés, restaurants and shops. They date back to 1840 and are loosely based on models from the Acropolis of Athens. The 32 Caryatids include some modelled by London artist John Charles Felix Rossi.
The Pittville Pump Room is a classic example of Regency architecture and one of the town’s original spa buildings. It was here the famous waters were dispensed during the 18th and 19th centuries. This Grade I listed building overlooks Pittville Park and is now used for weddings, concerts, exhibitions, parties and conferences.
Cheltenham’s Royal Crescent is home to a row of beautiful curved terraced houses adorned with sash windows and wrought iron balconies. Terraced houses with flat, shallow roofs were particularly popular during the Regency period.
Cheltenham has lots to offer aside from its Regency history. There's so much to explore, from beautiful parks to fascinating museums. Read about the top attractions and things to do in Cheltenham here.
Want to learn more about Cheltenham’s Regency history? One of the best ways to explore the city is with the Walking Tour of Regency Cheltenham.
Available from Easter to October, this tour educates visitors on Cheltenham’s rich Regency background and how it became a spa town. It also explores the town’s festivals that keep modern visitors coming back.
Opened in 1825, Pittville Park is Cheltenham’s largest ornamental park. The park’s eastern side is overlooked by the Pittville Pump Room. It features several aviaries and a children’s playground – perfect if you visit with the kids.
The park’s western side is a fantastic spot for a walk, with patches of woodland to explore. It’s also home to tennis courts, a pitch and putt golf course and a boating lake where you can fish or hire a boat. Stop for refreshments at The Boathouse Café, which offers homemade sandwiches, ice cream and freshly ground coffee.
Located at Prestbury Park, Cheltenham Racecourse is one of the town’s best-known attractions, welcoming thousands of racing fans yearly. Its most famous meeting is The Cheltenham Festival. This prestigious four-day event usually takes place around St. Patrick’s Day.
The Cheltenham Festival sees around 265,000 people heading to the races every year. Whether or not you’re a racing expert, visiting Cheltenham Racecourse promises a fun and exciting experience.
Soak up some culture at The Wilson Art Gallery and Museum. Opened in 1899, this is Gloucestershire’s premier art gallery and museum. In 2013, it was renamed The Wilson to honour the polar explorer Edward Wilson.
The Wilson displays fine arts collections, a Designated Arts and Crafts Movement collection and The Open Archive, where you can learn about Cheltenham’s history. It also houses The Wilson Kitchen, a dynamic arts café for a great lunch.
The Wilson Art Gallery and Museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday weekly. It is free to visit, although there are charges for some exhibitions and events.
Once the home of celebrated English composer Gustav Holst, Holst Victorian House is one of Cheltenham’s most historic houses. The 1833 building is an example of a small Regency-style terraced house. Step inside to learn more about Holst’s life and music and hear stories about the building’s 19th-century residents.
Explore period rooms, including a drawing room, kitchen and sitting room, and see the piano on which Holst composed some of his most famous pieces. You can also listen to samples of his music created in the house.
Cotswold Farm Park offers a fun-filled day out for people of all ages. Set in the heart of the Cotswolds, this farm is renowned for its rare breed conservation and is run by Adam Henson, one of the UK’s most famous farmers. Here, visitors can meet lots of different farm animals, including Suffolk Punch horses and Gloucestershire Old Spot pigs. There’s also a wildlife walk and plenty of entertainment for little ones, including sandpits, pedal tractors and swings.
Cheltenham has many excellent restaurants, perfect for a quick lunch, a casual evening meal or a special celebration.
For an unforgettable fine dining experience, head to Restaurant Journey. Michelin-trained head chef, Jeff Lewis, uses the best ingredients and creative techniques to produce a unique and memorable tasting menu. Enjoy 12 courses inspired by international cooking.
Tuck into modern British dishes at the Chelsea Brasserie. Local, seasonal ingredients combine in innovative and flavourful dishes. Several menus include an à la carte, lunch, Sunday and vegan offerings. Chelsea Brasserie also has a great children’s menu, ideal for visiting with little ones.
For hearty pub grub, head to The Tavern in the centre of Cheltenham. This is a favourite among locals and tourists, boasting a friendly atmosphere, quality British food and a great selection of beers and ales. Whether you want to enjoy a meal or relax with a drink in a cosy corner, there’s nowhere better to end a busy day.
The Railway is a delightful independent pub in Cheltenham’s town centre. Here, visitors can enjoy a range of drinks from local distilleries and independent brewers. The pub also serves a selection of Thai street barbeque food, with small, large and salad plates available.
If you need a quick break from exploring the town, head to The Find – a relaxing retreat from the outside world. Refuel with breakfast, brunch or lunch, or grab a coffee and watch the world go by.
Planning a trip to Cheltenham this year? Whether heading there for work or visiting with your family, our Leonardo Hotel in Cheltenham is a great place to stay. This modern hotel has everything you need to relax, from spacious rooms to a swimming pool, sauna, hot tub and steam room. Plus, it’s in a brilliant location near Cheltenham’s shopping centre, restaurants and bars. Fancy a walk in the great outdoors? The Cotswolds is on your doorstep!
Keep exploring our blog for more travel inspiration, tips and recommendations. Check out our guide to Cheltenham events for the best things to do throughout the year.
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