Join your host, Solomon Prescott, for Episode 31: Slow Cheltenham. In this episode, we explore six calm, low-key places where the pace naturally drops — perfect for quiet reflection, solo wandering, or simply stepping out of the rush. These are spaces designed for breathing room rather than buzz. Each location is currently accessible and well-known locally, making it easy to plan a slower kind of Cheltenham day.

Places featured:

Imperial Gardens

Address: Imperial Square, Cheltenham GL50 1QB

Highlights: Formal Regency gardens with benches and symmetry, offering a peaceful pause right in the town centre.

Lansdown Crescent

Address: Lansdown Crescent, Cheltenham GL50

Highlights: A quiet architectural walk showcasing Cheltenham’s elegance, best enjoyed slowly with no agenda.

Cheltenham Rare Books

Website: https://cheltenhamrarebooks.co.uk

Address: 12 Imperial Square, Cheltenham GL50 1QB

Highlights: A calm, unhurried bookshop where browsing is encouraged and silence is respected.

St Gregory’s Churchyard

Address: St James Square, Cheltenham GL50 3LB

Highlights: A hidden green pocket just off the busy centre — ideal for sitting, reading or decompressing.

The Wilson Café

Website: https://www.wilsonmuseum.org.uk

Address: Clarence Street, Cheltenham GL50 3JT

Highlights: A relaxed café space welcoming solo visitors looking for a quiet coffee without pressure.

Cheltenham Ladies’ College Grounds

Address: Bayshill Road area, Cheltenham GL50

Highlights: Calm perimeter walks and open views around historic college buildings.

Join your host, Solomon Prescott, for Episode 30: One-Street Wonders. In this episode, we explore six streets and small districts where you can eat, shop and explore without travelling far — each one a micro-neighbourhood with its own identity.

Places featured:

Bath Road

Address: Bath Road, Cheltenham GL53

Highlights: Independent shops, cafés and local life.

Suffolk Parade

Address: Suffolk Parade, Cheltenham GL50

Highlights: Dining hub with strong neighbourhood feel.

Montpellier Walk

Address: Montpellier Walk, Cheltenham GL50

Highlights: Boutiques, wine bars and historic architecture.

Winchcombe Street

Address: Winchcombe Street, Cheltenham GL52

Highlights: Traditional shops and local services.

High Street

Address: High Street, Cheltenham GL50

Highlights: Central, lively and full of character.

Tivoli Street

Address: Tivoli Street, Cheltenham GL50

Highlights: Quiet charm and specialist independents.

Join your host, Solomon Prescott, for Episode 29: First-Timers’ Cheltenham. This episode is designed for visitors or new residents, spotlighting six places that give an instant feel for Cheltenham’s culture, food, history and layout — perfect for orientation and easy exploration.

Places featured:

Montpellier Gardens

Website: https://www.visitcheltenham.com

Address: Montpellier Gardens, Cheltenham GL50 1SD

Highlights: Central, walkable and surrounded by cafés and shops.

The Promenade

Website: https://www.visitcheltenham.com

Address: The Promenade, Cheltenham GL50 1NW

Highlights: Cheltenham’s main boulevard — architecture, shops and cafés.

The Wilson Art Gallery & Museum

Website: https://www.wilsonmuseum.org.uk

Address: Clarence Street, Cheltenham GL50 3JT

Highlights: Free culture and local history in one stop.

Cheltenham Farmers’ Market

Website: https://www.farma.org.uk/markets/cheltenham

Address: The Promenade, Cheltenham GL50 1NW

Highlights: Weekly snapshot of local food and community.

Pittville Park

Website: https://www.visitcheltenham.com

Address: Pittville Park, Cheltenham GL52 3AA

Highlights: Green space, lakes and classic Cheltenham scenery.

The Brewery Quarter

Website: https://www.cheltenhamrocks.co.uk

Address: St Margaret’s Road, Cheltenham GL50 4FA

Highlights: Food, cinema and activities in one compact area.

Join your host, Solomon Prescott, for Episode 28: Late-Opening Cafés in Cheltenham. In this episode, we highlight six relaxed venues that stay open later than the typical café crowd — ideal for evening catch-ups, post-dinner coffee, quiet conversations, or a low-key alternative to bars. Each place listed is currently active and has a clear online presence so you can check opening hours before heading out.

Places featured:

Curious Café & Bistro

Website: https://www.curiouscafe.co.uk

Address: 204 Bath Road, Cheltenham GL53 7NE

Highlights: Café by day, bistro by night — open into the evening with coffee, desserts and a relaxed neighbourhood feel.

The Find Coffee House

Website: https://www.thefindcoffeehouse.co.uk

Address: 1 Bath Road, Cheltenham GL53 7HG

Highlights: Independent coffee house known for later openings, calm atmosphere and a loyal local crowd.

No.131 The Terrace

Website: https://www.no131.com

Address: 131 The Promenade, Cheltenham GL50 1NW

Highlights: A hotel lounge that works well as an evening coffee spot, with comfortable seating and a quiet, grown-up atmosphere.

Hotel du Vin Cheltenham

Website: https://www.hotelduvin.com/locations/cheltenham/

Address: Parabola Road, Cheltenham GL50 3AQ

Highlights: A refined indoor space serving coffee and desserts into the evening — ideal for slower, post-dinner conversations.

Côte Brasserie Cheltenham

Website: https://www.cote.co.uk/restaurant/cheltenham/

Address: 14–16 Promenade, Cheltenham GL50 1NB

Highlights: Open late and happy to accommodate coffee and dessert-only visits in the evening, making it a reliable after-hours option.

The Ivy Montpellier Brasserie

Website: https://theivycheltenhambrasserie.com

Address: Montpellier Walk, Cheltenham GL50 1SW

Highlights: A comfortable, stylish setting that remains open late — popular for post-meal coffee, dessert, and relaxed evening chats.

Join your host, Solomon Prescott, for Episode 27: Creative Cheltenham — Six Classes & Workshops to Learn Something New. In this episode, we explore six creative spaces offering hands-on classes, courses, and workshops — from pottery and painting to photography, dance, and craft. Whether you’re looking to try something new, build a skill, or meet like-minded people, these places provide structured, welcoming ways to get creative. All venues are currently active and have clear booking information online.

Places featured:

Cheltenham Art Studio

Website: https://www.cheltenhamartstudio.co.uk

Address: 26 Suffolk Road, Cheltenham GL50 2AQ

Highlights: A friendly studio offering painting, drawing and mixed-media classes for beginners and experienced artists alike.

Cotswold Pottery

Website: https://www.cotswoldpottery.co.uk

Address: Cambray Place, Cheltenham GL50 1JN

Highlights: Hands-on pottery workshops and courses where participants can learn throwing, glazing and ceramic techniques in a relaxed studio environment.

Create Cheltenham

Website: https://www.createcheltenham.org

Address: Various Cheltenham venues (see website)

Highlights: A creative organisation hosting workshops, talks and community art projects across disciplines — ideal for exploring creativity beyond traditional classes.

The Playhouse Theatre

Website: https://www.cheltplayhouse.org.uk

Address: Bath Road, Cheltenham GL53 7HG

Highlights: Alongside performances, the Playhouse offers drama groups, acting workshops and creative opportunities for all ages.

Cheltenham Photography School

Website: https://www.cheltenhamphotographyschool.com

Address: Cheltenham (workshops at various locations)

Highlights: Photography courses and workshops covering camera skills, editing, and creative composition for beginners and enthusiasts.

The Wilson Creative Workshops

Website: https://www.wilsonmuseum.org.uk

Address: Clarence Street, Cheltenham GL50 3JT

Highlights: Artist-led workshops and creative sessions hosted by Cheltenham’s museum and gallery, blending culture, learning and hands-on creativity.

Join your host, Solomon Prescott, for Episode 27: Under-£15 Cheltenham. In this episode, we spotlight six enjoyable, low-cost experiences that prove you don’t need a big budget to enjoy the town. From free culture and green spaces to affordable entertainment and simple pleasures, every place featured here can be enjoyed for £15 or less. Each location is currently active, has a clear online presence or official listing, and a physical location so you can plan an easy, budget-friendly outing.

Places featured:

The Wilson Art Gallery & Museum

Website: https://www.wilsonmuseum.org.uk

Address: Clarence Street, Cheltenham GL50 3JT

Highlights: A free-entry museum and gallery offering fine art, Arts & Crafts collections, local history and rotating exhibitions — ideal for a relaxed, cultural afternoon without spending a penny.

Pittville Park

Website: https://www.visitcheltenham.com/things-to-do/pittville-park

Address: Pittville Park, Cheltenham GL52 3AA

Highlights: One of Cheltenham’s most iconic green spaces, perfect for walking, people-watching, picnics, and lakeside strolls. Completely free and ideal in any season.

Holst Victorian House

Website: https://holstvictorianhouse.org.uk

Address: 4 Clarence Road, Cheltenham GL52 2AW

Highlights: The former home of composer Gustav Holst. Entry is typically under £10, offering a fascinating glimpse into local musical history and Victorian life.

Cheltenham Farmers’ Market

Website: https://www.farma.org.uk/markets/cheltenham

Address: The Promenade, Cheltenham GL50 1NW

Highlights: A lively weekly market where browsing is free and even a small budget can stretch to local treats, street food or fresh produce — a great sensory experience without overspending.

Sherborne Cinema

Website: https://www.sherbornecinema.co.uk

Address: 16–18 High Street, Cheltenham GL50 1DZ

Highlights: An independent cinema with regular screenings priced under £15, offering a more intimate and relaxed alternative to big multiplexes.

Montpellier Gardens

Website: https://www.visitcheltenham.com/things-to-do/montpellier-gardens

Address: Montpellier Gardens, Cheltenham GL50 1SD

Highlights: Beautifully kept public gardens right by Montpellier Walk — perfect for a calm stroll, sitting with a book, or pairing with a low-cost coffee nearby.

Join your host, Solomon Prescott, for Episode 27: Under-£15 Cheltenham. In this episode, we spotlight six enjoyable, low-cost experiences that prove you don’t need a big budget to enjoy the town. From free culture and green spaces to affordable entertainment and simple pleasures, every place featured here can be enjoyed for £15 or less. Each location is currently active, has a clear online presence or official listing, and a physical location so you can plan an easy, budget-friendly outing.

Places featured:

The Wilson Art Gallery & Museum

Website: https://www.wilsonmuseum.org.uk

Address: Clarence Street, Cheltenham GL50 3JT

Highlights: A free-entry museum and gallery offering fine art, Arts & Crafts collections, local history and rotating exhibitions — ideal for a relaxed, cultural afternoon without spending a penny.

Pittville Park

Website: https://www.visitcheltenham.com/things-to-do/pittville-park

Address: Pittville Park, Cheltenham GL52 3AA

Highlights: One of Cheltenham’s most iconic green spaces, perfect for walking, people-watching, picnics, and lakeside strolls. Completely free and ideal in any season.

Holst Victorian House

Website: https://holstvictorianhouse.org.uk

Address: 4 Clarence Road, Cheltenham GL52 2AW

Highlights: The former home of composer Gustav Holst. Entry is typically under £10, offering a fascinating glimpse into local musical history and Victorian life.

Cheltenham Farmers’ Market

Website: https://www.farma.org.uk/markets/cheltenham

Address: The Promenade, Cheltenham GL50 1NW

Highlights: A lively weekly market where browsing is free and even a small budget can stretch to local treats, street food or fresh produce — a great sensory experience without overspending.

Sherborne Cinema

Website: https://www.sherbornecinema.co.uk

Address: 16–18 High Street, Cheltenham GL50 1DZ

Highlights: An independent cinema with regular screenings priced under £15, offering a more intimate and relaxed alternative to big multiplexes.

Montpellier Gardens

Website: https://www.visitcheltenham.com/things-to-do/montpellier-gardens

Address: Montpellier Gardens, Cheltenham GL50 1SD

Highlights: Beautifully kept public gardens right by Montpellier Walk — perfect for a calm stroll, sitting with a book, or pairing with a low-cost coffee nearby.

Join your host, Solomon Prescott, for Episode 26: Rainy-Day Cheltenham. In this episode, we explore six indoor venues across town that are perfect when the weather isn’t playing ball — or when you simply want an all-weather plan. From immersive games and bowling lanes to cinemas and creative indoor escapes, these are dependable, currently active places with a clear online presence and physical addresses so you can plan ahead with confidence.

Places featured:

Hollywood Bowl Cheltenham

Website: https://www.hollywoodbowl.co.uk/locations/hollywood-bowl-cheltenham

Address: The Brewery Quarter, St Margaret’s Road, Cheltenham GL50 4FA

Highlights: A modern bowling alley with arcade games, food, drinks and late opening hours — a reliable go-to for groups, dates, and rainy-day fun.

Escape Hunt Cheltenham

Website: https://escapehunt.com/uk/cheltenham/

Address: The Brewery Quarter, St Margaret’s Road, Cheltenham GL50 4FA

Highlights: High-production escape rooms and city-hunt games offering immersive, story-driven challenges that work brilliantly as a weather-proof group activity.

The Everyman Cinema Cheltenham

Website: https://www.everymancinema.com/cheltenham

Address: Regent Arcade, Cheltenham GL50 1JZ

Highlights: A premium cinema experience with sofa seating, food and drinks brought to your seat — ideal for turning a rainy afternoon into a relaxed event.

The Play Farm Cheltenham

Website: https://www.theplayfarm.co.uk

Address: Unit 4, Kingsditch Trade Park, Cheltenham GL51 9PQ

Highlights: An indoor soft-play and activity centre designed for younger children — a dependable option for parents when outdoor plans fall apart.

Flight Club Cheltenham

Website: https://flightclubdarts.com/location/cheltenham/

Address: 9–11 The Brewery Quarter, Cheltenham GL50 4FA

Highlights: A tech-driven social darts venue combining games, food and drinks — great for adult groups looking for something fun without relying on good weather.

Revolution Cheltenham

Website: https://www.revolution-bars.co.uk/bar/cheltenham

Address: 9–11 St George’s Road, Cheltenham GL50 3DT

Highlights: More than just a bar — offering indoor seating, food, cocktails and casual games, making it a safe fallback when plans need to move indoors.

Join your host, Solomon Prescott, for Episode 24: Local Legends — Six Long-Standing Businesses That Shaped Cheltenham. In this episode, we celebrate Cheltenham institutions — businesses that have earned their reputation through longevity, consistency, and deep community roots. These are places locals trust, recommend, and return to year after year. Each business is currently active, well-established, and has a clear online presence so you can explore their story and visit with confidence.

Places featured:

The Daffodil

Website: https://www.thedaffodilrestaurant.co.uk

Address: 18–20 Suffolk Parade, Cheltenham GL50 2AE

Highlights: A striking Art Deco restaurant housed in a former cinema, known for refined dining, iconic interiors, and years of consistent acclaim on Cheltenham’s food scene.

Petit Social

Website: https://www.petitsocial.co.uk

Address: 1 Bath Road, Cheltenham GL53 7HG

Highlights: A long-running neighbourhood favourite offering relaxed, high-quality food and a loyal local following — understated, dependable, and deeply rooted in Bath Road life.

John Gordon’s Menswear

Website: https://johngordons.co.uk

Address: 51 Promenade, Cheltenham GL50 1PJ

Highlights: A traditional independent menswear and tailoring business that has dressed generations of Cheltenham residents with craftsmanship, service, and personal expertise.

Cotswold Cycles

Website: https://www.cotswoldcycles.co.uk

Address: 58–60 Winchcombe Street, Cheltenham GL52 2NW

Highlights: A trusted local bike shop that has supported Cheltenham’s cycling community for decades — known for repairs, advice, and no-nonsense expertise.

Badham Pharmacy

Website: https://www.badhampharmacy.co.uk

Address: Multiple Cheltenham locations (see website)

Highlights: A family-run pharmacy group that has served Cheltenham for generations, combining healthcare, wellbeing advice, and strong community presence.

The Suffolk Arms

Website: https://thesuffolkarmscheltenham.co.uk

Address: 30 Suffolk Parade, Cheltenham GL50 2AE

Highlights: A Grade II listed pub that has become a modern Cheltenham institution — known for its pies, roasts, local sourcing, and a loyal following that spans generations.

Join your host, Solomon Prescott, for Episode 23: Markets & Makers — Six Places to Shop Local in Cheltenham. In this episode, we explore six markets, producer-led shops, and maker-focused spaces where Cheltenham’s independent spirit really shines. From weekly markets to permanent artisan hubs, these are the places where local food, crafts, and creativity come together. Each location is currently active, has a working website or strong official online presence, and a clear address so you can plan your visit.

Places featured:

Cheltenham Farmers’ Market

Website: https://www.farma.org.uk/markets/cheltenham

Address: The Promenade, Cheltenham GL50 1NW

Highlights: A long-running weekly market bringing together local farmers, bakers, cheesemakers, and food producers. Expect seasonal produce, fresh bread, street-food stalls, and a lively Saturday-morning atmosphere right in the town centre.

The Suffolks Market

Website: https://thesuffolkscheltenham.co.uk

Address: Suffolk Parade & surrounding streets, Cheltenham GL50 2AE

Highlights: A neighbourhood street market celebrating independent traders, makers, food vendors and local creatives. It has a strong community feel and showcases Cheltenham’s independent side away from the main high street.

Bath Road Artisan Market

Website: https://www.bathroadcheltenham.co.uk

Address: Bath Road, Cheltenham GL53 7HG

Highlights: A popular artisan market bringing together small producers, handmade goods, baked treats and local crafts. Perfect for relaxed browsing, meeting makers, and supporting small businesses in a residential part of town.

Montpellier Courtyard

Website: https://www.montpelliercourtyard.co.uk

Address: Montpellier Street, Cheltenham GL50 1SR

Highlights: A tucked-away courtyard filled with independent shops, galleries and specialist retailers. While not a traditional market, it functions as a permanent hub for locally run businesses and creative traders.

Chaplais Deli

Website: https://www.chaplais.co.uk

Address: Tivoli Street, Cheltenham GL50 2TG

Highlights: A well-loved deli and food shop stocking high-quality local and European produce, cheeses, wines and giftable food items. A strong example of a specialist retailer supporting artisan producers.

Roots & Fruits

Website: https://rootsandfruitscheltenham.co.uk

Address: 250 Bath Road, Cheltenham GL53 7NE

Highlights: A long-standing independent greengrocer and florist offering fresh produce, local goods, flowers and gifts. A cornerstone of Bath Road’s independent shopping scene.