Cheltenham

Racing thoroughbreds thunder past grandstands that have witnessed decades of drama. Cheltenham wears its sporting heritage with considerable pride, but this Regency town offers far more than its famous racecourse. The elegant terraces and crescents speak of a spa town past, when Georgian society flocked here to take the waters and see and be seen.

Beyond the town's refined architecture lies the dramatic sweep of the Cotswolds escarpment. Coombe Hill rises to the east, offering proper hiking territory and spectacular views across the Severn Vale. The summit's an easy walk from several starting points, while Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust's Coombe Hill Nature Reserve protects rare chalk grassland that's alive with butterflies in summer. Down in the valley, Coombe Hill Basin provides a peaceful spot for a waterside stroll.

The surrounding countryside rewards exploration. Poplar Bed, Ash Coppice, and The Larches offer woodland walking just minutes from town - proper countryside that feels miles from anywhere. It's this combination of urban sophistication and rural access that makes Cheltenham so appealing.

Getting here's straightforward enough. The M5 runs close by, while trains from London Paddington take just over two hours. From Birmingham, it's barely an hour by car. Staying at one of the nearby parks puts you within striking distance of both the Cotswolds proper and the Severn Vale, making it an excellent base for exploring this corner of Gloucestershire. The racecourse park particularly makes sense if you're timing your visit with the racing calendar.