Things to do in Cheltenham on a rainy day

Looking for things to do in Cheltenham when the weather isn’t looking so good? There’s plenty to do regardless of age, group size, or whether you’re looking for a daytime or evening activity.

Board game cafe

Looking for a different activity that you can do with friends or family? Board n bites is a board game cafe based in central Cheltenham. Many game options make this an activity suitable for young children and casual gamers as well as more experienced board gamers.

In addition to the board game variety offered, Boards n bites also serve food and drinks so you can grab a bite to eat whilst playing.

You can book online and pay for a table for 1 or 3 hours. It is very affordable with the option to rent a table for 3 hours at only £5, making this an affordable afternoon activity.

Cocktails

If you’re looking for an evening activity, Cheltenham has a variety of cocktail bars, each with its distinct personality.

The Botanist, for example, has a distinctive botanical design, with lots of plants around the venue (hence the name). Memsahib’s Lounge, on the other hand, is an upscale Indian bar and restaurant.

Tivoli Cinema

There is more than one cinema option in Cheltenham, but Tivoli Cinema offers a more luxurious cinema experience.

Tivoli cinema offers large, comfortable seating for a cosy cinema experience. There are even lounger seats that allow you to put your feet up.

The cinema also has a cafe that allows you to have dinner served at your seat whilst watching the film. You can opt for smaller plates for casual eating or larger plates with staples such as Margherita pizza or a classic beef burger. There are also ice cream sundaes available for those with a sweeter tooth. There is also a bar onsite for those fancying a refreshing cocktail alongside their movie night.

Escape room

If you want a fun activity to put your mind to work, an escape room may be a different experience for you to try.

Escape rooms have been popular for the last 5 years or so, so it’s probable that you’ve attended one or at least heard of them.

If you haven’t visited an escape room before, you can expect a fun team-orientated experience where you solve clues to escape the room you are in. The rooms often have different themes.

Escape Hunts’ Cheltenham escape rooms have family-friendly themed rooms, so it’s ideal for those not fans of horror-themed escape rooms. Themes include Alice in Wonderland, Dr Who and Aladdin. You can read more about the different options available here.

Something else a bit different that can also be done indoors is a virtual reality escape room. You’ll have VR headsets to immerse yourself in a different experience. This activity is also at Escape Hunt.

Axe throwing

Axe throwing has been around for a long time, but indoor axe throwing has become increasingly popular in the last few years, with some people even having custom axes made because they enjoy the activity so much!

You’ll try out different axes and throw them at boards in front of you with targets on to provide some challenge. It is also a cathartic activity in its own right.

It may sound intimidating, but there are trained staff on-site to ensure that you have fun whilst also being safe. No previous experience is required to get started.

The venue also has escape rooms and you can book a combined experience for double the fun.

You can read more and book tickets here.

Crazy golf

Another fun indoor activity in Cheltenham is crazy golf.

Mr Mulligans is based within central Cheltenham and features two different themed courses with quirky backgrounds and props.

This can be a fun family activity or open at night, making it an ideal date night option. Due to licensing restrictions, it is only open to over 18s after 8.45 pm.

Once you’ve finished your game of crazy golf, there are other things to do on-site, including pool, darts, and ping pong. Food and drinks are also available if you want to grab a bite after your game.

Shopping in Central Cheltenham

Cheltenham has a large variety of shops based in Central Cheltenham. For boutique shopping, we recommend exploring Suffolk. This area of Cheltenham is quiet compared to the High Street, which is ideal for a relaxing stroll whilst taking in the Cheltenham-esque architecture.

A few minutes away from the Suffolks is Montpellier Walk and the Promenade, which hosts more independent shops but also hosts popular high street chains and restaurants.

Further down the road is the popular high street which hosts all of the chains you’d expect to see plus many coffee shops – Cheltenham was named the Coffee Capital of the UK! Stroll down some of the side roads on the High Street to find more independent shops such as the boutique interior design shop – Little Interior Co.

Also on the high street is a large John Lewis store and Regent Arcade shopping centre.

The variety of shops means that there’s a shopping experience for everyone. There are also many cafes, restaurants, and coffee shops for those wanting to grab a bite to eat or drink during their shopping day.

Relax at Boston Tea Party

If you want to grab a tea or coffee, check out Boston Tea Party. It has comfortable seating, yummy cakes and friendly staff. They also serve breakfast and lunch with different vegan options.

They are also dog-friendly so you can bring your four-legged friend.

Boston Tea Party is also a local business where you can get an exclusive discount when staying with us. Check out our luxury apartments in Cheltenham for further details.

It is also next to The Wilson Art Gallery and Museum which brings us to our next suggestion…

The Wilson Art Gallery and Museum

The Wilson is part of The Cheltenham Trust, a charity dedicated to enriching local residents’ life through culture.

You can read more about which collections to expect from The Wilson Art Gallery and Museum; these collections range from fine art to archaeology to costumes. Different events are hosted at the venue with options for various ages. Art and crafts classes are hosted if you want to learn a unique skill.

In July 2022, The Wilson was refurbished. This refurbishment included a new art cafe and flexible spaces created on the ground floor.

The Wilson has many pop-up events, which you can learn more about here.

Cheltenham Theatre

There are a few theatre venues in Cheltenham, including the Everyman theatre, Cheltenham Playhouse and Bacon theatre. Everyman Theatre and Cheltenham Playhouse are based within central Cheltenham whereas Bacon Theatre is based within Up Hatherley, around a 15-20 minute walk from our different Lansdown properties or a quick car ride away.

There are many shows all year round, including options for younger families.

Arts and crafts classes

Do something a little different and try a new skill in an arts and crafts workshop.

Local Cheltenham venue, Little Interior Co, has various workshops teaching you how to make Terrariums, Christmas wreaths, and macrame plant hangers. These are fun, hands-on experiences that give you something to take back to feature in your home.

Outside of plant-related workshops, you can also learn watercolour painting and modern calligraphy, a class that I teach when I’m not busy working at Luxury Apartments.

Some are Christmas-specific workshops, but some classes are more general and suitable all year round.

The Play Farm (for families)

The Play Farm is a large soft play area for young children, and it features the largest indoor play frame in Cheltenham.

In the last few years, they have expanded the play area for toddlers and added new sensory features for babies and crawlers. The Play Farm is great for children ages 0-12.

There is also the option to play laser tag which can be played from 4 years and upwards, so it is a fun family activity.

There is seating for parents with food and drinks available (including coffee for the parents).

Looking to Stay a While Longer?

If you want to make the most of everything Cheltenham has to offer, our apartments can provide you with a home-from-home experience. With a fully equipped kitchen, luxury bathrooms, and comfortable beds. You can find your Cheltenham accommodation here.