The Ultimate Summer Guide to Cheltenham and the Cotswolds (2026)

Cheltenham in summer is something special. The race crowds have gone, the festival season is in full swing, and the tree-lined streets of Montpellier and Lansdown are at their absolute best. Whether you’re visiting for a week, relocating for work, or simply looking for a luxurious summer escape, this guide covers everything worth knowing about spending summer in one of England’s most elegant towns.

Cheltenham’s Parks and Gardens

Montpellier Gardens is the jewel in the town centre’s crown. The ornate bandstand hosts free live music throughout the summer months, and the manicured lawns are perfect for a leisurely afternoon. It’s a five-minute walk from several of our apartments on Montpellier, making it an effortless addition to any morning routine.

Imperial Gardens sits at the heart of the town and transforms in summer — the flower displays are meticulously maintained and the surrounding cafes spill onto the pavements in classic continental style. It’s also the home of several major summer festivals.

Pittville Park is a little further out but worth the walk. The Pump Room — a Grade I listed building — overlooks the lake, and the park’s open space is ideal for a run, a picnic, or simply an hour away from everything.

Cheltenham’s Summer Festival Season

Cheltenham has rightfully earned its title as the Festival Town — and summer is when that reputation comes alive.

Cheltenham Music Festival brings world-class classical and contemporary performances to venues across the town, including the Town Hall and outdoor stages. The atmosphere on festival evenings — with the sun setting over Regency architecture — is genuinely unforgettable.

Cheltenham Science Festival has grown into one of the UK’s most respected science and ideas festivals, drawing big names from academia, industry, and public life. It’s an ideal long weekend for curious travellers, and our apartments in the town centre put you within easy walking distance of the Festival Village in Imperial Gardens.

Tip: Both festivals are hugely popular — if you’re planning to visit for either, book your accommodation early. We offer direct booking with no third-party fees, so you’ll always get the best rate direct with us.

Where to Eat and Drink This Summer

Cheltenham’s food scene has quietly become one of the best in the Midlands. The Ivy Montpellier Brasserie offers all-day dining in a beautiful setting and is a reliable choice for a long summer lunch. Ox in a Box is the go-to for casual dining with a great atmosphere, and is a perennial favourite with our guests. For coffee, Bakers and Roasters on Montpellier Walk hits the mark every time.

If you’re self-catering — and with our fully equipped kitchens, many guests do — Whole Foods on the High Street and Cheltenham Farmers’ Market (every second Friday on the Promenade) are excellent for local produce.

Day Trips: The Cotswolds from Cheltenham

One of the biggest advantages of staying in Cheltenham is how easily you can reach the Cotswolds. These are our favourite summer day trips:

Bourton-on-the-Water — the classic. Yes, it’s busy in summer, but arrive before 10am and you’ll have the river and the stone bridges largely to yourself.

Bibury — possibly the most photographed village in England. Arlington Row, the row of honey-coloured stone cottages beside the River Coln, is extraordinary. Allow half a day and stop at Eleven Bibury for seasonal food and local craft.

Chipping Campden — a quieter alternative to the bigger Cotswold villages. The high street is lined with some of the finest vernacular architecture in England, and the surrounding countryside walking is excellent.

Stow-on-the-Wold — a market town with a great selection of independent antique shops, galleries, and restaurants. Perfect for a relaxed browsing afternoon.

Sudeley Castle — set just outside Winchcombe, the castle gardens are at their best in summer. Queen Katherine Parr is buried in the chapel within the grounds — history doesn’t get much more remarkable than that.

Where to Stay in Cheltenham This Summer

For summer in Cheltenham, a serviced apartment offers everything a hotel can’t: more space, a full kitchen, a separate living area, and a genuinely local feel. You’ll be based in one of Cheltenham’s finest residential streets — not a hotel corridor.

Our summer availability includes one, two, three, four, and five-bedroom apartments and houses across Montpellier, Lansdown, Pittville, and the town centre. All include Egyptian cotton linen and hotel-quality towels, a fully equipped kitchen, fast WiFi and workspace, weekly housekeeping, a welcome hamper on arrival, and our private guest app with insider Cheltenham recommendations.

Summer is our busiest season, particularly around the Music and Science Festivals. We’d always recommend booking direct — you’ll get the best available rate with no platform fees, and our team are on hand to help with any queries before and during your stay.

Have a question? Email us at info@staywithla.co.uk or call 01242 371818.