Town & Country

Living in Cheltenham

A Town Shaped by Learning and Tradition

Set on the edge of the Cotswolds, Cheltenham is one of England’s most elegant Regency spa towns and a place many families are proud to call home. Combining cultural richness, green open spaces and outstanding educational heritage, it offers an exceptional setting for both day and boarding pupils.

Cheltenham College has been part of the town since 1841, woven into its architectural and social fabric. The College’s historic buildings and gardens sit naturally within the wider town, creating a sense of belonging while offering pupils the space, beauty and calm needed to flourish.

Culture at the Heart of Cheltenham

Often known as The Festival Town, Cheltenham enjoys a year-round programme of internationally recognised events that bring energy, creativity and inspiration to everyday life. At its heart is the Cheltenham Literature Festival, the oldest of its kind in the world, attracting leading authors, thinkers and speakers from across the globe. Alongside this sit renowned festivals celebrating science, jazz and music, while the world-famous Cheltenham Festival at the Racecourse each spring adds a major sporting highlight to the town’s cultural calendar.

For pupils at Cheltenham College, this vibrant environment enriches learning well beyond the classroom, with frequent opportunities to engage with new ideas, performances and debates, many within easy walking distance of the College.

Cheltenham College also plays a central role in the town’s cultural life as the home of the Cheltenham Cricket Festival. Established in 1872, it is the world’s longest-running cricket festival and remains a much-loved tradition for both the College and the wider community.

Regency Elegance and Green Spaces

Cheltenham’s graceful architecture, broad promenades and historic squares are complemented by a wealth of parks and gardens, including Montpellier Gardens and Pittville Park. These green spaces provide room to relax, exercise and enjoy the outdoors, balancing town living with a strong sense of wellbeing.

Beyond the town lies the Cotswolds, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty known for its rolling hills, footpaths, ancient woodland and honey‑coloured villages. This landscape offers countless opportunities for walking, exploration and outdoor pursuits, enriching life both in and beyond College.

Well Connected, Easy to Reach

Cheltenham is well connected, making it straightforward for families relocating from across the UK or overseas. Road and rail links provide easy access to London, Bristol, Birmingham and Oxford, while international travel is supported by good connections to major airports.

Whether families are settling locally or visiting regularly, Cheltenham’s accessibility adds to its appeal as a welcoming and practical place to live.

A Natural Home for Education

With its blend of heritage, culture and natural beauty, Cheltenham provides an inspiring backdrop for education. The town is also home to the headquarters of GCHQ, the UK’s intelligence, cybersecurity and national security agency, highlighting its role as a centre of innovation and learning. As a town that values education, creativity and community, it offers an environment in which pupils can grow with confidence, curiosity and independence.

Relocating to Cheltenham is not simply a change of location, but an opportunity to become part of a town and College that have shaped generations of young people for nearly two centuries.