Chasing Regency Architecture Buildings in Cheltenham
From lush greenery to the timeless architecture, explore the best of old-fashioned England when you travel to Cheltenham. Located 180 km from London and beneath the highest point in the Cotswolds, Cleeve Hill, Cheltenham is easy to access.
How to reach Cheltenham
Take a car from the M4 motorway or catch a train from London Paddington to Cheltenham Spa train station, a two-hour journey that ends with a 20-minute walk from the station to town. Once there, you’ll be surrounded by stunning historic buildings, sure to make your trip back to Jane Austen’s era one you won’t soon forget!
There are many easy ways to access Bath;
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How to reach Cheltenham by car – There is a connection for Cheltenham off of the M4 motorway if you heading from London. Then, follow the country roads down to the city.
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How to reach Bath by train – From London Paddington, you can get a train straight to Cheltenham Spa train station in 2 hours. There’s a 20 minutes walk from the station to town.
Cheltenham regency facade
Head straight to Montpellier District
Montpellier Cheltenham Gloucestershire England UK
Montpellier just the name is intriguing because I also know Montpellier in France. So why is there a Montpellier district in Cheltenham? My first intuition was about the Huguenots that escaped France during religious wars during the 17th century under Louis the XIVth rule. That was just my imagination galloping indeed! Montpellier is one of the most historic areas of Cheltenham. The only remnants of the royal wells is now housing the Ivy restaurants.
The Montpellier district is an idyllic place to dine and wine, shop but do not forget the walk on the terrace of Montpellier gardens that surrounds it. The charm of this area comes from its architecture as well a s each street along the broad walk will lead you down new discoveries towards imperial square and gardens.
Cheltenham broadwalk and Cheltenham College
Cheltenham around Montpellier gardens
Cheltenham Town Centre
The town centre is jam-packed with too many chain stores and a few department stores like House of Fraser. If you’re lucky enough to visit the House of Fraser store before it closes, be sure to take the staircase for the photo display on the wall of its past splendour-150 years old! I can’t help but feel a pang of sadness when I see these stores close their doors for the last time.
Cheltenham town centre
Where to stay and eat?
There’s plenty of great places to eat in Cheltenham, but I happen to have my favorite – the Giggling Squid a Thai restaurant located on Montpellier Street. There are other yummy restaurants too though!
I just stayed for the day but you will find plenty of Airbnb places that lodge you in these beautiful regency buildings or classy hotels like the Malmaison.
Do you like Regency architecture? I do and Cheltenham is the place to be for it. There are many lovely buildings in this town, including a couple of Grade 1 listed gems. Bath may have more historic appeal but there’s no denying that Cheltenham’s architectural treasures can’t be beat! What are your thoughts on these historic landmarks? Which one would you want to go see first if given two options? Comment below and let me know what you think!
