Car Hire Cheltenham

Parking in Cheltenham 

• There are two Park & Ride schemes in operation around Cheltenham. One is situated at Arle Court, just off Junction 11 of the M5. While the other runs from Cheltenham Racecourse.
• There are more than a dozen council-managed car parks around Cheltenham town centre, which can be paid for using cash or card payment.
• The CitiPark multi-story lot near John Lewis on Albion Street offers five storeys and 345 spaces for parking. 

Traffic in Cheltenham

Cheltenham experiences peak road traffic between 8am and 9.30am and again between 4.30pm and 7.00pm. Traffic tends to be heavily affected by events like the Cheltenham Horse Racing Festival, so check events websites before you travel. 

Getting from Bristol Airport to Cheltenham

Bristol is the nearest airport to the city. It takes around an hour and 10 minutes to drive. 

• Exit the airport and take the first exit at the roundabout after 3.9 miles to take the A38.
• When you reach Lime Kiln roundabout, take the 2^nd exit onto the A4174 for 1.2 miles.
• At Gurney roundabout in 0.3 miles, take the second exit and join the A370 for 7 miles.
• Get on the M5 in Avonmouth from A38 and A4.
• Follow the M5 for 37.5 miles to Junction 11 outside Gloucestershire Airport.
• Continue on the A40 until you reach the A46 in town.
• Total distance and time: approx. one hour and 8 minutes (53 miles). 

Roads and motorways

• The M5 motorway serves Cheltenham and surrounding areas, linking Exeter in the southwest to West Bromwich, near Birmingham, in the Midlands.
• The A40 and A4019 roads links Cheltenham to the M5 highway.
• The A40 also runs east through the Cotswolds to Oxford and connects west Wales to London in the east. 

Driving rules and regulations

In Cheltenham and around the UK, you must drive on the left-hand side of the road and use a right-side vehicle. Passengers must always wear a seatbelt. Children under 12 or shorter than 125cm must use a car seat too. 

Depending on what type of road you’re on, legal speed limits will vary. Signposts displaying miles per hour (mph) will indicate the maximum legal speed at which you’re allowed to drive. 

Residential roads and streets have a speed limit of 30mph (50km/h). Duel carriageways and motorways employ a typical 70mph (112km/h) speed limit, while single carriageway roads have a 60mph (96km/h) maximum speed.

Things to see and do in Cheltenham

The Promenade

Cheltenham boasts beautiful Regency-style architecture on every corner and lush green areas ideal for a stroll. The two combine cleverly along the Promenade, an expansive avenue of horse chestnut trees and elms, which also holds stunning examples of Regency design. The stunning Neptune Fountain was modelled on Rome’s famous Trevi fountain, built here in the tail-end of the 19^th century. 

Montpellier Caryatids

The Montpellier Caryatids (GL50 1SD) are 32 sculptures of female figures used as columns to help prop up the shops on Montpellier Walk, reflecting more of Cheltenham’s Regency resplendence. Based on Greek designs, seeing these striking figures makes a very pleasant décor to admire while you’re exploring the town. 

The Wilson - Cheltenham Art Gallery & Museum

The Wilson - Cheltenham Art Gallery & Museum (GL50 3JT) is named after Cheltenham’s most famous adventurer, Dr Edward Wilson, and is a treasure trove of science, art and history. Discover Wilson’s pioneering body of work in the Antarctic, along with many other exhibits spanning space, time – and four floors. There are car parks at Cheltenham Walk (GL50 3PR) and the High Street (GL50 3HQ). 

The Brewery Quarter

The leisure and shopping hub of Cheltenham can be found on the High Street, mixing big-name brands with boutiques and independent ventures. Relax with a box-office blockbuster at Cineworld or take on all comers at ten pin bowling. Hit the shops in search of a bargain and feast at Frankie & Benny’s or Five Guys. 

Cheltenham Racecourse

No visit to Cheltenham is complete without a trip to the towns celebrated Cheltenham Racecourse (GL50 4SH). The world-famous Cheltenham Festival is held here each March, to the sound of hurrying hooves and eager crowds. There’s a packed schedule during the winter and spring, the peak of horse racing jump season – so don’t miss your chance to cheer on a winner. Car parking is free on race days.

Cheltenham’s best hotels

Queens Hotel

One of the town’s most prolific Regency throwbacks, the Queens Hotel’s (GL50 1NN) elegant, beautiful design is matched only by its sensational selection of rooms. 

No 131

The Georgian Grade II No 131 (GL50 1NW) villa is one of the Promenade’s most appealing sights. Why not sample some seasonal fare before retiring to Georgian comfort? 

Cleeve Hill Hotel

Relax amid some classic Cotswolds scenery at the Cleeve Hill Hotel (GL52 3PR). It’s situated close by a selection of great hiking spots, if you’re looking for outdoor adventures during a break from town.

Cheltenham’s best places to eat

The Ox

Steak grilled to perfection, triple-cooked chips and a selection of smooth sauces to accompany your meal amid cocktail-style settings. What’s not to love at this centrally-based eatery? 

Ginger & Garlic

Tuck into authentic Asian and Korean dishes like the bibimbap, a meaty rice dish served with a choice of delectable veg and meats at the High Street restaurant. 

Le Champignon Sauvage

This Suffolk Road restaurant serves Michelin-starred French cuisine, plated in a decorative, unique, picture-worthy way. 

Prithvi

Sample an authentic taste of India on Bath Road, served with the freshest ingredients, mixed with other cultural influences and served up spicy. 

Best day trips from Cheltenham

Stratford-upon-Avon

Visit the birthplace of the Bard and be inspired by a scenic stroll along the river. Shakespearean beauty awaits just an hour along the A46. 

Oxford

Head through the heart of the gorgeous Cotswolds along the A40 on your way to the world-famous university town. Visit the castle and soak up the atmosphere. 

Bristol

Superb architecture, plenty of museums and some of the South West’s best shopping – Bristol is well worth a stop and it’s only an hour away on the M5.