Flight guide to Cheltenham

Thanks to King George III, who arrived in Cheltenham in 1788 and launched the first spa, Cheltenham today is one of England’s most fashionable spa towns. During the 18^th - and 19^th-centuries, Cheltenham spa was a favorite destination among England’s richest and elite. Today, Cheltenham remains one of England’s most desired spas and many travelers make the train ride from London just to explore the beauty of this English resort town.

Due to its proximity to London (approximately 99 miles), there are no direct flights to Cheltenham but trains from London depart Paddington Station daily. Tourists make the two hour train trip to explore Cheltenham’s ancient architecture, lush gardens and a walk through the famous Promenade. Travelers who made the Cheltenham train from London for one of the town’s famous festivals won’t be disappointed. From horse-racing to cricket games to arts and literature, Cheltenham embraces the essence of England year-round.

Back to top

Cheltenham Insider Information

• Visit Cheltenham Racecourse and look round the exhibition which tells the story of steeplechasing and the Gold Cup winners since 1819.  Find out more about the riders, trainers and all those royal connections.
• Take the waters at the Pittville Pump Room.  The ornate Pump Room overlooks Pittville Park and its sweeping lawns and is the perfect place to imagine the dances and the music of years gone by. Maybe you will feel healthier, too...
• Did you know that Gustav Holst, composer of “The Planets” was born in Cheltenham?  Visiting his birthplace takes you back to a Victorian terraced house preserved to look as it did in 1874, the year of Holst’s birth.
• Scott’s disastrous last journey to Antarctica has continued to fascinate even more than 100 years later.  Dr. Edward Wilson was a member of the team who was one of the last to die with Scott in 1912. He came from Cheltenham and was well regarded by Scott, who wrote in his diary: “Wilson is a plucky man I do not know what we should do without him”.  The Art Gallery and Museum tell the life story of this local man who became a national hero.

Back to top

Cheltenham Airports

Back to top