The Best Cheltenham Walks
There are lots of options when it comes to walking around Cheltenham. Whether you’re looking for a short stroll to stretch your legs or a more extended ramble through some scenic countryside, enjoy plenty of choices here.
1. The Cotswold Way National Trail
Just a short drive from Cheltenham, the Cotswold Way National Trail is one of the most scenic walking routes in the UK. It’s very much worth the journey if you’re visiting Cheltenham and want to set aside a full day for walking.
This 164-kilometre trail stretches from Chipping Campden’s charming market town, past Cheltenham, to the Roman city of Bath. Most visitors choose a more manageable stretch close to their home base – tackling the entire route would be quite an accomplishment!
Join the Cotswold Way National Trail a short drive east of Cheltenham. This part of the path passes through Dowdeswell Wood and Nature Reserve and Lineover Wood. It offers breathtaking views over Cheltenham, and an opportunity to cover as much or as little as you like. Pick up a local walking map or plan your route online before you head out, deciding where you’ll stop for a break before turning back.
2. Sudeley Castle
A hidden gem of the Cotswolds, Sudeley Castle is a beautiful place to visit whether you’re interested in history, architecture, or just want to enjoy some fresh air. A short drive out of Cheltenham will bring you to this Grade I-listed castle, which sits within 15 acres of gardens and a 1,200-acre estate.
A visit to Sudeley Castle is ideal if you’d like to combine your walk with a little sightseeing and history. Guests can enjoy excellent facilities and smooth, easy-to-navigate trails around the gardens, making this a perfect option for older visitors or families with young children. The circular route around the landscaped gardens is also wheelchair and pushchair friendly, which means everyone is welcome to enjoy their beauty.
Each of the castle’s ten magnificent gardens boasts something unique to enjoy. With the exquisite castle for a backdrop, stroll through each of Sudeley’s romantic gardens and immerse yourself in floral aromas mingled with the fresh Cotswold air.
The Queen’s Garden is a highlight, home to more than 80 varieties of colourful roses. The Knot Garden is a sheltered courtyard space with intricate box hedges forming a striking design. Explore these and many more during your walk around Sudeley Castle. The gardens are as charming in the winter as they are in full bloom, and offer a comfortable alternative to a hike in snowy or icy weather.
After your stroll, visit the inside of Sudeley Castle and warm up as you take in the once-royal residence. Sudeley was home to monarchs including Edward IV, Richard III, Henry VIII, and Elizabeth I. The apartments open to visitors are suitably regal.
3. Broadway Tower
Broadway Tower stands at the top of Beacon Hill, the second-highest point in the Cotswolds. So you can expect rewarding views when you ascend to the site. Encounter resident red deer and stag around the tower, and visit the shop and espresso bar at the peak.
There are plenty of reasons to make the journey up Beacon Hill, and a range of different trails to suit every ability. For a straightforward walk to Broadway Tower, drive around 30 minutes out of Cheltenham to Broadway village. Find somewhere suitable to park, and perhaps enjoy a stroll around before you begin your ascent. The historic tracks are moderate, with some steep sections to tackle. Still, most confident, casual walkers will find the journey accessible.
Allow around three hours to loop up to Broadway Tower and back down, with extra time if you’d like to stop at the top. If you want to visit the tower but cannot walk there, you can find plenty of car parking on-site.
Choosing an exquisite hotel in Cheltenham
Whatever your reasons for visiting Cheltenham, enjoy your most comfortable stay with the Queen’s Hotel by MGallery for your accommodation. Our boutique four-star hotel is set inside a Grade II-listed heritage building, as elegant outside as it is in. Surrounded by Cheltenham’s fashionable Montpellier district, the Queen’s hotel enjoys proximity to many of the town’s best retail and restaurants. A perfect choice for any stay.
