Cheltenham, affectionately known as “The Festival Town,” is a lively spa town in the heart of Gloucestershire that bursts into life on weekends and bank holidays. Whether you’re a local looking for a new experience or a visitor planning a short stay, there are plenty of exciting things to do in Cheltenham this weekend and every bank holiday.
From heritage steam trains and comedy shows to elegant parks and award-winning restaurants, Cheltenham is a vibrant town that caters to all ages and interests. With the upcoming Bank Holiday weekend on 25–27 May 2025, this is the perfect guide to help you make the most of it.
🎉 What’s On: Bank Holiday Events (24–26 May 2025)
🚂 Cotswold Festival of Steam Gala
Running from 24 to 26 May, this special event on the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway is a must-see for railway fans and families alike. Travel through the scenic Cotswolds countryside in heritage carriages pulled by majestic steam locomotives. The event includes behind-the-scenes tours, footplate rides, and vintage vehicle displays.
🕒 When: 10am – 5pm
📍 Where: Toddington Station
🎟️ Tickets: From £17 (kids under 5 go free)
👉 Ideal for families, photographers, and history lovers.
🎭 Jimmy Carr: Laughs Funny (26 May)
Get ready to laugh as Jimmy Carr brings his sharp wit and hilarious one-liners to Cheltenham Town Hall. Known for his iconic deadpan delivery, this show is a great way to wrap up your bank holiday weekend.
🕖 When: Sunday, 26 May, 8pm
📍 Where: Cheltenham Town Hall
🎟️ Tickets: From £32
👉 Booking in advance is highly recommended.
🎶 Live Music at The Brewery Quarter
The Brewery Quarter is Cheltenham’s social hub for shopping, dining, and nightlife. On weekends and holidays, local bands take the stage to offer live music in a laid-back, outdoor setting. It’s a great place to grab dinner or cocktails and enjoy the atmosphere.
📍 Where: High Street, Cheltenham
🕒 Live Music: Friday–Sunday evenings
💡 Don’t forget: You can use a local Cheltenham taxi to get home safely after a night out.
🌞 Outdoor Things to Do in Cheltenham
If the weather’s fine, there are plenty of beautiful green spaces and family-friendly attractions to enjoy outdoors.
🏞️ Pittville Park & Pump Room
One of Cheltenham’s crown jewels, Pittville Park is the town’s largest ornamental park. It features tranquil lakes, Victorian bridges, tennis courts, a boating lake, and a café. At the northern end of the park, you’ll find the historic Pump Room, which is often used for art exhibitions and afternoon teas.
🧺 Tip: Perfect spot for a picnic or a romantic stroll.
🐑 Cotswold Farm Park
Owned by Countryfile’s Adam Henson, this farm offers hands-on fun with rare-breed animals. It’s about 30 minutes from central Cheltenham and ideal for families with children. Lamb feeding, tractor rides, and play areas make it a great rural day out.
📍 Where: Guiting Power, GL54 5UG
🕒 Open: 9.30am – 5.30pm
🎟️ Pre-book online to avoid queues.
🏊 Sandford Parks Lido
Open from spring to early autumn, Sandford Parks Lido is a huge outdoor heated swimming pool, popular on warm weekends and holidays. There are areas for both children and serious swimmers.
📍 Key Info: Book in advance online during busy bank holiday periods.
🍽️ Where to Eat & Drink in Cheltenham
Cheltenham is home to a wide selection of independent cafés, traditional pubs, and fine dining spots. Here are some highlights for this weekend:
☕ The Find
A rustic-chic café perfect for brunch or a light bite. Their fresh pastries and ethically sourced coffee make this an ideal morning stop
🍻 The Suffolk Arms
If you’re after a relaxed pub with proper ales and hearty meals, The Suffolk Arms delivers. Great for Sunday lunch or evening drinks.
🍴 The Ivy Montpellier Brasserie
For something more refined, The Ivy offers a stylish setting and diverse seasonal menus. Book a table for a weekend treat.
🚖 Getting Around Cheltenham
During bank holidays and weekends, traffic and parking can be frustrating — especially if you’re attending events or dining in the town centre. That’s where a cheap taxi in Cheltenham can make your life easier.
Whether you’re heading out with friends, going to the steam gala, or just don’t want to deal with parking, local taxi services are:
- Cost-effective
- Eco-friendly (many now offer electric taxis)
- Available on-demand
💡 Need a ride? Our Cheltenham Taxi Service offers fast and reliable transport throughout town and to nearby villages and attractions.
📆 Events Coming Up After May Bank Holiday
Looking beyond the end of May, Cheltenham continues to deliver standout festivals and community events:
- Cheltenham Science Festival (4–9 June 2025): Interactive and inspiring fun for all ages.
- Cheltenham Food & Drink Festival (21–23 June 2025): A celebration of artisan produce and local flavours.
- Cheltenham Music Festival (6–13 July 2025): An annual classical music celebration featuring leading orchestras and soloists.
Bookmark this blog to revisit before each holiday or weekend!
🧭 Conclusion
Whether you’re a festival-goer, food lover, or nature enthusiast, there’s no shortage of things to do in Cheltenham this weekend and on upcoming bank holidays. From cultural events and countryside escapes to relaxing lido swims and farm visits, Cheltenham truly has something for everyone.
Remember to plan your journeys ahead of time — and for a stress-free day out, pre-book your rides with a reliable Cheltenham taxi service like ours. We’re here to get you where you need to go, comfortably and affordably.