Advance Tickets
Buy your tickets in advance to find the lowest fares
Popular routes to Cheltenham
London Paddington (PAD) to Cheltenham Spa (CNM)
Get there in as little as 1hr 50mins
Get there in as little as 1hr 50mins
Swindon (Wilts) (SWI) to Cheltenham Spa (CNM)
Get there in as little as 58mins
Get there in as little as 58mins
Things to do in Cheltenham
Culture and heritage
This historic town – famed for its Regency town houses, racecourse and natural spring – has been welcoming visitors for almost 300 years. It’s a great spot for a cultural break and an ideal base for exploring the Cotswolds. Pittville Park is a great place to start your visit. Opened in 1825 it's home to the historic pump room, and is the largest ornamental park in the town. From there head to The Wilson which is a fantastic gallery and museum space.
Attractions
Cheltenham hosts over 35 festivals a year so you’re likely to find a festival going on. From the oldest Literature festival in the world to the world famous Cheltenham Festival at Cheltenham Racecourse, featuring the Gold Cup, the pinnacle event of the jump-racing calendar, Cheltenham’s festival offering really is worth a trip. Alternatively take a memorable trip on Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway, a volunteer-run heritage line.
Sports and outdoors
The Cheltenham Festival is one of the biggest dates on the horse racing calendar and brings a real buzz to the town. For a football fix, head to Whaddon Road to see Cheltenham Town in action.
Food and drink
Cheltenham is known as the food capital of the Cotswolds, and for good reason. There are plenty of popular independent restaurants, alongside well-known chains. Indulge in locally sourced delicious food at Victoria’s, at the Queens Hotel - described as one of the noblest buildings of its kind in Europe, try out Sri Lankan street food at The Coconut Tree or book into Cheltenham’s Michelin-starred Le Champignon Sauvage.
Music and nightlife
Cheltenham has a great selection of bars, clubs, pubs and gig venues, covering a variety of tastes. Check the listings and enjoy a show at Cheltenham Town Hall or the Everyman Theatre. Alternatively catch a live band at the Cheltenham Jazz Festival. Don’t forget that Cheltenham offers free stages around town for some of its festivals, something that’s certainly not to be missed.
Shopping
The Regent Arcade has all the big names. Alternatively take a stroll along The Promenade or the High Street for the latest well-known stores including the local well-established department store, Cavendish House or John Lewis. The areas of Montpellier and The Suffolks are jam-packed with independent shops, offering something a little different for keen shoppers.
Where do GWR trains to Cheltenham arrive and depart?
GWR trains arrive and depart from Cheltenham Spa station.
The station is situated to the south west of town, which can be reached in about 15 minutes on foot along the traffic-free Honeybourne Line path or along Lansdown Road. Alternatively, add PlusBus to your train ticket for unlimited bus travel around Cheltenham and an easy ride into the centre of town from the train station.
The station is situated to the south west of town, which can be reached in about 15 minutes on foot along the traffic-free Honeybourne Line path or along Lansdown Road. Alternatively, add PlusBus to your train ticket for unlimited bus travel around Cheltenham and an easy ride into the centre of town from the train station.
Which train services run direct to Cheltenham Spa?
Cheltenham Spa is serviced by a number of popular direct train routes from stations such as London Paddington, Bristol Temple Meads and Swindon.
When is the best time to travel to Cheltenham Spa by train?
Travel off-peak to enjoy a smoother journey on our less crowded train services.
By travelling outside of busy weekday commuter times or using Cheltenham’s weekend train services, you can also take advantage of cheaper ticket prices too.
By travelling outside of busy weekday commuter times or using Cheltenham’s weekend train services, you can also take advantage of cheaper ticket prices too.
Train tickets to Cheltenham Spa
By using Railcards or booking tickets in advance, you’ll be able to make big savings on your train tickets to Cheltenham Spa. Check out our range of money saving ticket options below and find the best fares for your journey.