The Wilson Art Gallery and Museum

The Wilson Art Gallery first opened in 1899 as the town’s museum. It was later renamed in honour of Edward Wilson, the Cheltenham-born explorer, naturalist, and physician who joined Captain Scott’s ill-fated Antarctic expedition. His story and artefacts remain a central feature of the museum’s collection.

A visit to The Wilson is a journey through art, history, and discovery. The galleries showcase everything from fine art and decorative crafts to local heritage and international exhibitions. Highlights include the Arts and Crafts Movement collection (inspired by William Morris), rare artefacts from Wilson’s polar expeditions, and a dynamic programme of contemporary art.

Beyond the exhibits, The Wilson has become a modern cultural hub, with creative community spaces, workshops, and a stylish café. It’s a place where history and art meet innovation—perfect for anyone seeking inspiration, learning, or simply a fascinating day out.
 
When you stay at Neptune Apartments, you may also want to stop and look at the bronze statue honouring Edward Wilson. It is situated at the opposite end of the Long Gardens from Neptune very close to Neptune’s Fountain.
 
The Wilson Art Gallery and Museum is a four-minute walk from Neptune Apartments. The Wilson Art Gallery and Museum is open Tuesday to Saturday, 10am to 5pm and Sunday, 10am to 4pm. You can find out more about the Wilson Art Gallery and Museum on their website.

Everyman Theatre

The Everyman Theatre can be found on Regent Street in Cheltenham’s town centre.
 
The Everyman Theatre in Cheltenham was built as The Opera House in 1891, designed by Frank Matcham, who also designed The Hippodrome, The London Coliseum and The London Palladium. After facing closure in 1959, it was saved by the public and became a key part of the community. The theatre, a Grade II listed building, was extensively restored in 2011 to its former glory.

Why should you go to The Everyman? Because it’s a beautiful venue and plays host to some great shows and acts. The theatre champions local talent, hosts national tours, and produces its own shows - including the much-loved annual pantomime. It also runs workshops, relaxed performances, and a community outreach programme, making sure the magic of theatre reaches every corner of the town.
 
The Everyman Theatre is a 3 minute walk from Neptune Apartments. You can view all the details of their upcoming shows on their website.

The Playhouse Theatre

The Cheltenham Playhouse Theatre, tucked away in Bath Road, is one of the town’s most atmospheric cultural venues. Originally built as a spa in the early 19th century, the building was transformed into a theatre after the Second World War and has been home to performance and creativity ever since.

Visiting the Playhouse is about discovering live entertainment in an intimate, characterful setting. The theatre hosts a wide variety of shows—from drama, comedy, and musicals to concerts, talks, and community productions—offering something for every taste.

With its rich history, welcoming atmosphere, and central location, Cheltenham Playhouse remains a true local treasure, bringing people together through the joy of live performance.
 
The Playhouse is an 8 minute walk from Neptune Apartments and you can view details of upcoming performances on their website.

Holst Victorian House

The Holst Victorian House, located on Clarence Road in Cheltenham, is the birthplace of renowned composer Gustav Holst, probably best known for The Planets (a seven movement orchestral suite). This lovingly preserved museum offers a glimpse into Victorian family life, with period rooms, original furnishings, and fascinating displays about Holst’s early years and musical legacy.

Visitors can see the very piano on which Holst composed, discover stories of Victorian Cheltenham, and gain a deeper appreciation of how the town helped shape one of Britain’s greatest composers. The house captures both the intimate domestic setting of the 19th century and the extraordinary creativity that emerged from it.

To complete the experience, a short walk will take you to Imperial Square, where you can admire the striking statue of Holst—an inspiring reminder of his place in Cheltenham’s proud cultural heritage.
 
The Victorian House is an 11 minute walk from Neptune Apartments. It’s opening hours are Tuesday – Saturday, 10am until 4pm and admission is £10 per person. For more information vist the Holst Victorian House website.

Pittville Pump Room

The Pump Room stands as the grandest remaining spa building in Cheltenham, and is a Grade I listed Regency structure.
 
Built between 1825 and 1830, the Pump Room was designed by architect John Forbes as the centrepiece of Joseph Pitt’s ambitious "new town," Pittville - conceived to rival Cheltenham’s established spa attractions. The foundation stone was laid on 4 May 1825, and the venue officially opened on 20 July 1830 with celebration events including a public breakfast and ball. Pitt’s lavish vision, however, eventually led to financial ruin—he died bankrupt. In 1890, the Pump Room and surrounding park were transferred to Cheltenham Borough Council.
 
The Pump Room's striking façade features an Ionic colonnade and, above that, statues of Hygieia, Aesculapius, and Hippocrates - figures symbolising health and medicine.

Inside, the main hall, there is the original marble and scagliola pump, for the Cheltenham Spa Mineral Waters, although you can no longer drink the spa water. The grand ballroom on the ground floor opens to a gallery and dome above – making it ideal for music performances. Originally, upper floors contained a billiard room, library, and reading room—spaces now repurposed as meeting rooms and event spaces.

Today, the venue is managed by The Cheltenham Trust and is still very much in public use - hosting concerts, weddings, exhibitions, conferences, and more.

The Pump Room remains a vibrant cultural centre, used extensively during the Cheltenham Music Festival for orchestral, choral, and chamber music performances. Details of the Cheltenham Trust’s events, including at Pittville Pump Room, can be found on their website.
 
Pittville Pump Room is a 23 minute walk from Neptune Apartments. The Pump Room is not routinely open to the public unless there is an event on there.

Cheltenham Town Hall

Cheltenham Town Hall (shown at the top of this page) stands as one of the town’s most iconic cultural venues. Built in 1902, its grand architecture and elegant interiors make it a landmark of civic pride. The Town Hall was designed by Gloucester Architect Frederick William Waller, in the fashionable Baroque style of the time during the reign of Edward VII.
 
The building itself features a coved ceiling over the main ballroom hall, measuring 92 x 52ft. This central room, around which the rest of the building radiates, can seat 1,000 people.
 
Today, it’s far more than a historic building—it’s a vibrant stage for concerts, comedy, festivals, and community events. From the world-renowned Cheltenham Festivals to performances and exhibitions, the Town Hall continues to be a gathering place where culture, creativity, and community come together in the heart of the town. Their website has full details of upcoming performances and acts and you can view it here.
 
Cheltenham Town Hall is a 3 minute walk from Neptune Apartments. 

Cheltenham Lido

The word Lido means an outdoor pool. Cheltenham Lido, once known as Sandford Lido is one of Cheltenham’s most cherished and iconic cultural attractions. Opened in 1935, this beautifully preserved Grade II listed Art Deco landmark is more than just a 50-metre, heated open-air swimming pool - it’s a living piece of the town’s heritage.

Set within 4 acres of landscaped gardens near the River Chelt, with its distinctive architecture, bright blue waters, and space to relax, combining to make it a favourite spot for generations of locals and visitors alike.
 
Cheltenham Lido is an 18 minute walk from Neptune Apartments. Booking is advisable when the weather is good. Open Swimming is from 2.30pm – 6pm and costs £8 per adult.
 
We hope that you found these Cultural Highlights of Cheltenham to be of interest and that we have whetted your appetite. Whether you are visiting Cheltenham to visit these attractions, to attend one of the many events or for another reason, Neptune Apartments is a great base for your visit. You can view our Apartments here   or Book Online here.