One of the great bonuses of a visit to Cheltenham and a stay at Neptune Apartments is the town’s many cultural attractions. In this blog Mandy Resson from Neptune Apartments shines a spotlight on The Wilson Art Gallery and Museum which is a 2 minute walk from the apartments.

The Wilson is not only a place not only for art, but also for honouring the life of Edward Adrian Wilson, a man whose love for nature led him from the Cotswolds to the ends of the Earth.

Edward Wilson was born in Cheltenham in 1872 in Montpellier Parade, just a 12 minute walk from Neptune Apartments – you can identify the house called Hillcrest thanks to the Civic Trust blue plague on the wall. Wilson was more than an explorer. He was a doctor, naturalist, and artist whose watercolours are as haunting as the journey that ended his life. From his early days sketching wildlife in Gloucestershire, through to his Antarctic expeditions with Captain Scott, Wilson’s work reveals a quiet respect for the natural world. Standing in the Wilson Room, at The Wilson Gallery today, surrounded by his studies of emperor penguins and glacial light, it’s easy to feel the fragility of it all, the cold, the courage, the stillness. It moved me more than I expected. There’s something incredibly human in his sketches.

What makes The Wilson so special is how it continues to evolve — a thriving place with space for creativity and community. Whilst I was there, I spent time viewing ‘Common Ground’ a thought-provoking exhibition curated by artist and folklorist Ben Edge. It explores our relationship with common land and the natural world, touching on themes of loss, rebellion, and belonging. Common Ground is on display until the 31st August 2025.

Equally uplifting was ‘Playground’, a playful, interactive exhibition that invites visitors to rediscover their inner child. Inspired by Cheltenham’s green spaces, it’s full of hands-on joy, from storytelling to games you’re encouraged to touch. Whether visiting alone or with family, a sense of delight can be found here. Playground is on display until 21st September 2025.

And when you have enjoyed the galleries, you have The Wilson Kitchen Café offering a great coffee or tea, locally sourced food, it’s the perfect pause — a space for reflection, or simply watching Cheltenham amble by.

For more information, please visit their website. 

Finally, you may also want to take the short walk from Neptune Apartments, to the other end of the Long Gardens, close to Neptune’s Fountain to view the Statue that pays tribute to Edward Wilson.