Cheltenham is well known for its many festivals, and of course the races! It’s a good time of year during the races, as spirits are high. The town is gorgeous with plenty of shops. I always spend my breaks between lectures there, and the walk through Pittville Park is lovely. Everywhere is within walking distance. (University of Gloucestershire student)
What Cheltenham and Gloucester are famous for...
Horse racing
While there are ‘meets’ at Prestbury Park's racecourse throughout the year, The Cheltenham Festival and Gold Cup in March is the crown jewel of the horse racing calendar, attracting visitors from all over and bringing a real buzz to the town.
The Brewery Quarter
This area of the town centre is home to a whole range of student-friendly things to do. Not only is there a wide range of lively bars and popular restaurants to suit everyone, students can also enjoy bowling, the cinema or even some interactive darts.
Gloucester Docks
The Gloucester docks are a busy central point of the town and popular with visitors and locals alike. Shops, bars, restaurants and a cinema now fill the historic space, meaning there’s always something to do.
Nightlife
From retro dance floors to student clubs, Gloucester offers a diverse range of nights out that are popular with students. And with buses running from Cheltenham to Gloucester, it’s easy to travel between the two for a night out.
History
The town’s rich history is displayed in a number of museums across the city, from the Waterways Museum to the Beatrix Potter Museum. Gloucester Cathedral is another historic landmark, and is popular with students seeking out the Harry Potter filming locations within the building.
Rugby
Gloucester Rugby is based right in the heart of the city, at Kingsholm ground. A student membership ticket is available, proving popular with sports fans who want to soak up the action.
Cheltenham and Gloucester nightlife, according to students
'Study among 'spies'
Looking like a big, steel doughnut, the Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ) is tasked with keeping the UK safe through technology and intelligence. GCHQ provides thousands of jobs in the cyber security and technology sectors.
The rest of the county
Festival County
Gloucestershire is famous for its huge array of festivals – Cheltenham alone hosts over forty festivals a year, from jazz to science, literature to food. In the wider county, students enjoy the Witcombe Cider festival and the Wychwood Music festival, amongst others.
The Cotswolds
Just a short drive out of Cheltenham and Gloucester brings you to England and Wales’ largest Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the Cotswolds. The quintessential English countryside is perfect for adventure seekers to explore with walks, water activities and more.
Cheltenham and Gloucester nightlife, according to students
The Cotswolds
England and Wales’ largest Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, this is the quintessential British countryside. The limestone buildings look like they've been dipped in honey.
Student life in Cheltenham and Gloucester
Living in Cheltenham and Gloucester, according to students
Pittville Pump Room
During summer, if you go in the evenings, there's hardly anyone about. It's such a nice area to relax in. (Lydia Maers, second year student at University of Gloucestershire)
Living in Cheltenham and Gloucester, according to students
Leckhampton Hill
A brilliant view over Cheltenham. In Cheltenham, you can always go clear your mind in the countryside. (Max Barnes, second year student at University of Gloucestershire)
Living in Cheltenham and Gloucester
Housing, travel, and budgeting tips. You can also check our accommodation site if you're looking for student accommodation in Cheltenham or Gloucester.
- Pittville
- St Paul's
- Fairview
- Weekly ticket: £13.50
- Gloucestershire students only
- Bus
Student money tips
Living in the St Paul’s area really helps save money – the rent is really cheap, and it’s a student area with campuses on your doorstep. You can also get the bus for free on nights out from the student village, to save on taxis. (Third year student, University of Gloucestershire)
The cost of living as a student soon adds up, us our budget calculator to find out roughly how much you'll need each month.
Discover more savings on student life in Cheltenham and Gloucester with UCAS student discounts. Find the latest deals, from fashion brands and eating fresh, to big discounts on tech and travel.