Christmas Among The Caryatids

If you want to have the best experience when visiting a town, you ask a resident, of course. Cheltenham girl Anna Bailey takes us on a whistle-stop tour of her favourite (festive) haunts

- Anna Bailey

Cheltenham: home of Regency architecture, cultural festivals, prestigious schools (and, on a slightly less glamorous note, yours truly). While it may not share the same renown for quirky independent stores as its neighbour Stroud, there are plenty of local businesses to appreciate in Cheltenham, and what better time than Christmas to explore all this town has to offer?

Cheltenham feels so alive during the festive season, in no small part thanks to its enchanting Christmas Market. I seem to remember specifically calling it ‘the German Christmas Market’ when we were little, and whether that was its official title I don’t know, but it is certainly fitting. Between November 21 and December 14, you can stroll amongst the 40 or so wooden chalets set up along the Promenade, browsing a rich selection of handcrafted gifts, clothes, furnishings, artwork, and confectionary. Grab yourself a mug of glühwein or mulled cider, which has the added benefit of keeping your hands warm as you peruse the stalls; or stop for a hearty bratwurst in the heated café area.

From December 17 to 24, the Christmas Arts and Crafts Market takes over, showcasing a wealth of handmade crafts and homeware. Plenty of potential presents to be found here, and friendly local traders who definitely won’t judge you for doing your Christmas shopping at the last minute.

Beyond the Regency glamour of the Promenade, the town boasts an attractive, busy high street with plenty of retail opportunities, including the much-loved Regent’s Arcade, which houses over 60 stores and dining options. But Cheltenham is made up of a myriad of quirky little shopping districts, tucked away amidst grand architecture that harks back to its days as a famous spa town, and if you’re looking for unique gifts this season, these are the places to come.