Cheltenham’s reputation for elegance was first gained in the late 18th century, when high society flocked to the spa town to “take the waters”, following the example set by George III.
Many gracious terraced houses were built, in a Neo-Classical style, along broad avenues. These survive around the Queens Hotel, near Montpellier Street, one of Cheltenham’s loveliest streets, lined with interesting shops raised from the road behind wide pavements. Ornamental caryatids, armless maidens based on the classical models of the Erechtheion in Athens, separate the shops along Montpellier Street, adding an air of distinction.
The town centre is reasonably compact and can easily be explored on foot. The original town ran along the current High Street, now home to many major chain stores and two shopping arcades. The Regency town spreads southwards along the Promenade, one of the finest town thoroughfares in the country, now lined with elegant shops.
The magnificent terrace at the northern end, built originally to house those coming to take the waters, now houses the Municipal Offices and the Tourist Information Centre. In front is the Neptune Fountain and a statue to Edward Wilson, the Cheltenham botanist who accompanied Captain Robert Scott on this ill-fated expedition to the South Pole.
