Places to Stay With a Bar in Cheltenham

If a drink at the end of the day matters to you, Cheltenham makes things fairly easy. BritStays lists 11 places to stay with a bar in this part of Gloucestershire, and the bar is the one thing they all share. Ten are hotels and one is a camping site, so this is mostly a hotel-led choice. Most also offer more than a bar: 9 have a restaurant, 9 have WiFi and 8 have parking.

Where the bars are

The spread is uneven, which helps you narrow things down quickly:

• Cheltenham has 6 of the 11 stays, so it gives you the most choice.
• Tewkesbury has 3.
• Cirencester and Evesham have 1 each.

This is an inland region, and none of the stays here are coastal. If you want sea views with your evening drink, you'll need to look at another region. If you're happy with a town base and days out in the surrounding area, there's a reasonable mix.

Matching the stay to your trip

Couples who want something a little special could start with Cowley Manor, whose listing highlights a swimming pool, gym and spa. Hotel du Vin & Bistro and Clarence Court Hotel both combine a bar, restaurant and WiFi in Cheltenham. That suits a weekend where you'd rather not hunt for somewhere to eat.

Families may like the pool at Cowley Manor for younger swimmers. If you want food to hand without a sit-down meal every night, White Hart Inn in Cheltenham and Travelodge in Tewkesbury both list takeaway food alongside their bars.

Dog owners do well here, since 7 of the 11 stays are marked pet friendly. Thames Head Inn in Cirencester is one example. It is a good fit if you'd like a pub-style stay where the dog can come too. Pet policies vary, so check the listing for any limits on size, number or which rooms allow dogs.

Travellers needing step-free access have 5 stays to choose from with disabled access listed. These include The Bell and Tudor House Hotel in Tewkesbury and Cleeve Hill Hotel in Cheltenham. Cleeve Hill Hotel also notes indoor areas, which is useful if the weather turns. As always, contact the stay directly about the specific features you need.

Getting there and parking

Five of the stays are near a train station, so a car-free break is realistic if you choose carefully. Check each listing for this facility. If you're driving, 8 offer parking. Northwick Hotel in Evesham is one that lists it, along with its bar and restaurant. For a town-centre hotel, confirm whether parking is on site before you arrive.

What to do once you're there

History lovers have two landmarks to aim for: Sudeley Castle, a castle and heritage site, and Edgeworth Manor, a stately home. Either makes a good half-day before heading back for dinner. The Lodge at Winchcombe, which lists a bar, restaurant and WiFi, is one Cheltenham-area base to consider.

For museums, try these:

• The John Moore Countryside Museum is right in Cheltenham.
• The Old Prison in the Cotswolds is a little further out.
• The Swinford Museum is in Bourton-on-the-Water.

With children, Aquaventure in the Cotswolds is a water park and a sensible rainy-day plan. Pair it with a hotel that has a restaurant, so nobody has to cook after a long day.

When to book

Eleven stays is a modest number, and more than half are in Cheltenham itself. Popular dates can fill up, especially at the more distinctive hotels. Some practical pointers:

• Book early if you need a specific facility. If you need disabled access, a dog-friendly room or rail access, you're choosing from 5 to 7 stays rather than 11. Secure your room before the rest.
• Weekends and school holidays tend to go first at small hotels. If your dates are fixed, book as soon as you know them.
• Check what the bar offers. Some stays may only open the bar in the evening or for residents, so ask if it matters to your plans.
• Confirm meal times. Nine stays have a restaurant. If you're arriving late, check when last orders are, or pick a stay with takeaway food.
• Read the facilities list in full. Our example highlights show only a few features per stay, so the full listing may hold the detail you need.