The best things to do after dinner in Cheltenham will take you from snug 19th-century taverns to luxurious cocktail joints. The town's colorful history is easy to see in its ornate period theaters, Regency concert halls, and old warehouses turned into modern bars.

The surrounding region has an abundance of apple orchards, making local cider a must-try in Cheltenham. Visit cider makers and breweries to try the newest flavors of lagers, ales and perry ciders. Whether you're looking for live music, comedy nights, retro dancing or guided wine testing, Cheltenham's best nightlife promises a night to remember.

  • 1

    High Street

    Barhop along this buzzing central street

    High Street
    • Nightlife

    Cheltenham's pretty and historic High Street is the center of the town's nightlife. Bars and pubs are mostly clustered at the eastern end, between Berkeley Street and Grosvenor Terrace. Beverage real ales in snug Victorian surroundings at The Vine, enjoy wooden beams and plush leather couches at Old Restoration, or listen to live music in the chic interior of The Strand.

    If you're hankering for some live sports on TV, head for Specter, which is especially popular during race meetings. Sandford Park Alehouse has a billiard table and an outstanding selection of European beers that will delight enthusiasts. Try creative cocktails like the Elderflower Mojito and Maple Old Fashioned at Lounge 72 or its sister venue, Bentley's Bar.

    Location: High St, Cheltenham GL50 1DX, UK

    Map

    photo by Helen Iwanczuk (CC BY-SA 2.0) modified

  • 2

    The Brewery Quarter

    Choose from bowling, darts, mini-golf and laser tag

    The Brewery Quarter
    • Nightlife

    The Brewery Quarter packs dozens of restaurants, bars and entertainment venues under 1 roof. Housed in an old brewery building just off the High Street, cocktail bars The Botanist and The Alchemist serve creative beverages made with seasonal ingredients. Brewdog is a craft beer hub boasting dozens of different IPAs, ales and stouts.

    Take on an escape room challenge at Escape Hunt, go bowling at Hollywood Bowl, play darts at Flight Club, or try laser tag at The Playfarm. Mr Mulligans is a miniature golf course with ping-pong and shuffleboard. Cineworld has 14 screens, including an IMAX and a 4DX screen with moving seats and strobe lighting.

    Location: Henrietta St, Cheltenham GL50 4AA, UK

    Phone: +44 (0)1242 227703

    Map

    photo by Steve Daniels (CC BY-SA 2.0) modified

  • 3

    Bath Road

    Enjoy a drink in Cheltenham's most traditional pubs

    Bath Road
    • Nightlife

    Bath Road is home to cozy cafes and tons of historic pubs full of atmosphere. Join a quiz night or catch big sporting events at The Brown Pitcher, a Victorian tavern that specializes in cider and real ale. There's more live music at The Exmouth Arms, along with comedy nights and a rustic beer garden.

    The Bath Tavern is a proper local pub with a roaring fire and real ale on tap. Try some of Cheltenham's best microbrews at Bath Road Beers, which has more than 400 beers. It also hosts regular cheese with beer nights, live music, and homebrewing workshops.

    Location: Bath Rd, Cheltenham GL53 7HG, UK

    Map
  • 4

    Montpellier wine bars

    Raise a glass in a sophisticated drinking den

    Montpellier wine bars
    • Nightlife

    Montpellier is an elegant district of graceful Regency buildings and sophisticated wine bars. Grab a seat at Montpellier Wine Bar to sample a vast selection of wines from Portugal, Moldova, Chile, South Africa and New Zealand. Head to popular chain bar All Bar One for an impressive beverages list of wines, beer and cocktails.

    The Riddle Wine Bar focuses on Italian wines, with reds, whites and roses from regions around Italy, while the upstairs bar at Come A Casa serves champagne and champagne-based cocktails. Whiskey lovers shouldn't miss John Gordon's, which boasts more than 80 wines, 200 whiskeys, and frequent wine testing events.

    Location: Montpellier, Cheltenham, GL50 2DY, UK

    Map

    photo by Julie anne Johnson (CC BY 2.0) modified

  • 5

    Everyman Theater

    Enjoy an evening of drama, opera or comedy

    Everyman Theater
    • Couples
    • Families
    • Nightlife

    The Everyman Theater is a stately Victorian theater on Cheltenham's Regent Street. It has an onsite restaurant and 2 bars, plus a diverse program of arts, music and dance. The palatial auditorium is a masterpiece of architecture, decorated with elaborate gold scrollwork and finely painted panels. Circle Bar and Matcham's Bar are clean, modern spaces serving beer, wine and cocktails.

    The Everyman Theater hosts a mix of traditional and contemporary performances. Expect modern dance, stand-up comedy, tribute bands, famous plays, opera and ballet. Come during the winter season to see a pantomime, or visit at any time of the year for children's magic shows, puppets, and the theatre's ever-popular musicals.

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    Location: 7, Everyman Theater, 10 Regent St, Cheltenham GL50 1HQ, UK

    Phone: +44 (0)1242 572573

    Map

    photo by Everyman Theatre (CC BY-SA 4.0) modified

  • 6

    Prince of Wales Stadium

    A multisport venue in Cheltenham

    Prince of Wales Stadium
    • Families
    • Nightlife

    The Prince of Wales Stadium is a great choice for sports fans in Cheltenham. Come and watch a rugby match with Cheltenham's home team Smiths, cheer on the participants of a Fun Run, or work out in the onsite fitness center. There's also an outdoor running circuit, athletics facilities, and a bathing pool with a separate diving area.

    The Wellness Suite houses a sauna, steam room and spa, while a soft play zone is where kids can enjoy obstacle courses. The Prince of Wales Sports Bar serves dozens of beers on tap. It also has a big screen showing the latest sporting events.  

    Location: Tommy Taylors Ln, Cheltenham GL50 4RN, UK

    Phone: +44 (0)1242 528764

    Map
  • 7

    Cheltenham Town Hall

    Listen to live music in a glitzy Edwardian venue

    Cheltenham Town Hall
    • History
    • Nightlife

    The Cheltenham Town Hall is a fabulous concert hall dating from 1903, adjoining Imperial Square and Gardens. Its renowned concerts have featured guest performances from national and state orchestras from around the world. Other music genres include rock, pop, folk music and jazz. 

    The Cheltenham Town Hall also hosts dinner shows, comedy, burlesque, circus performances, short movie festivals, and talks and lectures from the likes of global explorer Sir Ranulph Fiennes and 'supervet' Noel Fitzpatrick. Visit the Imperial Garden Bar for a pre-show drink on a tree-shaded deck, which overlooks the formal garden.

    Location: Imperial Square, Cheltenham GL50 1QA, UK

    Open: Monday–Friday from 10 am to 5.30 pm, Saturday from 9.30 am to 5 pm

    Phone: +44 (0)844 576 2210

    Map
  • 8

    Dunkertons Cider

    Beverage organic cider surrounded by a rolling countryside

    Dunkertons Cider
    • Nightlife

    Dunkertons Cider is a family-run cider maker on the outskirts of Cheltenham. Its taproom (complete with a marquee) offers dozens of award-winning ciders and perries. Get cozy around the fire pit in the evening while listening to live music or sampling ciders.

    Other events include cider-themed quizzes, comedy nights, late-night markets, and pantomimes at Christmas. Take a tour and see Dunkertons Cider's apple pressing and fermenting process. You can opt for a cider-and-cheese tasting with an expert guide or a cider-making workshop with a master cider maker.

    Location: The Barlands, Dowdeswell Park, London Rd, Charlton Kings, Cheltenham GL52 6UT, UK

    Open: Taproom: Wednesday–Thursday from 5 pm to 11 pm, Friday–Saturday from 11 am to 11 pm, Sunday from 11 am to 10 pm

    Phone: +44 (0)1242 650145

    Map
  • 9

    Bacon Theater

    Join in with the fun at this friendly local theater

    Bacon Theater
    • Families
    • Luxury
    • Nightlife

    Bacon Theater is a community theater that promotes upcoming talent and hosts professional theater companies. Come and see an international circus act, classical ballet, live theater, or celebrity speakers. The music ranges from orchestral movie music to Elton John tributes. It also has sing-a-longs where you can belt out a tune with the stars.

    Pop by Orangery Bar for a drink or to try some local Bennett's ice cream. Locals in the know order their beverages in advance using the theatre's online form. Tuckwell Amphitheater is the theatre's open-air stage that only opens during the summer. 

    Location: Dean Close School, Hatherley Rd, Cheltenham GL51 6EP, UK

    Phone: +44 (0)1242 258002

    Map
  • 10

    Pittville Pump Room

    Live it up like a Regency aristocrat

    Pittville Pump Room
    • Nightlife

    Pittville Pump Room is a charming Regency building where patrons used to drink healing mineral water and attend balls in the 19th century. Today, the elegant rooms are used for more contemporary events like live music, circus performances, burlesque, cabaret nights, magic shows, and poetry reading.

    Pittville Pump Room is especially popular as a concert venue, especially during the Cheltenham Music Festival. Dances are held throughout the year, ranging from Lindy Hop and swing to American barn dancing. The surrounding gardens and period bandstand make for a lovely stroll on regular evenings. 

    Location: E Approach Dr, Cheltenham GL52 3JE, UK

    Phone: +44 (0)1242 528764

    Map

    photo by Reading Tom (CC BY 2.0) modified

Victoria Hughes | Contributing Writer