Living and Working in Cheltenham

Cheltenham is a town in the south west of England and is one of six districts that belongs to the county of Gloucester. It is situated on the edge of the delightful Cotswolds and is approximately one hundred miles from London so is a popular commuting town. It is within easy reach of other large cities and the M5 is within close proximity. The train station has regular services into London and the nearest airports are Bristol and Birmingham.

The history of Cheltenham is interesting, having been predominantely a small farming town until the introduction of various industries such as malting, leather and shoe making. However, it was not until the early 1800’s when the local people began drinking the water from a spring, believing it had an array of healing properties that the water was soon available to buy and Cheltenham became very popular and much more prosperous. The owner of the spring turned it into a well and visitors increased especially when King George the third visited to sample the water for himself . Because of the large number of people interested in the town and the magical waters, several new spas were created which is where Cheltenham originally gets the name Cheltenham Spa from! By the late nineteenth century, the spas had become less popular but continued to be a popular tourist destination, especially when the railway was introduced to the town.

The modern economy of Cheltenham is strong with many major global companies having a presence within the town or nearby and it is predicted to grow significantly over the next few years. There are a range of thriving industries which include cyber, digital and technology, aerospace, retail and leisure, health, advanced engineering and manufacturing, professional services and education. The county is well known and respected as being at the forefront of the latest technology.

The diverse and vibrant University of Gloucestershire has campuses in Cheltenham and Gloucester and is popular with students from around the world. It has an excellent reputation and offers unrivalled academic opportunities with a wide range of courses on offer for students. Cheltenham is home to many reputable schools and colleges which offer a high standard of education, making the town attractive for families with children.

Cheltenham is a very pretty town and has the perfect blend of history, culture and beauty. From regal architecture to wonderful gardens, you will be spoilt for choice on how you spend your time. Of course, a visit to Cheltenham needs to begin at the beginning with a stroll through the elegant promenade which is known for its Georgian architecture and wonderful shops. Immerse yourself in the town’s cultural heritage by paying a visit to the Art Gallery and Museum or relax by the stunning lake at Pittville Park. If you are a fan of horse racing, you could place a bet or two at Cheltenham Racecourse which also hosts prestigious events throughout the year such as the Cheltenham Festival. 

Embark on a scenic walk along the Cotswold Way which is a long distance footpath that offers stunning views of the countryside and transports you through charming villages.

Cheltenham was recently voted as being the best place to live in the south west by the Sunday Times, with particular emphasis on education, culture and connectivity

Cheltenham has a welcoming community which makes it easy to form friendships and build connections. Whether you are attracted to the town because of its cultural events and numerous festivals, professional opportunities or the picturesque surroundings, Cheltenham offers a fulfilling lifestyle.

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