About
The continental atmosphere of Cheltenham’s tree-lined avenues, colourful parks, gardens and pavement cafes, provides the perfect setting for retail indulgence. With a backdrop of elegant Regency architecture, Cheltenham’s famous Promenade is one of the finest shopping thoroughfares in the country, with quality jewellery, gift shops and bookstores. A short stroll from the long-established Cavendish House takes you to many top fashion names including Jaeger, Karen Millen, Hobbs, Jigsaw L. K. Bennett and East or, for more casual dress, Fat Face, Gap, Jack Wills, Joules and White Stuff, with Jo Malone and Radleys being amongst the newest retail offering. Lifestyle shops nearby include The White Company and Vinegar Hill.
Nationally-known shops and stores abound in the High Street, the Regent Arcade and Beechwood Shopping Centre (which is being re-developed in 2017 into a flagship store for John Lewis). Young and old alike are fascinated by the famous bubble blowing “Wishing Fish Clock” in the Arcade, designed by Kit Williams, with a magical performance every half hour.
The Brewery in St. Margaret’s Road, off the High Street features an eleven screen cinema complex with IMAX and luxury Screening Rooms, a health and fitness club, ten-pin bowling plus restaurants and shops. The Bath Road shopping area is renowned for its wide choice for organic and local produce, as well as many individually styled independent shops.
Beyond Imperial Gardens, the Montpellier quarter specialises in boutiques such as Caroline Charles, complemented by health and beauty specialists including Neal’s Yard Remedies. Bathroom and kitchen designers, contemporary furniture shops and art galleries add to the selection. The Suffolks, tucked away behind Montpellier Terrace is an expanding ‘village’ area, a treasure trove of antiques and collectables and small specialist shops including artist jewellers, clothes and design, hairdressers and garden accessories. Both areas boast a tempting range of coffee shops, wine bars and restaurants.
Shopping in Cheltenham is altogether chic and stress free, where wide streets, leafy avenues and elegant buildings enhance the whole experience.