The best places to go shopping in Cheltenham are as varied as the city itself, from tiny local outlets to sprawling shopping centres. The city has a reputation for upmarket retailers, and while it's true that there's no shortage of high-class boutiques, you're equally likely to stumble upon cheerful markets and familiar brands.

Along with charming period buildings and avenues of trees, Cheltenham has an abundance of beautiful shopping boulevards. Many of its stores have been converted from Georgian houses or former factories. Enjoy a bit of history while you shop at these prominent Cheltenham venues.

  • 1

    Regent Arcade

    Watch bubbles streaming from a quirky mechanical fish

    Regent Arcade
    • Gastronomie
    • Photographie
    • Shopping

    The Regent Arcade is a row of pretty historic buildings in the middle of Cheltenham that were combined to create a covered shopping arcade of 60 outlets. There's a wide range of fashion and beauty stores like H&M, River Island, TK Maxx, The Body Shop, and Holland & Barrett. Head to HMV for music and film or Tiger for homeware, stationery and toys.

    Refuel with a Full English breakfast at Bridge Cafe, a fairtrade coffee and pastry at Soho Coffee Co. It's worth a stop in the main atrium to admire the inimitable Wishing Fish Clock, which blows bubbles every 30 minutes.

    Emplacement : High St, Cheltenham GL50 1JZ, UK

    Ouverture : Monday–Saturday from 9 am to 6 pm, Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm

    Téléphone : +44 (0)1242 521345

    Carte

    photo de Steve Daniels (CC BY-SA 2.0) modifiée

  • 2

    High Street

    A thoroughfare with big names and old favourites

    High Street
    • Shopping

    The High Street arrows through the centre of Cheltenham. Known as the town's main shopping destination, its central section is pedestrianised and features popular clothes stores like Monsoon, Next, River Island and H&M. A huge branch of beloved department store John Lewis anchors the street with 2 floors of fashion, beauty and homeware.

    Take your kids to The Entertainer, a toy shop selling games and collectables, or have a browse around The Works for books and art supplies. The western end of Cheltenham High Street has small independent shops like World of Guitars and The Sewing Box. You can pick up international snacks from Oriental Food Store or The Polish Point.

    Emplacement : High St, Cheltenham GL50 3HH, UK

    Carte

    photo de Robin Webster (CC BY-SA 2.0) modifiée

  • 3

    Suffolks Sunday Market

    Join a monthly party of music and street entertainment

    Suffolks Sunday Market
    • Familles
    • Shopping

    The Suffolks Sunday Market stretches the entire length of Suffolk Parade and the northern end of Great Norwood Street, where it intersects with Gratton Street. The eclectic offerings from stallholders include leather jewellery, carved wooden ornaments, hand-embroidered cushions, vintage furniture, woven baskets, and paintings by local artists.

    Food stalls sell just about everything, from jumbo samosas to gluten-free fudge. There are even stalls serving wines and hedgerow-foraged gins. The streets' usual shops and cafes have special offers and regular events. Live music, magic acts, street entertainers and a Punch & Judy show add to the fun atmosphere. The Suffolks Sunday Market become a holiday-themed shopping destination on May Day, Halloween and Christmas.

    Emplacement : Suffolk Parade, Cheltenham GL50 2AD, UK

    Ouverture : Last Sunday of the month from 11 am to 5 pm

    Carte
  • 4

    The Brewery Quarter

    Combine a shopping trip with dinner, drinks and entertainment

    The Brewery Quarter
    • Gastronomie
    • Shopping

    The Brewery Quarter is a former brewery in the centre of Cheltenham that's now a hub of shops, bars and restaurants. Its line-up of well-known brands includes clothing and lifestyle store Urban Outfitters, British menswear brand Luke 1977, and international beauty chain SLG. There's also a huge branch of Wilko selling a huge range of house and garden supplies.

    Stop for lunch at Mowgli, which does delicious Indian street food, or Pho Cafe for Southeast Asian dishes. Enjoy milkshakes, smoothies, cakes and gelato at Creams Cafe.

    Emplacement : Henrietta St, Cheltenham GL50 4FA, UK

    Téléphone : +44 (0)1242 227703

    Carte

    photo de Steve Daniels (CC BY-SA 2.0) modifiée

  • 5

    Montpellier Street

    A sophisticated mix of fashion and art

    Montpellier Street
    • Shopping

    Montpellier Street is an attractive thoroughfare in a historic neighbourhood of the same name. Here, shopping options lean towards chic and independent boutiques. Its stylish fashion offerings include fine suits at James of Montpellier, occasionwear at Silks of Cheltenham, and unique jewellery at Pink Vintage.

    Visit Rossiter Books for book signings, lectures and readings, followed by Paragon Gallery and Sixteen to see exhibitions by contemporary artists, sculptors and photographers. Spring Cheltenham is a creator-run exhibition space that combines the work of artists, craftspeople and designers.

    Emplacement : Montpellier St, Cheltenham GL50 1SP, UK

    Carte

    photo de Edward (CC BY-SA 4.0) modifiée

  • 6

    The Suffolks

    Enjoy a leisurely browse around peaceful period streets

    The Suffolks
    • Photographie
    • Shopping

    The Suffolks is a pretty area of stately Georgian townhouses clustered around Suffolk Road, Suffolk Parade and Suffolk Square. There are no big chains here – instead, the shops are all small independents run by people with a passion for their field.

    There are vintage shops like Revamp and Willow Hilson Vintage, where you can find period clothing and jewellery that's kind to the environment. Browse  dresses at Bodega or Mint Clothing, handbags at Cuckoo's Nest, and handcrafted jewellery at RJ Spicer. If you're looking for quirky homeware, Great British Boutique is a good option in The Suffolks.

    Emplacement : The Suffolks, Cheltenham GL50 2AB, UK

    Carte

    photo de Anthony O'Neil (CC BY-SA 2.0) modifiée

  • 7

    Cheltenham Craft Market

    Support local artisans with every purchase

    Cheltenham Craft Market
    • Shopping

    The Cheltenham Craft Market takes place every month on Cheltenham's tree-lined Promenade. It was established in 2008 as a place where local artists and craftspeople could show off their skills. Browse the charming green-and-white striped stalls for art, homewares or ceramics.

    You'll find plenty of pretty pieces to decorate your home, from stoneware kitchen items, slumped glass plates and scented candles to coasters, cushions and small furniture. The market also has stalls selling garden furniture and décor, teddy bears, soft toys, and handsewn canvas bags.

    Emplacement : The Promenade, Cheltenham GL50 1HP, UK

    Ouverture : Third Saturday of every month from 9 am to 5 pm

    Carte
  • 8

    Gallagher Shopping

    Browse gleaming furniture showrooms at this modern shopping centre

    Gallagher Shopping
    • Shopping

    Gallagher Shopping is a sleek contemporary building filled with famous high-street brands. Cheltenham's main out-of-town shopping centre is a popular choice for furniture and home shopping, with showrooms from Sofology, Oak Furnitureland, DFS and Homesense. Other recognisable brands include Matalan, Next, Sports Direct, and Boots.

    Stop by Hobbycraft to stock up on craft and sewing supplies, or toys, clothes and baby necessities at Mamas & Papas. Majestic Wine has a passionate team to help you choose from its wide selection of wines and champagnes. Take a coffee break and grab a pastry at Costa Coffee or Ground.

    Emplacement : Tewkesbury Rd, Cheltenham GL51 9RR, UK

    Ouverture : Monday–Saturday from 9 am to 8 pm, Sunday from 10.30 am to 4.30 pm

    Téléphone : +44 (0)808 156 5533

    Carte

    photo de Bill Boaden (CC BY-SA 2.0) modifiée

  • 9

    The Promenade

    Cheltenham's most cosmopolitan shopping street

    The Promenade
    • Photographie
    • Shopping

    The Promenade is a broad avenue of historic buildings and mature trees that intersects with Cheltenham's High Street. The elegant Neptune Fountain is based on Rome's Trevi Fountain, while the pedestrianised north end features a contemporary sculpture, The Hare and The Minotaur.

    Head to Imadjin for hand-crafted jewellery, Jo Malone for perfume, and SpaceNK for cosmetics. A wide range of clothing and accessories is available at Hobbs, Anthropologie, FatFace, Reiss, and Joules. There are branches of Hatchards and Waterstones where you can browse books for hours. Castle Fine Art and Clarendon Fine Art exhibit work by local artists.

    Emplacement : Promenade, Cheltenham GL50 1PJ, UK

    Carte

    photo de Reading Tom (CC BY 2.0) modifiée

  • 10

    Montpellier Courtyard

    Discover independent local businesses

    Montpellier Courtyard
    • Familles
    • Shopping

    The Montpellier Courtyard is a hub of small independent shops and boutiques providing clothing, gifts, and interior design. Head to Silks of Cheltenham to browse a wide range of dresses and occasionwear. Beauty services are available at the Beau Amis hair salon, Biberian Gray barbershop, and Tivoli Hot Wax.

    Karl James has a selection of soaps, candles, home fragrances and throw cushions. At Edible Art Patisserie, tarts, macrons and petit gateaux by pastry chef Damien Wager are as beautiful as they're delicious. Look out for special offers and discounts for occasions like Mother's Day or World Chocolate Day.

    Emplacement : The Courtyard, Montpellier St, Cheltenham GL50 1SR, UK

    Ouverture : Monday–Saturday from 9 am to 12 am, Sunday from 9 am to 5 pm

    Carte

    photo de Tess Beck (CC BY 2.0) modifiée

Victoria Hughes | Auteur collaborateur