Cheltenham is one of the UK’s most elegant spa towns, famous for its Regency architecture, vibrant café culture, world-class festivals and excellent shopping. Whether you’re visiting for a weekend, attending Cheltenham Racecourse, or exploring the Cotswolds, there’s plenty to see and do before escaping to the countryside for a relaxing pub lunch or dinner.
Just 25 minutes from the town centre, the village of Sheepscombe and The Butchers Arms offer the perfect contrast to the bustle of Cheltenham, providing stunning scenery, peaceful walks and traditional Cotswold hospitality.
Spend the Morning Exploring Cheltenham
Start your day in the heart of Cheltenham, where Regency buildings line elegant streets filled with independent shops, boutiques and cafés.
Popular attractions include:
- The Promenade and Montpellier District
- Pittville Park and Pittville Pump Room
- The Wilson Art Gallery & Museum
- Cheltenham Racecourse
- Imperial Gardens
Cheltenham is renowned for its cultural calendar, hosting festivals celebrating literature, jazz, science and food throughout the year. Visitors often spend the morning exploring the town before heading into the surrounding Gloucestershire countryside.
Discover the Cotswolds Beyond Cheltenham
One of Cheltenham’s biggest advantages is its location on the edge of the Cotswolds. Within a short drive you can swap busy streets for rolling hills, woodland valleys and picture-postcard villages.
While many visitors head straight to well-known destinations such as Bourton-on-the-Water or Bibury, those looking for a quieter and more authentic experience should consider Sheepscombe.
Hidden within a beautiful valley between Cheltenham, Stroud and Painswick, the village offers a glimpse of traditional Cotswold life away from the tourist crowds.
Stop for Lunch at The Butchers Arms
After a morning in Cheltenham, The Butchers Arms is the ideal place to slow down and enjoy everything a traditional country pub should be.
Dating back to the 17th century, the pub has long been at the heart of village life and remains a popular destination for walkers, food lovers and visitors exploring the Cotswolds.
The menu celebrates quality ingredients and local producers, while the bar showcases a range of local beers, ales and drinks from the surrounding area.
Whether you choose a light lunch, a traditional pub favourite or a leisurely Sunday roast, you’ll find a warm welcome waiting.
Explore the Surrounding Countryside
One of the reasons visitors love combining Cheltenham with a visit to Sheepscombe is the landscape.
The village sits in a peaceful valley surrounded by footpaths, woodland and classic Cotswold scenery. Several circular walks begin close to The Butchers Arms, making it easy to enjoy a stroll before or after your meal.
The area is particularly beautiful in spring when wildflowers appear across the valley and in autumn when the surrounding woods are filled with colour.
End Your Day the Cotswold Way
As the afternoon draws to a close, relax with a drink in the pub or take in the views before heading back to Cheltenham.
The short journey means you can enjoy the best of both worlds in a single day: the culture, heritage and atmosphere of Cheltenham, combined with the tranquillity and charm of a hidden Cotswold village.
Looking for Things to Do Near Cheltenham?
If you’re searching for:
- Things to do near Cheltenham
- Best pubs near Cheltenham
- Day trips from Cheltenham
- Cotswold villages near Cheltenham
- Country pub lunches in Gloucestershire
then Sheepscombe and The Butchers Arms deserve a place on your itinerary.
Just a short drive from Cheltenham, you’ll discover beautiful countryside, welcoming hospitality and one of the Cotswolds’ most charming village pubs.