Cheltenham Shopping Guide - Shopping in Cheltenham

Cheltenham Shopping

Cheltenham has a wide range of shops to cater for most peoples needs. From quality privately owned shops to national and international chain stores Cheltenham has it all.

A variery of shops, relaxed shopping arcades, wide avenues, summer floral displays and a plentiful supply of town centre parking makes shopping in Cheltenham an enjoyable experience.

The Promenade

Known by some simply as "The Prom", the Promenade in Cheltenham is one of the most stylish shopping areas in the area. The Promenade is home to some of the best-known fashion houses, shoe shops and bookstores including the imposing Cavendish House, White Stuff, Hoopers, Laura Ashley, Gap, Waterstones and Bally. Look out for The Minotaur and the Hare bronze on the pedestrianised part of the Promenade. A large sculpture created by Sophie Ryder in 1995. Larger photograph of The Minotaur and the Hare

The High Street

The High Street is another of the main shopping areas of Cheltenham. There are shopping arcades such as the Regent Arcade Shopping Centre where you will find well known stores including BHS, The Body Shop, Mothercare, Sole Trader, River Island as well as smaller individual shops. The Regent Arcade is currently undergoing a major renovation, but is open as usual. There is a multi-storey car park attached to the Regent Arcade.

One rather unexpected, but popular feature of the Regent Arcade Shopping Centre is the famous Wishing Fish Clock that was designed and constructed by Kit Williams. The clock is 45 feet (14 metres) high and is believed to be the tallest nechanical clock in the world. On the hour the fish that is suspended under the clock revolves and blows out bubbles. The performance of the bubble-blowing clock is very popular with both children and adults and can attract crowds of people to the area beneath the clock and bring the arcade to a standstill! At the same time as the bubble blowing, the clock plays popular tunes such as "The sun has got its hat on" and "I'm forever blowing bubbles"

		Further along the High Street is the Beechwood Shopping Centre. The Beechwood has shopping on two floors including Next, the Disney Store, Debenhams, an Apple store, Athena, Cargo and much more. Cheltenham's Shopmobility Scheme also operates from here. The Beechwood also has a multi-storey car park attached.

Back out on the High Street, national stores such as Marks and Spencer, Currys, Boots, Vodafone, WH Smith and Carphone Warehouse can be found.
Between the Promenade and Regent Arcade Shopping Centre don't miss Regent Street, home to the Everyman Theatre and a variety of bars, cafes, restaurants and boutiques.

The Brewery

The Brewery is Cheltenham's newest retail and leisure destination.

The area, a short walk from Cheltenham town centre is home to Cineworld, Fitness First, Chiquito, Frankie & Benny's, Nando's, Immo, Gala Bingo and more.

There is an NCP multi-storey car park directly opposite The Brewery with more parking spaces within a few minutes walk.

Sunday Shopping

Cheltenham has over 100 shops open on Sundays from 11am. Most of the major stores are open for trading, and many of the smaller stores open too. It is advisable to check with individual stores for their opening hours if you are planning on visiting a specific store.

Montpellier and Suffolk

A short walk from Cheltenham town centre are the Montpellier and Suffolks areas, some would say that they have a rather continental feel.

There is an abundance of specialist boutiques (such as Pretty Special - childrenswear and accessories) and gift shops, together with pavement cafes and fashionable wine bars.

Pretty Special offers children’s wear and accessories from 0 – 8 years.

Pretty Special have chosen brands from New York, New Zealand, Italy, France, Norway, Denmark, Holland and the UK. Pretty Special have put together a collection which we are developing and expanding all the time. Just now Pretty Special can offer you :-

• Organic baby wear sourced from approved providers
• Quality designs for girls and boys at sensible prices
  
• Special fabrics for babies and small children with sensitive skins
• Washable and stylish rainwear
• Sleeping bags and sleeping sacks
• Pre walker footwear which is unique and special
• Toys and gifts for small children
  

Other highlights of the Montpellier and Suffolk areas are the Courtyard in Montpellier Street and the Antiques Centre in Suffolk Road. Good local shopping can also be found in Bath Road.

There is a concentration of well-established antiques dealers in the Montpellier and Suffolks areas.

Antiques

As well as finding antique dealers in Montpellier and The Suffolks, monthly Antiques and Collectors Fairs are staged at the Cheltenham Racecourse on Sundays.

Farmers Markets

Cheltenham's Farmers Markets, with over 30 stalls, are held on the Promenade in front of the Tourist Information Centre on the second and last Friday of each month. Here you will be tempted by the fresh and natural produce including delicious cheeses, mouth-watering meats and a wide variety of vegetables that are on sale