Cheltenham rose to fame as a spa town, after it was visited by King George III and Queen Charlotte when mineral waters were discovered at this site. After a few years, a local landowner Joseph Pitt constructed the Pittville Pump Room which served as the largest spa building of the town. Built on the lines of a Greek temple, this archaic edifice houses the original pump comprising marble and scagliola. The stunning Regency architecture of the building, along with its tastefully decorated interiors make it a pride of the town. The Pittville Pump Room is managed by the town council who have transformed this place into a heritage site and a thriving events center. The venue is buzzing with private and corporate events all year round. The Pittville Pump Room is also a venue for the Cheltenham Folk and Music festivals.
Owned and managed by the National Trust, Upton House is the magnificent structure standing admist the beautiful landscape of Ratley and Upton. The interiors of house are surrounded by Lord Bearsted's vital art and porcelain collections, including works by artists like Stubbs and Hogarth. It has lush sweeping lawn flanked with series of terraces and herbaceous borders and a mirror pool.
This unique house was built for residential purposes in 1878 by George Alfred Haden Haden-Best. The house is located along with the previously constructed Haden Hall in a 55 acre (22.26 hectares) estate and was bought over for public subscription. The estate is now used as a park for the public and the Haden Hill House has been converted into a small museum. This museum attracts a large amount of visitors with its list of programs and activities for all ages. The house is designed in a Victorian style and houses many Victorian objects. The museum has special services to aid school visits and holds many interesting activities for school children. The Oak House inside the house is also rented out for private events, most prominently weddings. This glorious house is a much-loved place to visit in the locality.
It is well worth spending time studying the frontage of Harvard House, for it is Stratford's most ornate structure and a splendid example of an Elizabethan town house. Look in particular for the initials of the owners who had it re-built following the severe damage sustained in the Great Fire of 1594. It was their grandson John who, having emigrated to the United States, founded the university which bears his name. In 1909, the house was purchased by a Chicago millionaire who paid for it to be restored before presenting it to Harvard University. Today the house is managed on behalf of Harvard by the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust. Inside the house, in addition to fine pieces of 17th century furniture, is part of the Neish pewter collection. This collection of great national importance boasts items spanning over two thousand years.
Experience the Falstaff Experience for an informative and theatrical living history lesson. You will be met and entertained by staff in period costume and you can have your photograph taken alongside characters in the mock-up cottages and shops. Items of interest here include the punishment stocks, the music room and a Gothic collection of all things ghastly and glorious!
The Holly House Garden of Sibford School is where a lot of school events and activities are conducted. To know more, check the website.