The Promenade

Published: October 7, 2021 - Last updated 17 July 2024 - Please note: This blog was first published more than a year ago.
Denise Alterskye

We began our walking tour at Rotunda and strolled along the Promenade (the locals call it 'The Prom') to the Imperial Gardens. Such colourful magnificence with the stunning curved formal beds. The immaculate lawns were covered with families enjoying the beautiful late Summer warm day.

Gustav Holst the English Composer was born in Cheltenham and is honoured with a tribute plaque and whose impressive statue is surrounded by a pond with long reeds swaying gently in the breeze signifying their importance at being on guard to the Great Composer.

The Conservatory Café to the side of the Gardens appeared to be a favourite spot with people queuing at the entrance.

The gracious Queens Hotel overlooking the Imperial Square is very imposing with a fitting memorial in front of the Hotel to the poor souls lost in the Korean War.

Café dining

I was in awe of the many pavement cafes teaming with people enjoying a late sundowner whilst observing 'life' going by along The Promenade.

The variety of quaint shops will have to be left to enjoy on another day!

Cheltenham is probably best known for its 4 days of Horse Jump Racing culminating in the Gold Cup held annually in March and the subsequent festival.

Culture

In my previous blogs I have focused more on the Countryside and Arty Cotswold treasures I am more familiar with in Nailsworth, Minchinhampton and on a larger scale Stroud with its beautiful Strafford Park. I have also written about some of the wonders of the City of Gloucester that I have discovered.

Cheltenham offered something totally different and provided an afternoon of much pleasure. At the end of our afternoon tour, I too just had to stop and partake in a sundowner and watch the activity all around.

I will certainly return and look forward to having the opportunity to discover more of what this attractive Town has to offer, especially the Edwardian style Cheltenham City Hall, Sudley Castle, Neptune's Fountain as well as Pittville Pump Room, a remnant of Cheltenham's past as a Spa Town following the discovery of mineral springs in 1716.

There is no end to what the Cotswolds area and fringes have to offer.

Denise Alterskye