The market town of Cheltenham, on the edge of The Cotswolds, would never be the same again after its mineral springs were discovered in the 1700s. With Neoclassical spa facilities, terraces of stuccoed townhouses and opulent gardens, Cheltenham has been described as Britain’s most complete Regency town. What's more, Cheltenham is a big festival town, known for horse racing, music and literature. Oh, and lets not forget, the shopping is fantastic too.

By day

Pitvile Park & Pump room - this spot was once a place of repose for people taking the waters at the Pump Room. The park has an ornamental pond and an aviary with an assortment of birds and rabbits. The large boating lake also rents out pedal boats and rowboats in summer. The Regency pump is still intact, and is an impressive, monolithic structure made from marble and scagliola.

A must-see on any visit to the Cotswolds, Sudeley castle boasts royal connections that stretch back over 1,000 years. Walk in the footsteps of past kings and queens including Richard III, Elizabeth I and Lady Jane Grey. Inside, the castle contains many fascinating treasures. Outside, the castle's magnificent gardens are world-renowned, providing variety and colour from spring through to autumn.

INTO THE night

Shop, shop, shop. With many shops housed in gorgeous Regency buildings, combining the High Street brands with fantastic independent retailers who offer unique products you won't find anywhere else, Cheltenham has become ‘the’ shopping destination. With 4 shopping districts: The Promenade, Montpellier, The Suffolks, Tivoli and Bath Road, you can easily spend a whole day. And if that's not enough, check out the outlet stores at Gloucester Quay for impressive designer label finds.