Cheltenham: 10 Reasons I Love Living in this English Town (American in England)
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- Опубликовано: 28 май 2024
- Cheltenham is my home away from home. My husband Ian and I live in Texas 7 months of the year, and then every summer we migrate across the pond to Gloucestershire to live in our flat in Cheltenham. In this video, I share with you the top 10 reasons why I love Cheltenham. I use video clips and photos I have taken over the past 3 years, as well as Ian’s lovely drone photography. Please let me know if you have visited this lovely town, or if the video makes you want to come check it out! Cheers! XX Dara
Chapters:
0:00 Intro
0:44 #1 Gorgeous Architecture
1:41 #2 Walkable
3:09 #3 Great Shopping & Restaurants
6:16 #4 Easy to Get To & From
7:30 #5 The Cotswolds on the Doorstep
8:31 #6 Parks
11:23 #7 Culture - Theatre, Museums, Street Art, Festivals
13:52 #8 History
14:41 #9 Horse Racing and Steam Trains
18:27 #10 Friendly People
Video Links:
My Gloucestershire Playlist - • Gloucestershire Vlogs
An Introduction to the Cotswolds - • What is The Cotswolds?...
How to Plan a Trip to the Cotswolds - • How To Plan a Trip to ...
British Cheese Tasting Video - • British Cheese Tasting...
Our Day on the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway - • Steam Railway Journey ...
Bourton-on-the-Water Vlog - • BOURTON-ON-THE-WATER -...
Bibury Highlights - • MOST BEAUTIFUL VILLAGE...
Broadway Travel Advice - • BROADWAY Village in En...
Stow-on-the-Wold Video - • STOW-ON-THE-WOLD Cotsw...
Upper & Lower Slaughter - • UPPER SLAUGHTER & LOWE...
I know Americans tend to get a bit of a bad rap for various reasons/ stereotypes but a huge majority I watch on tik tok/ you tube are really polite and courteous,you also find more to be positive about our country than we do ,we tend to take for granted the scenery, architecture and history that surrounds us,well done and keep up the good work, kind regards dave
Thank you! I am trying to spread good vibes... there is enough negativity in the world! That's why I end my videos with "do something good in the world today". I am trying, and hope other people do as well ;-) Cheers for watching and leaving such a lovely comment! Dara
@@MagentaOtterTravels i try and keep problems professional…with added humour ,so other people dont suffer whining..and outpouring of negative emotions..
@@MagentaOtterTravels
The 'most' annoying part of your blogs are the 'instruction' / comment / 'parting shot' ..."...do something good..."
(It sounds sooooo 'condescending' - like we need you to tell us how to "be good")
Sorry, it just 'grinds my gears' !!
(I can't help it 😢) p.s. the foods you show are making me hungry - but it's now only _04:49_ !!😢😊😅😂🤔🏴🖖
@@brigidsingleton1596 not all people like the same things. When I started my RUclips channel 4 years ago I wanted to think of something to say at the end of each of my videos. It would be my tagline. I try to do something good in the world every day, and so I thought I would encourage others to do the same. The world is full of negativity and hate and discord, and I think we all need more positive vibes. Sometimes your comments are lovely, and sometimes they are critical and make me a little bit upset. Yesterday I had two different people comment to me that they had recently lost loved ones. One of them was a long-term subscriber who had buried his father the day before. Both of these people mentioned that my tagline brought them comfort. If my tagline bothers you, or my voice bothers you, or anything else about me bothers you, it might be better for you to just watch other RUclips channels.
@@MagentaOtterTravels
Not all things said by all people can be seen as a positive or a negative. I see both in most places and watch a variety of Reactor's channels for a variety of reasons. Your blogs bring a different perspective to my viewing but if you' rather I did not watch you or add honest comments, I will honour your wish. I apologise for causing you upset. To be honest - and I don't use this as an excuse, I've been quite ill lately and it's obviously affected my mood and judgement. I've not been able to take my heart (& other 19) meds for the last four of five days +& nights) and have been aware of shortened temper - not your fault - so must hope I can keep them down tonight before my health worsens further.
I will try to not watch you / or comment if I do - unless as I said, you'd prefer I desist totally.
Await your decision and in the meantime send you and your husband, best wishes for Christmas.
Thank you for taking time to respond. 🏴🖖
Absolutely agreed with everything said! I visited Cheltenham when I was 14 as a student. By the way, I'm from Russia, I won the English Language Olympiad and my reward was a trip to England and study at an English college for a month. I lived with an English family for a month in Cheltenham and traveled all over England. I'm 30 years old now and it was the best trip of my life. These are the best memories of my entire life!
P.S.: The author has excellent speech and pronunciation, very pleasant to listen to :)
Thank you so much! I'm glad you got to know glorious Cheltenham! I hope you are able to return someday!
This is Dara's husband. I can see why you won the the English Language Olympiad. Your English doesn't just look like a foreigner who speaks English well, it has all the nuance of a native English speaker. I hope we can meet up with you in Cheltenham or the UK at some point.
As someone born, raised and still living just outside cheltenham its wonderful to see people caring and enjoying somewhere so deserving of it ❤
Oh, I'm so glad to hear that you watched me video and felt I did this lovely city justice! I hope you check out some of my other videos from nearby in Gloucestershire ;-) Thanks so much for watching and leaving a lovely comment. Cheers! Dara
A bit of history you may not know is that between 1931 and 1984 the Black & White Coach Station in St Margaret's Road was the focal point of Britain's long-distance coach network. You could literally catch a coach to anywhere in the country from there, and the 2 p.m. departure when hundreds of coaches fought their way out of town to all points of the compass was legendary, if not entirely loved by the locals!
That is really fascinating! Just goes to show that Cheltenham is rather centrally located!😉
Crewe is a major Railway junction to this day…it’s also very central for Roy’s Rolls…
I’m Spanish and I used to live there. I moved there on 2017 and i Lived in the town till 2021. Was a really nice place to live. I leaved my heart there 🥰🥹
Oh, I'm so so glad you saw this video! I hope it brought back some happy memories of your time in Cheltenham . ¡Gracias por su atención ! Dara.
I also love Cheltenham living in New Zealand now I like to visit whenever I get home to England. I'm grateful for your complimentary remarks about my home country ❤ I truly enjoy all your videos .Thank you
You're very welcome!
Great job on this video, and you've sold me on Cheltenham! I haven't visited many UK cities and that's mainly because I like the rural parts of the country. Cheltenham looks like it has all the things I like, beautiful historic buildings, parks and pretty gardens and a nice shopping area. Time to plan a visit I think!
It's a great base for exploring the area and has a lot to offer in its own right.💖
What a lovely video Dara, having been born in the UK 72 years ago I am ashamed to say I have never visited Cheltenham, it has taken a part time American expat to tell me how nice it is! Why did I not know all this before, I am a well travelled person but somehow Cheltenham has passed me by. Well that will change next year, the town commands my attention so I will be visiting next summer (if we have one) to check out some of the places you have highlighted, well done for educating a crusty old Brit!
I am so happy to hear! Come visit in the summer months, even if the weather is a bit cool or wet. It will still be delightful! And assuming you live in England, it can't be too far away...
I retired to Cheltenham 16 months ago and also like you absolutely love the place for all the reasons you’ve shown in your video.
That is wonderful to hear! I appreciate you taking the time to watch this video and leave a comment letting me know!
Hopefully my Gloucestershire playlist will have some new places nearby that you will be inspired to go explore ;-)
Thanks again. Cheers! Dara
My home town since birth! Lovely place.
I'm so happy to hear from you! I hope you enjoyed the video and felt I did your home town justice ;-) Cheers! Dara
I wish i had explored Cheltenham a bit more in the 70's and 80's when i attended the Cheltenham Festival (horse racing).
I think a lot of people come for the horse racing and don't take the time to really check out the town. Hopefully you can come back someday!
@@MagentaOtterTravels I certainly hope so, although my passion for horse racing has taken me to so many parts of the UK, and also Ireland and France.
I can see a bit of Bath in Cheltenham. What a charming town.
Yes, I agree. Bath has a lot more Georgian architecture, but I think they have a similar vibe. Just Cheltenham is a lot smaller 😉
Used to live in Cheltenham for 3 years when I used to work for NHS. Living now in Illinois and not a single day goes by without thinking about the days me and my wife spent in Cheltenham. Indeed a lovely place to live.
Oh wow! I was born in Elgin and grew up in Dundee Illinois, in the Chicago area. Are you American or British?
I am actually a Filipino, just moved here in Illinois from Cheltenham 4 years ago. :) We live here in the suburbs but working in a hospital downtown. Me and my wife actually got married in Cheltenham, that is why it is extra special to us.
@@Congcongcongtigas oh, that is extra special!💖💖
I arrived in Cheltenham in 1946, having endured WW2 in technicolor. I would be raised and educated by an incredible family in a town I learned to love for its beauty and culture.You videos show much of the post war geography of the town but obviously things have changed. The core of the town’s glorious Georgian framework still exists: my former family home in Landsdown still stands in its full glory.
Time sees me where you hail from, not Texas but another state. I truly miss Cheltenham, my schooldays, teen years and the coffee bars and old pubs like Dobells. BTW, Brian Jones almost was a schoolmate: I never mixed with his younger crowd but his reputation stuck with him.
Wow, thanks for sharing your story! I love hearing from Cheltonians past and present! I've not heard from any Brian Jones schoolmates though! Do you ever get back to Cheltenham to visit? I hope you stick around and join us on some of our other adventures ;-) Cheers! Dara
Well done on this wonderful presentation of what looks to be a fabulous place to not only live, but visit. I have read some of the comments and have to say, not being aware of the beauty of one's own area is more common than one thinks. I try to discourage people from visiting Amsterdam as the Netherlands is more than that part of the west coast. Dara, this is a terrific promo for Cheltenham and I applaud your very articulate and comprehensive description of all that you love here. Enjoy your weekend. 🌺🇳🇱🙋♀🇳🇿🩷
I would like to see Amsterdam. I love the fact that cycling is such a big part of life there, especially since my plantar fasciitis makes a lot of walking a problem.
@@ians3586 Ian, there is so much more to see and most charming, interesting and historical, canal rides to boot...and bikes bikes bikes everywhere.
Google Leiden just for kicks. 👌
Beyond the Anne Frank museum and the canal tour, I'm not a fan of Amsterdam. But I am a huge fan of the Netherlands, and love exploring the smaller towns and fishing villages and countryside!
@@MagentaOtterTravels when next you plan to come this way- let me know and I'll do a few suggestions you won't find in a travel brochure.Dara. 🩷
@@IamaDutch-Kiwi sounds good!
I’ve been to the Queens….and Waterstones ,its lovely..
The George hotel…is lovely too..
I visited Cheltenham once, many years ago. I need to visit again soon! 🤗
Yes, you BOTH do!!!
As a Cheltenham resident, it’s always interesting to hear a non-Brit’s perspective.
As a former resident of NM, just over the border from West Texas, I think it’s fair to say that the two are quite a contrast!
Yes, very different indeed! I hope you felt I gave an accurate and complimentary view of Cham! ;-)
Thank you for showing the beauty of my home town. I miss living in Cheltenham very much and enjoy your videos. I have lived in London for 6 years but hope to return one day.
Hope you get home soon 👍
Yes, you need to hop on a train or bus and come visit!! Maybe in the spring, though, once Imperial Gardens has been beautifully planted ;-)
A great portrayal of Cheltenham, very comprehensive with plenty of personal references and reminiscences. With its spa and historic houses, it reminds me of small cities in Germany, not sure which. Your channel is surging ahead because you are producing lots of top grade material and serving your audience well. It's great to see such a positive view. You know how to appreciate the important things in life!
That is very kind of you to say! I'm glad you enjoyed the video. Hopefully it has inspired you to come explore Cheltenham sometime!
As for my channel, I am surprised at the recent growth. The strange situation is that my culture videos that are on "hot topics" are what get all the views and new subscribers. But it is the travel Vlogs that we most enjoy doing. Well, Ian enjoys having them on the channel ... I don't always enjoy editing them 🤣. Thanks again for your comment, and have a lovely weekend! Cheers, Dara
@@MagentaOtterTravels i think what you do well Dara is listen to people….you must put in enormous amounts of work…I shouldn’t think anybody feels left out…great performance well done.!..
@@griswald7156 thanks so much, Gris!
Cheltenham spa is indeed a beautiful relaxing town. I used to visit a friend there many many many years ago now, he still lives there and maybe we might meet up again. He even states how Cheltenham is relaxing, I couldn’t agree more it’s beautiful. They seem to understand my English West Midlands accent, which of course, beautiful Birmingham is only 45 minutes on the train north of Cheltenham and it’s so different up here in our nice West Midlands, and of course, I am extremely fond of it here in my homeland. I’ve also visited and I were extremely impressed with Bourton on the water which is not too far from Cheltenham and other beautiful surroundings in the Cotswolds. Yes I did visit again and again, but no, I wouldn’t move from where I come from up here in the English West Midlands.
Thank you for your comment! I assume that you are new to my channel. My husband Ian is from Brummi estock... we have done a couple videos about Birmingham as well as a family history video in Birmingham! And yes, we love the Cotswolds! I have 25 videos on my channel about popular places like Bourton on the water and tiny lesser known villages. It's a magical place!
Dara, you’ve done a wonderful job of highlighting your favourite things about Cheltenham. I think the local Tourist Board should use your video to promote the town ❤
Well thank you so much! I agree ;-)
I'm biased, as this part of Britain has been my backyard for most of my life, but it's brilliant to see someone from a completely different part of the world highlight it in such a beautiful way.
We like the fact that it is such a nice area and most of the other nice areas of Britain are easily accessible. For example, if you left early enough, you could spend the day in the Lake District, if you wanted to. You couldn't do that if you lived in Devon.
Thank you so much! That means a lot to me 🙏
It's always so interesting to hear people talk enthusiastically about the places where they live - and, Dara, your 'tourism board-quality' video tour of Cheltenham beats them all. (Cheltenham Tourism Board take note). Confession: we've never stopped in Cheltenham and the nearest we got was the racecourse terminus on the steam railway. But what a fascinating historic town with a cultural richness that is worthy of a short break to sample all it has to offer. Thank you for an excellent taster. It's now on our list!
Thank you! I hope the tourism office does take note, I hope lots more people decide to come visit, and I hope you enjoy your eventual visit 💖. Cheers! Dara
@@MagentaOtterTravels Cheltenham is unknown to a lot of English people….you have to go there to appreciate it..otherwise you think oh it’s one of those towns in the midlands isn’t it ?…its very near Chateux Impney..which is a spectacle with an interesting history..
@@griswald7156 Cheltenham is hardly "unknown". The racecourse and the ladies college are known worldwide. It is not in the Midlands. Nowhere near chateu Impney. It is classed as South West. Perhaps your geography needs refreshing!
@@valeriedavidson2785 HI Val, thank you you’re right,i shall go onto my Cheltenham refresher course forthwith..and muster.
I shall also inform the TV station,”Midlands Today”,as they seem to think it’s part of the Midlands .(Midlands Today please note..stop talking about Cheltenham please) thats the job of South West TV..according to Val…
Chateau Impney is 32 miles all motorway M5, an 8 lane highway to Cheltenham..it’s a 30 minute drive,then a walk in the park....geography was the subject i was top at in school.as i have a great interest in it.,what sort of response do you think i would get if i ask a person in Wisconsin “what happens in Cheltenham?”i shall ask somebody in Wisconsin for you and find out…then ill ask somebody in Vietnam..just to check your theory you understand..im sure the answers will be the Gold Cup , Cheltenham Ladies college and Greggs..without a doubt..i live near Buckingham Palace…Cheltenham reminds me of Bolton…
@@griswald7156 FYI everybody thinks it is ridiculous to say Cheltenham is in the Midlands. It is classed as West with all the TV stations except BBC. To be fair it is near the top of the boundary that the West is usually given when dividing up the country. Are you a native of the northern town you mention because it is one of the ugliest towns in England.
Hardly a comparison to the most complete Regency town in the country.
I still say it is a fair way from chateau Impney.
Beautiful video and review of Cheltenham! You covered a vast array of topics. Anyone would want to visit after watching your video, and one of those lucky people will be me in 2024!
Thank you! I look forward to sharing it with you in person!💖
That street art is NICE! Look at the 🦊
Yes, I really am impressed with all of the street art! And that cute little foxy was getting a hug 🤗 🦊
@@MagentaOtterTravels ❤🦊
I always look for somewhere which is walkable when I search for somewhere to live. It’s really important to me.
Do you have that in Arizona? Suburban Texas is rarely walkable...
Yes we both do. I have a beautiful view of the lake and walking trail around the park. I can walk to work and walk around the town. @@MagentaOtterTravels
@@The_Brit_Girls wonderful! You are blessed. Happy Thanksgiving!🦃
❤ Lovely city and a very nicely made video. I now want to live in Cheltenham - it looks very"fancy".Thank you for the film. 💖🦦🧳x
It does look very posh... but I decided to not film the seedy bits ;-) haha
Seriously you should come visit! XX Dara
@@MagentaOtterTravels ❤️x
I love Regency architecture, it is so stylish. A very special place.
I agree. Cheltenham is a special place!
I’ve only been to Cheltenham once and also had a lovely meal.. with the chocolate bombe 🍫 💣 at the Ivy!
I love that you've been to the Ivy and had the chocolate bombe! It is such an experience 💖🙌
I’ve been staying here for a few months visiting friends this inspired me to explore more, thanks!
I'm so happy to hear that! Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment and let me know 💖. Cheers! Dara
Always here to support you, thank you for keep sharing new update, you have a lots of views and likes as always, keep safe and stay connected,,'
What a lovely vid!! I moved across country to go to Uni in Cheltenham back in the mid 90s, and I loved it so much that after finishing my degree I wanted to stay. I spent a couple of years living in Chipping Norton then got back to Cheltenham where many of my friends still were. I have many many lovely memories in Cheltenham, shopping with my friends, clubbing and pubbing, visiting the Christmas market, playing pool at Q Bar and having cocktails at Bentleys, spending summer days at the [Imperial] Beer gardens with beer and friends or a good book, and of course meeting my husband! It's been quite a while since I've really been into Cheltenham town itself apart, especially since we moved a little further away recently, but we did get to stay at the Queens hotel for Xmas work party a couple of years ago which was lovely, and it's been great to revisit the town in your vid!! I enjoy being more in the countryside now, but I defo miss shopping there, and the nightlife when I was a student 😉
Oh I'm so glad you found my video! It's always nice to meet someone else who loves Cheltenham. And meeting your hubby there DOES make it extra special! ;-)
How fun to stay at the Queens Hotel... that would be nice! I agree about loving the countryside. But also I love the convenience of everything in Cheltenham. And the countryside is a just a short drive away! If you are new to my channel, I hope you check out some of my other videos of the area. I have about 25 Cotswolds vids, and many are in Gloucestershire. Cheers! XX Dara
And here I sit 30 miles from Cheltenham. I've been there once in my life and that was to buy a second-hand computer from some dodgy bloke in a flat. Your videos are so sunny and positive, it's hard to believe I live in the same country. You must know there are some less salubrious places in the UK but your glass is always half full, well done.
Yes, I know that there are a lot of dumpy towns and even some not very nice areas in Cheltenham. But I do try to show the sunnier side of life in Britain on my channel 💖🇬🇧
Great video. I live in Bath but you've convinced me I should move to Cheltenham.
Well definitely come visit and check it out! I adore Bath, but it has that "big city" level of crowds and expense. Speaking of Bath, I only this year discovered the free walking tours! I filmed our experience taking the tour this past summer and I just need to edit and publish it.
@@MagentaOtterTravels I used to go to Cheltenham quite a lot as it was part of my job so I know you've made a good choice. I understand what you mean about Bath, I actually live in a valley 2 miles south of the city but It's an easy walk into the city centre via the Combe Down tunnel which is part of a disused railway line converted into a cycle way and pedestrian footpath.
@@MrRQBQ that is a great practice to take disused railways and turn them into paths for cyclists and pedestrians! I love that!
فيديو جميل جدا بالتوفيق والنجاح الدائم
Hiya Dara, don't forget about my Idea of a vlog, I enjoyed this vlog, Cheltenham is most interesting, I only thought they was only horse racing at Cheltenham, but there many other things, the closest I've been to Cheltenham is Ilfracombe in Devon, that was in 1991, the afternoon tea looked great, thanks Dara, this is Choppy in Whitehaven, Cumbria, England
Don't worry, I haven't forgotten about you! Did you see my community post? I asked other Brits for input and I have a list a mile long! But you have to be patient with me... I have a list of 20 videos that are all urgent. I do what I can ;-) Cheers! Dara
@@MagentaOtterTravelsThanks Dara, I know your busy with other things.😀
@@MagentaOtterTravelsIt gets on my nerves when American's called Gordon Ramsay, Chef Ramsay, that's a pet peave of mine
What a labo(u)r of love this video must have been for you, Dara. Beautifully done, so informative, just wonderful. Thank you for showing us so much about your home-away-from-home. I can certainly see why you love it there!!
Aw, Bobby, thanks so much! Yes, I do love being there... especially in the summer. But it has also been nice to be home in Texas with so many dear friends and getting ready to celebrate the holidays! Happy Thanksgiving to you! XX Dara
This is a really lovely tribute to your town. Living in the north, I have to confess, I didn't know much at all about Cheltenham. Apart from the races, it isn't really a place that's advertised.
Where in the north do you live?
@MagentaOtterTravels It's a nice little market town called Garstang near Lancaster. It's a nice community and that means a lot these days.
@@MartinT5600 oh yes, absolutely! Totally agree. 👍
Cheltenham is an awesome place to live, I've been here for over 20 years and I have no intention of leaving.
I understand! Thank you for watching this video and taking a moment to leave a comment to share your Cheltenham love as well. Cheers! Dara
@@MagentaOtterTravels It was a great video to watch the local tourism board should use it, thank you for your time and insight into this great town.
@@alsner73 my pleasure! After three years, I'm glad I finally finished editing it and got it published!
What a lovely video of Cheltenham. You’ve nailed some of the the things we love about this Town. It is a great place to live with so many fantastic places to eat. Take care M&T.
Thanks so much for watching and leaving a lovely comment. There are so many amazing places to eat in Cheltenham, I could've done a two hour documentary on that alone! 🤣 I hope you are both well! XX
Reason n°5: HUGE reason!!!! 👍
Dara-I noticed your number of subscribers tonight. I think my prediction may be correct. I had mentioned to you a while back you would have 10K by Christmas...I think you are going to do it.
Thank you for this video. I have yet to visit Cheltenham. Hopefully, will visit in June-July. Great video!
I don't remember you saying that! I really didn't expect this much growth so quickly! Nice Christmas present 🎁
I hope you do get to come visit in June or July. We need to meet up for tea !
LOVE this video on Cheltenham. A beautiful place and, as you say, a festival town. I too am from a festival town, or should I say, city - Edinburgh. I am an avid fan of all your videos because you have a very professional approach and clearly do a considerable amount of research. You do a better job than most professional tourist bodies. Well done!
@@davidlauder-qi5zv thanks so much! I really want to come to Edinburgh for the fringe one year, and I have to see the military tattoo at the castle!❤️🏴🏰
Lived in Cheltenham for a few years. Great place.
I think it is a great place as well! I hope my video brought back some good memories.
Reason n°2: I remember both of us walking to the small supermarket to get the bread!! 👭
Yes, a simple thing but one of my favourite rituals!
Cheltenham looks like a wonderful place to settle down for the summers, Dara and Ian. We see all the reasons you chose it. Lovely city and we enjoyed the tour. Thanks for bringing us along.
Thanks for posting. My mother grew up in Cheltenham (Kings rd). She loved Pittville park, & regularly went to tea at the Holst house as her grandparents lived there before it became a museum. I have many of fond memories of Cheltenham as well. I’ve spent many hours inside Badlands, & Vinyl Vault. You’ll find loads of records in each space. Was glad to take my wife there last October (2022). I can’t wait to go back, & take my son one day.
Thanks so much for your lovely comment! I'm glad that you found the video video interesting and it has so many personal connections for you 💖. Cheers! Dara
I really enjoyed the video on my home town. I lived in other parts of southern England for 32 years and although I enjoyed the experience I always longed to come home to Cheltenham. Well , here I am. In the old days Bath and Cheltenham were rivals. The aristocracy used to come for different seasons. Bath is slightly earlier than Cheltenham which is Regency, as you said but Bath is Georgian. There are so many places, within such a short distance, to visit from here. I wonder if you have been to Symonds Yat and the Wye Valley? Also the Forest of Dean. All very beautiful. I would not live anywhere else. I will die here. You should come in March sometime and go to the races. All the best Dara.
You are right, Bath is a beautifully Georgian town. I do love the architecture there! I will do a video one of these days of our "walking tour" of Bath that we did last summer, which was great fun.
I have been to Symonds Yat and the Wye Valley... GREAT VIEWS!!! I still need to go to FOD. Puzzlewood is on my list!
Not sure I'll make it in March any year soon, but you never know.
I'm so glad you enjoyed the video and hope that I did your hometown justice ;-) Cheers! XX Dara
Hi Valerie! I hope you see this message... am I remembering correctly that you are having surgery this week? Hoping and praying all goes well! XX Dara
The Cheltenham gold cup tells you the Spring is springing..
Yes! 🐎
My plan would be go to the gold cup …see bonfire night then fast tex it away..
Reason n°9: very interesting, thanks for sharing a quick recap!
I live in Cheltenham, lol. In-between Rowanfield and Hester's Way.
I'm so glad that you bumped into my video! I hope you think I did the town justice with my overview ;-) Cheers for watching! Dara
Hi Dara. It was wonderful to see you and yes It was a great video. I enjoyed it very much. And I am glad you enjoy Cheltenham. Keep on enjoying. Take care and God bless.@@MagentaOtterTravels
A very enjoyable video, and reminded me (as though I needed it) why I like living here.
Thank you for your comment. There was a lot Dara wasn't able to include in the video because of time constraints. Every summer we discover new things that make us grateful that we bought a flat there.
I'm so glad that you enjoyed it and felt like I did the town justice! I would be most grateful if you would share this video with any friends who you might want to show Cheltenham's highlights to 💖.
Cheers! Dara
Great video Dara, you've done Cheltenham proud. You really should get something from the Tourist Board. Our kids come back from and go to University from Cheltenham so that 35 minute trip to the station is very familiar to me. Have you ever considered a day at the Cricket Festival in July? Gloucestershire County Cricket Club (who usually play in Bristol) decamp for a fortnight to the grounds of Cheltenham College for some long and short format matches. I love a day there and it might open up some of the mysteries of the world's greatest sport (in my opinion)?
I have contemplated it, but we haven't yet worked up the fortitude to attend a game. I'm a little overwhelmed by how long they are! Lol
But I do see the festival happen every July! We go to church just down the street and across the road from where the matches are played, and I always see the big banner advertising the festival for weeks every summer 😉
@@MagentaOtterTravels just try an hour…..you might like it..its not just the game…its peoples reaction to it..and the social soup..
There must be a ton of high wire acts that maintain those dizzy buildings..
Good point!
Great video of Cheltenham. The tourist board should be paying you.. 😉 the Fountain in Sanford Park underneath. There is a Victorian tunnel that me and my friend when we were kids used walk through. Pitch black and damp. Nobody else would do it. 😀
I agree... the tourist board should pay me! LOL
I'll have to look for that dark tunnel next time I'm in Sandford Park... though I doubt I'll be exploring it ;-)
Hi dara you’re done us proud it was very informative some of it I didn’t even know lol if I didn’t live here I would certainly want to visit very entertaining well done from a fully fledged cheltonian to a honorary couple take care x
Thank Vanessa! I'm glad you feel we did your hometown justice.
Yay! I'm chuffed to bits that you enjoyed the video and I even shared some information that was new to you. Perhaps you didn't know the muffin man? haha XX Dara
You make brilliant informative videos. Thank you Dara! Ian (another Ian) 😀
A pleasure to meet you Ian! Growing up in California in the 70's, I hated my name because everyone mispronounced it and thought it was weird. However, by the time I was at uni it was a cool name to have, and since, I've been grateful that my parents chose that name back in the 60's.
Thanks very much! My hubby Ian does all the lovely drone photography, which definitely enhance the vids!
My home town! I've lived in Three Counties area all of my life, having moved to various places including Worcester and Malvern, but my heart always belongs to Cheltenham. I grew up in one of the tall Georgian terrace buildings in Tivoli / Landsdown area - and much of youth was spent in the parks and gardens, the Lido open air swimming pool and, as I got older, in the fantastic pubs! The building behind Neptune's Fountain, at the end of the Municipal Offices was, in the late 70s an ABC cinema, where I used to watch Saturday morning kids' movies. I had my first teenage kiss in the Imperial Gardens or, as locals know it, The Beer Gardens. I still visit often to see family and friends, but it's lovely to see the town (and surrounding Cotswolds) in all of its floral glory. Thanks for a great video and drone footage - maybe I'll spot you in The Malvern Hills area one day! Cheers!
What a great place to grow up. Although we didn't end up in one of those lovely Georgian/Regency buildings, we did get a ground floor flat in a Victorian building with high ceilings that we are very grateful to have. Before we considered buying a flat in Cheltenham we were looking in Malvern, which is another area we really love. Unfortunately, Dara was not okay with the driving conditions in Malvern (this was back when we still thought she would be driving in the UK). There is a good chance you could run into us there, since we often take friends to Malvern for a day out, and one of my favourite things to do is climb Worcestershire Beacon.
Thank you so much for the lovely comment! It was heartwarming to hear all your memories of various places in Cheltenham! I do hope we bump into you somewhere in the Malvern Hills or wandering the streets or parks of Cheltenham. I also hope you share this video with any friends who you want to Inform about the lovely aspects of Cheltenham 💖. Cheers! Dara
I only live an hour away from Cheltenham (not too far from Bath) but I've never really visited. This video makes me want to make the effort to head up there and have a look around.
I hope you do! Please give me a report on what you think. But of course it would be nice to visit in the summer 😉
That street art is amazing.
I agree! It's so fun to see all the different murals around town 💖
I guess you were too late to see the Banksy street art on Fairview Road. It featured several spies painted on the side of a house, either side of a telephone box. There is something based on it by artist John D'oh, that can be found just off the upper High Street, up an alleyway near the Iceland store. He's also done a figure hailing a taxi, with a Greggs bag in hand. That can be found near the fish and chip shop in the vicinity of the bus station.
Is it still there? We are back on 1 May!
The Banksy piece was ripped down accidentally, but I do wonder if it somehow got preserved. Do a search for "Bansky art phone box" and you can see what it looked like. The John D'oh works are still there. @@MagentaOtterTravels
I have been to Cheltenham about a dozen times for the Cheltenham Horse Racing Festival Dara and it never disapoints, how such a small town copes with over half a million guests every year always astounds me but they do. And very easy to get too from Scotland. I must go when there is no horse racing on as looks like I have dipped out on a lot of stuff esprcially the steam train journey.
Not a small town. In actual fact Cheltenham is a very large town.
Yes, indeed... come for a visit when it isn't full of race crowds and enjoy all the other things to do. I highly recommend the steam train and it's a great way to explore Broadway at the end of the line. One of our favourite Cotswold villages to take visitors to! Cheers! Dara
Actually the population is 120 thousand that's discounting the outlying local villagers. So not such a small town, its just very compact.
Great that it's so walkable too.
Yes, it really helps me stay more active! When I'm living here in Texas I spend most of my days just sitting in front of a computer editing videos! I know some suburban towns in the US are walkable, but not around here!
Southampton is walkable too..Jane Austin found it walkable..
@@MagentaOtterTravels Sightseeing Sally finds some walkable lovely towns in Wisconsin…with her Beau Mardy..her finds look really dreamy..Marinette..
Dara, you are a fabulous ambassador for your adopted home. I will keep watching and wishing we can visit some summer. We'd love to come and spend a month exploring!
Yes, great place to explore!!🙌
When you mentioned Broadway, a bell rang in my head! Broadway was the setting for the fictional village of Riseholme, in the Mapp & Lucia books. Lucia lived in Riseholme, before moving to the seaside town of Tilling, based on the village of Rye. Very funny books in the way it pokes fun at English snobbery and pomposity.
Sounds great! Broadway is such a fun place to visit. Have you been there?
Speaking of fictional towns, we are currently binge watching Cranford. Just delightful with Judi Dench and many other fantastic actors.
@@MagentaOtterTravels No, never been to Broadway. Cranford was brilliant.....Judi Dench brilliant, as ever.
@@julianbarber4708 oh yes, she's a treasure! And Cranford is a delight. I hope you go visit Broadway some day... or at least check out my video of it. Ian got some nice drone photography ☺️
The Coxwalds its Birminghams back yard..
I also Live in Cheltenham!!!👍
Hello neighbour! We are back in town this Friday! WOOHOO!
Way hay!...Cheltenham, horse racing, Cotswolds, perfect position for some of the beauty of the UK and England...its peaceful and green, has the most amazing super villages with super easy walks and a feeling of England's past and times gone by we reminisce about ...i buried my dad yesterday and your sign off "do something good in the world today warms my heart"...just heaven ❤🌈 xx
Oh Jamie, I am SO sorry to hear of your father's passing! I'll be praying for you and your family. I hope the world is a bit extra nice to you as you mourn.
Ian called me when he read your comment as I was in Aldi filming a video! I started crying right there in front of the chocolate advent calendars! Thanks for your sweet thoughts as always. Cheers! XX Dara
@MagentaOtterTravels oh gosh that warms my heart ...I know its just social media and RUclips but you and Ian are such lovely people...dad had a wonderful send off, also loved travelling around the UK when we were kids, a very kind humble man who only ever wanted peace of mind for his family ♥️.....I've been following you both since the beginning and just love your site ...I've seen so many on here but yours just beats all, so varied with amazing photography especially the drone coverage ...there are so many lovely places to live in the UK for one reason or another on this tiny island , but Cheltenham has got to be one of them , totally surrounded by beautilful countryside and close to many iconic sites ...thank you for just being true to yourselves, its not easy doing these youtube videos I bet as you kinda leave yourself vulnerable to comments good and bad , but for a couple who live half the year in another country you don't half make the best of your life when here in the UK...you both know more about the UK than most Brits and brilliant at promoting this country that I just want to get in the car and go to the places you go to ..😉🥰...lastly thank you again to you and Ian for being so good in the world...have so much empathy, kind and thoughtful ...have a great weekend ...Love Jamie ♥️ xxx
@@glastonbury4304 thank you so much for that really lovely comment, and especially for your continued support! It really means so much to Ian and me when people stick around and enjoy our videos and enjoy talking to us in the comments. Y'all really are our friends! I prayed for you and your family again this morning. Thanks so much for sharing about your dad. He sounds like a really lovely person, and I'm glad that you have sweet memories of him to comfort you. He obviously did something right because he raised you to be the person you are!💖 XX Dara
What an incredible video! From the narration to the drone footage to the photos, all excellent. We can see the hard work you put into this one!
Thank you so much! Now you know why it took me three years to finally get it done! Lol
@@MagentaOtterTravels For sure!
Lovely street art murals
Thank you! I really do enjoy seeing them around town
It's really a good idea. They usually put them on bland buildings and it really adds visual interest to them. In the U.S. you only see this sort of street art in big cities.
Love the thinker statue in the video! 😂 It’s so fun to see all the beautiful parks, artwork, and buildings! ❤
Thank you so much! He probably looked a little bit familiar 😉💖
Thank you Cristie!
Sadly Cheltenham had other railway stations, Lansdown survived but the beautiful and more centrally placed St. James Station has gone.
The film "If" was filmed in Cheltenham College.
That's interesting, I've not heard of that film! We frequently shop at the large Tesco in town, and I have seen a plaque about that former St. James station I think. We live near the current railway station. Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment! Dara
@@MagentaOtterTravels
Lovely video! I’m from Cheltenham and live in Phoenix, Arizona.
Oh my goodness! I absolutely love hearing from people who know Cheltenham and also live in the US. If you have just discovered my channel, I hope you stick around and see some of my other travel videos about the area. I have quite a few videos of Gloucestershire and the Cotswolds!
Also, my friends @The_Brit_Girls are a mother and daughter team from Norfolk who now live in Arizona and do videos about the US and UK... not sure if you have checked out their channel yet?
Hi Dara. Nice review of a lovely town, but what about the Montpelier Caryatids? Or the Hare and the Minotaur? You covered a few things I didn't know - but then I'm a blow-in from that London, only lived here a dozen years :-) And what bout the large Polish community and their excellent food? But you'll have to be careful, you are already going native :-( You pronounced 'Tewksbury' correctly... You'll have to come over for Gold Cup week to experience the influx of 170,000 drunken Irish people, particularly on St Paddy's Day. For this week the sedate, respectable Queen's Hotel opens as a lap-dancing club!
I am sorry I missed discussing the Montpellier Caryatids! They are lovely, but I didn't have footage of them. I knew I'd be in trouble filming snippets over THREE YEARS and then trying to piece it all together sitting here in Texas. Sigh. Also, I had to leave some things out because this is a family friendly channel... and the Hare & Minotaur sculpture is for mature audiences only. LOL!
I hope you are joking about the Queen's Hotel... heavens! Thanks for your comment. Good to hear from another Cheltonian! Cheers! Dara
@@MagentaOtterTravels It never occured to me that the statue was rude! I've always found it delightful and rather funny. We did have Rodin's The Kiss at The Wilson when it was on tour, now that /is/ mucky... Not sure that what's going on in The Queen's is lapdancing, exactly, but you can see the flashing disco lights from half-way up the Prom. It's great fun wandering through Cheltenham during the evenings, seeing the cop cars parked up waiting to collect the odd friendly drunk, and the officers having a chat and a laugh with the toms waiting for phone calls. Just don't try to book a restaurant or go to a pub. Or drive anywhere. I think you live out towards Up Hatherley so you would miss the worst of it. I live near Pittville, right in the thick of it :-)
@@robertwatford7425 for the record, the statue is not rude. Just anatomically correct ... when we walk by with visitors, they are always wide eyed 🤣.
Oh yes, if you are in Pittville you are in the thick of things! We live near the train station.
Shhhh, don’t tell everyone 🤫😉
Haha thankfully for you my channel is still pretty small 😉
Hiya. I love that, by listing Festivals individually, you appear to acknowledge that Jazz isn't Music! Ba-dum tss. Stay safe. All the best to you.
You know, I thought the exact same thing! But that is how they list it on the festivals website. Because I actually hate jazz, I'm OK with not calling music! Lol
I have never heard of this place and it actually looks like a cool place.
I'm happy to spread the news that Cheltenham IS a cool place ;-)
Hello Dara. You picked a lovely place to live in. For somewhere fairly close to my home in South Wales I’ve only been to the town once. About 10 years ago British Rail did a special offer for over-55’s to take a train ride for a nominal sum, if my terrible memory is correct it was £15 return from my local station, Pontyclun, to Cheltenham. It was a very scenic ride via Cardiff, Chepstow, and Gloucester with especially views of the River Severn between Severn Tunnel Junction and Gloucester. I spent the day in the city centre taking a bus from the station. I had a god time seeing the sites and a wonderful lunch in a wonderful Georgian building’s café. I can get a direct train from Maesteg (a mining valley town north of Bridgend) to Cheltenham. This train stops in Gloucester, Chepstow, Newport, Cardiff and loads of small stations along the line.
Cheltenham was renowned for its ladies college. If you were anyone’s daughter and couldn’t afford a renown finishing school in Europe then Cheltenham’s Ladies College was for you.
Evidently it is still pretty popular. When we put our flat on the market to rent this August, we immediately got two applicants from Hong Kong who had daughters going to Cheltenham Ladies College. I've heard that once you turn 65 you get discounted train and bus travel. Is this correct? Every summer, as a child, I was driven on the M4 past Pontyclun to my Mum's house on the other side of Swansea. I have many good memories of spending my summers in South Wales.
That sounds like a fabulous train trip! I love all those destinations along the journey. We are big fans of South Wales, and hope to spend time there again next summer 💖.
Yes, both Cheltenham ladies college and Cheltenham college are both very highly rated still. And as Ian told you, we currently have people living in our Flat whose daughter is at CLC!
Hi. I noticed in the video s photo of a church with 2 sister missionaries and your Goodself outside a church I have been to on my recent visit. You may know my friends?
Ha, well spotted! I just saw this comment after seeing your email first. 😉👍
Cheltenham is well located, have you been to Symonds Yat? , In the Wye Valley, 50 minutes from Cheltenham,
When you’re on the river it seemed like a mini Switzerland.
Yes, the views from Symonds Yat are amazing! I filmed them... but never made a video of it because I'm always drowning in content haha
We have been to Symonds Yat but it was awhile ago before Dara was doing videos. She did feature Tintern Abbey in a video. One of these days we'll make it back. Friends of ours that have canoes have invited us to boat with them there and we need to take them up on it.
@@ians3586 Yes, I first went there years ago on a canoe weekend, very impressed.
Bee nice to see where you live in Texas!
Here's the one video I've done... a very unusual view! ruclips.net/video/KNJcnTqvAfk/видео.htmlsi=m7n3G-LSYO8v7Gu6
Nice shots of Cheltenham, I didn’t realise you had bought the flat unseen, but from your flat viewing video it looks very nice, renovated with modern kitchen and bathroom.,
Yes, we only saw photos online. Also, my brother lived in Banbury at the time and we had him go check it out to make sure it was nice in person ;-)
@@MagentaOtterTravels it was your Cheltenham apartment interior fittings that I compared to the Texas house interior viewing.
@@john_smith1471 yes, the fixtures and fittings in our Cheltenham flat are very nice!
Lovely video! Love all those walking paths too.
Yes, they make a nice little network connecting various parts of the town!
Thanks for an interesting and informative video. I live in Cheltenham, although currently in China, where we sometimes live in a coastal town called Weihai, which is twinned with Cheltenham. Our favourite place to eat, is the Bangkok Thai restaurant, in St James St, opposite a large car park, where you can get a decent meal for two, under £20.
Thanks so much for watching my video and taking the time to comment! I'm fascinated to know that you live in one of the twin towns that I always see on those Cheltenham signs!
Thanks for the recommendation about the Thai restaurant. We actually love Thai food and Indian food, but in Cheltenham we keep going back to the Coconut Tree (which of course is Sri Lankan food), because we think it has some nice dishes. But we need to try some new places this coming summer! Cheers! Dara
I think I might have worked in Cheltenham once! That’s my only knowledge though. It looks beautiful. Having all those Cotswolds villages on your doorstep. Yes I have played the Everyman!!! I remember that theatre now. Yep you’ve put cheltenham on the list for us to see now. Cheers 🍻
It should be on your list!!! Come see us in late July or August when all our American visitors have gone!
Seriously, I love that you've been to the Everyman Theatre before!
Cheltenham Chamber of commerce ought to hire you!
Aw, thank you! I hope they watch the video!
And yes this is the area where I live. Sadly Cheltenham Town football club languish near the bottom of league one.
You never know. Give it time and we could have another Wrexham. Gotta have faith! While we're here in the US we'll see if we can find an American film star to buy the team.
Well, the town can't be good at everything I guess 🤷♀️
I think that covers it 👏
When Dara started on this video she was complaining to me that she had over 3 hours of footage she had to whittle down to 20 minutes. I do think she did a great job.
@@ians3586 I think she has inherited the talent of story telling, if it wasn't for RUclips time constraints it would be a novel
@@wencireone her mother was a published author, so not surprising.
Can’t believe you left Swindon off the list of significant towns within an hour! 🤣
I only did that because I'm scared of the magic roundabout! Lol
@@MagentaOtterTravels I'm betting that you've never seen the real Magic Roundabout with Florence and Dougal, not forgetting Zebedee. BOING! 😂
What a stunning place, i can see why you love the architecture and Churches. Lovely that you filmed it in summer when the colours were popping. The walkable factor is wonderful isn’t it? Some amazing looking restaurants and hotels. Such great connectivity, thats a real plus and something we really miss out on. The Cotswolds looks lovely, great to have them on your doorstep, you even have a hill! Love the entrance to the Park! Its always good to have festivals to keep a place lively. Just look at those thatched roofs too! Lovely head of hair on the Captain! The races bring in so much trade into Cheltenham. Love the old steam train! Great cheese shop and origin story! ♥️
Thanks so much! You know people are what REALLY make a place. It's wonderful to have the beautiful architecture, and the shops, and the flowers, and all that... but the great people really make you feel connected! Cheers for watching this video that was three years in the making! Now I'm off to figure out a video for next Friday that will be easier to edit! Dara
@@MagentaOtterTravels good luck Dara! Im sure it will be great. Im happy to take a few hit on the chins and get my holiday videos out! Nobody cares but im happier they are out there! Cheltenham looks absolutely lovely, could have matched you with Architecture, walking about and theatre, here in Scarbados, but when it came to fine dining, great shops and transport links to other places i was tapping out time and time again. You have us well and truly beat! What an amazing place ♥️
@@GENerationXplorers well we still want to come visit Scarbados nonetheless!
@@MagentaOtterTravels we have the red carpet ready to roll out! In other news, a shop has opened (a dozen more have closed) its a german doner kebab shop! Seems pretty popular.. is it a date? 😂😂
@@GENerationXplorers we have been watching some of Evan Edinger's videos lately. He's an American living in London who is currently in Berlin for a month. He was raving about some German donor kebab place near him! I didn't realise that was a thing?
I want to get together with you two and have fish and chips in Whitby!
it sounds to me that you wouldn't have moved into your flat if it wasn't for the cheese shop. lol
but on a serious note, it does look like a very nice place to live or visit. it seems like there is a slower pace of living there, hence why people are more chilled and friendly.
It's definitely less frenetic than London, Birmingham, or Manchester. The cheese shop was definitely a big draw for Dara. For me, I don't understand what all the fuss is about. I'd rather get my dairy with ice cream.
@@ians3586 me too, I love Tutti-Frutti when it's available. what is your favourite?
@@jeanlongsden1696 I don't expect you to approve but it is peanut butter and chocolate. Otherwise a good alternative is Jersey strawberries and cream.
Well the cheese shop was an added draw for sure! 💖🧀
The pace is slower than London but hectic compared to rural Wales ... it's a continuing I guess 😉
I can relate to your love for the Cotswolds and those easy walks in the super villages. 🍃 Your sign-off about doing something good in the world touched my heart, especially considering the recent loss in my family. Your positivity shines through, and it's exactly what we all need. 🌈❤
Your choice of Cheltenham as a summer getaway seems perfect, and your video is like a virtual tour that I can revisit whenever I miss the place. 👀💕 Also, the way you captured the essence of the town's past and present is impressive! 🕰🏰
I'm very sorry to hear about your loss. I hope that the world is extra nice to you as you mourn. I do try to do something good each day, and hope other people do as well! There is way too much negativity in the world, so I try to spread some positive vibes with my channel if possible!
Cheltenham is a pretty wonderful place to live in the summer. I'm glad that you are a fan of the Cotswolds as well. Have you been to Cheltenham?
Warmest regards, XX Dara
Cheltenham Spa is the Towns real title.Do not forget why it became famous!!!
You are right! I love that it says that on the railway station. I tell my American friends that I'm going on my "spa vacation" LOL
Cheltenham is a "Goldilocks" town: not too big, not too small, just about right. It would be interesting to see what the 3 American towns of the same name look like.
I agree. Good question!
I'm a sober parrot too and I don't eat any squiggling squid! 🤣🤣Or at least until it's been de-squiggled and properly prepared!
Since we don't drink alcohol, we really do need to go visit the sober parrot next summer! I keep passing by it but haven't stopped in yet for a meal. Turns out it is run by a nonprofit. I should give them some business!
😂Love it! Wish I were better at witticisms.
I am the centre of the Griswalds…Birdlip is the best view surely..
Birdlip is one of my favourite names ever!
@@MagentaOtterTravels if theyre looking for another name,they could use Birdteeth…
Reason n°7: Such cultural festivities are amazing, unfortunately, there was no food festival during our stay. But the seagull seemed to enjoy his own type of food festival 😂
Yes, every day is a food festival if you're a seagull! Lol
You didn’t mention the cafe near the Lido….fab..or the ice cream trolley on the prom..
Briarfields Hotel and touring site..
Yeah, unfortunately she had to leave out a lot of things. She had 1000 clips she wanted to include but it would have made the video too long. That being said, we aren't familiar with the café near the Lido and actually swimming at the Lido is still something on our bucket list that hasn't been done.
Too many things to mention! I was trying to force myself to get this video published after three years of working on it. But I didn't want it to be a two hour documentary 🤣🤣
Absolutely stunning architecture there, Dara and Ian!
You should work for Cheltenham tourist board Dara!
I hope they watch this video!!