Steve's World Blog Information and articles on cities, towns and villages around the world.

Starting life as a typical Cotswolds village, Cheltenham was transformed into a bustling town after the discovery of a mineral spa in 1715. A pump room to utilise the spring was built in 1738 and immediate approval given by George III, resulting in the town developing at a rapid rate, with some first class architects working on the varied building projects. Cheltenham became prosperous and in turn attracted the rich and educated to the town. Cheltenham still has a Regency feel and much of that architecture still exists today giving the town a grand look indeed. Of course this Gloucestershire town is also very famous for its Steeplechase meeting the Cheltenham Festival which takes place in March, again attracting the very best of what horse racing has to offer. When the weather is pleasant this is a great event to attend, and indeed thousands do attend, being especially attractive to the Irish racing fraternity.