Celebrate Cheltenham’s fascinating and diverse cultural history with a summer of adventure, discovery and play

The Wilson Museum and Art Gallery in partnership with Cheltenham Borough Council.

The Wilson Art Gallery and Museum is inviting visitors to explore Cheltenham’s diverse cultural history this summer, with a new heritage trail and exhibition launching on Saturday 13 June. Ten fascinating stories about the town have been brought to life through Cheltenham Story, a new interactive trail and online resource.

From an elephant stampede on Albion Street in 1934 to the first successful parachute descent in Montpellier Gardens in 1838, the stories form part of a walking trail around the town, illustrating how heritage and innovation sit side by side. Launching on Saturday (13 June), at The Wilson, residents and visitors alike are being encouraged to get their walking boots on to learn more about the town’s unique heritage.

This new trail celebrates the heritage of the town, from its Saxon origins and Regency elegance to its bold, visionary future anchored as a world-class cyber and digital hub. Developed in partnership with Cheltenham Borough Council and the Heritage Steering Group, Cheltenham Story has received £10,000 from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF).

Saturday (13 June) also marks the opening of The Wilson’s Summer Play season with The Wonky Workshop. The free hands-on exhibition invites families into a world where history, craft and imagination come together through play. Inspired by the local people, furniture and the ethos of the Arts and Crafts Movement, young visitors are encouraged to construct, experiment and invent their own imaginative furniture and structures through creative exploration and tactile play.

Councillor Izaac Tailford, cabinet member for economic development, culture, wellbeing and the public realm at Cheltenham Borough Council, said: “These two exhibitions perfectly capture what The Wilson does best - connecting people with ideas, creativity and the stories that shape our communities. Thank you to all the community partners who have contributed to the Cheltenham Story project.

“Cheltenham Story is an invitation to discover the remarkable events, characters and innovations that have helped define our town over the centuries. The trail reveals a place that has continually reinvented itself while remaining proud of its past.

“We hope people of all ages will enjoy exploring the town and uncovering the fascinating stories that make Cheltenham unique."

Lisa Edgar, head of culture and communities at Cheltenham Trust, added: “We are delighted to be launching the Cheltenham Story alongside our partners Cheltenham Borough Council and the Heritage Steering Group. This new map will help visitors discover more about their heritage and Cheltenham’s amazing stories – whether that’s exploring the town on foot or taking a virtual tour on our website.

“Cheltenham Story is perfectly paired with the launch of The Wonky Workshop, our annual Summer Play season for families. We look forward to welcoming over 25,000 people to enjoy this free of charge hands-on exhibition inspired by another key part of our local heritage – the Arts and Crafts Movement. Designed especially with young visitors in mind, the space is filled with soft sculptural forms, bold decorative patterns and wooden building pieces that encourage children to build, experiment and invent their own imaginative structures.”

Andrew Booton, chair of Cheltenham Civic Society, added: "Cheltenham's story is about far more than Regency architecture and mineral waters. It's a fascinating tale of vision, innovation, eccentricity and unexpected events that reveals how generations of Cheltonians have created the remarkable town we love and which we will pass on to future generations."

The Cheltenham Story maps are available to collect from The Wilson Museum and Art Gallery and the Tourist Information Centre, located in the Town Hall, from Saturday 13 June. The Wonky Workshop opens on Saturday 13 June and runs through to November, with free entry for all. Find out more at wilsonmuseum.org.uk.

For further information, please contact: [email protected]

Notes to editors

About The Wilson

The Wilson is a welcoming and dynamic cultural hub, offering free access to the public. Originally opened as the Cheltenham Museum & Art Gallery in 1899, the venue was renamed The Wilson following a major extension in 2013, in honour of Cheltenham-born polar explorer Edward Wilson. Today, The Wilson features galleries showcasing both contemporary art and historic collections, alongside a dedicated space for co-produced exhibitions by local artists and communities across Gloucestershire. Ten new artist studios support early-career practitioners, while the Makers Space provides opportunities for the public to engage directly with their work. wilsonmuseum.org.uk.

The Wilson is part of the Cheltenham Trust cheltenhamtrust.org.uk.

The Making of Cheltenham, Heritage, Place and Identity

As part of this project Cheltenham Borough Council and the Heritage Steering Group have developed an action plan. The Heritage Action Plan outlines Cheltenham’s commitment to preserving and celebrating its rich heritage. It focuses on four key themes:

1. Discover

2. Learn

3. Celebrate

4. Protect

The plan aims to engage residents, visitors, and stakeholders through accessible resources, coordinated actions, and measurable outcomes. It serves as a strategic guide for heritage development, funding and community involvement.

About The UK Shared Prosperity Fund

The UK Shared Prosperity Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills. For more information, visit www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-shared-prosperity-fund-prospectus

Listings details

· Wonky Workshop exhibition dates: 13 June – November 2026

· Location: The Wilson Art Gallery and Museum, Cheltenham

· Entry: Free