Cheltenham Jazz Festival 2026: Venues and nearest stations

The nearest station to the Cheltenham Jazz Festival is Cheltenham Spa, one of the busiest railway stations in South West England. Located only one mile away from the town centre, and just a 20-minute walk to Montpellier Gardens and Imperial Gardens, where the jazz festival is held, the station is an ideal arrival point for the Cheltenham Jazz Festival 2026.

With frequent local buses, taxis, and walking routes connecting the station to festival venues, Cheltenham Spa is well-connected to the town centre and the festival. Served by Great Western Railway (GWR), CrossCountry, Transport for Wales, passengers can arrive at Cheltenham Spa from London Paddington, Cardiff Central, Worcester Shrub Hill, Birmingham New Street, Nottingham, Penzance, Plymouth, Glasgow Central, and many more cities and towns.

For the cheapest train tickets to the Cheltenham Jazz Festival 2026, book Advance tickets early with Trip.com. For even bigger savings, you can add a Railcard to your order.

Popular train routes to Cheltenham Jazz Festival 2026

Travel from London to the Cheltenham Jazz Festival 2026 in around two hours on rapid Great Western Railway trains. The direct route from London Paddington to Cheltenham Spa is a scenic way to travel to Cheltenham, passing through the Chiltern National Landscape and miles of glorious English countryside on your way to the Cotswolds spa town.

If you’re coming from the West Midlands, you’ll be able to reach Cheltenham’s jazz extravaganza rapidly by train. Travel from Birmingham New Street to Cheltenham Spa in only 45 minutes on direct trains with CrossCountry. Prices are cheap on comfortable, efficient journeys. 

Passengers from Bristol Temple Meads to Cheltenham Spa can start their jazz adventure in less than 40 minutes with CrossCountry services. If you’re visiting the Cheltenham Jazz Festival from Manchester, travel from Manchester Piccadilly to Cheltenham Spa in approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes, with affordable prices.

Wherever you are in the UK, getting to the Cheltenham Jazz Festival 2026 by train is a fast and convenient way to start your musical journey!

How to get here?

After arriving at Cheltenham Spa Railway Station, it takes only 25 minutes to walk to the Big Top on Montpellier Terrace. Regular buses call at the station that can drop passengers off directly opposite the Big Top (board the 94, 94X, 97 or 10). 

If you travelled on the train with your bike, cycling to the venue will take only 10 minutes. You will find bike racks throughout Montpellier Gardens to secure your vehicle while you enjoy the jazz. Finally, if you prefer to arrive by taxi, you’ll find a taxi rank outside the station for fast, convenient access to Montpellier Terrace.

Venue information

The Big Top is an iconic Cheltenham Jazz Festival stage that has hosted some of the festival’s most memorable performances over the years. Star-studded shows range from Sophie Ellis-Bextor’s 2024 epic to Katie Melua opening the 2025 festival in style.

All Cheltenham Jazz Festival attendees can safely visit the Big Top, as the event has step-free access and an accessible viewing platform for wheelchair users. Guide dogs are welcome at the Big Top, and accessible toilets are located nearby on the main Festival site. If you have other access requirements, you can contact the box office before you visit to make sure your seating is suitable.

Who’s playing?

The full lineup of the Cheltenham Jazz Festival 2026 has not yet been announced. Whoever graces the Big Top with their presence is sure to sparkle, as the stage has a history of welcoming big-name jazz superstars.

How to get here?

From Cheltenham Spa Railway Station, reaching Cheltenham Town Hall is simple. Located in Imperial Gardens, Cheltenham, on the northern side of the main Festival site, visitors can walk to Cheltenham Town Hall in under half an hour from the train station, or access the venue with various public transport options.

Board buses including the 94, 94X, 95, and E from the train station to Imperial Gardens, which gets you to the Cheltenham Town Hall in only 10 minutes. Bike racks are available at the Festival site for passengers who travelled to Cheltenham Spa with their bicycle, while there is also a taxi rank outside the station for fast, convenient access to the Cheltenham Jazz Festival.

Venue information

Cheltenham Town Hall is a Grade II listed building and early-20th-century assembly room, which becomes a key part of the Cheltenham Jazz Festival for one week each year. As well as being one of the major homes of Cheltenham Festivals, the venue is used for concerts, banquets, meetings, exhibitions, and conferences.

Access to the venue is convenient for people of all abilities and disabilities, with ramped access to the front of the building. Cheltenham Town Hall’s auditorium is located on the ground floor and is fully accessible for customers with limited mobility, while there is a hearing aid loop system downstairs in the auditorium for visitors who use hearing aids. Male and female toilets both have cubicles accessible for wheelchair users.

Who’s playing?

The lineup of the Cheltenham Jazz Festival 2026 has not yet been announced, so keep an eye on the official event page to find out who will be performing at Cheltenham Town Hall.

How to get here?

On the Eastern edge of Montpellier Gardens, just off Montpellier Terrace, the Family Tent is easily accessible from Cheltenham Spa Railway Station. Walk through the scenic town centre to arrive at the Family Tent in only 25 minutes, or hop on the 94, 94X, 97, or 10 buses to arrive quickly at your destination. Arriving by train is the ideal way to kickstart your jazz adventure without the hassle and cost of finding parking.

Venue information

The whole family can enjoy the Cheltenham Jazz Festival thanks to the wide range of exciting activities to engage the next generation of jazz lovers. Whether it’s their first time listening to jazz or they are already enthusiasts, the Family Tent can inspire children, young and old. The venue has step-free access, and guide dogs are welcome. Find accessible toilets located on the main Festival site.

What’s on?

Full event details for the Cheltenham Jazz Festival 2026 have not yet been released. To see the Family Tent schedule, check the official Festival page nearer to the event.

How to get here?

Ideally situated to keep the music going until late, the Hotel du Vin on Parabola Road is easy to reach from the main Festival site. For visitors arriving by train, walk from Cheltenham Spa Railway Station to Hotel du Vin in around 20 minutes, or hop on 94X, 95, 100, D, or E buses from the train station. A taxi rank outside the station also provides fast access to the Cheltenham Jazz Festival.

Venue information

Looking for a jazz bar in Cheltenham to carry on swinging until late into the night? Head to the Hotel Du Vin for a unique late-night Festival experience. If you want to stay in the heart of the Festival site, book a luxurious suite at the Hotel du Vin.

In recent years, as part of efforts to spread the Festival across the town, new venues have emerged, and the Hotel du Vin is an excellent spot to enjoy a full evening of jazz. All visitors can safely access the venue, with entry via a platform lift for wheelchairs, and other accessibility features such as dimmed lighting and 24-hour staff assistance available.

What’s on?

Late-night jazz jams at the Hotel Du Vin have become something of a Cheltenham Jazz Festival tradition. After a busy day of events and performance, soak up the atmosphere in a Cheltenham jazz bar with intimate after-parties only a few minutes’ walk from the main Festival site.

How to get here?

To reach Hub8 MX from Cheltenham Spa Railway Station, stroll through the town centre in approximately 25 minutes. Located on Chester Walk, Cheltenham, Hub8 MX is reachable on local bus routes such as E, D, and 98 Gold. If you prefer to travel by taxi, you’ll find a taxi rank outside the station.

Venue information

Hub8 Mix is an innovative co-working space in Cheltenham town centre, with a bespoke Event Space that welcomes visitors for unforgettable jazz events. The 150-seat venue is fully accessible, ensuring everyone can enjoy the performances of jazz legends and emerging talents alike.

What’s on?

The Cheltenham Jazz Festival 2026 schedule will be announced soon, with a sparkling array of performers set to put on an unforgettable show.

How to get here?

Conveniently located on Montpellier Gardens, it is easy to reach the Jazz Festival Hospitality of the Cheltenham Jazz Festival 2026. Get there from Cheltenham Spa Railway Station in 25 minutes on a scenic stroll through Cheltenham town centre. If you prefer to travel on public transport, board the 94, 94X, 97, or 10. Bike racks are available for visitors arriving from the station on two wheels, while a taxi rank outside the station provides fast connections to the Jazz Festival Hospitality.

Venue information

Jazz Festival Hospitality is a welcoming space for jazz festival attendees to grab a meal, unwind with a drink, or catch up with other visitors. A comfortable seating area with a great vibe, the Jazz Festival Hospitality is perfect for a pre-show tipple. The Hospitality Lounge has step-free access, ensuring all visitors can enjoy their visit. Guide dogs are welcome, and accessible toilets are located nearby on the main Festival site.

How to get here?

From Cheltenham Spa Railway Station, walk to the Parabola Arts Centre in approximately 20 minutes. For visitors who prefer to travel by public transport, board the 94X, 95, 100, D, or E buses. Alternatively, make use of the taxi rank outside the station for convenient access to the Parabola Arts Centre.

Venue information

A creative space with minimalist contemporary detail, the Parabola Arts Centre is an ideal venue for world-class jazz. Housed within a Grade II listed building, the Parabola Arts Centre is a state-of-the-art theatre with a capacity of 300. Enjoy an atmospheric and intimate performance in this immaculate space. 

Accessibility is at the forefront of the Parabola Arts Centre’s design, from a no-step entrance on the Parabola Road side of the building to fully equipped hearing enhancers. All areas can be accessed via a lift, and you’ll find accessible toilets throughout the venue.

What’s on?

The countdown is on: the Cheltenham Jazz Festival 2026 schedule will be released soon. Look out for the popular performances at Parabola Arts Centre, one of the Cheltenham Jazz Festival’s most popular venues.

How to get here?

Located on Montpellier Terrace, the Jazz Arena is easy to access from Cheltenham Spa Railway Station. Either walk for 25 minutes, or board regular buses that pick up passengers from outside the station (choose from buses such as the 94, 94X, 97 or 10). Cyclists can find bike racks throughout Montpellier Gardens to secure their vehicles, or travel to the Jazz Arena by taxi.

Venue information

A popular Cheltenham Jazz Festival stage showing off new talents and established performers alike, the Jazz Arena is one of the festival’s liveliest venues. The Jazz Arena has step-free access, and guide dogs are welcome at the venue. Accessible viewing platforms for wheelchair users ensure everyone can enjoy the show, while accessible toilets are located on the main Festival site.

Who’s playing?

The full lineup of the Cheltenham Jazz Festival 2026 has not yet been announced, but the Jazz Arena is sure to welcome an array of performers. Last year, American jazz trumpeter Theo Croker rocked the stage with an unforgettable set.

Visiting one of Europe’s top jazz festivals is an incredible buzz. To make the most of your visit to the Cheltenham Jazz Festival, plan ahead and remember these top tips:

• Book train tickets as soon as possible for the best prices. When you buy train tickets in advance with Trip.com, you save money on your travel. For extra discounts, add a Railcard to your order, or look out for split tickets. On festival weekends, cheaper tickets will go fast, so be sure to plan your journey early.
• Arrive early in the day to explore the scenic spa town of Cheltenham. Visiting the Cheltenham Jazz Festival gives you the chance not only to enjoy world-class music but also to experience Cheltenham’s history and charm. Visit attractions like the Pittville Pump Room or find a walking tour to learn about the town’s Regency architecture. Don’t forget to allow time to grab lunch before performances begin, making the most of Cheltenham’s array of independent eateries.
• Accommodation fills up fast, so be sure to book well in advance if you are planning to stay overnight. Find the best hotels in Cheltenham (see more below).
• Cheltenham is walkable, so after arriving at Cheltenham Spa Railway Station, you can navigate the town on foot to get around the town and between events. Explore the town, enjoy the scenery, and make the most of the (hopefully) pleasant spring weather!

The Cheltenham Jazz Festival offers music lovers a whole week of inspiring performances, events, and more. If you are staying for multiple days, you’ll have a great selection of accommodation to choose from.

Cheltenham is filled with great places to stay during the festival, from independent hotels with iconic jazz bars to budget-friendly options in a great central location. As the Cheltenham Jazz Festival is not a camping festival, visitors can get quality accommodation in the heart of a beautiful town.

Here are some top choices:

Queens Hotel Cheltenham

Centrally located in Cheltenham, just across from Imperial Gardens, Queens Hotel Cheltenham offers deluxe rooms for Cheltenham Jazz Festival 2026 guests. With 84 guestrooms, including superior suites with king beds, this is a luxury option for visitors seeking the best festival experience. 

All rooms have minibars and LED televisions, plus complimentary wireless internet access. The hotel is close to both Cheltenham Spa Station and is only minutes away from festival venues. Book early to avoid disappointment and secure your accommodation for the Cheltenham Jazz Festival.

Hotel du Vin Cheltenham

A central venue deeply integrated into the Cheltenham Jazz Festival 2026, Hotel du Vin attracts festivalgoers for its jazzy vibe and late-night jams. Only a few minutes’ walk from other festival venues at Imperial Gardens, Montpellier Gardens, and Cheltenham Town Hall, Hotel du Vin Cheltenham offers excellent amenities, including concierge services, a banquet hall, and complimentary wireless internet access. Different room types are available to cater to various budgets.

No. 131 The Promenade

For a truly luxurious option close to the Festival Village, choose No. 131 The Promenade. This stunning Georgian inn boasts 36 individually decorated guestrooms, so be sure to book early to secure your unique home for the Cheltenham Jazz Festival 2026. After a day of jazz, enjoy British cuisine at 131 Restaurant, or unwind in your room, which comes with luxury details like Egyptian cotton sheets and LCD televisions with satellite programming.

Holiday Inn Express Cheltenham

 For a budget-friendly hotel in the centre of Cheltenham, stay at Holiday Inn Express Cheltenham, a welcoming chain with everything you need for a comfortable break. Located near the Everyman Theatre, the hotel is ideally placed to access the Cheltenham Jazz Festival 2026. The modern rooms are completed to a high standard, and the hotel features additional benefits such as an indoor swimming pool, fitness room, and a 24-hour front desk.