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The Cheltenham Literature Festival is one of the UK’s most celebrated literary events, bringing together authors, readers, and thinkers from around the world. Over ten days, the town transforms into a lively hub of storytelling, debate, and performance — but with that excitement comes one practical question for visitors: where should you park?
Here’s your guide to the main festival venues, what to expect at each, and how to find affordable, convenient parking nearby.
Montpellier Gardens (Festival Village)
The heart of the festival, Montpellier Gardens hosts the main festival village — home to pop-up stages, bookshops, food stalls, and family-friendly workshops. It’s where much of the casual programming and open-air atmosphere can be found.
What you’ll find:
- The Hive, a popular space for children’s events and storytelling
- Festival bars, cafés, and food stands
- Book signings, live interviews, and drop-in talks
Where to park:
- 🅿️ Book a space near Montpellier Gardens — ideal for walking to the festival hub in under 5 minutes
Cheltenham Town Hall & Imperial Square
A short walk from the main gardens, Cheltenham Town Hall is the festival’s flagship indoor venue. It hosts big-name authors, panel discussions, and headline evening events. The surrounding Imperial Square often features outdoor stages and food areas that complement the main programme.
What you’ll find:
- Large-scale talks and Q&As with bestselling writers
- Evening performances and live podcast recordings
- Bars and food stalls in Imperial Gardens nearby
Where to park:
- 🅿️ JustPark near Cheltenham Town Hall
- 🅿️ Imperial Square parking spaces — secure driveways and private lots within a 3-minute walk
Parabola Arts Centre
Located on Bayshill Road, Parabola Arts Centre (within Cheltenham Ladies’ College) is a modern theatre space used for performance-led events — from spoken word and poetry to cross-genre discussions.
What you’ll find:
- Drama, music and literature crossover shows
- Experimental and creative writing performances
- Smaller, more atmospheric sessions
Where to park:
Pittville Pump Room
One of Cheltenham’s most iconic buildings, Pittville Pump Room hosts select festival events, including author readings, talks with historians, and music-related sessions. Its grand Georgian setting makes it ideal for quieter, more reflective programming.
What you’ll find:
- Talks on history, heritage and music
- Classical-inspired performances
- Small-capacity literary sessions
Where to park:
- 🅿️ JustPark near Pittville Park
- 🅿️ Evesham Road parking spaces — easy walking distance to the Pump Room
Smaller and satellite venues
Throughout the festival, smaller venues around town host additional talks and workshops — from schools and theatres to community spaces. Many are within a 10–15 minute walk of the main festival hub, making it easy to move between sessions.
Examples include:
- Local schools and libraries hosting children’s events
- Community arts centres and university lecture halls
- Temporary pop-up spaces around the Promenade and Bath Road
Where to park:
- 🅿️ Browse all Cheltenham JustPark spaces — filter by postcode or walking distance
Final tips for festival-goers
- Book early – parking fills up quickly during festival weekends
- Check the venue before you travel – tickets and event listings will state your location clearly
- Allow walking time – 5–10 minutes between venues is typical
- Use the Cheltenham Festivals map – for venue layouts, accessibility info, and directions
By planning your journey and reserving parking in advance, you’ll have more time to explore the festival, attend extra sessions, and enjoy everything Cheltenham has to offer — without worrying about where to leave your car.
