Renowned locally for its outstanding secondary school, Balcarras, Charlton Kings has long been a popular area with families, but this part of Cheltenham offers lots more besides.
It’s no wonder to us that it’s been ranked as one of the Top Places to Live in the UK in 2022 by The Times and Sunday Times. Here’s our list of 8 excellent reasons why Charlton Kings is a sought-after part of this beautiful Regency town.
A Property Centre Guide: Why to Consider Moving to Charlton Kings in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire
Community spirit
One of Cheltenham’s largest suburbs, with a population of over 10,000, there’s a real sense of community here and people who live in Charlton Kings comment on its great “neighbourliness”. Charlton Kings Club is located opposite St. May’s church in the heart of the village and offers a variety of entertainment, and the local library runs a number of clubs ranging from baby & toddler groups to knitting clubs to computer help sessions. Walking groups meet weekly to explore the area and local coffee shops, Moosh and Kings, are great places to meet up with friends for a drink and slice of cake.
Beautiful surrounding countryside
With walks around Dowdeswell Reservoir through the woods towards Cleeve Hill, paths through Lineover Woods over to Wistley Hill Nature Reserve, and the area flanked by the Cotswold Way, there’s no shortage of local walks and spectacular views. Spring sees the woods carpeted with bluebells and wild garlic, and the hedgerows are covered in blackberries in the autumn.
Education
The area is renowned locally for its great schools, both at primary and secondary level. Non-selective Balcarras school was ranked Southwest State School of the Decade in 2021, making it hugely popular with Cheltenham parents. St. Edwards private school is also nearby.
Local food & drink
When it comes to restaurants, there’s a choice of great local eateries. The Royal and The Langton both serve lovely food and offer an extensive menu. Pasta Etc!, a great Italian deli & restaurant, can be found on London Road, along with Waffle, serving a variety of waffles, coffees, milkshakes, ice creams and artisan bread.
Cheltenham Wine Bar on London Road is popular addition to the area, as too is Dunkertons Cider Taproom.
Retail
The village has a great local butcher on Cirencester Road, as well as a well-stocked grocery store on Lyfield Road West, Smith & Mann, which also houses the local post office. Other supermarkets can be found here, along with a pharmacy, optician, florist, barber, hairdresser and home shops. Designer fashion brand, Holland Cooper has a large boutique, located alongside Dunkerton’s Cider on the outskirts of Charlton Kings, specialising in British-made tailoring, contemporary country and equestrian wear and skiwear.
Sport & Amenities
Charlton Kings offers a number of sports and leisure activities – golfers can head to Lilley Brook Golf Club on Cirencester Road, Cotswold Hills Golf Club in nearby Ullenwood or Star Golf, part of National Star, also situated in Ullenwood. There’s Aqua Zone Swim School, based at St Edward's School on Cirencester Road and which offers swimming lessons to all age groups and Charlton Kings boasts its own cricket club. Sandford Park Lido, Cheltenham’s open-air pool, is only a short cycle away, as is East Glos Tennis Club, both located on the other side of Cox’s Meadow.
Located just off London Road, The Sixways clinic is the area’s local health centre, whilst the library and post office (in Smith & Mann’s) are in the heart of the village. Murphy’s dog grooming is a new addition to the London Road parade of shops, offering a range of services from full grooming to nail clipping, baths and blow-dries.
Commute
Travelling into Cheltenham is easy from Charlton Kings. Regular bus routes can be found on both the Cirencester Road and London Road — A435 and A40 —and Cheltenham train station is still within 20 minutes by bike from the centre of the village. Trains to London Paddington from Cheltenham take from two hours.
The M5 links to Bristol in 40 minutes and Birmingham in one hour. London is about two hours away by road with Oxford linked on the A40 and Cirencester on the A417.
Variety of property
From small traditional cottages to large family homes, Charlton Kings has property to suit everyone's taste and budget.
As an award-winning Sales & Lettings Agent, our Cheltenham team have an in-depth knowledge of the local area, its property and prices – if you’re looking to buy, rent, sell or let, contact our friendly Cheltenham office today.
