Page 132 - Media Coverage Book - 75th Aldeburgh Festival 2024

4. Cheltenham, Gloucestershire

The Holst museum, the former home and birthplace of composer Gustav Holst
GAVIN CRILLY/ALAMY
The home of the Planets composer Gustav Holst is in Cheltenham’s only preserved Victorian

residence open to the public. The grand piano he used to create the celestially inspired suite sits

beside the fireplace, and there’s an exhibition on his life and involvement in the Three Choirs

Festival — the world’s longest-running classical music festival. Workshops on offer include

baking and craft classes to give children a taste of Victorian life (£10;
holstvictorianhouse.org.uk). Visit in July to coincide with Cheltenham Music Festival

(cheltenhamfestivals.com) or catch a concert or recital year-round at the eclectic Town Hall

(cheltenhamtownhall.org.uk). The smart No 38 The Park is the boutique hotel to book, with

home-baked focaccia and grilled fillet of seabass on the menu.

Details Room-only doubles from £120 (no38thepark.com)