Best care homes in Cheltenham: Our top picks

If you crave the tranquillity of the countryside but also want easy access to the energy and excitement of a bustling city, Cheltenham offers the best of both worlds.  

Nestled on the edge of the Cotswolds, it provides residents with stunning countryside views and ample outdoor activities while still enjoying all the conveniences of a thriving town. Known for its regency architecture, cultural festivals, and vibrant food scene, Cheltenham blends charm with modern living.   

Therefore, it is little wonder that the spa town was voted as one of the best places to live in the South West 2020 by The Sunday Times. 

So, if you are actively looking for the best care homes in Cheltenham, you could hardly have chosen a better location.  

In this blog, we highlight the top facilities in the area that represent the best that the spa town has to offer.

What makes Cheltenham a great place to live?

Cheltenham isn’t just a beautiful spa town — it’s a place that effortlessly combines elegance with accessibility, making it a truly special location for later life. With its leafy streets, Regency architecture, and vibrant cultural scene, it offers a peaceful yet stimulating environment for older adults. The town is home to award-winning parks, gentle walking routes, and charming cafes where families can visit and reconnect with loved ones in comfort and style. Access to high-quality healthcare facilities, including Cheltenham General Hospital, adds reassurance for families seeking long-term care.

For those looking into the best care homes in Cheltenham, the location alone is a major draw. Whether it’s the slower pace of life, the proximity to the Cotswolds, or the thriving community spirit, Cheltenham strikes the perfect balance between calm and connection. It’s no wonder so many families choose to settle here when looking for compassionate, high-quality care for their loved ones.

What to look for in a care home in Cheltenham

When searching for the best care home in Cheltenham, it’s important to consider several key factors that ensure your loved one receives the highest standard of care. From the quality of staff and the level of personalisation in care plans to the facilities and activities offered, Cheltenham care homes are known for their commitment to enhancing residents' wellbeing. Many of these homes boast beautiful surroundings that take advantage of the town's natural beauty, creating a calming and peaceful environment for residents to enjoy.

In addition to the care provided, the care homes featured in this blog have modern amenities, beautifully landscaped gardens, and easy access to local shops, parks, and cultural venues.

These care homes go above and beyond the basics, offering person-centred care that really takes the individual needs of their residents into consideration.

The best care homes in Cheltenham will also have exceptional facilities, which add a touch of luxury and sophistication that go above and beyond other care facilities.

These will be the care homes with the strongest OpenScore ratings out of the other facilities in the area.

The top care homes often provide a diverse and engaging activities schedule, with some even having dedicated coordinators to tailor experiences to the personal preferences of their residents.

In these care homes, every detail is carefully considered, and the food menu often reflects the exceptional quality and standards they are renowned for.

Of course, there are many other elements that make the top care homes stand out from the rest, and we discuss this in further detail below.

Top questions families ask when looking for the best care homes in Cheltenham

When families begin the journey of finding care, they often feel overwhelmed — not just by the emotional weight of the decision, but by the practical details too. Below are some of the most common questions we hear from families searching for the best care homes in Cheltenham, with answers to help guide your decision:

How much do care homes in Cheltenham cost?
Care home costs in Cheltenham vary depending on the level of care required, the home’s facilities, and the location within the town. On average, residential care starts from around £1,100 per week, while nursing or specialist dementia care can be higher. Use Autumna’s free comparison tool to view prices transparently across Cheltenham care providers.

How do I know which care home is right for my loved one?
Look beyond aesthetics and focus on care quality. Check the CQC rating, ask about staff-to-resident ratios, and read independent reviews. Autumna’s OpenScore system can help you identify trusted, transparent providers quickly.

Can I visit care homes before making a decision?
Many of the best care homes in Cheltenham offer personalised tours, trial stays, or open days. Most care homes will allow families to visit before they commit to staying. However you should check the individual policies of the care home in question before making your decision. 

Is there support for funding or financial advice?
Whether you're eligible for local authority funding, NHS Continuing Healthcare, or self-funding, it’s important to get advice early. Some care homes may be able to shed more light on the eligibility criteria and offer guidance. Knowing what support you're entitled to early on can make a huge difference — not just in your budget, but in your peace of mind as you search for the best care homes in Cheltenham.

How quickly can my loved one move into a care home?
Some Cheltenham care homes can accommodate new residents within days, especially if there’s an urgent discharge from hospital. Availability changes regularly, so it’s worth contacting providers directly.

These are just a few of the many questions families ask — and there’s no such thing as a silly one. 

5 of the best care homes in Cheltenham

Below, we have featured some of the best care homes in Cheltenham. This list is far from exhaustive, however the care homes we have highlighted are recognised for their exceptional standards, facilities and standards of living.

Sandfields

With a strong OpenScore rating of 9, Sandfields is a stunning and luxurious care home that offers specialist residential, respite, nursing and dementia care.

As a member of the Care UK brand, Sandfields puts relationships and person-centred care at the heart of everything they do. Not only are residents encouraged to be as independent as possible, but they also have the option of joining in with group activities such as exercise classes and music sessions. The care home also boasts an impressive range of facilities, including a café, hair and beauty salon, and a private cinema, offering both comfort and convenience.

Whittington House nursing home

As a modern, purpose-built care home, Whittington House offers light and spacious interiors with a warm and welcoming atmosphere. As a top-rated nursing care home with a strong OpenScore rating, it puts the happiness and wellbeing of its residents at the centre of everything it does.

Whittington is part of the Caring Homes brand and it includes a range of contemporary facilities, such as beautiful gardens, holistic therapy treatment rooms, private cinema, relaxation areas and much more.

It also has a team of dedicated activities coordinators who provide a packed schedule of games, excursions and trips to suit every resident's taste. Entertainment options include singers and dance troupes, as well as a range of mental, physical and social activities for residents to participate in and enjoy.

Thirlestaine Park Care Home

Located in the desirable Montpellier district of Cheltenham, Thirlestaine Park Care Home features magnificent views of the Cotswolds and overlooks the landscaped grounds of the Grade II listed Thirlestaine Hall.

As a member of the Porthaven Care Homes brand, this beautifully designed and spacious property delivers around-the-clock residential, nursing, dementia, and short-term respite care for seniors.

All rooms are tastefully decorated and come complete with generously appointed private bedrooms that include ensuite wet rooms, an activities and wellbeing room, communal living areas and restaurants to name a few.

The care home also has a packed programme of entertainment, including zumba, yoga, tai chi, iPad sessions, music, wine tasting and casino nights among other things.

Crofton Springs

Conveniently located a mile from Cheltenham town centre, Crofton Springs is another one of the best care homes in the spa town because of its dedication to high-quality, personalised care, knowledgeable staff and outstanding facilities.

As a member of the HC One brand, the care home offers bright, open-plan social areas and spacious bedrooms with ensuite wet rooms and showers. It also provides cosy garden rooms, a plush cinema room, coffee shop, and lounges. In addition, it offers a full and varied programme of social activities, talks and entertainment events.

Richmond Village Cheltenham Care Home

As a beautifully presented Bupa care facility, Richmond Village Cheltenham Care Home provides exceptional standards of care with beautifully designed interiors that exude warmth and comfort.

It is one of many that come under the Richmond Villages Care Homes brand which is known for its exacting standards, and high quality of care.

Richmond Village Cheltenham Care Home is more than just a care facility. It comes complete with fantastic onsite facilities, accessible woodlands, luxurious spaces, a library, plus a hair and nail salon.

It offers a variety of activities such as music therapy, painting, excursions, birthday celebrations, knitting, embroidery and more. Residents are also able to bring their pets into the home.

Looking for one of the best care homes in Cheltenham?

If you are trying to figure out what care home is going to be more suitable for yourself or your loved one, Autumna can help. All you have to do is head over to our directory, and enter your location.

The system will then bring up a list of care homes in your chosen area. Alternatively, you can speak with our friendly team of advisors on 01892 335 330.