Blue Monday is the third Monday in January and it’s widely thought to be the most depressing day (and the start of the most depressing week) of the year. Christmas and New Year are well and truly over, the weather is still cold and it’s still a while until payday.
Thankfully, Cheltenham has lots to do to combat this perfect storm of misery, so if you’re looking for a distraction, here are our favourite winter warmers.
Head to the Cheltenham Art Gallery and Museum
If it’s just too cold outside, you can spend an afternoon exploring the treasures held within this lovely art gallery and museum. Located at 51 Clarence Street in Cheltenham, The Wilson Art Gallery and Museum doesn’t just offer things to look at – there’s often workshops and other events during winter so dig in!
Enjoy an afternoon tea at a local tearoom
There are a few tearooms in Cheltenham but we’re especially fond of Once Upon a Tearoom at 108 Winchcombe Street as it also puts on Crafternoon Tea (we’re sure you can work it out!). There’s few things better on a cold afternoon than hot tea, sandwiches and clotted cream, so if you need to warm up, you know what to do.
Bag some delicacies at the Cheltenham Farmers’ Market
You’ll have to wait a little bit longer for this as it’s held on the second and last Fridays of each month (on The Promenade), but it’ll be worth it for the artisan cheeses, bread and lots of other local goodies.
Get out into the Cotswolds for a bracing walk
Late January often offers some bright, crisp days so make the most of them and get out for a stomp in the hills or around one of Cheltenham’s several parks, such as Pittville or Montpellier. January is a good time for such a walk as there’s fewer tourists in the town so you’ll almost have the place to yourself.
