Snooker returns to Cheltenham in September for the Cazoo British Open, as an array of top stars head for a town renowned for its culture and Regency architecture.
By Tomos Wyn Jones
Ryan Day will begin his title defence on Monday September 25, and the fixture list on that day also includes the likes of Luca Brecel, Ronnie O’Sullivan, Judd Trump, Mark Selby, Neil Robertson, John Higgins, Mark Williams, Shaun Murphy, Mark Allen, Kyren Wilson and many more.
Luca Brecel and Ronnie O’Sullivan will be among the players in action on day one
Tickets on sale now from just £15, for details click here.
The world ranking event will run from 25 September to 1 October and will be staged for the first time at The Centaur at Cheltenham Racecourse. If you’re heading to the event, here’s some key information about this historic location.
Getting to Cheltenham
Cheltenham Spa train station is located within half a mile of The Centaur, with regular trains operating to and from Birmingham New Street and an hourly service to and from London Paddington. With a population close to 120,000, Cheltenham is the second biggest settlement in Gloucestershire.
Landmarks
Cotswold Farm Park
Sitting in the heart of the Cotswolds, this farm park is renowned for being a fun day out for the family, with visitors of all ages interacting with the animals and learning about the world of farming. There are indoor barns to explore, as well as an adventure playground for children.
Pittville Park
Opened in 1825, Pittville Park is the largest ornamental park in Cheltenham, given a grade two listing under the English Heritage register of historic parks and gardens, with the park divided into two by Evesham Road. On the Eastern side, it is overlooked by Pittville Pump Room and the children’s play area. To the West is the ‘lower lake’, where you can fish during the fishing season, or visit the tennis courts or a pitch and putt golf course. It’s just a ten-minute walk away from the racecourse.
The Wilson, Cheltenham Art Gallery and Museum
The Wilson Art Gallery and Museum hosts many exhibitions and will be hosting ‘PLAY!’ until October 29th. This exhibition will offer a refreshing perspective, viewing collections through a child’s eyes and rediscovering the joy of play. It can be found in The Sir Charles Irving Community Gallery, with admission free for all. The gallery can be found in the town centre, a 20-minute bus journey from The Centaur.
For more information on these attractions and much more, click here or here.
Local Food and Drink
Gloucestershire is famous for cheese and cider. The renowned Double Gloucester cheese has been produced for at least 200 years and is made on the county’s farms. Cheltenham has a wide range of outstanding restaurants, with several included in the Michelin Guide – for details click here.
