Cheltenham High Street used to have innumerable inns and brew-houses. As these gradually disappeared to make the way for shops, there are only a few public houses left whose walls witnessed the days of the reign of Queen Victoria. The Shakespeare Inn and The Swan, each at the opposite ends of the High Street, are among those pubs which were recorded trading as early as 1820.

Another area famous for its public houses is Bath Road. Stonemasons used to work on the limestone from Leckhampton Hill, which was transported by a tramroad to a yard there. The pubs which served the people in the beginning of the 19th century survived till today: The Norwood, The Brown Jug, The Exmouth Arms, Five Alls, and The Jolly Brewmaster. Wheatsheaf Inn in Leckhampton is known for its association with the Leckhampton Hill riots when in 1902 a group of protesters, 10,000 strong, tore down the fences which stopped public access to Leckhampton Hill and razed to the ground Tramway Cottage, the remnants of which can still be seen at the foot of Leckhampton Hill.

Picturesque inns can be found in Prestbury, Charlton Kings and Bishop's Cleeve. Thatched cottages, the history of which dates back to the Middle Ages, with beautiful hanging basket displays invite visitors for a drink or traditional English meal. The Plough Inn in Prestbury is said to be haunted, while the landlord of The Royal Oak situated just a few streets away used to be Tom Graveney, the Gloucestershire, Worcestershire and England cricketer. King’s Arms in Prestbury High Street is associated with Fred Archer, the record breaking champion jockey, whose father was the landlord there. Famous pubs in Charlton Kings include The Merryfellow Inn, The Ryeworth Inn and The London Inn, which dates back to 1825 when it was built by Sampson Mitchell, the innkeeper. Bishop's Cleeve King's Head is a lovely thatched cottage, built in the 17th century.