Care homes in Cheltenham

Cheltenham, in South West England, is a well-established spa town known for its Regency architecture and green spaces. With a higher-than-average share of residents aged 65 and over, it's already a popular choice for later-life living, offering a good mix of care options, amenities and community life.

Living in Cheltenham
Green SurroundingsWell ServedLow Recorded Crime
SafetyA

Excellentsafer than 61% of similar areas (per head of population)

Based on Gloucestershire data (town-level not yet available)

Green SpacesA

Excellentparks, playing fields & outdoor space nearby

Daily ConveniencesA

Excellentshops, supermarkets & places to eat nearby

How we grade areas

Grades are relative, comparing this area against others of the same type across the UK. Amenity grades are based on OpenStreetMap counts within a fixed radius. The Safety grade ranks recorded police crime — per head of population where ONS figures are available, otherwise by total recorded crime. Figures are estimates to aid research, not a substitute for visiting an area.

Sources — crime: Police.uk, April 2026; amenities: OpenStreetMap, updated June 2026.

How care costs compare

The estimated average residential care fee in Cheltenham is about £1,418/week, above the UK average of £1,279.

Estimated from published weekly fees for homes in the area. Actual costs vary by care needs and room type.

Council funding & top-up in Cheltenham

The average residential care home in Cheltenham costs about £1,418/week, while Gloucestershire’s published usual rate is around £923/week (2025). If you qualify for council funding, expect a likely third-party top-up of about £495/week (≈ £25,740/year) to bridge the gap.

Average fee in Cheltenham
£1,418/wk
Gloucestershire usual rate
£923/wk
Likely top-up gap
£495/wk

Estimate only. Councils fund care only when the person’s assets are below the means-test threshold, and actual fees, funding and top-ups vary by home, room and assessed needs. Compares the area average against Gloucestershire’s published usual cost of residential care (2025).

Care homes (14)
From £1687/wk·Care UK

Nestled in the opulent setting of Cheltenham, the Sandfields care home in Gloucesteshire offers a warm and caring environment for residential, respite, nursing…

RespiteResidentialDementiaNursing
From £1567/wk·Porthaven Care Homes

Nestled in the desirable Montpellier district of the historic Cheltenham town, Thirlestaine Park is a premium care home offering specialised residential,…

RespiteResidentialDementiaNursing
From £1395/wk·The Orders of St John Care Trust

Nestled in the sought-after residential district of north Cheltenham, the Windsor Street Care Centre is a beacon of exceptional residential, nursing, dementia,…

RespiteResidentialDementiaNursing
From £1395/wk·The Orders of St John Care Trust

Nestled in the heart of the picturesque spa town of Cheltenham, Monkscroft Care Centre is a beacon of excellence in providing residential, dementia, nursing,…

RespiteResidentialDementiaNursing
From £1195/wk·The Orders of St John Care Trust

Nestled in the charming hamlet of Charlton Kings, on the scenic outskirts of Cheltenham in the heart of Gloucestershire, you'll find Grevil House. This warm…

RespiteResidentialDementiaNursing
From £1350/wk·Caring Homes

Nestled just a stone's throw away from the charming Benhall Park in the vibrant town of Cheltenham, Whittington House is a comprehensive care home that caters…

RespiteResidentialDementiaNursing
From £1450/wk·Richmond Villages (Part of Bupa)

Nestled in the heart of Richmond Village Cheltenham retirement community, you'll find a stunning 60-bed care home, providing exceptional nursing and…

RespiteResidentialDementiaNursing
From £1345/wk·The Orders of St John Care Trust

Nestled in the heart of Brockworth, a picturesque village just a stone's throw away from Gloucester, you'll find Millbrook Lodge. This warm and inviting care…

RespiteResidentialDementiaNursing
From £1450/wk·Nellsar Care Homes

Nestled in the heart of the delightful market town of Sittingbourne, Kent, Woodstock is a reputable care home renowned for its exceptional residential,…

RespiteResidentialDementia
From £1450/wk·Coate Water Care

Nestled in the charming city of Gloucester, Chapel House Care Home is a haven of luxury and comfort, providing top-notch residential care. This includes…

RespiteDementiaNursing
From £1500/wk·Barchester Healthcare

Nestled in the heart of the historic riverside town of Tewkesbury, you'll find Ashchurch View, a state-of-the-art care home that specialises in providing…

RespiteResidentialDementiaNursing
From £1100/wk·Buckland Care

Nestled just a short three-mile journey from the heart of Gloucester, Gloucestershire, you'll find the delightful Brunswick House, a care home renowned for its…

RespiteResidentialDementiaNursing
From £1400/wk·Barchester Healthcare

Nestled in the serene village of Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire, Tewkesbury Fields is a premium care home that offers top-notch residential and respite care for…

RespiteResidential
From £1595/wk

Richmond Villages Painswick is a Bupa retirement village in Painswick, Gloucestershire, with independent and assisted living apartments and a nursing care…

RespiteResidentialDementiaNursing
What care costs in Cheltenham
Residential (avg)
£1,418/week
Dementia (avg)
£1,421/week
Nursing (avg)
£1,419/week

Is Cheltenham a good retirement location?

Cheltenham is a solid option for later-life living, with a well-above-average over-65 population and a reasonable choice of care homes. It suits those wanting an established, amenity-rich town with parks and community groups close by, though it's worth weighing up individual home fees and locations relative to family.

Health & support

  • Medical access: Cheltenham has everyday amenities including shops, cafes and restaurants within reach, and as an established town it's likely to have good access to GP surgeries and pharmacies; check specifics for the exact area.
  • Safety: Recorded crime stood at 7 offences in April 2026, with violent crime, drugs and shoplifting the most common types — a relatively low figure for a town of this size.
  • Family & connection: Think about how close any existing family or friends are, and how easily they could visit or stay in touch, as ongoing support networks matter as much as the setting itself.

Finances & daily life

  • Cost of care: Specific weekly fee figures aren't listed here, so it's worth asking individual homes directly and comparing against the national average when choosing.
  • Transport: Cheltenham is generally walkable for a town of its size, with local buses and rail links; a car isn't essential for day-to-day life but is helpful for wider travel.
  • Housing options: There are 10 care homes listed in Cheltenham, ranging from around 40 to 90 beds, giving a reasonable spread of choice in terms of setting and scale.

Lifestyle & environment

  • Green space & hobbies: Cheltenham offers public parks, tennis courts and a good range of pubs, cafes and shops, supporting an active and social daily routine.
  • Community: With 22.1% of residents aged 65 and over — notably higher than the national average of 18.6% — Cheltenham has an established older population, which often supports local clubs, groups and peer networks.
  • Climate: As with the rest of South West England, Cheltenham has a temperate maritime climate — generally mild, with wetter winters and warm summers.

Things to weigh up

  • Home ratings: Of the 10 care homes listed, most are rated good or outstanding by the CQC, though one is currently rated as requires improvement, so it's worth checking individual reports.
  • Fee transparency: No specific fee data is available here, so prospective residents should request current costs directly from homes to judge affordability.
Common questions
How many care homes are there in Cheltenham?

There are 14 care homes listed in and around Cheltenham on AskBart. You can filter them by care type, CQC rating and facilities to find the right fit.

How much does a care home in Cheltenham cost?

Care homes in Cheltenham range from around £1,100 to around £1,687 per week, with averages of £1,418 for residential, £1,421 for dementia, £1,419 for nursing care. Fees vary by home, care type and the level of support required.

How do care home fees in Cheltenham compare to the national average?

The average residential care fee around Cheltenham is about £1,418 per week — above the UK average of £1,279. Individual fees depend on the home, room and level of care.

Which care homes in Cheltenham are rated Outstanding or Good by the CQC?

12 of the 14 care homes in and around Cheltenham are rated Good or Outstanding by the Care Quality Commission, including 1 rated Outstanding. Ratings are published by the CQC following regular inspections.

What types of care are available in Cheltenham?

Homes in and around Cheltenham offer respite (14), dementia (13), residential (13), nursing (12). Availability varies by home — use the filters above to find homes offering the specific care type you need.

How many care homes in Cheltenham offer dementia care?

13 care homes in and around Cheltenham offer specialist dementia care. Use the dementia filter above to see them, and check each home's CQC report for its record on caring for people living with dementia.

Do any care homes in Cheltenham offer respite care?

Yes — 14 care homes in and around Cheltenham offer respite (short-stay) care, for recovery after a hospital stay or to give a regular carer a break. Availability changes often, so contact the home directly to check.

How safe is the Cheltenham area?

Cheltenham is graded A for safety on AskBart (based on Gloucestershire) — safer than 61% of similar areas (per head of population). This is drawn from police-recorded crime data and compared against similar areas.

Can I get council funding for care in Cheltenham?

If the person needing care has savings and assets below £23,250, Gloucestershire Council may contribute towards fees. You can request a free care needs assessment and financial assessment through the council's adult social care team before choosing a home.

What's included in a care home's weekly fees in Cheltenham?

A care home's weekly fee in Cheltenham usually covers accommodation, all meals, day-to-day personal care, housekeeping, laundry and activities. Extras such as hairdressing, chiropody, outings and one-to-one care are often charged separately, so ask each home for a full breakdown of what is and isn't included.

What's the difference between residential and nursing care?

Residential care homes help with everyday personal care — washing, dressing, meals and prompting medication. Nursing homes provide the same support plus a qualified nurse on site around the clock for residents with ongoing medical needs. Homes in Cheltenham may offer one or both, so check each listing for the care types it provides.

Could the NHS pay for care in Cheltenham?

If a person's needs are primarily health-related rather than social, they may qualify for NHS Continuing Healthcare, which can fully fund a care-home placement regardless of their savings. Eligibility is decided by the local NHS integrated care board after an assessment — it's separate from means-tested council funding.

How do I choose a care home in Cheltenham?

Start by shortlisting homes in Cheltenham by the type of care needed and their CQC rating, then visit in person. On a visit, read the home's latest CQC report, ask about staffing levels and fees, and see how residents are supported day to day. AskBart lists each home's rating, facilities and fees so you can compare before arranging a visit.

Who regulates care homes in Cheltenham?

Care homes in Cheltenham are regulated and inspected by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), the independent regulator of health and adult social care in England. The CQC rates each home as Outstanding, Good, Requires Improvement, or Inadequate following regular inspections — you can read each home's latest report on the CQC website.

What other nearby areas have care homes in Gloucestershire?

If you're widening your search beyond Cheltenham, nearby areas with care homes include Cotswold, Forest of Dean, Gloucester, South Gloucestershire and Stroud. You can browse each from the list of nearby locations on this page.

Talk to a Cheltenham care expert.

Our independent advisors know the local homes inside out. Get free, friendly guidance with no obligation — just clear answers when you need them.