Cheltenham Clubs and Societies

Cheltenham's clubs and societies for hobbies, history and good company, with meeting places and websites to find out how to join.

Find a Club or Society in Cheltenham

From photography and film to chess, brass bands and allotments, Cheltenham’s clubs bring people with a shared hobby together, often meeting weekly or monthly. Societies tend to focus on local history, civic life and service to the community, and many run talks and visits that are open to guests.

Many are long established. Cheltenham Camera Club was founded in 1865, Cheltenham Film Society in 1945, the Civic Society’s constitution dates from 1963 and the Cheltenham Local History Society began in 1982, so you will often be joining a tradition as well as a hobby.

Joining is usually the easiest way to meet people if you have just moved to the town, retired, or want to take up something new. Check each group’s website for meeting times and membership details.

Clubs

Cheltenham Camera Club

Founded in 1865, the club is the largest photo club in Gloucestershire, with members ranging from novices to international award winners.

Cheltenham Film Society

Founded in 1945 and now over 500 members strong, showing subtitled and independent films between September and April at the Bacon Theatre in Dean Close School.

Cheltenham Bridge Club

Runs duplicate bridge sessions at its Tivoli Road club and online on weekdays, with beginner and intermediate courses for new players.

Cheltenham Chess Club

Meets from 7.30pm every Tuesday and Thursday evening.

Cheltenham Silver Band

A community brass band that rehearses at St Barnabas Church in Orchard Way. Interested players can join the mailing list or get in touch through the website.

Cheltenham & District Allotment Holders' Association

Founded in 1976, the association represents allotment gardeners, works with the council on tenancy terms, rents and site upkeep, and offers members support and advice.

Societies

Cheltenham Local History Society

Founded in 1982, a registered charity running morning and evening talks, walks, visits and local history afternoons, with free online journal articles, newspapers and directories.

Leckhampton Local History Society

Founded in 1992, the society holds talks most months except over the summer, and organises outings, field trips and research projects for members.

Cheltenham Civic Society

A non-political, member-funded charity with a constitution dating from 1963, encouraging high standards of design for buildings and public spaces, conservation of the town's heritage, and discussion of the urban environment.

Cheltenham Rotary Club

Part of a Rotary tradition of more than 100 years, supporting local and international charities and good causes.

Cheltenham Probus

Founded in May 1972, the Probus Club of Cheltenham meets every week for social contact and to hear speakers on a variety of topics.

  • Cheltenham Whaddon Bowls Club, Whaddon Road, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL52 5NA
  • cheltenhamprobus.org →

Cheltenham Regency Probus Club

Founded in 1976, the club gives retired men and women from professional and business backgrounds regular meetings with like-minded people, with an emphasis on socialising and making new friends.

This is a curated list rather than an official register — if you run a local club or society in Cheltenham and would like to be added, please contact us with your details.