Holst Victorian House

02/09/2026

Join us for a spellbinding celebration of Gustav Holst's music and legacy at the annual Holst Birthday Concert on Saturday 19 September 2026 11.15-1pm.

Held at the beautiful All Saints Church in Cheltenham, it features a programme of songs by Holst and his friend Vaughan Williams performed by Gareth Brynmor John (baritone) and William John (piano).

For more information and how to book, please see our website.

04/08/2026

COMING SOON! NEW FOR AUTUMN 2026

Exhibition: Theodor von Holst: From Frankenstein to the Pre-Raphaelites

10 October 2026 - 30 May 2027

Discover the remarkable art of Theodor von Holst (1810-1844), Gustav Holst’s great-uncle and one of Britain’s most overlooked Romantic artists.

Best known as the first illustrator of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, Theodor also created striking paintings that helped pave the way for the Pre-Raphaelite movement.

This special exhibition brings together rarely seen works from private collections, displayed alongside Holst Victorian House’s own permanent collection. Highlights include a recently discovered self-portrait and the dramatic Spanish Lady, exhibited together within the museum’s authentic Victorian interiors.

A fully illustrated catalogue, written by the von Holst scholar Max Browne, will be available as part of the exhibition.

Free with general admission to the museum.

Look out for a programme of special events inspired by the exhibition, including Museum by Candlelight evenings, talks, creative workshops and book events to be announced soon.

The Spanish Lady © Private Collection. Licensed to Holst Victorian House. No reproduction, distribution or reuse without written permission.

15/07/2026

We have two fun-filled drop-in craft days coming up this summer. Inspired by Ernest Cossart, Gustav's film star brother, we will be travelling to the Golden Age of Hollywood!

Hollywood VIP Passes
Wednesday 29th July
Drop in any time 11am – 3pm
Hollywood VIP Passes. Lights, camera, action!
Get crafty this summer and make your own VIP pass inspired by Hollywood film star Ernest Cossart. Then rummage through our box of props and costumes and strike a pose on our pop up ‘red carpet’*. Staff and volunteers will be on hand to help. After this you can follow our popular trails to explore the house at your leisure.

Hollywood Snacks
Wednesday 12th August
Drop in any time 11am – 3pm
Hollywood snacks – Decorate your own snack box and fill it with popcorn for a movie night!
Be inspired by Ernest Cossart’s films and the golden age of Hollywood! Join us in the Museum’s airy Victorian Kitchen to have a go at making a one-of-a-kind snack box to fill with popcorn. Staff and volunteers will be on hand to help. After this you can follow our popular trails to explore the house at your leisure.

Both activities suitable for children of all ages. Remember, under 16s are FREE at Holst Victorian House with a paying adult or annual pass holder.
All materials provided.

30/06/2026

Looking to explore the charms of Cheltenham a bit more this summer?

Then our new Cheltenham tour is for you!

Join expert guide, Sabine Orton on a walking tour in stunning Pittville - followed by a trip to the magical Holst Victorian House.

Medicinal Waters & Magical Music – A New Walking Tour

This new 90-minute walking tour delves into the rich history of the Pittville estate, developed as a glamorous setting for visiting spa tourists and wealthy residents. Along the way, you’ll discover the stories of some of the people who made Pittville their home, including the composer Gustav Holst. The tour starts and ends at Holst Victorian House, the birthplace of Gustav Holst, and your ticket includes free museum admission (valid for a whole year).

There are various dates throughout July and August. Please check the Holst Victorian House website for further details.

15/06/2026

From Pittville to Hollywood: Gustav’s Film Star Brother

Marlene Dietrich, Ginger Rogers, Humphrey Bogart, Ronald Reagan...

Just some of the Hollywood stars who Ernest Cossart, born Emil von Holst, acted alongside in a string of 1930s and 1940s films.

Younger brother to Gustav, Ernest left Cheltenham as a young man for the London stage and ultimately Hollywood.

To celebrate Ernest's 150th Birthday this year (he was born on September 24th 1876), Holst Victorian House has a special case display devoted to his story. With original Hollywood stills, letters and family photographs, the display is not to be missed if you are interested in the Holst family story and early Hollywood.

https://holstvictorianhouse.org.uk/whats-on/events/exhibition-from-pitville-to-hollywood-gustavs-film-star-brother-20260523/?occurrence=2026-05-23

Exhibition continues until 29 May 2027 during museum opening hours
Free with general admission

01/06/2026

Passionate about heritage? Enjoy engaging with the public? Or just want to meet new people?

Then becoming a Holst Victorian House volunteer might just be for you!

Come along and find out more at our Volunteer Open Day Drop-in at Holst Victorian House on Thursday 4 June 10.30am-2.30pm.

Pop in, chat with our friendly team, explore the house, and find out how rewarding volunteering can be. No experience needed, just enthusiasm and curiosity.

Find us at 4 Clarence Road, Pittville, Cheltenham, GL52 2AY, and see how you can help preserve and share our local history!

https://holstvictorianhouse.org.uk/whats-on/events/volunteer-open-day-drop-in-20260604/

26/05/2026

The sun is out, and we are planting sunflowers!

Join us in our Victorian yard on Wednesday, 27 May, to decorate your own terracotta pot and plant it with lovely sunflower seeds.

Drop in any time 11am-3pm

Activity is FREE with a paying adult

23/05/2026

We were all very saddened at Holst Victorian House to hear of the death of Cheltenham-born soprano Dame Felicity Lott last week. As a Patron of Holst Victorian House, she was an enthusiastic supporter and friend, performing at our fundraising Holst Birthday Concert at All Saints’ Church a few years ago. It was a very memorable event, not least because of Dame Felicity's generosity and kindness.

Popular British soprano with a captivating stage presence hailed for her Mozart and Strauss roles

23/05/2026

20/05/2026

From Sunday 24 May, discover even more chances to visit Holst Victorian House, now open on Sundays and bank holiday Mondays. 🎹

Experience the Maypole Mystery Trail, inspired by Holst’s love of English folklore. Explore the house, complete the trail and take home a craft kit to create a mini maypole. Running until 27 June. 🎀