Holst Victorian House

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. 🎀

20/05/2026

Exciting news! We are now open Sundays and Bank Holidays. So that's even more time to come and visit our lovely Victorian home.

Drop in anytime 10am-4pm Tuesday - Saturday and Sunday/Bank Holiday Monday 12-4pm.

Don't forget that under 16s are free and we have a special 16-25 rate of only £5.

All tickets are annual passes. Visit once; visit all year round!

11/05/2026

Don't miss this fantastic competition!

11/05/2026

30/04/2026

Mark May Day and the coming of summer with Gustav Holst's Maypole Mystery Trail!

Available at the Holst Victorian House from 1 May - 27 June, it is a fantastic way to explore the house and learn a little bit about folklore 😍

Collect the different coloured ribbons, discover folk traditions, and then take a FREE craft kit home to make your very own mini maypole.

https://holstvictorianhouse.org.uk/whats-on/events/childrens-trail-maypole-mystery-tour-20260501/?occurrence=2026-05-01

Suitable for all ages. Activity is FREE with a paying adult/16-25 admission. Don't forget, children are always FREE at Holst Victorian House.

What a lovely way to spend the day!