Francis Close Hall Campus
We’ve been training teachers at Francis Close Hall since 1847. Its historic and inspiring surroundings are also home to our humanities, science, arts and social work students. Our students use cutting-edge technologies while working with and being supported by published experts.
With us from the very beginning, Francis Close Hall has seen our legacy grow from strength to strength throughout our nearly 170 years in education.
Just a short walk away from Cheltenham town centre, you’ll have everything you need right on your door step, with easy access to Cheltenham’s lively bars, clubs, specialist shops and cafes.
Directions
Address: Swindon Road, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire. GL50 4AZ
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Our car parks are normally pay and display but you will be able to park for free if you are joining us for an event. There are limited spaces available at this campus but you can also park at our Hardwick campus which is only a short walk. Please search for University of Gloucestershire, Francis Close Hall using any smart phone navigation app.
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Train
The closest rail station is Cheltenham Spa – about 20 minutes’ walk from the campus (directions from the station to Francis Close Hall).
Inter-campus bus
Students and staff can travel on the 94U inter-campus Stagecoach bus (except N94, which is £3.50 per journey) for just £1.60 per journey. Stagecoach also offers a unirider student bus ticket providing a flexible travel option.
Park and Ride
Cheltenham has two Park and Ride facilities.
Food and drink
The campus’ refectory offers hot meals, snacks, fresh sandwiches, a salad bar and freshly baked cakes and pastries. There are vegan and vegetarian options available as well as vending machines and free water stations, so you can top up your bottle. The Student Union bar provides evening entertainment and drinks or, 5 mins’ walk from campus you’ll find the buzzing Brewery Quarter. This has a Nando’s, Five Guys, cocktail bars, a cinema, bowling alley and Tesco Express.
The 94U bus connects all our campuses with Cheltenham town centre and Gloucester city centre.
Green spaces
Students can be found hanging out on the campuses’ central green space or nearby is the beautiful Pittville Park which has a boating lake, tennis courts, aviary and ornamental garden. The campus’ best kept secret are the edible gardens and pond which attract birds, frogs and wildlife. This oasis for staff, students and the local community has a woodfired oven and LED lights for pizza parties all year-round.
Surrounding Cheltenham are the stunning Cotswold Hills. The Cotswolds are the largest Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) in the UK.
Campus charm
Referred to as the ‘Hogwarts campus’, the ivy-clad, gothic grounds sit alongside modern structures and facilities. The buildings are Grade II listed and made of Cotswold stone which gives the campus a bright glow all year round. Close to the town centre and nearby parks, you’ll get the best of both country and city living – this is a rare and inspiring space to study and learn.
Facilities
Accommodation options
Pittville Student Village ![]()
Pittville Student Village is a hub of student activity with around 800 rooms near the town centre.
Hardwick halls ![]()
Located a 3 minute walk from FCH on Hardwick campus, Hardwick halls feature spacious en-suite rooms.