Proud Lion

The village's real draw is Proud Lion, an independent bookshop that deserves a good couple of hours of your time. The selection here is genuinely thoughtful—you'll find new releases mixed in with local interest titles, children's books, and the sort of recommendations you simply won't come across in the big chain stores. It's the kind of place where wandering the shelves becomes a genuine pleasure, and the staff actually know what they're talking about when it comes to pointing you toward your next read.

The village itself is worth exploring beyond the bookshop. There's something about Charlton Kings that speaks to a community with real roots—it's established enough to have proper character but far enough from Cheltenham town centre to feel genuinely peaceful. The location works nicely in your favour too. Once you've finished browsing, Cheltenham is just a short trip away with its wider range of shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions. This means you can tailor your day to what appeals: spend a relaxed morning in the village, then head into town for lunch and the bigger attractions. It's a sensible way to experience both the quieter village life and the regional hub without feeling like you're choosing between them.