You are here: Things To Do > Activities > Outdoor Activities
Outdoor Activities
Cheltenham is a beautiful town to explore at any time of the year; whether it’s a dip in the lido on a warm summer’s day or a crisp autumn walk through the leaves. We are lucky to have an extensive offering of parks and gardens, which include Pittville Park, featuring Pittville Pump Room, a children’s play area, café and an aviary with birds and small mammals. It also has a woodland, fishing lake, tennis courts, a further play area, a pitch and putt golf course and a BMX park!
All of our parks have a children’s play area and are a great place to enjoy a picnic too, so whether you choose to just sit back and relax or take part in some activities, they are always on the top of the agenda for many of our visitors and widely enjoyed by locals too.
Sandford Parks Lido is one of the largest outdoor pools in the country, so if it’s a fine day, head down there for a dip! The water in the main pool and children’s pool is a pleasant 70 degrees farenheit (21 degrees celsius) and it too has a café as well as table tennis, basketball and volleyball. It holds a fantastic sense of art deco nostalgia and is certainly the envy of many destinations. They hold various events throughout the year too, which even include a swim dedicated to the four-legged members of the family… dogs, just before they close for winter!
Bike hire is available from The Bicycle Hub at Cheltenham Spa Railway Station, and they have parking, or can arrange delivery to where you are staying. Cycling is a great way to explore the town and keeps you active too.
The Cheltenham Montpellier Trail takes you on a circular walk from the Regency style centre of town along the Promenade and through the streets, alleys, parks and gardens. This Trail is 1.5 miles long and should take you about two hours to complete. It is paved and mostly level and includes two sections on footpaths within parks and gardens. Information is also available in the Tourist Information Centre.
Cheltenham is also well known for its festivals – The Music Festival, Literature Festival, Science and Jazz Festival, all include events and activities suitable for children and families, both indoors and out.
Cheltenham is within easy reach of many child-friendly attractions, which include Painswick Rococo Gardens, the historic Gloucester Docks, Prinknash Bird and Deer Park and Cotswold Farm Park, the home of BBC Countryfile presenter Adam Henson.