Green, grand and gloriously Regency – Cheltenham’s parks and gardens are part of what makes our town so special.
Cheltenham may be famous for its beautiful Regency buildings, horse racing and festivals but it’s equally celebrated for its leafy promenades, award-winning parks, and elegant gardens. With seven Green Flag award-winning green spaces and the Cotswolds on our doorstep, it’s the perfect location to enjoy nature.
From a historic park with grand Pump Room to ornamental gardens, a lido, and family play areas, Cheltenham’s green spaces offer something for everyone – whether you’re here for a picnic, a festival, a peaceful stroll, or just some fresh air.
Pittville Park – heritage and family fun
Opened in 1825, Pittville Park is Cheltenham’s largest ornamental park and home to the magnificent Grade I listed Pittville Pump Room. The park itself is a Grade II listed historic landscape and the first in Gloucestershire to win the Green Heritage Award, recognising its exceptional care and national importance.
It’s also one of seven Cheltenham parks to hold a Green Flag Award, alongside Montpellier Gardens and Naunton Park.
The park is split by Evesham Road:
- Eastern side – Overlooked by the Pump Room, this area has a huge children’s play area with sand and water play area, an aviary, duck pond and ornamental gardens.
- Western side – A more natural layout with woodland, a boating lake (open for fishing in season), tennis courts, a skate park, basketball court and a pitch-and-putt course.
In summer and at Christmas the park hosts free outdoor events and activities – perfect for a family day out.
Sandford Park – riverside charm and Italian gardens
At the end of the High Street, Sandford Park is a tranquil green space loved by locals. Its ornamental section features colourful flowerbeds, fountains, and Annecy Gardens (named after Cheltenham’s twin town). The Italian Gardens offer a sunken pool and fountains, creating a serene setting.
Across College Road, the recreational side is perfect for picnics, outdoor games, and family fun. With a play area, toilets, and its location next to Cheltenham Lido, it’s ideal for a sunny afternoon.
Imperial Gardens – a festival favourite
Set just behind the Promenade, Imperial Gardens are a striking Regency landscape and a key location for Cheltenham’s famous festivals.
Originally planted for the exclusive use of spa visitors in the early 1800s, the gardens now delight visitors with over 25,000 bedding plants each year. In summer, they burst into colour, while in autumn and winter, they offer a peaceful green escape in the heart of town.
Montpellier Gardens – elegance at the heart of town
At the top of Montpellier and the Promenade, Montpellier Gardens form a leafy gateway to the town centre, surrounded by Grade I listed architecture.
Facilities include a café, toilets, tennis courts, a toddler play area, skate boarding park and plenty of space for strolling and relaxing. The bandstand hosts summer concerts, and the gardens serve as the Festival Village for the Cheltenham Literature and Jazz Festivals. The Gardens Gallery, located at the edge of the park, showcases local artists’ work.
Cheltenham Lido – outdoor swimming in style
An unmissable summer highlight, Cheltenham Lido is a 1930s open-air swimming pool that’s as nostalgic as it is refreshing.
Set in four acres of beautifully kept grounds, the facilities include a 50m main pool (with dedicated lanes for serious swimmers), a children’s pool, slides, and spacious lawns for sunbathing.
Beyond swimming, the lido hosts outdoor cinema, theatre, early morning swims, an autumn dog swim before closing for winter and a Christmas Day swim. It’s a unique experience that rivals many coastal resorts – right near the centre of town, next to Sandford Park.
