Parks & Gardens in Cheltenham

Cheltenham may be a town, but it is blessed with some of the most stunning parks and gardens around, giving us a green and leafy reputation, particularly when combined with our tree-lined Promenades. Cheltenham also boasts fantastic views, a lido and easy access to tour many of the quintessentially English Cotswold villages.

Pittville Park

Opened in 1825, Pittville Park is the largest ornamental park in Cheltenham and features the magnificent Pump Room and lakes. This park is given a grade two listing under the English Heritage register of historic parks and gardens, with the Pump Room listed as a grade one historic building.

In 2016 it became the first and only park in the county to win the Green Heritage Award, which it has held on to again in 2024. The accreditation recognises parks that have a national or local historic importance, have reached a condition of very high standard, and have achieved a Green Flag Award – which Pittville Park was also awarded at the same time. In 2024 seven green spaces were accredited with the Green Flag in Cheltenham including Pittville Park, Montpellier Gardens, and Naunton Park.

Pittville Park is divided in two by Evesham Road. Most people are familiar with the eastern side of the park, which is overlooked by Pittville Pump Room, and home to the main children's play area and the aviaries where you'll find birds and bunnies. However, to the west of Evesham Road lies the much larger western park with its more natural layout and small areas of woodland. Here you will find the larger 'lower lake' where you can fish during the fishing season, and there is a smaller children's play area along with tennis courts, a pitch and putt golf course and a skate park.

Many free events take place in the park throughout the spring and summer.

Sandford Park

Situated at the end of the High Street, Sandford Park is well used by many as a pleasant route to work, or for quiet lunch breaks in the sun. The recreational side of the park, across College Road and adjacent to Sandford Parks Lido, is popular for picnics and games, and also has a large play area and toilets. The ornamental side of the park is divided into three sections. The main part houses a fountain with seating, landscaped beds, and stunning flower displays in the summer months.

The Annecy Gardens, named after one of Cheltenham's twin towns, are to the north side of the park, and the Italian Gardens, complete with sunken pool and fountains, lie to the west. There is even a community garden with herbs and edible plants growing, with encouragement to help yourself, and informative plaques next to each of the plants.

Imperial Gardens

Imperial Gardens are a prominent feature of the Promenade, with landscaped lawns and stunning flowerbeds in bloom. They provide a beautiful backdrop for the Town Hall and were originally planted for the exclusive use of the subscribers to the Sherborne Spa. The spa was constructed in 1818 on the site now occupied by the Queens Hotel. 

Each year, approximately 25,000 bedding plants are used to produce the magnificent floral displays enjoyed by thousands of visitors every year, but at whatever time of year, this well-tended area is decorated in an attractive array of seasonal colour.

Montpellier Gardens

Montpellier Gardens lie at the top of Montpellier and the Promenade, providing a verdant opening to the town centre. They face the stunning Montpellier Shopping District and are an important part of Cheltenham's regency landscape. Many of the buildings surrounding the gardens are listed grade one and the gardens are part of the Cheltenham Central Conservation Area which, at over 600 hectares, is one of the largest in the country.

The park facilities offer toilets, a cafe, tennis courts and a toddlers' play area as well as a large section used for promenading, sitting, and informal children's play. The bandstand on the broadwalk has regular concerts during the summer months and the Gardens are used as a venue to support the town’s many festivals including the Literature, Jazz, Science and Music Festivals. You will also find the outdoor Gardens Gallery at the edge of the gardens.

Sandford Parks Lido

The nostalgic outdoor lido is a great day out in the heart of Cheltenham. A children's paradise, it offers slides, a children's pool and a paddling pool. There is also a 50m pool used by many adults as a popular as a place to train, with two lanes reserved most days for lane swimming.

Throughout the summer, as well as playing host to a wide range of aquatic events, you can also enjoy outdoor cinema screenings and theatre, as well as early morning and evening activities, and a very popular autumn dog swim just before the lido closes for the winter! This fantastic facility is the envy of many resorts and is well worth a visit!