Discover Cheltenham’s parks, gardens, hills and wild landscapes
Cheltenham may be famous for its Regency architecture and cultural festivals, but it’s also one of the greenest towns in England. With seven Green Flag Award-winning parks, nature reserves teeming with wildlife, and direct access to the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), the Festival Town is the perfect base for outdoor adventures.
Award-winning Green Flag parks
Cheltenham’s parks aren’t just loved locally — they’re officially some of the best in the country. Seven parks once again in 2025 retained their prestigious Green Flag Awards, celebrating beautifully maintained green spaces for everyone to enjoy. Pittville Park also achieved the Green Heritage Site Accreditation, supported by Historic England, for the management of its historic features.
Seven Green Flag parks in Cheltenham at a glance
Pittville Park – Cheltenham’s largest park with a boating lake, aviaries, children’s play areas and the historic Pump Room.
Montpellier Gardens – A leafy hub for festivals, al fresco dining, and relaxed strolls.
Sandford Park – Ornamental gardens, water features and peaceful walking paths.
Hatherley Park – A neighbourhood favourite with gardens, play areas and a duck pond.
Naunton Park – Community-focused green space with sports facilities and a playground.
Springfields Park – Smaller but charming, with open lawns and mature trees.
Winston Churchill Memorial Gardens - Asmall urban park discreetly tucked behind the Lower High Street shops with formal rose garden and pergola.
Nature reserves and wild spaces
Cheltenham is surrounded by Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs), nature reserves, and conservation areas managed by the National Trust, Woodland Trust, and Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust. These spaces offer a chance to explore wildflower meadows, ancient woodland, and thriving habitats for butterflies, birds and mammals.
Highlights include:
Cox’s Meadow – Near Sandford Lido, this flood meadow is a haven for wildlife with an accessible walking loop.
Griffiths Avenue Nature Reserve – Two meadows rich in wildflowers, home to over 15 butterfly species.
Pilley Bridge Nature Reserve – A 1km stretch along a former railway line, filled with native flora and fauna.
Cotswold hills and panoramic views
Cheltenham sits in a valley, flanked by the dramatic escarpments of the Cotswolds. The hills not only offer incredible views but also provide some of the area’s best walking and cycling routes.
Cleeve Hill – The highest point in the Cotswolds, with views across to the Malverns and South Wales. Home to a golf course and free-roaming sheep in summer.
Leckhampton Hill – Known for the striking rock formation of the Devil’s Chimney and a mix of mountain biking trails and walking routes.
Crickley Hill – Managed by the National Trust, with Iron Age hill fort remains, scenic trails, a café, and picnic areas.
Beyond Cheltenham – nearby outdoor gems
Within a short drive, you’ll find even more outdoor wonders:
The Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust at Slimbridge – Over 800 hectares (2,000 acres) of wetland habitat, home to thousands of birds and family-friendly attractions like Welly Boot Land.
Westonbirt Arboretum and Batsford Arboretum – World-class tree collections that are stunning year-round.
Painswick Rococo Garden – A unique historic garden with seasonal displays and beautiful woodland walks.
Walking, cycling and outdoor adventures
Whether you’re tackling the nearby Cotswold Way, enjoying a gentle cycle through Cheltenham Racecourse or along the traffic free Honeybourne Line, or exploring Cheltenham’s many green spaces, the town is perfect for lovers of the outdoors. You’re never far from a park in the centre or wide open countryside just beyond.
