Cheltenham has many parks and green spaces for people, their pets and local wildlife to use and enjoy. One of the things visitors to Cheltenham notice is the abundance of green spaces and open air facilities and if you’re new to the town, you’ll have a lot of fun exploring the 600-plus acres of parks.
Here’s four of our favourite green spaces for you to discover.
Pittville Park
Opened to the public back in 1825, Pittville Park is Cheltenham’s largest park and features a canal, a lake, lots of tea rooms and cafes, as well as the Grade 1 listed Pittville Pump Room.
The Pump Room is where you can find the spa waters that made Cheltenham famous in the 18th century. A few times a year you can go in and sample them – but be warned, they’re pretty gross!
If you don’t fancy braving the waters, you can head to the play park with its aviaries and rabbit enclosures, before relaxing at the Boathouse Cafe..
Montpellier Gardens
Montpellier Gardens isn’t quite as grand or imposing at Pittville park but it’s home to many of Cheltenham’s free festivals, so if you’re around when there’s a festival on, you’re in luck.
In between festivals, Montpellier is a quiet and sedate sort of place where you can stroll around, take in the air and maybe sit and read a good book before getting an ice cream from The Garden Cafe.
The Imperial Gardens
Located in the town centre near to The Promenade, The Imperial Gardens are another must-see when you’re in Cheltenham, especially if you’re a botanical fan.
You’ll find that these gardens are so well looked after that you’ll be able to see flower displays as late as autumn or winter. More than 25,000 flowers are planted every year here.
As well as the multitude of blooms, The Imperial Gardens offer visitors the chance to see some of Cheltenham’s best Regency architecture. The gardens also host some of the town’s festivals throughout the year.
Sandford Park
Sandford Park is often overlooked by the throngs, which makes it a quiet little refuge for anyone looking to chill for a while.
The park has three main areas within the ornamental gardens, with lots of quiet seats, a fountain and even some herbs for you to pick. There’s also the Sanford Parks Lido which offers lane swimming in the summer and adult dog swimming in the autumn before the lido closes for winter.
