Late summer and early autumn can be amazing times to wander around gardens. It’s no longer blazingly hot but there’s still enough sunshine and flowers to make it worthwhile.
Cheltenham has quite a few public gardens to explore and take in and here are our favourite three.
Pittville Park
Cheltenham’s largest ornamental park, Pittville Park opened in 1825 and includes the Pump Room and the lakes. The park is Grade II listed and the Pump Room is Grade I.
The park is divided by Evesham Road, with most people knowing the eastern side better as this is home to the biggest children’s play area and the aviaries. The western side is definitely worth exploring, however, with its fishing lake, tennis courts and skate park.
There’s also lots of free events throughout spring and summer in Pittville Park.
Sandford Park
Sandford Park, located as it is at the end of Cheltenham’s High Street, is known to many as a pleasant route to and from work and for peaceful lunchbreaks.
The recreational part of Sandford Park is across College Road has a large children’s play area and is popular with people looking to enjoy picnics and outdoor games.
Then there’s the ornamental side of the park, which is divided into three parts, with a fountain, seating and landscaped flower beds which offer some amazing summertime displays.
Sandford Park also has a community garden which features herbs and other edible plants so visitors can help themselves.
Montpellier Gardens
Montpellier Gardens lie at the top of Montpellier and the Promenade, providing a verdant opening to the town centre.
Montpellier Gardens are at the top of Montpellier and The Promenade and they’re a big part of Cheltenham’s Regency heritage. Lots of the surrounding buildings are Grade I and Montpellier Gardens are part of Cheltenham Central Conservation Area, which is one of the UK’s largest at 600 hectares.
Park facilities include tennis courts, a cafe, a toddler’s play area and a bandstand and Montpellier Gardens also hosts Cheltenham’s various festivals, such as the jazz, food and science festivals, throughout the year.
