Sandford Parks Lido - A park-like outdoor area with trees and modern architecture.
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Sandford Parks Lido

4.5
·1k reviews·, United Kingdom

A beloved outdoor lido in Cheltenham offering a large heated pool, a separate baby pool, and a fun slide for all ages.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Summer afternoons

Warmest water temps

CrowdHigh
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Sandford Parks Lido - A park-like outdoor area with trees and modern architecture.

Sandford Parks Lido

Best Time

Summer afternoons

Warmest water temps

CrowdHigh
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A beloved outdoor lido in Cheltenham offering a large heated pool, a separate baby pool, and a fun slide for all ages.

4.5
(1k reviews)

"Fantastic ticket value for the facilities, a beautiful lido and a hidden gem within Cheltenham."

Vertical photo
TIP

🥶 Cold Water Warning

Pool can feel colder than expected, even when 'heated'. Consider a wetsuit!

🎟️ Book Event Tickets Early

Theatre & cinema nights sell out fast. Check the website for registration dates.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Main Pool

The Main Pool

Main Lido Area

A spacious outdoor pool with a section for lane swimming and a fun slide on the open swim side.

Baby Pool

Baby Pool

Dedicated Children's Area

A safe, secluded small pool perfect for babies and very young children to splash and play.

Lido Cafe

Lido Cafe

Adjacent to the Pools

Enjoy affordable hot drinks and lunch with a great view of the swimming action.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Chill (or Not!)

Sandford Parks Lido boasts a heated pool, but reviews suggest it can feel quite cold, especially on warmer evenings. Pack accordingly, and consider a wetsuit if you're sensitive to cooler temperatures. InstagramReddit

Book Ahead for Events

The Lido hosts various events like theatre and cinema nights. Registration for these often opens on specific dates and can sell out quickly. Check their website and book in advance to avoid disappointment. Instagram

Best Times

When
Summer afternoons
Why
Warmest water temps
Crowd
High
When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, lane swimming
Crowd
Low
When
Event evenings
Why
Unique entertainment
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Looking for something to do in Sanford, FL? @Hidden Palms Ranch has scenic horseback riding that was hands down one of the coolest things I’ve done in the Orlando area! We were lucky enough to see the wildflower bloom that only happens once a year! 🐴🌼 @Do Orlando North #orlando #orlandonorth #doorlandonorth #orlandoarea #orlandoflorida #orlandofl #sanfordfl #sanfordflorida #sanford #horsebackridi...
@samanthalongton
17.1K likes • 231.4K views

🥶 Cold Water Warning

Pool can feel colder than expected, even when 'heated'. Consider a wetsuit! InstagramReddit

🎟️ Book Event Tickets Early

Theatre & cinema nights sell out fast. Check the website for registration dates. Instagram

It is so cool and IT IS FREE?!! Please do yourself a favor and put Green Springs Park on your list of things to do in Florida! One of my favorite Florida gems! #florida #floridacheck #hiddengems #hiddengem #alligator #alligators #sanfordfl #orlandoflorida #deltona #thingstodo #PlacesToVisit #travelbucketlist #traveltips #oasis #traveldiaries #usatravel
@followmeaway
15.9K likes • 353.8K views
Two thirds of the swimmers were in skins today, I have so much respect for them! Not me though: wetsuit, thermal gloves and boots, two hats, earplugs and I still needed 4 lengths to acclimatise. I feel bloody awesome now though! 💪🏻🥶🏊🏼 . . #coldwaterswimming #11degrees #lido #coldwater #hangovercure #dryrobe #wetsuit #thermals #sandfordparkslido #swimmer #winterswimming #coldwaterseason
catylouhickey
85 likes • 0 views

💰 Great Value for Money

Fantastic ticket prices for the facilities offered. Reddit

☕ Cozy Cafe Bites

Affordable and tasty food, perfect for post-swim refueling. Reddit

‼️ COMING SOON ‼️ We’re excited to announce our events calendar for next season 🌟 see our website to find out what we’ve got lined up! Registration opens at 10am on Friday 2nd December - set your reminders 😎 If you’re interested in sponsoring an event, please email adam.m@sandfordparkslido.org.uk 🙌🏼 (Please note, tickets for theatre/cinema/music events and the dog swim will be released at a lat...
thelidocheltenham
74 likes • 0 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🥶 Cold Water Warning

Pool can feel colder than expected, even when 'heated'. Consider a wetsuit! InstagramReddit

🎟️ Book Event Tickets Early

Theatre & cinema nights sell out fast. Check the website for registration dates. Instagram

💰 Great Value for Money

Fantastic ticket prices for the facilities offered. Reddit

☕ Cozy Cafe Bites

Affordable and tasty food, perfect for post-swim refueling. Reddit

📱 Waterproof Phone Case

Capture underwater memories safely with a waterproof case. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.5
(1k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Sandford Parks Lido is a beautiful outdoor swimming facility praised for its fantastic value and family-friendly atmosphere, featuring a main pool with a slide and a separate baby pool. While the cafe is affordable and enjoyable, some visitors note that the 'heated' water can be quite cold, and the changing rooms are a bit dated. Despite these minor drawbacks, many still have a great time and consider it a hidden gem. Reddit

"A beautiful lido. It has a really big main pool with half sectioned for lane swimming during the open swim session, so you can still swim. There is a slide on the open part. Great cafe, which is cheap. Fantastic ticket value for the facilities."

Amy Thorman

"Heated pool that definitely did not feel heated, it was freezing!
But good facilities, changing rooms are a bit dated and one of hair dryers in the ladies was broken."

Aditee Soorjonowa

"Cold! Stated by staff and website as heated. To a certain degree yes. But even in the lovely 25 degree evening it was freezing - teeth chattering, goose bump kind. And all in the pool was struggling with it. Pool wasn’t spotless, but grubby. And very poorly maintained changing rooms. I will say we still had a great time regardless but it’s a shame it wasn’t heated more"

Sophie

What People Like

Great value for money
Family-friendly atmosphere
Fun slide and baby pool

What People Dislike

Water can be very cold
Dated changing rooms

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Sandford Parks Lido is located in Cheltenham. You can reach it by car, with parking available nearby, or via public transport. Local buses serve the area, making it accessible for those without a car. Reddit

Yes, there is parking available near the Lido, though it can get busy during peak times. Consider arriving early or using public transport if possible. Reddit

Opening hours vary seasonally and can differ for general swim sessions versus special events. It's best to check the official Sandford Parks Lido website for the most up-to-date information on daily opening times. Instagram

Generally, pets are not allowed inside the Lido facilities to maintain hygiene and safety standards for swimmers. Always check the specific rules on their website before visiting with a pet. Reddit

Yes, Sandford Parks Lido can be a great day trip destination from London. It's about a 2-hour train journey to Cheltenham, and then a short bus or taxi ride to the Lido. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Ticket prices are considered fantastic value for the facilities provided. There are typically different rates for adults, children, and concessions. Check their website for current pricing. Reddit

For general swim sessions, booking in advance is often recommended, especially during busy periods like summer holidays. For special events, advance booking is usually essential as they can sell out. Instagram

Yes, there are usually options for single entry, family passes, and sometimes season tickets. Special events may have separate ticketing. Instagram

Refund policies can vary, especially for pre-booked events. It's advisable to review the terms and conditions on the Sandford Parks Lido website or contact them directly for specific queries regarding refunds. Instagram

Concession tickets are typically available for students, seniors, and sometimes other groups. You may need to present valid ID to qualify for concession rates. Reddit

🎫 🏊 Onsite Experience

The Lido is advertised as having a heated pool, but many visitors report it feels quite cold, even on warm days. Pack accordingly, and be prepared for a bracing swim! InstagramReddit

Facilities include a large main pool with a lane swimming section, a separate baby pool, changing rooms, showers, and a cafe. Some changing rooms are noted as being a bit dated. Reddit

Yes, there is a slide located on the open swim section of the main pool, adding an element of fun for all ages. TikTok

The main pool is for general swimming and lane swimming, while the baby pool is specifically designed for infants and very young children. Reddit

Standard swimwear is fine, but given the reports of cold water, many visitors recommend a wetsuit, thermal gloves, boots, and earplugs for comfort. Instagram

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, there's a great cafe on-site that offers hot drinks, lunch, and snacks at affordable prices, perfect for refueling after a swim. Reddit

The cafe typically serves a range of items including burgers, flatbreads, chips, and hot drinks. It's ideal for a casual meal or a treat. TikTok

Yes, there are plenty of places around the Lido to set up camp and enjoy a picnic. Reddit

While the cafe is available, bringing your own picnic is generally allowed, offering a budget-friendly option. Reddit

The menu often includes options like burgers and flatbreads, which may have vegetarian or vegan variations. It's best to check the current menu at the cafe for specific dietary choices. TikTok

📸 📸 Photography

Yes, you can take photos, but be mindful of other swimmers' privacy. Using a waterproof phone case can be great for capturing underwater shots. Instagram

The main pool area with the slide, the surrounding deck chairs, and the cafe offer good photo opportunities. Capturing the atmosphere of a busy swim session can be very rewarding. Instagram

With a waterproof phone case, you can definitely take underwater photos and videos. This is a fun way to document your swim experience. Instagram

While general photography is allowed, it's important to be respectful of others. Avoid taking intrusive photos, especially of children, without permission. Instagram

A waterproof camera or a smartphone with a waterproof case is ideal for capturing the swimming experience. For general shots, any camera will work, but consider the weather. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Sandford Parks Lido is a fantastic spot for families. The dedicated baby pool is perfect for little ones, while the main pool features a fun slide for older children. You'll find ample space to set up camp and enjoy the day. Reddit

While the water can be chilly, the overall experience is highly rated for its value and family-friendly atmosphere. The separate areas in the main pool cater to both playful splashing and dedicated lane swimming. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

Sandford Parks Lido offers excellent value for money with its affordable ticket prices and cheap cafe options. Reddit It's a great way to enjoy a day out without breaking the bank. Consider bringing your own picnic to save even more on food costs. Reddit

🥶 Cold Water Enthusiasts

For those who love a bracing dip, Sandford Parks Lido is a dream. Despite being advertised as heated, the water temperature is a frequent talking point, often described as refreshingly cold. InstagramReddit

Embrace the chill with a wetsuit, thermal gloves, and earplugs for maximum comfort. Many visitors find the cold water invigorating and a unique part of the Lido experience. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Cold Water Experience

Sandford Parks Lido is known for its outdoor swimming, but the 'heated' water is a frequent topic of discussion. While it's maintained at a certain temperature, many visitors find it bracingly cold, even on sunny days. This has led to a community of dedicated cold-water swimmers who embrace the challenge. InstagramReddit

If you're sensitive to cold, consider visiting during the warmest summer months or opting for a wetsuit, thermal gloves, and earplugs to enhance your comfort. The invigorating chill, however, is part of the unique Lido experience for many, with some even touting it as a 'hangover cure'! Instagram

Despite the water temperature, the overall atmosphere is often described as fantastic, with people enjoying the swim regardless. The key is to manage expectations regarding the 'heated' aspect and prepare accordingly for a refreshing dip. Reddit

Family Fun at the Lido

Sandford Parks Lido is a great destination for families, offering a dedicated baby pool for the youngest visitors and a main pool with a fun slide for older children. The spacious outdoor setting allows families to spread out and enjoy a day of swimming and play. Reddit

Reviewers highlight the separate areas within the main pool, with one half often designated for family play and the other for lane swimming, ensuring everyone can enjoy their preferred activity. The presence of play areas also adds to the family-friendly appeal. Reddit

Parents appreciate the value for money and the overall positive experience, making it a popular choice for a family day out. Packing snacks and drinks is a good idea, or you can utilize the affordable on-site cafe for refreshments. Reddit

Events and Activities

Beyond regular swimming, Sandford Parks Lido hosts a variety of special events throughout the season. These can include open-air theatre performances, cinema screenings, and music events, offering a unique way to experience the Lido after hours. Instagram

It's crucial to note that registration for these events often opens on specific dates and can sell out quickly. Visitors keen on attending should monitor the Lido's official website and social media channels for announcements and booking information. Instagram

These events add significant value to the Lido experience, transforming it from a simple swimming pool into a vibrant community hub for entertainment and culture. Planning ahead is key to securing a spot at these popular gatherings. Instagram

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