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

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Warmest water temps
Sandford Parks Lido
Best Time
Warmest water temps

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.
"Fantastic ticket value for the facilities, a beautiful lido and a hidden gem within Cheltenham."
🥶 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.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

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
Dedicated Children's Area
A safe, secluded small pool perfect for babies and very young children to splash and play.

Lido Cafe
Adjacent to the Pools
Enjoy affordable hot drinks and lunch with a great view of the swimming action.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Chill (or Not!)
Book Ahead for Events
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🥶 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.
💰 Great Value for Money
Fantastic ticket prices for the facilities offered.
☕ Cozy Cafe Bites
Affordable and tasty food, perfect for post-swim refueling.
Tips
from all over the internet
🥶 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.
💰 Great Value for Money
Fantastic ticket prices for the facilities offered.
☕ Cozy Cafe Bites
Affordable and tasty food, perfect for post-swim refueling.
📱 Waterproof Phone Case
Capture underwater memories safely with a waterproof case.
What Travellers Say
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.
"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
What People Dislike
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
🎫 🎫 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.
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.
Yes, there are usually options for single entry, family passes, and sometimes season tickets. Special events may have separate ticketing.
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.
Concession tickets are typically available for students, seniors, and sometimes other groups. You may need to present valid ID to qualify for concession rates.
🎫 🏊 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!
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.
Yes, there is a slide located on the open swim section of the main pool, adding an element of fun for all ages.
The main pool is for general swimming and lane swimming, while the baby pool is specifically designed for infants and very young children.
Standard swimwear is fine, but given the reports of cold water, many visitors recommend a wetsuit, thermal gloves, boots, and earplugs for comfort.
🍽️ 🍽️ 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.
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.
Yes, there are plenty of places around the Lido to set up camp and enjoy a picnic.
While the cafe is available, bringing your own picnic is generally allowed, offering a budget-friendly option.
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.
📸 📸 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.
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.
With a waterproof phone case, you can definitely take underwater photos and videos. This is a fun way to document your swim experience.
While general photography is allowed, it's important to be respectful of others. Avoid taking intrusive photos, especially of children, without permission.
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.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
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.
💰 Budget Travelers
🥶 Cold Water Enthusiasts
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.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Cold Water Experience
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'!
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.
Family Fun at the Lido
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.
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.
Events and Activities
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.
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.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit