Autumn reflections in the Lower Lake

Welcome to Pittville Park.

The pleasure grounds that were opened in the 1820s, crowned by the magnificent Pump Room, were the forerunner of today’s Pittville Park, which is the largest park in Cheltenham and has a grade 2 listing under the English Heritage register of historic parks and gardens. In 2016 it was awarded Green Flag and Green Heritage Site status and is the only park in Gloucestershire to hold the prestigious Green Heritage award.

Friends of Pittville have helped Cheltenham Borough Council to produce a 10 year plan for the Park.

Download a document providing general information about visiting Pittville Park

Click here to download a colour plan to help you find your way around

The East Side

View of the bridge

The eastern section of the Park was created in the 1820s by Joseph Pitt as the centrepiece of his Pittville estate, providing a private area of “walks and rides” for residents of the estate and visitors to the Pump Room. The Park contains 44 acres of parkland, including an ornamental lake with elegant bridges and a wide variety of trees.

Download Pittville Park self-guided tree walk 2019

Download  Pittville Lawn self-guided tree walk

The Park was originally a private facility until the 1890s when ownership was transferred to Cheltenham Borough Council.

The building situated on Central Cross Drive,  dates from 1903 and was originally the entrance lodge to the park.  This was where visitors had to pay for their admission until charges were abolished in 1954.  It now houses the award-winning Central Cross Café and retains many original features, including the spa tap from a small spa called Essex Lodge which occupied an adjacent site in the 1820s.

Download a guide to the east side of the park

The West Side

Warm_spring_sunshine_brings_out_visitors

The west side of the present-day park was not part of the original Pittville Estate but was opened as a public pleasure ground in 1894. It has a more informal layout with some areas of woodland, and includes the Boating (or Lower) Lake and the Boathouse Café. Boats can be hired, and angling, golf, tennis and skateboarding are available.

Download a guide to the west side of the park

Some helpful information

Refreshments:  They are available across the park;  The East side currently has three options to choose from.  One is immediately beside the Pump Room called – The Heritage Café. Another is adjacent to the play area and called The Kiosk.  The third, located in Central Park Drive is  Central Park Café.  The West Side has one offering provided by The Boathouse which is situated at the eastern end of the Boating(Lower) Lake.

Toilet Facilities:  There are public conveniences in 2 locations.  Firstly a block beside the play area, opposite The Kiosk, which has disabled facilities.  The second block is located behind the pump room in its car park area.

Car Parking:  There is paid parking available behind the pump room and access can be gained via East Approach Drive.  Also Portland Street Carpark is on Evesham Road some 10 minutes walk from the park heading south.  A small number of spaces for free parking is normally available in Albemarle Gate carpark (however during 2024 this is closed due to public works).  Other free parking alternatives can be found kerbside on Pittville Lawn and other local streets however they are time-limited and frequently monitored so make sure you read the public notices carefully or you will risk a parking fine!

In the event of a health emergency there are defibrillators housed:

in the former GPO red telephone box on Central Cross Drive outside the Scout Hut and a second on the wall of the Kiosk next to the sales window adjacent to the play area.