When the sun comes out in Cheltenham, there’s one place families flock to faster than you can say “where are the goggles?” - Cheltenham Lido.

Tucked away in beautiful Sandford Park, this much-loved outdoor pool feels more like a mini holiday than a trip to the local swimming baths. Think heated water, giant inflatables, grassy picnic spots, art deco vibes and kids splashing around for hours while parents soak up the sunshine.

At the heart of it all is the iconic 50-metre heated outdoor pool - one of the largest outdoor pools in the UK - with loads of space for family swims, serious lengths and energetic cannonballs. Younger children will love the dedicated children’s pool, paddling area and slides, while older kids can tackle the aqua inflatable during special sessions.

There’s plenty more to enjoy beyond the pool too. Families can spread out across the beautiful gardens, grab lunch from the café, enjoy an ice cream in the sunshine or simply relax while the kids burn off energy in the water.

The whole place has a relaxed, holiday atmosphere that makes it feel like a proper summer treat - even if you’re only there for a couple of hours.

And because the water is heated, it’s surprisingly enjoyable even when the British weather isn’t quite giving “Mediterranean getaway”.

Good to know

• Location: Keynsham Road, Cheltenham, GL53 7PU
• Season: Usually open from spring through to autumn, with some winter swimming sessions too
• Pool: 50m heated outdoor pool plus children’s pool and paddling pool
• Facilities: Café, changing rooms, toilets and picnic areas

Perfect for sunny days, school holiday adventures and those moments when everyone just needs to cool off and have fun together.