Cheltenham might be best known for its Regency buildings and bustling festivals, but there are so many brilliant outdoor spaces across the town too.
This summer, SoGlos has teamed up with Active Gloucestershire to round up some of the very best places to enjoy the great outdoors in Cheltenham.
Many outdoor spaces and activities are free to access, but we have also highlighted where sports and events are cheaper to access with windows for free entry or reduced rates for little ones.
Cycle, scoot or get creative on the Honeybourne Line
The Honeybourne Line stretches from Cheltenham Spa Railway Station all the way to the Prince of Wales Stadium near Pittville Park, offering a traffic-free route that's ideal for walking, cycling, scooting and family adventures.
Along the way, little ones can take inspiration from the colourful street art and get creative with some chalk drawings of their own, while older children can enjoy a bike ride or scooter challenge. The Honeybourne's flat pathways make it one of Cheltenham's most accessible routes for families to spend time together in the fresh air.
Go wildlife watching at Crickley Hill Country Park
With panoramic views across Cheltenham and more than 1,300 recorded species, Crickley Hill Country Park is one of the best places in the area to reconnect with nature.
Keep an eye out for birds of prey soaring overhead, butterflies fluttering through wildflower meadows, and other animals and insects hidden among its rolling hills.
Families can turn a visit into a wildlife-spotting challenge, while walkers, cyclists and dog owners can enjoy the network of trails and public bridleways.
Enjoy a family afternoon at Hatherley Park
Combining open green spaces, a play area, sports facilities and a peaceful lake, Hatherley Park offers plenty of ways to spend a few hours outdoors.
Challenge friends to a game of basketball on the free-to-use court, let younger children tackle the play equipment or bring a picnic and enjoy the surroundings. Often quieter than some of Cheltenham's larger parks, it's also a great place to relax and watch the ducks glide across the water.
Try the outdoor gym and skatepark at Bishop's Cleeve Parish Sports Field
Whether you or your kids are hoping to master a new skateboard trick, improve scooter skills or enjoy some free outdoor fitness, Bishop's Cleeve Parish Sports Field offers plenty of ways to get moving.
Its free-to-use skate park and pump track make it a popular destination for children and teenagers, while the outdoor gym equipment provides an easy way for adults to add a workout into their visit.
Pack a picnic, challenge each other to try something new and make a day of it at one of Cheltenham's best free community spaces.
Explore Cox's Meadow by bike
With flat, easy-to-follow paths weaving through wetlands and wildflower-rich grassland, Cox's Meadow is the ideal place for cyclists of all ages and abilities.
Whether introducing children to cycling or looking for a gentle ride surrounded by nature, the routes provide a peaceful escape from busy roads. Afterwards, reward yourself with a coffee, cold drink or light bite at the Meadow Cafe.
Try one of Britain's fastest-growing sports at Pittville Park
Pickleball is rapidly growing in popularity across the UK and Pittville Park is a great place to give it a go. Combining elements of tennis, badminton and table tennis, it's easy for beginners to learn and is suitable for a wide range of ages.
Visitors can pick up a racket and find out more information at the Boathouse, before exploring everything else the park has to offer – from boating on the lake to scenic walks beneath its mature trees.
Cool off at Cheltenham Lido
When temperatures rise, few places are more inviting than Cheltenham Lido. Whether you're aiming for a new personal best in the main pool, enjoying a leisurely swim or relaxing beside the water, the popular outdoor venue provides a refreshing way to spend a summer's day.
Younger children can make the most of the dedicated children's pool, while concessionary and family ticket options help to make visits more affordable.
Find the old sheep wash at Cleeve Hill
Cleeve Hill is a great spot to catch the sunrise or sunset, watch grazing sheep or even find some pockets of history.
Follow one of its many walking trails and see if you can find the old sheep wash pool and learn about its story. Pack a picnic or stop off at the golf clubhouse for refreshments while taking in the scenery.
Get involved in community gardening
Getting out in your own garden is a great way to enjoy fresh air and sunshine, but there are also other ways you can get involved in gardening if you don't have your own space, or want to meet new, like-minded people with the same passion.
Find your green thumb and take part in a spot of gardening across the town with one of Cheltenham's own gardening groups, like not-for-profit growers Cheltenham Is Growing.
Enjoy the mindfulness of planting fruits and vegetables and support the community as you grow.
Have a moment of calm by Dowdeswell Reservoir
Dowdeswell Reservoir on the outskirts of Cheltenham offers one of the most peaceful places to escape into nature. Its waterside paths and woodland trails provide the perfect setting for a gentle stroll, while the surrounding landscape is home to a variety of birds, wildflowers and wildlife.
Whether you're looking for a quiet walk, a moment of calm or simply somewhere different to explore, it's one of the area's most tranquil outdoor destinations.
