Pittville Pump Room — Attraction in Cheltenham

Another one of Cheltenham's beautiful buildings. They started building it in 1825 and stopped in 1830. It has those marvelous stone pillars outside and it looks out upon Pittville Park. Inside there is the old pump which still draws the Spa Water out from the spring and you can have a free cup of it. (I say at your peril. In 1960 something I tried it when we did a school trip and it was dreadful. Maybe I'd think differently if I tried it now. But at the time I thought 'never again' - and that's how it has stayed for around 50 years). The whole place is pretty impressive. The domed roof is something if you like old architecture. But then so is much of Cheltenham as it is an old place. It also houses a ballroom on its ground floor. Columns support a gallery under a dome from which music can be performed. There are the occasional music shows but they are usually classical or chamber music. Even the Cheltenham Philharmonic Orchestra plays there occasionally. It is not limited to just classical music though. Check the Cheltenham Town Hall website to see what's on at this place. Not a lot of rock music- this is Cheltenham you know. But quiet a varied calendar of events. Just a bit of history to end on. Pittville was a development by Joseph Pitt. The architect who designed the pump room was John Forbes. A local man who also designed St Paul's Church, Parts of Imperial Square, The Promenade and all of Montpellier Villas. All of which are still...

Truely stunning inside and out! Attended the Wine Festival here, hosted by the Rotary Club, an event for Prostrate Cancer charity. It's perfect for small to mid sized events. The main hall is breathtaking. The ceiling is guilded with rosettes painted in historic colours and the sheer hight of the ceiling up to the dome commands your attention. The bathrooms are very modern and there is a nice bar available. Outside, the views downhill towards Pitville Park and the town centre beyond are absolutely amazing. You must stop and take time to take it all in for a few minutes. There is no designated parking that I know of for the venue. However, if you allow yourself enough time you can pretty easily find a street spot on along the outlying streets with up to 4 hours parking. Then enjoy a lovely stroll through the park as you make your way to the pump rooms. After reading other reviews, I'm very glad to have attended the festival as I understand this venue is not usually open to the general public. If you come across an opportunity to attend an event here I highly recommend accepting...

We used the Pump room on several occasions whilst staying locally. It is a great place to get a coffee, sandwhich or pasty. Drinks are well priced and food is reasonable too. Seating can be reduced or changed when there is a wedding taking place as no tables are allowed at the front of the building. Toilets are available here as is parking. We did have one bad experience where on a wet day some other customers moved tables around and broke social distancing rules as they were practically sitting on our knee - this is a reflection of that customer not the pump room or its staff. On that...