Sandford Parks Lido — Attraction in Cheltenham

Went here on 30/06/2025 and I won’t be in a hurry to go back.

Firstly the organisation and set up of the whole place was disgraceful and really needs some work.

To start with the parking was non existent due to the sheer volume of cars fighting for spaces. There was no one controlling the fact people were parking at the location and going else where. There’s no drop off or pick up points resulting in cars just stopping in random places in the car park and then causing a backlog of cars who are unable to pass.

Despite booking and being there before our session time the que was still extremely long resulting in us missing 20-30minutes of our session time.

The showers and toilets were so unclean and unhygienic. There was a constant smell of urine and stagnant water with no one monitoring them or actively cleaning them. Taps were left running and there was no soap in the dispenser’s. The toilets themselves were also layered with water as was the floors. When the location is as busy as what it is on hot days there should be someone actively mopping the floors and cleaning the toilets due to people using the facilities whilst wet.

The changing rooms and showers are so dated and again just genuinely unclean and poorly maintained.

The cafe was again dated, unclean, messy and so badly run and organised. There was a continuous queue throughout the day with people not knowing where to stand or which way to go. They need to install clear signs and arrows to get people to stand in certain areas or locations depending on what they are waiting for, as well as adding clear signs and advertising to show exactly what the various hatches are for and what is on offer.

No one was going round cleaning any parts of the cafe or tidying and wiping the used tables and areas. Resulting in chairs being left out all over the place.

I think there’s a simple fact that they clearly don’t have enough people working in the cafe! Having ordered just chips we waited 30 minutes!

I was also mortified to see that the young girl serving on the collection point at approximately 13:30ish that day was playing around with the sausages she was placing in the buns, wiggling them around with her hands pretending they were snakes as entertainment to her nearby colleague. Those hot dogs were then served to someone shortly after. I dread to think what the kitchen itself is like if you’ve got staff messing around with customer's food right in-front of them.

The kids pool / areas are so boring and uninteresting for young children. Colourful markings on the floor, paintings, mythical creatures, pirate themes, anything really could make it more appealing for children. Why not consider installing another area in the children’s section which is a proper water section for the children to play in, to include slides, fountain’s, tunnels, sensory items. Consider doing research and looking at the children’s pools at places like center parcs which have amazing children’s pools.

On the way out we noticed by chance a small serving hatch which was selling cold drinks and some ice creams as well. Why is this not advertised properly with big signage above the hatch and made to look enticing? It’s again another money making opportunity wasted and if used well it could take some pressure off the cafe.

There also needs to be just a drinks hatch which doesn’t have a long queue. When it’s extremely hot you want to be encouraging people to purchase drinks and stay hydrated not making them wait in long lines and increasing the risk of heatstroke and or dehydration.

The lido also has a side / back entrance onto Sandford park, why not make use of that? Drop off entrance? Walk ins entrance? Entrance for people who walked or cycled? I’m sure whatever it was to get used for would ultimately take pressure off the main entrance.

Cheltenham lido could be so much better if someone running it was clued up enough to recognise what needs changing. I understand money restraints etc but some of what I have mentioned can be achieved with limited or even no...

I am giving 4 star as I think some areas need improving. The main pool is perfect as always. I haven’t been to the Lido in 7 years, and I used to go to the lido for days out in the 90s. The changing rooms don’t seem to have been refurbished since then, I understand how funding has a factor but the smell of pee wasn’t pleasant. It was also awkward to change my baby in the cubicles. Lots of people probably shower at home because of the state of the changing facilities.

It was a hot day at 29 degrees, however the kids pool was over flowing with kids jumping on from all angles (kids being kids)and the lifeguards didn’t seem to take much notice. The hygiene of the pool didn’t feel great either. So I would probably give the kids pool a miss until she is a bit older. We both ended up with diarrhoea today and I am sure it’s from swimming in...

Absolutely loved it. Great place to go when the sun is out and there a parking facilities which do require a small parking charge. Brilliant friendly staff and trained lifeguards around the pool. There are onsite toilets, shower rooms and changing rooms located near the front of the building and a small but busy cafe towards the rear serving breakfast until noon Inc hot breakfast and snacks throughout the day. We had hotdogs, burgers and chips and the prices range from £2 - £4.50 depending on what you wish to have. They also have ice cream available in a variety of flavours. The cleanliness of the park is great and the pool water is heated too which is nice as it I found it easier to get in and out without worrying about the temp difference (I don't like being cold). Apart from that it's a fantastic day out and don't forget...