Sandford Park
🏟 Playground & park · Town Centre, Cheltenham
Sandford Park
A hidden town-centre treasure at the south end of the High Street, with a large play area, ornamental gardens, cascade pools and the River Chelt.
🕑 Opening & entry
🌱 Open daily, dawn to dusk · Free · No booking needed
📍 Location & directions
🗺️ Show map ▾
Address: College Road, Cheltenham, GL50 1DZ
Plus Code: 9C3VVWWJ+P2
About Sandford Park
Situated at the south end of the High Street, Sandford Park is one of Cheltenham's lesser known treasures. The park sits on either side of College Road: one side holds beautiful ornamental gardens with a fountain and seating, landscaped beds, cascade pools and the River Chelt flowing through, while the recreational side offers a large children's play area along with youth and adult play facilities. Families will also find table tennis, a boules court and fitness equipment, some of it accessible. Elsewhere in the park are the Annecy Gardens, the Italian Gardens with a sunken pool, and the quiet Sanctuary Garden. Seasonal toilets are available during the summer, and a cafe is due to open in summer 2026. Dogs must be kept on leads in the ornamental section. Limited on-street parking can be found along College Road, and accessible paths run throughout the park. With its mix of Regency-style ornamental planting, riverside water features and family play, Sandford Park is a peaceful retreat moments from the busy High Street. Entry is free.
⭐ What makes this place special
- table tennis
- boules court
- fitness equipment
- ornamental gardens
- River Chelt cascade pools
- Italian Gardens
🏞 Facilities
- Free entry
- Toilets on site
- Accessibility: Accessible paths throughout; accessible fitness units available
- Dogs: Must be kept on leads in the ornamental section
🧒 Ages & play
- large children's play area
- youth play equipment
📍 Nearby places to play
- Montpellier Gardens · approx 0.5 miles · Montpellier
- Whaddon Recreation Ground · approx 0.7 miles · Whaddon
- Naunton Park · approx 0.8 miles · Naunton Park
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❓ Frequently asked questions
Is Sandford Park free to visit?
Yes. Sandford Park and its play area are free to enter and open to the public.
What play facilities does Sandford Park have?
There is a large children's play area plus youth and adult play facilities, along with table tennis, a boules court and fitness equipment.
Are there toilets at Sandford Park?
Yes, seasonal toilets are available during the summer.
Can I bring my dog to Sandford Park?
Yes, but dogs must be kept on leads in the ornamental section of the park.
Is there parking at Sandford Park?
There is limited on-street parking available along College Road.