FAQ’S
We are here to answer any questions you may have
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Parking
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Do you have Disabled Spaces?
We have 7 Disabled spaces, 2 of which are EV chargers.
As the car park is ANPR you must pay for parking.
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Is there parking onsite?
We have a large car park suitable for over 163 cars which sits directly outside of the Lido. There are 8 EV chargers ( 2 which are located in the disabled bays).
Parking fees start at £2.20 Both coins and cards are accepted and you can also pay by phone. It’s a great location if you are using the hospital, local parks or walking into Cheltenham Town Centre.
Where possible, we encourage that you walk or cycle to the Lido. Thank you for your patience and understanding.
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What if I forget to pay for parking?
Please speak to reception and we will do our very best to help you or email admin@cheltenhamlido.co.uk
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Is parking included in the entrance fee?
No, please pay for your parking at the machine before you exit the car park. The camera system will have recorded your entrance time and the machine will advise the relevant fee.
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I am a Blue Badge Holder, do I need to pay for parking?
The car park is monitored by ANPR cameras, which means you will be required to pay for parking.
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Do you have Disabled Spaces?
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Entrance Policy
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Session Entry Prices
Adult – £8.20
Concession (Income Based- Proof Required) £5.50
Concession ( Age / Health Based) £5.80
Family of 2 ( 1 Adult, 1 Child) – £9.00
Family of 3 (2 Adults, 1 Child) – £15.50
Family of 4 ( 2 Adults, 2 Children) £18.50
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Do you have lost property?
Items that are found at the end of the session will be kept for 2 weeks, after this they are sent to charity.
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Can I borrow goggles from lost property?
No, unfortunately we are unable to do this, however, you can purchase from reception.
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Is the pool heated
During the summer season the we aim to maintain the main pool temperature at 24 degrees and the children’s pool to 30 degrees.
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Can I use snorkels in the pool?
Swim training snorkels are allowed but only in the lanes and not in the free swim section of the pool.
We do not allow the use of general snorkels and masks in the pool.
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Session Entry Prices
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Refunds
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Do you have a refund policy if I am unable to use the pool?
Refunds are not permitted on swim entry tickets. You will be able to transfer your swim to an alternative day or time if you have given 24 hours notice.
If you need assistance please email admin@sandfordparkslido.org.uk
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Do you have a refund policy if I am unable to use the pool?
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Hot Day Protocol
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Do you close when there is a thunderstorm?
Unfortunately during a thunderstorm, we are required to close the pool for 30 minutes after ever clatter of thunder.
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How are queues managed on busy hot days?
We have four queues available;
- One season ticket holders, who have booked,
- One for paying customers who have booked,
- One for Season ticket holders who have not booked
- One for paying customers who have not booked
We allow all those who have booked onto site first and then we will allow entry to others customers who have not booked onto site.
If we have hit site capacity, we will move to a 1-out-1-in scenario.
*Please note Season Ticket holders who have not booked will get priority entry*
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Do you close when there is a thunderstorm?
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The wait is almost over… cold water swimming is BACK! ❄️💙
Our 2026/27 cold water swimming timetable has arrived, and we’re looking forward to welcoming our winter swimmers back to the Lido from Saturday 24 October!
Whether you’re a familiar face returning for another season or thinking about taking your very first cold-water dip, there’s a place for you in our winter swimming community.
Before we take the plunge, here are a few things to know! 👇🏻
❄️ New to cold water swimming?
Our Cold Water Swimming Inductions with Laura are a great starting point if you’re curious but haven’t tried it before. Learn the essentials of safe cold-water swimming in a supportive environment.
🌡️ Take your time and acclimatise.
As the heating switches off, our pool temperature will naturally decrease alongside the changing weather. Take advantage of this gradual transition, listen to your body and never feel pressured to stay in longer than you’re comfortable with.
💙 Look out for one another.
One of the best parts of winter swimming is the community! If someone appears to be struggling, please alert a lifeguard immediately.
☕ Warm up at the café
Our heated café will be open during our swimming sessions, with plenty of hot drinks available to enjoy after your dip. Not swimming? No problem! There’s no spectator admission charge during winter, so you’re welcome to visit the Lido and enjoy the café without getting in the water.
🚿 A little reminder about showers.
Our showers will remain operational, but cold water only. After your swim, dry off, get dressed in warm layers and allow your body to warm up gradually rather than using sudden intense heat.
🎟️ Swim your way.
You don’t need a winter swimming ticket to join us! Pay As You Go sessions are available, alongside monthly and full winter ticket options for those planning to swim regularly - offering better value for our frequent swimmers.
Here’s to chilly mornings, familiar faces, hot drinks and another wonderful winter of swimming together.
Who’s joining us for the first dip of the season? ❄️💙
#coldwaterswimming #coldwater #winterseason #cheltenhamlido #cheltenham
Cold water curious? Or always fancied giving wild swimming a go? 👀❄️
Perhaps you’ve watched our winter swimmers from the sidelines, heard about the benefits or simply wondered what all the fuss is about…
Well, this could be your sign to give it a go!
As we prepare for another cold water season at Cheltenham Lido, we’re delighted to be offering Cold Water Swimming Inductions with @glowswimcoach , designed to help you take those first steps with confidence.
And there’s no better time to start! As we switch off the heating, our pool temperature will gradually decrease alongside the autumn weather, offering a great opportunity to begin acclimatising as the season progresses.
💙 What can you expect?
Led by Laura, a Lido regular, qualified Open Water Coach and experienced cold water swimmer, these sessions will introduce you to safe cold water swimming, including what to expect, how to enter the water gradually and how to approach your winter swims safely and confidently.
🌊 Interested in wild swimming too?
These inductions are also a great starting point for anyone curious about wild or open-water swimming. Understanding how your body responds to colder water, learning safe entry techniques and building confidence are valuable foundations for future outdoor swimming adventures.
Whether you’re completely new, interested in exploring the benefits or simply want to learn more before taking the plunge, Laura will be there to guide and support you.
📅 Upcoming induction dates:
❄️ 25 October
❄️ 1 November
❄️ 7 November
❄️ 22 November
❄️ 13 December
❄️ 9 January
⏰ All sessions: 9:30–11:00am
🎟️ £20 per person
📍 Cheltenham Lido
Cold water swimming isn’t about how long you can stay in or how cold you can go. It’s about understanding your body, respecting the water and enjoying the experience safely.
Ready to take the plunge? 💦
Book your induction via our website and discover what cold water swimming is all about this winter!
#coldwaterswimming #inductions #cheltenham #wildswimming #coldwater
🐾 Coming to Dog Swim this weekend? Here’s what you need to know!
A few important reminders before you and your pup arrive:
🐶 Harnesses are strongly advised - particularly if you’re not entering the water, so you can safely help your dog out of the pool and reduce the risk of claw injuries.
🦮 Dogs must be kept on leads when walking around site and when not entering the water.
🚿 Please shower your dog after their swim due to the chlorine products used in the pool. Showers are available, but dogs are not permitted inside the indoor changing rooms.
💩 Bring poo bags and please use the correct general waste bins - not recycling.
🎟️ TICKET UPDATE: All morning sessions are now SOLD OUT, with very limited afternoon availability across the weekend.
⚠️ This is a PRE-BOOKED EVENT ONLY - there will be no walk-ins on the day.
See you this weekend! 🐾💦
#dogswim #thingstodo #cheltenhamlido #thelido #event
One last heated swim? 🏊🏽♀️
This Friday marks the end of our 2026 heated swimming season - so if you’ve been meaning to squeeze in one final swim before we turn off the heating, this is your reminder!
🏊🏼 Final public Lane Swim
⏰ 7:15am–10:15am
Our final opportunity for everyone to enjoy the heated pool this season.
💙 Season Ticket Holders ONLY
⏰ 11:00am–2:00pm
The afternoon is reserved exclusively for our Season Ticket Holders, giving our members one final chance to enjoy the pool together and see out the season.
And then… we hand the Lido over to the dogs! 🐶💦
Our Dee & Griffin Dog Swim takes over for the weekend before we begin the transition into cold water swimming ❄️
So, fancy one last heated dip?
Come on down this Friday and make those final lengths count!
#cheltenhamlido #outdoorswimming #finalreminder #cheltenham
