Most people probably know Pittville Park for the Pump Room, the playground or the lakeside paths.
But once you start exploring further, the park opens out into something much larger and more diverse – with woodland areas, wildflower meadows, newly planted trees, winding paths and quieter corners that feel surprisingly tucked away for somewhere so close to town. We encourage you to go and explore – it’s wonderful!
Last Friday we were shown around the park by Barbara from Friends of Pittville. We met at Central Cross Café before setting off towards the lake and across to the western side of the park, eventually walking all the way up towards the area near the Honeybourne Line.
Along the way, Barbara talked about the work of the Friends of Pittville – a volunteer-led charity that works to protect, improve and celebrate both the park and the wider Pittville area. Their work ranges from practical conservation and planting to heritage projects, events and community volunteering.
We also learned more about the many partnerships involved in caring for such a large and well-used public space.
The park is managed by Cheltenham Borough Council, with support from teams including the Trees Team led by Chris Chavasse, The Cheltenham Tree Group, the Green Spaces team led by Lucy Wise, and Ubico, who work in partnership on maintenance and care across the borough.
It was fascinating hearing about the balancing act involved in managing a space like this – creating somewhere that works for people, wildlife, recreation, heritage and biodiversity all at once.
As we walked through one of the areas, we stopped to look at the variety of plants established there – part of a gradual shift towards creating richer habitats for insects and pollinators. In a few minutes the team spotted Yellow Rattle, Yarrow, Hedge Mustard, Shepherd’s Purse, Vipers Bugloss, Birdsfoot Trefoil, Small Leaved Cranesbill, Mallow, Thistle, Rosebay Willowherb, Cow Parsley, Garlic Mustard, Green Alkanet and Bluebells.
And throughout the walk, there was evidence everywhere of long-term thinking for nature. Newly planted trees sitting alongside mature specimens. Long grass areas with mown paths weaving through them. Spaces being allowed to feel a little softer and wilder.
One particularly lovely surprise was a project on the far side of the park run by Cheltenham Town Wheelers, who lease an area of land where they’ve created a natural bike track for young people. It felt incredibly well integrated into the landscape – surrounded by young trees, grassland and informal paths – and full of energy and imagination.
And then, right at the far end near the Honeybourne Line, we came across a narrow path bordered by cow parsley and flowering green alkanet that felt almost hidden away. One of those small moments where a familiar town suddenly feels different.
We eventually looped back along the other side of the lake, arriving back with a much greater sense of the scale and complexity of the park.
Pittville Park began life in the 1820s as part of Joseph Pitt’s ambitious vision for Cheltenham, centred around the magnificent Pump Room and pleasure gardens. Over time it evolved into the public park we know today – now the largest park in Cheltenham and one of the town’s most important green spaces.
Find out more or get involved
The Friends of Pittville are always keen to welcome new volunteers and supporters.
You can find out more here: Friends of Pittville website
The volunteers meet on the 1st and 3rd Thursday of every month, 9.15-11.15am, and afterwards for coffee and a chat at Central Cross Cafe. They carry out a range of tasks and volunteers choose what they would like to do – litter picking, weeding, pruning etc. New volunteers are always welcome – email Barbara on volunteer@friendsofpittville.org.uk or just go to the sheds behind the aviaries.
If you haven’t explored the western side of Pittville Park recently, it’s well worth a wander.
