Swimming Lessons
A great place to take on the water and learn to swim
Our swim stages help you to book the right lessons
Please familiarise yourself with the below stages before booking a swim lesson for your child.
Where possible, we may be able to move the swimmer to a more appropriate group, but this cannot be guaranteed.
One weeks notice prior to the swim course starting must be given if the swimmer is unable to attend lessons.
Swim Stages
| Non-Swimmers | Entry Requirements: Minimum age of 4 years old and are comfortable being in the water with a teacher, and without a parent |
| Beginners | Entry Requirements: Swimmers are willing to submerge face and head fully underwater and are confident working with or without flotation aids. |
| Swimmers | Entry Requirements: Swimmers can tread water comfortably for more than 15 seconds and are confident in deep water. |
Children’s term time
swimming lessons (4+)
Our children’s swimming lessons run over a 12-week period* on either a Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday or Friday afternoon.
The date you book will be the day your child is to attend on a weekly basis for 12 weeks. e.g, If you book Non swimmer on Monday 20th April, your child’s lesson will be every Monday from the 20th April at 1600, until the 14th July (inclusive).
The Non-Swimmer lessons will take place in the Children’s Pool and Beginners and Swimmers lessons take place in the shallow end of the main pool.
Term time Lessons will commence the week beginning 20th April, with the last week being the w/c 13th July (Excluding May half term).
** Please note our refund policy is:
One weeks notice prior to the swim course starting must be given if the swimmer is unable to attend lessons.
The perfect way for your child to keep up their swimming during the holidays
These lessons are the perfect way for your child to keep up their swimming during the half-term week and the summer holidays. These intensive one-week courses will help your child to develop and improve their swimming, whatever their ability. These classes generally take place in the shallow end of the main pool, but the non-swim group may take place in the children’s pool. Please note these classes are suitable for age 4+.
** Please note our refund policy is:
One weeks notice prior to the swim course starting must be given if the swimmer is unable to attend lessons.
FAQ's
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Is there parking available on site?
We have a large car park suitable for over 163 cars which sits directly outside of the Lido. 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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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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Can children be left without an adult on site?
We are committed to working with parents to create a safe environment for children.
All children under the age of 8 should always be accompanied by a guardian aged 16 years or over, this person may be responsible for up to two children. Guardians must maintain constant supervision particularly in the water and changing rooms. We advise that children under the age of 5 should be supervised on a one-to-one basis.
Parents have a specific responsibility for the safety of their own children, this cannot be abdicated to lifeguards. The role of the lifeguard is to maintain a safe and healthy environment for all swimmers.
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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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How much are season Tickets?
Single Adult -£190
Joint ST – £330
Concession* – £120
Family of 3 – £340
Family of 4 – £351
*Concessions include; over 65s, registered disabled, unemployed/low income, children aged 5-17 in full time education and students.
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How big is the pool?
The main pool is 50m x 27.35m and has a depth of 1m in the shallow end and 1.75-2.75 in the deep end
The children’s pool is 15.9m x 7.51m and has a depth of 0.5m in the shallow end and 0.8m in the deep end.
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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
A new month, a new season and a fresh start…
Some would say it’s the perfect time to upgrade your favourite hoodie 🍁
Sizes are limited but don’t panic, we will be restocking ahead of the Christmas rush as they make a perfect present for those lido lovers in your life!
💌 If you’d like to order one, please email amy@cheltenhamlido.co.uk
#merchandise #lidolover #cheltenhamlido #ordernow #giftideas
