Cheltenham is bursting with fun things to do this summer 2025, from swimming and sports to cultural attractions and special events.
SoGlos rounds up some of our favourite things taking place in the the Regency town this summer...
Play Ground at The Wilson Art Gallery and Museum
Encouraging visitors to 'rewild themselves' this summer, The Wilson's playful new exhibition features interactive exhibits encouraging play and fun family activities like self-directed nature walks, storytelling and crafts, all inspired by Cheltenham's glorious green spaces.
Play Ground is at The Wilson until Sunday 21 September 2025 and is free to visit. The Wilson Kitchen also hosts free Play Cafe sessions for families with a rotating selection of creative activities for kids to try while parents kick back with a coffee.
For more information about Play Ground, visit cheltenhammuseum.org.uk/event/play-ground, or for more information about Play Cafe, visit cheltenhammuseum.org.uk/event/play-cafe.
Splash pad and soft play at Leisure At Cheltenham
Leisure At Cheltenham is a great place to go no matter what the weather is doing during the summer holidays, with its indoor pool, splash pad and soft play providing hours of fun for little ones.
Splash pad sessions are suitable for non-swimmers and children under eight, with lots of fun fountains to splash around in, as well as access to the soft play area. There's also inflatable soft play this summer, with bouncy castles, footballs and inflatable obstacles to enjoy.
To book a splash pad or soft play session, visit leisureatcheltenham.com.
Live music at Imperial Garden Bar
Running until September, Imperial Garden Bar is hosting the Summer of Sounds with barbecue street food, drinks and free live music all summer long.
Pull up a table, grab a glass of something cold and listen to a range of covers and originals from local musicians while you soak up some sunshine, with plenty of space for little ones to play in the park.
Summer holiday camps from The Cheltenham Trust
Keep the kids entertained all summer long with holiday camps from The Cheltenham Trust.
Taking place at Leisure At Cheltenham from Tuesday 22 July until Friday 29 August 2025, its multi activity sports camps encompass everything from water polo and diving to football and free running, with places costing £30.50 per session; while at The Wilson, Creative Explorers summer camps cost £20 each and let creative kids embrace their imaginations in these artist-led workshops.
To book a multi activity sports camp place, visit leisureatcheltenham.courseprogress.co.uk; or to book a Creative Explorers session, visit cheltenhamtownhall.org.uk.
Music from The Lord of the Rings at Cheltenham Town Hall
Film fans won't want to miss hearing the epic score from The Lord of the Rings performed live at Cheltenham Town Hall this August.
Bringing the music of three-time Academy Award winner Howard Shore to life, the Mystery Orchestra transports audiences into the heart of Middle Earth during this enchanting event.
For more information, or to book tickets, visit cheltenhamtownhall.org.uk.
Pickleball at Leisure At Cheltenham
Try your hand at America's 'fastest-growing' sport with Leisure At Cheltenham now offering Pickleball.
The fast-paced game combines elements of table tennis, badminton and traditional tennis, while being low impact and easier on the joints. Courts are available to hire from £11.55 for members and from £14.30 for non-members.
To book a court, visit leisureatcheltenham.com.
Watch top festival talent for free at Summer Jam: The Lakefest Warmup
Bringing top talent from the Lakefest lineup to the centre of Cheltenham, Summer Jam: The Lakefest Warmup takes over The Brewery Quarter from Friday 25 to Sunday 27 July 2025.
As well as headliners Mark Walby, Camilla Lewington and The Voice UK star Vince Freeman, visitors can see the brightest new stars battling it out for a place on the Lakefest main stage, as well as fun family entertainment from belly dancing to magic shows – all for free!
Ellen DeGeneres at the Everyman Theatre
After swapping California for the Cotswolds, comedian, TV presenter and household name, Ellen DeGeneres, is coming to Cheltenham's Everyman Theatre for a very special one-off show on Sunday 20 July 2025.
Kicking off her Live Nation Presents: In Conversation with Ellen DeGeneres tour, audiences can hear all about her illustrious film and TV career, including why she thinks her divisive brand of comedy still resonates with audiences. Tickets are on sale now but there are only a handful left and the show is expected to sell out.
Cool off at Cheltenham Lido
Cheltenham's heated outdoor swimming pool is a popular spot during the summer months – and it's easy to see why with its 50-metre main pool, children's pool, sauna and acres of grounds to sunbathe in.
Take the kids to burn off some of that boundless energy on a sunny day, or bring the family for a relaxing sunset swim with the lido opening late on Saturday 9 August 2025 for this special event.
Picnic at Pittville Park
With Pittville Pump Room providing a picturesque backdrop, head to Pittville Park for a picnic while the sun is shining this summer. Spread out a blanket, soak up some rays on the lawn overlooking the lake and let the kids run wild on the adventure playground.
There's also a boating lake on the other side of the park where visitors can hire rowing boats and head out on the water during the summer months. Just head to The Boathouse Cafe to hire one – and be sure to indulge in an ice cream afterwards!
Follow the Lions at Large trail
Raising money for new cancer care facilities in Cheltenham, the Lions at Large trail takes pride of place across town from Friday 11 July until Sunday 14 September 2025.
There are 32 colourful lions, each painted by local artists to celebrate the history, culture and diversity of the county, on display across Cheltenham and Gloucester town centres – see how many you can find this summer!
Chow down at Wingstop's first Gloucestershire restaurant
It's the news chicken fans across Gloucestershire have been waiting for – Wingstop at The Brewery Quarter is officially opening on Monday 14 July 2025.
Spend the summer tucking into 'chicken wings from the wing experts' in flavours spanning lemon pepper, honey glazed to hickory-smoked barbecue, as well as loaded fries, burgers and milkshakes. Yum!
Sneak preview of the Trigger Happy TV 25th anniversary tour
A hometown treat for Trigger Happy TV fans, Dom Joly is giving guests at his SpeakeaZy nights in August and September an exclusive sneak preview of his forthcoming Trigger Happy TV 25th anniversary tour.
With a host of secret celebrity guests lined up, the hugely popular night at The Steam & Whistle has been called a 'cabaret of curiosities' by Dom and tends to sell out well in advance. Tickets are on sale now via Dom Joly's website.
