Leisure at Cheltenham

Tommy Taylors Lane, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL50 4RN, England
1-90 Years
Paid

Description

Leisure at Cheltenham is a premier fitness and wellness hub that offers some of the best things to do with kids in Cheltenham. This versatile indoor play and sports centre provides a massive range of activities, from award-winning swimming pools to specialized children's play zones. It serves as a central community spot where families can stay active together regardless of the British weather.

Prices start from £4.00 for specific junior activities, though costs vary depending on whether you are swimming, using the soft play, or attending a coached session. The centre offers various flexible options, including "pay-as-you-go" entries and monthly memberships that provide better value for regular local visitors.

If you are looking for the best place for a day out with family and kids in Gloucestershire, this centre delivers a high-quality mix of sport and fun. It is designed to be inclusive, ensuring that children of all abilities can find an activity that keeps them moving and entertained.

Features

  • Paid
  • Host birthday parties: No

Features

Key Features

  • Sensory Play: The Splash Pad and teaching pool offer gentle water features perfect for introducing toddlers to the water in a safe, sensory-rich environment.
  • Interactive Exhibits: The "Inflatable Theme Park" sessions transform the sports hall into a massive, bouncy obstacle course for high-energy play.
  • Educational Day Out: Professionally coached sessions in gymnastics and swimming help children develop fundamental motor skills and water safety.
  • Inclusive Sports: Dedicated "No Limits" sessions ensure that children with disabilities can enjoy the facilities with specialized support.

Highlights for Families

  • The Splash Pad: A vibrant water play area with sprays and fountains where younger children can gain confidence without being in deep water.
  • Main Competition Pool: Older kids and confident swimmers will love the 25-metre pool, which often hosts family fun sessions with mats and floats.
  • The Soft Play Zone: A multi-level adventure frame where toddlers and primary-aged kids can climb, slide, and burn off energy safely.
  • Athletics Track: Located outdoors, this professional-grade track is great for older children interested in running or joining local athletics clubs.
  • The Teaching Pool: With a consistent warm temperature, this is the best spot for parents to bond with babies during "Swim-a-Song" sessions.

Detailed Inventory

  • Swimming Facilities: Main Pool (25m), Teaching Pool, and the Splash Pad.
  • Indoor Sports: Inflatable Theme Park, Badminton courts, and Table Tennis.
  • Junior Classes: Junior Gym (ages 11-15), Gymnastics, and Trampolining.
  • Beyond the Main Attraction: The centre is located within Pittville Park, which features one of the largest outdoor play areas in the UK and a beautiful boating lake.
  • New for 2026: Look out for the refreshed Junior Fitness Programme designed to help teenagers use the gym facilities safely with expert supervision.

 

Facilities

  • Changing Villages: Large, family-friendly changing cubicles with integrated baby-changing units.
  • Lockers: Secure lockers are available (usually requiring a returnable £1 coin or token).
  • Food & Drink: An onsite café serves coffee, healthy snacks, and kid-friendly lunch boxes.
  • Buggy Parking: Dedicated space is provided near the soft play and swimming entrance for pushchairs.

What to see

What Visitors Love

  • Cleanliness: Many parents note that the changing rooms and pools are well-maintained and clean.
  • Staff Support: The lifeguards and coaches are frequently described as attentive and encouraging toward children.
  • Variety: Families appreciate having swimming, soft play, and a park all in one location.

What Visitors Don't Like

  • Booking System: Some find the online booking portal a bit clunky for one-off visits.
  • Temperature: A few visitors have mentioned that the spectator gallery can feel quite chilly while waiting for lessons to finish.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Is it worth it for toddlers?: Yes, it is excellent for toddlers due to the dedicated Splash Pad and the warm teaching pool which are designed for early water confidence. The soft play area also has a smaller section specifically for under-fives to play away from older, more boisterous children.
  • How long does a visit take?: A typical visit lasts between 2 and 3 hours if you are combining a swim session with a trip to the café or the adjacent Pittville Park. Most swimming slots are booked in 60-minute blocks, but families often stay longer to explore the surroundings.
  • Where is the best place to park?: The most convenient parking is the main Leisure at Cheltenham car park located directly outside the building. It uses a pay-and-display system, but be sure to check the machines as it can get very busy during Saturday morning swim lessons.
  • Are there cheap indoor activities in Cheltenham?: Beyond the leisure centre, the Wilson Art Gallery and Museum offers many free exhibitions, making it one of the best cheap indoor activities in Cheltenham for a rainy day. Combining a swim at the centre with a free visit to the Wilson provides a full day of entertainment on a budget.

Experience the best of Cheltenham fitness and fun! Book your session here.

 

Price

Price: Paid

Price Details

  • Junior Swim (Under 16): £5.20
  • Adult Swim: £8.20
  • Under 3s Swim: £1.00
  • Soft Play Session: £4.50
  • Virtual Group Cycling Express: £6.00
  • Zumba: £9.30
  • Inflatable Theme Park: £8.00 per session

Visit the website for more information. 

Pricing URL: https://bookings.leisureatcheltenham.com/LhWeb/en/Public/Bookings

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: No

  • Monday – Friday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
  • Saturday – Sunday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Address: Tommy Taylors Lane, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL50 4RN, England

Post Code: GL50 4RN

Council: Cheltenham

County: Gloucestershire

  • By Car: Use GL50 4RN. There is a large onsite pay-and-display car park; members often receive a period of free parking.
  • By Bus: Routes D and E stop frequently near Pittville Park, a short walk from the entrance.

5.00

0 Reviews

Rating breakdown

5
80% Complete (danger)
0
4
80% Complete (danger)
0
3
80% Complete (danger)
0
2
80% Complete (danger)
0
1
80% Complete (danger)
0

Get the best blog stories into your inbox!