The Montpellier Gardens are situated in the middle of the town centre in front of the Montpellier Spa, which has its famous Rotunda.  The original layout of the garden is largely credited to London architect John Papworth, who was working for Pearson Thompson the owner of the estate at the time. The Borough council has owned the garden since 1893, and it is now broadly spilt into two areas. A formal area, which has tennis courts, and a toddler’s play area. And an informal area, with established trees, which is used mainly for walking.  The park also has a bandstand that often has concerts in the summer months.

Montpellier Park Cheltenham

Pitville Park was opened in 1825, and is the largest ornamental park in Cheltenham.  It features the magnificent pump room, and lakes, that were developed mainly by the architect John Forbes; who was employed by Joseph Pitt.  The pump room, with its beautiful dome is now a grade 1 historic building. The park now has a wide range of leisure opportunities, as well as views of the lakes.

The Skillicorne Gardens are a memorial to Captain Henry Skillicorne. He was a retired naval captain and adventurer who inherited his father-in-law’s estate, and exploited the healing properties of the spring water.  He established Cheltenham’s first Spa, and actively promoted the use of the spa waters as a cure.  This small enclosed garden is located behind the town hall, and contains a pond.

The Imperial Gardens run alongside the Promenade, and are positioned at the rear of the Town Hall.   They were originally planted just for the benefit of the subscribers to the Sherbourne Spa.  The layout of the gardens has changed many times; the current format being established after the Second World War.  Each year thousands of bedding plants produce magnificent floral displays.

One of the main difficulties the college faced was the need to find larger premises. In 1871 the college council purchased some grounds attached to the Old Well Spa, which had been the original Cheltenham spa. On this site buildings were erected that eventually covered the entire area of the original spa.

The Music Hall building was pulled down in 1896, and replaced with the Princess Hall, which still remains today. The hall has the dimensions and internal configuration of the earlier building, and externally is Victorian Gothic in style. The venue can hold up to two thousand people, and is still used for various events on a regular basis.

Today at Cheltenham Ladies’ College there are some 865 girls spread across the Lower College, Upper College and Sixth Form. Approximately 75% are boarders and 25% day girls. Around 170 new girls join each year.

For more information visit The Cheltenham Ladies’ College website.