TRAVEL
Pitville Park
Original entrance gate on Pitville Lawn
Exploring what ’ s on your doorstep
Often we may overlook what is on our own doorstep . However , recent events have forced us to stay local and see what is on offer closer to home . Pittville Park in Cheltenham is one of those very locations , steeped in history , its beautiful surroundings make it the perfect place to visit for a family day out .
A SHORT HISTORY
Pittville Pump Room and Gardens were built as a centrepiece for the town of Pittville , a development undertaken for the wealthy lawyer , banker , and MP for Cricklade , Joseph Pitt . Pittville is the largest and most ambitious of the new building estates which sprang up in Cheltenham in the early nineteenth century .
Pitt envisaged Pittville as a completely separate spa town to rival Cheltenham . Although the project was never finished ( only 20 houses of the planned 600 were actually built ), Pittville remains one of the finest examples of a Regency building estate .
Pittville Pump Room was the last and largest of the spa buildings to be
The boathouse with cafe constructed in Cheltenham . It was built by the architect John Forbes between 1825 and 1830 as a focal point of the new estate of Pittville and stands at the northern end of Pittville Park , with landscaped grounds running down to the lake . Pittville ’ s spa water was recommended for treating skin complaints and patients would take the waters , then promenade around the pleasure gardens .
The children ’ s play area
PITTVILLE PARK TODAY
Pittville Park is divided in two by Evesham Road and is popular for families and non-families alike . The eastern side is well-known , being overlooked by Pittville Pump Room . It has a vast children ’ s play area , including sand and water play areas plus several aviaries where you ’ ll find popular birds and bunnies . Definitely worth a visit for families .
The second section of the park is much larger ( accessed via an underpass ), with a larger ‘ lower lake ’ where you can fish during fishing season . This park also includes two smaller children ’ s play areas , tennis courts , a pitch and putt golf course , a skate park and a BMX park . You can even hire a boat for a relaxing trip on the lake .
PITTVILLE ORIENTEERING CHALLENGE
There is also an orienteering challenge around the park for children . Normally route maps can be picked up from the boathouse however , if it is not open you can download one at www . cheltenham . gov . uk / downloads / file / 3682 / pittville _ park _ orienteering _ challenge .
The aim is to find all of the 13 posts ( controls ) in any order you wish . You can start from anywhere in the park ,
Pitville Pump Room
Control Descriptions
Pittville Park
1 Northern end of path 2 Earthbank foot
Orienteering Challenge
3 End of wall 4 Northern side of bridge 5 Path junction
Take part in a challenging outdoor adventure activity which is suitable for everyone to enjoy .
Use this orienteering map to find and navigate between the 13 wooden marker posts located around the park .
6 NW side of bandstand 7 Between thickets 8 Northern side of bridge 9 East side of building 10 Fence corner 11 Hedge end 12 Northern end of path 13 Near road junction for example the cafe , boathouse or pump room . Each post has a letter marked on it . To show that it has been correctly visited , take a pen to write down this letter alongside the associated control description . When re-arranged the letters spell something - see if you can work it out . Use the control descriptions to help you find the posts and the feature you are looking for . The feature is at the centre of the control circle shown on the map . It is a great family activity , keeps everyone fit and allows you to explore the park at the same time .
ARRC Social Club the imjin SPRING 2021
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