Pittville Pump Room

Pittville Pump Room is a historic and elegant Regency-era building in Cheltenham. It stands as a remarkable example of Georgian architecture. Serving as a testament to the town’s history as a fashionable and popular spa destination during the 18th and 19th centuries.

Built between 1825 and 1830 as part of the ambitious Pittville development project led by Joseph Pitt. The project aimed to transform a rural area of Cheltenham into a thriving spa town. Capitalising on the growing trend of people seeking health and relaxation through spa treatments and the consumption of mineral-rich spring waters.

The architecture of Pittville Pump Room is has neoclassical and Regency design elements. The building features a grand facade adorned with Ionic columns, creating a sense of grandeur and elegance. The interior is equally impressive, with a spacious hall featuring high ceilings, ornate plasterwork, and large windows that flood the space with natural light.

The main attraction of the Pump Room was its mineral water spring, which was thought to have health benefits. Visitors would come to drink the spring water and partake in the social activities that revolved around the spa culture of the time. The Pump Room’s ballroom was a hub of entertainment, hosting concerts, dances, and gatherings.

Over the years, the popularity of spa treatments declined, and the building went through periods of neglect. However, after restoration work it is back to its former glory, and today it serves as a cultural and historical landmark. The Pittville Pump Room now functions as an event space, hosting weddings, conferences, concerts, and exhibitions.

The surrounding Pittville Park, designed by landscape architect John D. Shepherd, complements the elegance of the Pump Room. The park features expansive lawns, ornamental lakes, and charming pathways, making it a popular spot for leisurely walks and relaxation.

Pittville Pump Room stands as a reminder of Cheltenham’s history as a spa town. And also as a symbol of architectural and cultural heritage. Its graceful design, historical significance, and role in shaping Cheltenham’s identity. Making it a must-visit destination for those interested in history, architecture, and the cultural evolution of British society.

The Heritage Café Orangery offers deli-style café culture at the Grade I listed Regency Pittville Pump Room. Customers are offered a choice of places to eat, inside the elegant glass orangery with views over Pittville Park, under the colonnade and on the deck looking out over the bandstand.