The Sandford Parks Lido in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, will host its annual dog swim on October 10 and October 11, 2026. This weekend event allows pet owners to bring their dogs for a swim in the 50-metre outdoor pool before the main summer season concludes and the facility is prepared for winter maintenance.
Sponsored by Dee & Griffin Solicitors, the event is one of the few in the country where owners are allowed to get into the water with their pets. This provides a chance for owners to bond with their animals and help less confident dogs enjoy the pool in a social environment.
The water temperature in the main pool will be reduced to around 21°C as the facility scales back its heating at the end of the year. According to the Cheltenham Rocks event guide, dogs must stay on their leads while on the grounds and can only be let off once they enter the water.
As a registered charity, the Sandford Parks Lido uses the money raised from the dog swim to help pay for the upkeep of the historic site. The event is a popular tradition that often sells out quickly, supported by groups such as the Cheltenham Animal Shelter to encourage local pet owners to visit.
