Top Things to do in Bath
The 10 Best Nature & Parks in Bath, England
Known for its restorative wonders, Bath was once the home of Jane Austen. Sure, you could attempt to conjure up this elegant city by reading Pride and Prejudice in your tub, but as Bath has a lot more history than your bathroom (we assume, anyway) you'd be missing out. A stroll through Bath is like visiting an open-air museum, with roughly 5,000 buildings in the city drawing notice for their architectural merit. After your stroll, soak in the natural hot waters of the Thermae Bath Spa, once a favorite of the Celts and Romans.
Restaurants in Bath
1. Royal Victoria Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,220 reviews
Opened in 1830, Royal Victoria Park is a visual delight with shady tree-lined avenues and towering mature trees encompassing botanical and woodland gardens.
Reviewed By annettelaurie - Plymouth, United Kingdom
This beautiful Park and botanical gardens is sometimes left out of things to do in bath because it sits outside the city wall, adjacent to the Queen Charlotte car park. However, it is just stunning, with lots of node to Queen Victoria. There is a golf course in the middle somewhere, beautiful lawns to sit on, the botanical gardens, arboretum trees, Victorian lodges and so much more. There is parking towards it which is of a reasonable cost and is free on bank holidays. Outside the entrance of the Canada Gate, there is down the path a little way the Military War Memorial – also worth a visit, since you pass it to get into the city centre. We use this park to walk through when we visit as it is so lovely and only two minutes outside the city centre.
2. Little Solisbury Hill
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 58 reviews
Believed to be the site of King Arthur's decisive victory, Battle of Mt. Badon, this high hill overlooks scenic Bath.
Reviewed By Chappy62Ulvo - Barrow-in-Furness, United Kingdom
No eagles, but we did see a buzzard! Walked out of Bath along the canal towpath to the George at Bathampton, left the canal and crossed the rail/road/river bridges to London road then started climbing Solsbury lane from Brow Hill in Batheaston. It gets quite a steep (for a road) climb, particularly near the end, but well worth it for the short hop up on to the hill top and the views to the south and west. Don't forget to have the Peter Gabriel classic ready on your iphone playlist, for when you stand looking at the view with your heart going 'boom, boom, boom', mainly because of the climb!
3. Alexandra Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 366 reviews
Acquired by the city of Bath in 1896 and opened in 1902, this city park is located on top of Beechen Cliff and is a popular area for walking, picnicking and relaxing.
Reviewed By 589nedh - Portland, United States
Beautiful views of Bath. Bring a telephoto lens for your camera to get some great shots. But, I gotta tell you, the hike from downtown to the top of the hill is near vertical. In fact, I would say a ladder might be easier. There's even this teaser of a sign near the top that says "only 40 steps left". Sure, if you count 10 paces per step. But don't worry... there are great views at the top... and benches. And the walk down is way easier.
4. American Museum & Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 720 reviews
The American Museum provides a fabulous day out for all adults and children. The New American Garden, Mount Vernon Garden, and play area “The Children’s Garden” awaits explorers of all ages. From winding paths and colourful flowers to woodland wanders with your four-legged friends (yes, dogs on leads are welcome!) and climbing adventures, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Housed in a fine Georgian manor house with outstanding views over the Limpley Stoke Valley, on the edge of Bath, the American Museum takes you on a journey through American history, with its remarkable collection of folk, decorative arts and cultural objects. The only museum of Americana outside of the United States, it was founded to bring American history and cultures to the people of Britain and Europe. The gardens, children’s play area and cafe are open Tuesday to Sunday from 10am until 5pm. The Museum and exhibition remain closed in line with government guidance. Please see our website for updates,
Reviewed By rosannam316 - Inverness, United Kingdom
Such an interesting and informative museum. The gentleman on reception clearly explained how the layout works and from reading up about it beforehand I knew that the emphasis is on the folk art side of things. However I was very pleasantly surprised to find a lot of information about the history of America and it’s good to hear this is likely to be expanded. I particularly enjoyed the Native American section and the quilts and other textiles on display are wonderful. The skill and craftsmanship is just astonishing. A huge bonus was the Kaffe Fassett exhibition and I was blown away by the display. I also enjoyed the Thomas Kellner photos - imaginative and quite stunning. Lovely gift shop and I like the way it’s also used to display museum pieces. I had lunch in the cafe and thoroughly enjoyed it. Nice to see American dishes on the menu. Friendly staff and good service. Unfortunately due to the weather I didn’t have chance to go round what looked to be really interesting gardens. I used the hop on/off bus and would just say if you choose to do the same, it’s a good 20 min walk from where you’re dropped off, part of it on a narrow road with no pavement. I’m fit and healthy and enjoy walking but others may wish to consider different options. I also found there was a lack of signage once you turned off the “main” road and I had to check with passers by that I was still heading in the right direction!! I hope to visit again next year with friends who I know will love it.
5. Botanical Gardens at Victoria Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 276 reviews
Located on the north side of Bath's Victoria Park, these gardens were constructed in 1887 and today displays a huge variety of plants spreading over nine acres of its scenic landscape.
Reviewed By idopam
My family and I spent a lovely time wandering about the garden which has wonderful trees and plants. It is very well kept and a perfect place to relax and enjoy the surroundings. Well worth a visit.
6. Henrietta Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 98 reviews
This city park was laid out in 1887 and today serves as an oasis of calm from the hustle and bustle of downtown Bath.
Reviewed By cunninghams2018 - Hampshire, United Kingdom
This is a lovely part of Bath to cool down, relax and have a picnic. It also has one of the very few public toilets in the city. Make sure you have a 20p coin if you need to use them!
7. Prior Park Landscape Gardens (NT)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 805 reviews
A beautiful 18th-century landscape garden featuring the Palladian Bridge, which is magically sited on a scenic lake with sweeping views of the city of Bath.
Reviewed By LeeLee883 - Reading, United Kingdom
We visited on a Monday morning whike staying in Bath, it is quite a steep walk from the town centre and we were a little our of breath upon arriving. The gentlemen who we brought our tickets from was super friendly and thorough in explaining where everything was. We felt the entry fee of £7.50 was about right for the duration we stayed. It did not take us long to walk around, there were some fantastic views and lovely photo opportunities. Not very good for people who would struggle with climbing as it was steep in places and if the ground was wet quite slippy also
8. Sydney Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 153 reviews
Reviewed By cardamon
We heard about the Sydney Gardens in the Jane Austen museum so thought we'd go and find them. Lovely gardens to wander around. Free entry. Nice end to my day in Bath.
9. Hedgemead Park
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 7 reviews
This city park was laid out from 1883 to 1889 on the site of Georgian housing, which was destroyed by land-slips twenty years earlier.
10. Alice Park
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 27 reviews
This scenic hidden gem of a park is spread over eight acres of landscaped grounds, situated on the Eastern edge of Bath at the junction of the Gloucester and London Roads. Gifted to the people of Bath in 1938 by Herbert MacVicar, this delightful tranquil park has many facilities including: A children's play area suitable for the under 8's, 6 tennis courts, a boules piste, community garden, clean toilets, free parking, a secluded wildlife and conservation pond area and a wheelchair friendly complete path circuit. Alice Park also welcomes well behaved dogs off lead and also features an award-winning cafe that is fully licensed and open all year round. A wonderful place to stop, relax and get away from the stresses of daily life!
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