Top Things to do in Bath
Things to do in Bath, England: The Best Gardens
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. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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
4. 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.
5. Beazer Garden Maze
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 22 reviews
Stone maze paths in grass, elliptical in shape that measure roughly 97 by 37 feet, with a circular mosaic depicting different historical and current aspects of Bath.
Reviewed By DRandMrsK - London, United Kingdom
You’re going to visit Pulteney bridge in Bath so just walk down a bit and see this if you have little ones. They’ll enjoy the maze - it’s a paved maze but keeps them entertained for a good 10 minutes until solved. Then go have a short boat ride on the River Avon.
6. Georgian Garden
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 35 reviews
Designed after extensive archaeological work by the Bath Archaeological Trust, this lovely garden is a re-creation of a Georgian town garden during the 1700's.
Reviewed By yahootraveler64
There is an alley almost across from the Austin Museum that goes toward the Royal Crescent. Most of the way up the alley is the back garden of a Georgian House.Small sign. Very pleasant. Nice unique bench. Lots of plants and trees.
7. Parade Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 577 reviews
Laid out 1933-34 on the site of 18th-and 19th-century pleasure gardens, this is a wonderful place to relax and people-watch.
Reviewed By stephensims77 - Petal, United States
Some of the best photos taken while in England were taken right here. This a beautiful park right on the River Avon and it is absolutely beautiful.
