When the sun’s out in Bath, everyone flocks to the sweep of grass in front of the Royal Crescent or over to the expanses of open space in Royal Victoria Park to catch some rays. All of these sunseekers can make picnicking a little cramped and crowded, so we’ve rooted out some of the best hidden gems in Bath for a quiet, peaceful picnic.

Here are just a handful of the best secret picnic spots in Bath, but keep it to yourself!

• Sydney Gardens

This peaceful park won’t be completely free of other picnickers on a gloriously sunny day, but there are plenty of quiet little spots where you can escape them all. The Gardens, found behind Holburne Museum and a stone’s throw from our elegant Sydney Mews apartment, are known locally as “Little Venice” due to their networks of beautiful little bridges, houses and temples. These criss-cross the canal and 12 acres of landscaped gardens first built in 1785. Expect a scenic, relaxing place to enjoy your sandwiches, and you can even make a day of it by visiting the Holburne Museum – both Sydney Gardens and the Museum are free entry.

• Sham Castle, Bathampton

Those in search of a secluded spot should head outside of the city to Sham Castle, next to the Bath Golf Course and on the Skyline bus tour route. The land surrounding the castle, which is not really a castle but a folly, is one of the best picnic spots Somerset has to offer. Make sure you walk up the hill for incredible views, and you can even carry on the Skyline walk tour after your picnic if you like.

• King George V Memorial Garden, Henrietta Park

Henrietta Park is an extremely pretty and much-visited Bath park, but not many people know that it also hides one of the best quiet picnic areas in Bath. Just off Henrietta Road, along the same street as our spacious Henrietta Garden Apartment, you’ll find the King George V Memorial Garden of Remembrance. Relax and unwind on a bench hidden under tangled vines, while a fountain gently gurgles nearby.

• Kensington Meadows

Not many people from outside Bath know about Kensington Meadows, making it possibly one of the best secret places in Bath when it comes to finding a quiet spot for a picnic. The Meadows are just next to London Road and offer an expanse of gorgeous green space right next to the River Avon. It’s the perfect place to visit for a quiet afternoon or some time alone to relax.

• Alice Park

For tranquillity and just a sprinkling of family fun, head to one of the best picnic spots in Bath – Alice Park. A little park with 8 acres of beautiful land, along with a community garden and facilities including a playpark and tennis courts. Not many people know about it, and it’s the ideal family-friendly spot for an afternoon in the sunshine. Well-behaved dogs are welcome too!