baths best parks

5 of Bath’s best parks and green spaces for dog walks, strolls and fresh air

5 June 2020

When you need to get out and enjoy some fresh air, greenery and open space, Bath has it covered. The city has lots of beautiful spots where you can stroll, picnic and exercise to your heart’s content – and of course, to give that pooch a much-needed run around. 

Here’s our roundup of Bath’s best green spaces and parks:

  1. Royal Victoria Park

This had to be top of our list, because Royal Victoria Park has something for everyone. For starters, it’s huge – spanning a whopping 57 acres of beautiful parkland. It’s also really central, so within easy reach of everything in the city centre. 

Within this historic park itself, you’ll find stunning botanic gardens, duck ponds, a skateboard area, sports and play facilities and much more. There’s even a brilliant view of the magnificent Royal Crescent. And those lucky enough to stay at our Marlborough Heights, Parkview, Royal Crescent Prospect and Marlborough Garden apartments will enjoy views back out at the park itself. 

  1. Prior Park Landscape Gardens

Take a walk just 25 minutes outside of the city centre and you’ll stumble across this 18th century National Trust garden. Set in the Prior Park estate, which nestles in a beautiful valley, the park boasts lakes, historic dams, perfectly landscaped grounds and one of only four Palladian bridges in the world. 

Make sure you check before visiting whether Prior Park is open, as like other facilities it has been closed during the coronavirus crisis. 

  1. Sydney Gardens

Stepping back even further in time, we come to Sydney Gardens, just next to our Sydney Mews house. Designed in 1795, it’s Bath’s oldest park and one of the only remaining 18th century pleasure gardens in the country. It used to be visited by none other than Jane Austen, as well as members of the royal family. It’s a charming park, offering pretty flower beds and manicured lawns, plus wide paths ideal for cyclists. 

  1. Alexandra Park

If you’re yearning for lots of open space, fresh air and even panoramic views, take a trip to Alexandra Park. It sits above the city on Beechen Cliff, offering utterly breathtaking views across the city skyline, especially at dawn and dusk. Climb Jacob’s Ladder – a set of steps leading up from Bath city centre – to get there. 

  1. Henrietta Park 

This park near the River Avon is the perfect place for some calm and tranquillity. It’s another historic park, opened in 1897 to celebrate Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee. Across seven acres, you’ll find beautiful flowers, shrubberies and pergolas covered in roses, plus a Sensory Garden and clusters of majestic trees. 

Find Henrietta Park just across the famous Pulteney Bridge, right next to our Cedar Mews and Henrietta Park View properties. 

Staying safe in Bath’s parks

Remember to stay safe and follow the government’s guidelines for protecting against coronavirus while out and about in Bath’s green spaces. This means:

  • Staying 2 metres away from other people
  • Washing your hands as soon as you get in
  • Carrying hand sanitiser with you 
  • Stay at home if you or anyone in your household has symptoms.