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 For the best views of Bath |
Shakespeare Avenue Bath, North East Somerset BA2 1EE United Kingdom +44 1225 47 7101 |
If you want to experience the best views of Bath, then head for Alexandra Park in Bear Flat. Access to the park is by a long flight of steps, otherwise known as Jacob's Ladder. At the top you can see for miles. If the children have not yet dropped from exhaustion, then direct them to the small play area while you prepare yourself for the downhill strait. Wimps can also gain access to the park by car from Shakespeare Avenue. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Natalie Downe  |
 Photo: www.soda-pop.co.uk |
 Photo: petra ch |
 Photo: Dean Beeler |
 Photo: Elliot Mason |
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Pond-life, sandpits and helter-skelters |
Gloucester Road Lower Swainswick Bath, North East Somerset BA1 1EE United Kingdom +44 1225 33 9971 |
Situated at the junction of the A4 and Gloucester Road, Alice Park is ideal for a quick summer stop-off. During weekends in summer, the cafe opens giving visitors the welcome opportunity to purchase cold drinks and snacks. Picnic tables are also available. The children's play area is dominated by an enormous sand-pit, which proves popular with the kids (if not the parents!) and kids can wear themselves out on the helter-skelter slide, climbing frame and swings. Younger children are fascinated by the pond life that can be seen in the wildlife pond but keep a close rein on little-ones because the water is unfenced and deeper than it looks. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Small maze in the city centre |
Beazer Gardens Bath BA2 1EE United Kingdom +44 (0)1225 47 7101 |
This can be found on the east side of the Weir in Beazer Gardens. The paving stone maze is a favourite with younger children who play for hours trying to find the centre. The garden itself is named after the Bath-based construction company who donated the land. The central location of the maze makes this an ideal spot for families to take a picnic away from the hustle and bustle of the city centre. Access is from steps on Pulteney Bridge. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Ansy Wong |
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Over nine acres of beautiful plant life |
North side of Victoria Park Bath, North East Somerset BA1 1EE United Kingdom +44 1225 47 7101 (Bath Tourist Information Centre) |
The Botanical Gardens can be found on the north side of Victoria Park. The gardens were formed in 1887 and house a huge array of plants over nine acres of land. The gardens include what is believed to be the largest collection of plants on limestone in the West Country, a scented walk, old shrub roses and a fine herbaceous border, along with many unusual examples of trees and shrubs. Within the garden a replica of a Roman Temple can also be found. This was originally part of the city's exhibit at the British Empire Exhibition at Wembley in 1924. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Hamish MacGregor |
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 The best Capability Brown gardens, just as he designed them |
Off the A4 Betwwen Chippenham and Calne Bath, Wiltshire SN11 0LZ United Kingdom +44 1249 81 2102 http://www.bowood-estate.co.uk |
Starting with over 2000 acres of grounds landscaped by Capability Brown in the 1760s, these gardens include a fine serpentine lake graced with a Doric Temple to which a highly picturesque rocky valley was added toward the end of the 18th century. This new addition also incorporates a cascade and a hermit's cave. Close to the house, the grand 19th century Italianate terraces are planted with roses and many other flowering and scented plants. Brown planted an arboretum of rare trees in the Pleasure Grounds, and here also is the pinetum, begun in the 19th century. Directions: Take the A4 out of Bath toward Chippenham, Bowood is off the A4 between Chippenham and Calne, some 16 miles from Bath. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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A perfect Georgian house and the best Capability Brown gardens |
The Estate Office Bowood Bath, Wiltshire SN11 0LZ United Kingdom +44 1249 81 2102 http://www.bowood-estate.co.uk |
Bowood is a perfectly proportioned Georgian building, however, there used to be the Big House and the Little House, which in 1770 were joined together by an enormous drawing room. By the end of WWII, the Big House had become so dilapidated that the present Marquess had it demolished in 1955, leaving the Little House. Bowood as it now exists is hardly a poor remnant, however. Surviving Adam portions include the magnificent Diocletian wing, containing a splendid library, the laboratory where Joseph Priestley discovered oxygen. Exhibition rooms show family treasures and as the family were knowledgeable and avid collectors, the collections are more than worthwhile and include superb collections of watercolors, miniatures and jewelery. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Tim Norris |
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Over 60 acres of glorious blooms |
Off the A4 Between Chippenham and Calne Bath, Wiltshire SN11 0LZ United Kingdom +44 1249 81 2102 http://www.bowood-estate.co.uk |
Possibly the greatest glory of the Bowood Garden are the Rhododendron Walks, begun in the mid 19th century and added to by successive generations. Now covering over 60 acres, with some 2 miles of paths, the spectacle of the enormous range of rhododendrons and azaleas in flower is breathtaking. This area is open for 6 weeks during flowering time from April to early June. Directions: Take the A4 out of Bath toward Chippenham, Bowood is off the A4 between Chippenham and Calne, some 16 miles from Bath. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Beautiful manor with outstanding art |
Corsham Court Bath, Wiltshire SN13 0BZ United Kingdom +44 1249 70 1610 http://www.corsham-court.co.uk |
A Royal Manor from the days of the Saxon Kings until the reign of Elizabeth I, when it passed out of royal hands and finally in 1766 to the Methuen family, who still own it. Originally bought by Paul Methuen to house his collection of old master paintings, the glory of Corsham is still its collection of fine art and furniture. Featuring names such as Adam, Chippendale, Caravaggio, Lippi, Reynolds, Rubens, Van Dyck and Michelangelo, this is certainly one of the most important collections still complete and in private hands. The house itself is a blend of the Elizabethan house of 1582 with 18th and 19th Century additions, all in warm, honey-coloured stone. The splendid state rooms, beautifully designed by Lancelot 'Capability' Brown to show off the collections, are an incomparable setting for the art treasures, some of which have not been moved for over 200 years! Directions: Approximately 4 miles West of Chippenham off the A4. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Gareth Morgan |
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Tranquil Capability Brown gardens complete with strutting peacocks |
Corsham Court Bath, Wiltshire SN13 0BZ United Kingdom +44 1249 701610 |
The formal sections of these gardens, hidden away behind the house, are probably the best-kept secret of Corsham Court. They're well worth finding though, particularly for fans of Capability Brown and Humphrey Repton, both of whom worked on the designs. The gardens feature herbaceous borders, a rose garden, a lily pool, secluded gardens, sweeping lawns with splendid specimen trees - and the famous Corsham peacocks, strutting and screaming! b>Directions: Approximately 8 miles from Bath, 4 miles west of Chippenham off the A4. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Garden in the Hidcote tradition |
Holt Trowbridge Bath, North East Somerset BA14 6RR United Kingdom +44 1225 782340 |
A charming garden in the tradition of Sissinghurst and Hidcote, full of fascinating plants and exhibiting an imaginative use of colour. As if that wasn't enough, there is also an arboretum with many excellent specimen trees, topiary, water features and garden ornaments. A garden to delight anyone who enjoys traditional gardening and great Out of season by appointment onlyswathes of color. Check Website for Admission Fees. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Fine stately home with original contents |
Chippenham Bath, Gloucestershire SN14 8ER United Kingdom +44 117 937 2501 |
Set in a narrow steep-sided valley, Dyrham, despite being so grand has a wonderfully romantic air, and was one of the settings for the film, The Remains of the Day. The present house was built for William Blathwayt, who married the heiress of Dyrham in 1686. He added the west front to the old Tudor house in 1671. Prospering under William III, Blathwayt built what is virtually another house, linked to the original by the Tudor Hall, this time with a rather grandiose Italianate front. The rooms have changed little since they were furnished by Blathwayt and the contents recorded in his housekeeper's inventory include many fine textiles, Dutch paintings and blue and white Delft ware which can be seen in the house today. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Steve Gailor |
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In the style of the original 1770s design |
Behind The Circus Bath BA1 1EE United Kingdom +44 (0)1225 47 7752 (Information) |
This garden is accessible via the Gravel Walk and through an entrance just to the rear of The Circus. The garden was excavated in the mid-eighties to reveal the exact position of the original flower beds, trees and paths and has allowed a faithful reproduction of the original garden to be created. The original garden is believed to date from 1770 or 1780. Unfortunately, no records of the exact species of plant that grew in the original garden have been discovered, but the garden has been planted with varieties that were commonly used in that period. Note: closed at weekends and bank holidays. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Colin Seymour |
 Photo: Colin Seymour |
 Photo: Ashley Hahn |
 Photo: Althea Arnold |
 Photo: Annick Neuenschwander |
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Riverside setting in the city centre |
Green Park Station Bath, North East Somerset W1V9HG United Kingdom +44 (0)20 7930 1793 (St James's Park Office) http://www.royalparks.gov.uk/p... |
There's nothing to see here. Actually there is, but Green Park is more suited to dog owners or local residents than visitors. Unlike most of the city parks, Green Park is not over-endowed with beautiful bedding displays or unusual specimens. It is situated near to Green Park Station, very close to St. James' Park, and offers views of the river and Green Park buildings. Green Park Buildings is an impressive terrace designed by John Palmer, the famous architect, in 1792. Despite the lack of colour, Green Park's central location makes this a handy stop-off for a riverside picnic. There is also a small children's play area to keep the little ones amused. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Nic Doye |
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Hide n Seek |
Lansdown Road Bath, North East Somerset BA1 1EE United Kingdom +44 1225 47 7101 |
Situated in the Camden/Walcot district, Hedgemead Park offers a pleasant environment for that mid-morning stroll. Ball games are permitted, but the park is on a slope, so better perhaps to leave the football at home and concentrate on enjoying the surroundings. Autumn is an ideal time to visit because of the amazing array of different colored leaves on the trees (some unusual specimens here too) and the sloping paths are not as slippery as they would be in winter. For children, there is a small play area with slides, swings and a climbing frame as well as plenty of great hiding places for a game of 'hide and seek'. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Mike Leary |
 Photo: Jim Foreman |
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Features a garden for the blind |
Henrietta Road Bath, North East Somerset BA2 1EE United Kingdom +44 1225 47 7101 |
This beautiful park was opened to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Victoria in 1897. It covers seven acres and is blessed with mature trees and elaborate bedding areas. Take the time to explore the King George V Memorial Garden, now a garden for the blind complete with Braille labels. Each of the plants has been carefully chosen for scent and are particularly fragrant on warm summer afternoons. The Memorial Garden also boasts a wisteria-covered pool complete with fountain. Toilets available including facilities for the disabled. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Ray VanKleef |
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Peto Garden Concerts & Operas |
Iford Arts Ltd The Bullpit Bath, Wiltshire BA15 1NB United Kingdom +44 1225 86 8124 http://www.ifordarts.co.uk |
Each summer, from June to August, Iford Arts presents an exciting programme of opera, Promenade concerts and recitals within the award-winning terraced gardens of Iford Manor, located near Bath. Operas are performed in an exquisite Italianate cloister seating just 90 in the round. Bring a picnic and come experience the haunting beauty of Iford. For further details call or visit their website. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Picturesque village, stately home and fascinating museum |
Lacock Bath, Wiltshire SN15 2LG United Kingdom +44 1249 73 0277 |
At first glance the Abbey looks like an 18th century Gothic house, but it's much older. As the name reveals, it was originally an Augustinian nunnery, founded in 1229 and flourishing until Henry VIII suppressed it in 1539. William Sharrington, ancestor of the Talbots, bought the estate the following year and his descendants have lived here ever since. Sharrington demolished the church but kept the fine medieval cloister, sacristy, chapter house and monastic rooms, building his house on the first floor, above the original ground floor rooms of the nunnery. b>Directions: 3 miles south of Chippenham off the A350, approx 12 miles from Bath. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Steve Butler |
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Ideal place for a spot of jogging |
North East Somerset Bath, North East Somerset BA1 1EE United Kingdom +44 1225 47 7101 |
Linear Park is, as its name suggests, a band of the countryside that runs through the city. The park was laid out after the closure of the railway line in 1966 and follows the original route. Planted with indigenous plants, the park has become a haven for early morning joggers and offers visitors the chance of a relaxing stroll before heading back to explore the city and its sights. The best time to visit is in spring when the daffodils are blooming. The sight of those yellow trumpets adds much to the informal charm of Linear Park. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
 Grand Elizabethan house and gardens |
Longleat Bath, Wiltshire BA12 7NJ United Kingdom +44 1985 84 4400 http://www.longleat.co.uk |
There really is something for everyone at Longleat, whether you are a culture vulture or an old hippy, whether you relish fine art and architecture, have a historical bent or are simply intrigued by the goings on of the present Marquess of Bath. The house is rich in all the usual accoutrements of a great stately home - fine state rooms, excellent paintings and furniture and the ghost of grieving Louisa, 2nd Viscountess Weymouth, whose lover was killed by her husband in the upstairs gallery now known as the Grey Lady's Walk. There are also some more unusual pieces such as the fascinating Karma Sutra mural by the present Marquess of Bath, whose 60s flower power and free love lifestyle has attracted so much interest. This Marquess, sometimes called the Loins of Longleat because of his notorious harem of 'wifelets', has proved a better conservator of his heritage than some critics thought and has also commissioned a series of mazes for the gardens. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Perfect for lazy summer afternoons |
Brassmill Lane Bath, North East Somerset BA1 3HG United Kingdom +44 1225 47 7101 |
This park is lined by avenues of trees that are ideal for 'hide and seek' or just letting off a bit of steam. The main area of the park is flat and perfect for ball games or kite flying. On warm summer evenings, you may be lucky enough to catch a hot air balloon taking off from here. When you start to run out of energy, point the children in the direction of the play area and have a quick nap in the shade of a nearby oak. Picnic tables are available and The Dolphin Inn or The Boathouse are just two of the child-friendly pubs/restaurants nearby. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Dave O'Neill |
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Formal gardens in the centre of the city |
Orange Grove Bath, North East Somerset BA1 1EE United Kingdom +44 1225 47 7101 |
Parade Gardens are a great source of pride for Bathonians and feature ornate themed flowerbeds depicting cartoon characters or persons of historical importance. From the gardens, you can get a lovely view of the weir and watch the canoes as they travel westward along the river. During summer afternoons, free children's activities are held near the bandstand. These are always popular with tourists and locals alike and feature arts and crafts, circus skills and storytelling. On Sundays, you may also be treated to concerts in the bandstand. A perfect place for picnicking or just soaking up some rays away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Access is opposite The Empire, below Orange Grove. A small charge is made for entry to the gardens. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Award-winning Italian-style garden |
Off the A36 7 miles South East of Bath Bath, Wiltshire BA15 1NB United Kingdom +44 1225 863146 http://www.ifordmanor.co.uk/ |
One of the few Grade I listed gardens in the country, this unique and romantic Italian-style hillside garden is graced with terraces, steps, a colonnade, cloister, casita, evergreen planting and magnificent rural views. Winner of the prestigious HHA/Christie's Garden of the Year award in 1998, the garden is known for its aura of peace and tranquillity and its inspired inter-marriage of formal and natural gardening, using formal structure with much naturalised planting. Throughout the summer a programme of concerts, recitals and operas takes place in the cloisters. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Beautiful 18th century landscape garden |
Ralph Allen Drive Bath BA2 5AH United Kingdom +44 (0)1225 83 3422 |
The magnificent Palladian mansion is now a school and is not open to the public. The beautiful and intimate 18th century landscape garden, however, is. House and garden were built for Ralph Allen, the former designed by John Wood the Elder [see also The Circus] and the latter created by Ralph Allen with advice from Capability Brown and the poet Alexander Pope. A famous feature of the garden is the Palladian Bridge, magically sited on a lake halfway down the valley, built by Richard Jones from a design by Andrea Palladio. Set in a sweeping valley with views of Bath, the garden is in a continuing process of restoration. All visitors must use public transport. Buses run regularly from the station in Southgate. No parking is available. Disabled visitors must book one of just three parking bays. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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The biggest and the best |
Marlborough Lane Below the Royal Crescent, Avon Bath, North East Somerset BA1 2NQ United Kingdom +44 (0)1225 47 7010 |
Formally opened in 1830, Royal Victoria Park was named after the young princess who was visiting Bath at the time. The park itself covers 57 acres and is overlooked by the famous Royal Crescent. Originally laid out as an arboretum, Victoria Park still contains some beautiful mature trees. In addition you will find unusual bedding displays, tennis courts, statues and ornaments, a botanical garden, bowling green, golf courses, an aviary, woodland dell and the largest free adventure playground in the area. The park is also used throughout the year for many of the city's festivals and musical events including Opening Night and the Childrens Art Festival. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Enchanting, world-famous landscape garden |
Stourton Bath, Wiltshire BA12 6QD United Kingdom +44 1747 841152 |
It is remarkable that in the age of the great landscape gardeners Capability Brown and Humphrey Repton, this shining example of English landscape gardening was the creation of its owner, Henry Hoare II, who laid it out between 1741 and 1780. His fabulous artificial landscape centres upon a chain of lakes, created by damming a stream, and the three classical temples, the bridge, the grotto and the rock arch are seen one at a time as the visitor moves from light to shade through the great trees and shrubs. Hoare derived his inspiration from his studies of the classics, and it was the personal tragedy of losing his wife and children over a period of years that led him to devote forty years to creating this vision of what must have been a paradise lost. But for visitors it is an unalloyed joy - a unique work of art that is beautiful in every season. Review © 2007, Wcities |
![Stourhead Garden [National Trust] photo by David Paterniti](pictures/135780.jpg) Photo: David Paterniti |
![Stourhead Garden [National Trust] photo by Mark Hooper](pictures/135780_1.jpg) Photo: Mark Hooper |
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Handsome Palladian mansion in world-famous landscape garden |
Stourton Bath, Wiltshire BA12 6QD United Kingdom +44 1747 841152 |
Stourhead is most famous for its landscape garden, but in any other setting the house would be outstanding as well. An extremely handsome square Palladian mansion built around 1720 with some later alternations, it contains one of the great 18th century art collections in England, with important paintings and sculpture and an Italian pietre dure cabinet that once belonged to Pope Sixtus V, plus an abundance of fine English furniture. Look out for pieces by the younger Chippendale. Directions: At Stourton, off B3092 approx 22 miles from Bath. From Bath take the A36 south to the A361, take the A361 south past Frome, turn left onto the B3092, take that to Stourton. Review © 2007, Wcities |
![Stourhead House [National Trust] photo by Mic Whitty](pictures/135771.jpg) Photo: Mic Whitty |
![Stourhead House [National Trust] photo by Mic Whitty](pictures/135771_1.jpg) Photo: Mic Whitty |
![Stourhead House [National Trust] photo by Heather V Hogg](pictures/135771_2.jpg) Photo: Heather V Hogg |
![Stourhead House [National Trust] photo by David Biggins](pictures/135771_3.jpg) Photo: David Biggins |
![Stourhead House [National Trust] photo by tas.wake](pictures/135771_4.jpg) Photo: tas.wake |
![Stourhead House [National Trust] photo by Ian Wilson](pictures/135771_5.jpg) Photo: Ian Wilson |
![Stourhead House [National Trust] photo by Matt Foster](pictures/135771_6.jpg) Photo: Matt Foster |
![Stourhead House [National Trust] photo by Etrusia UK](pictures/135771_7.jpg) Photo: Etrusia UK |
![Stourhead House [National Trust] photo by blimlips](pictures/135771_8.jpg) Photo: blimlips |
![Stourhead House [National Trust] photo by Jo Parsons](pictures/135771_9.jpg) Photo: Jo Parsons |
![Stourhead House [National Trust] photo by Dave Watson](pictures/135771_10.jpg) Photo: Dave Watson |
![Stourhead House [National Trust] photo by Isabella Perry](pictures/135771_11.jpg) Photo: Isabella Perry |
![Stourhead House [National Trust] photo by Amanda Nemec](pictures/135771_12.jpg) Photo: Amanda Nemec |
![Stourhead House [National Trust] photo by John Turp](pictures/135771_13.jpg) Photo: John Turp |
![Stourhead House [National Trust] photo by rockcake](pictures/135771_14.jpg) Photo: rockcake |
![Stourhead House [National Trust] photo by Dan White](pictures/135771_15.jpg) Photo: Dan White |
![Stourhead House [National Trust] photo by Paul FG](pictures/135771_16.jpg) Photo: Paul FG |
![Stourhead House [National Trust] photo by Jake Bickerton](pictures/135771_17.jpg) Photo: Jake Bickerton |
![Stourhead House [National Trust] photo by Charles Dyer](pictures/135771_18.jpg) Photo: Charles Dyer |
![Stourhead House [National Trust] photo by Graham Rains](pictures/135771_19.jpg) Photo: Graham Rains |
![Stourhead House [National Trust] photo by PETER WRIGHT](pictures/135771_20.jpg) Photo: PETER WRIGHT |
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Watching the wildlife |
Bathwick Bath BA2 1EE United Kingdom +44 (0)1225 44 2388 (Tourist Information Center) |
Situated directly behind the Holbourne Museum in Bathwick, these formal city gardens are ideally placed for a stroll before heading back into the city centre. Imaginative flower beds and gracious trees line the walkways and access to the canal provides a relaxing way to waste a few hours. Wildlife thrives in this environment so do not be surprised to catch a glimpse of the resident squirrels. Train spotters (or enthusiasts, as they prefer to be called) will love the unrestricted view of the passing trains. Children will enjoy the play area and sand-pit. As for the rest of us, we will take a seat in one of the wonderful gazebos and watch the world go by. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Richard |
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Beautiful old manor house |
Off the B3109 Westwood Village Bath, Wiltshire BA15 2AF United Kingdom +44 1225 863374 |
This manor goes back to Saxon times, and at the time of Domesday it was in the possession of the Bishop of Winchester. There is a fragment left of the house from about 1400, but most of it was built by Thomas Culverhouse in the 1480s, Thomas Horton in the 1520s and John Farewell in the early 17th century. Notable features are the late Gothic and Jacobean windows and some fine plaster work, including a Red Indian on a totem pole, which is a very early American connection, possibly the first of its kind in England. As with so many small manor houses, Westwood was neglected during the 18th and 19th centuries, being used as a farm. Edgar Lister took it over around 1900 and restored it sympathetically, leaving it, his furniture and some attractive wall hangings to the National Trust in 1956. There is a modern garden, which is entered through a topiary hedge in the shape of a life-size cottage. Directions: 1 mile southwest of Bradford on Avon, off the B3109 in Westwood Village beside the church, approximately 10 miles southeast of Bath. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Green + Grmek |