Spring is the perfect time to explore the beautiful gardens and parks in and around Bath. Here are some of the finest where you can stretch your legs, enjoy the greenery, and catch up alfresco with loved ones.

Image - American Museum

American Museum & Gardens

The American Museum is unique as the only museum dedicated to Americana outside of the United States. As well as the outstanding collection of art and cultural objects inside the stately Georgian house, visit for a walk around the old Italianate-style manorial pleasure gardens and parkland. Take in a replica of George Washington's garden at Mount Vernon, a Lewis and Clark trail, and wonderful views over the Limpley Stoke Valley and River Avon thanks to the museum's hilltop location. 

Refuel on seasonal food, sweet treats, and hot drinks from the Garden Café. Little legs can let off steam in the fun Children's Garden playground too. 

Image - Royal Victoria Park

The Botanical Gardens at Royal Victoria Park

Dating back to 1887, the Botanical Gardens are a little oasis nearby to the city centre, filling a nine-acre section of Royal Victoria Park. Free to visit, there’s a beautiful woodland garden, herbaceous border, rock garden and pool, aerial walkway and more to explore. 

Image - Sydney Gardens

Bath’s Public Parks

As well as Royal Victoria Park, Bath has a lovely selection of public gardens and parks that you can visit for free...

• Sydney Gardens
• Henrietta Park
• Alice Park
• The Georgian Garden
• Bath Skyline Walk

Parade Gardens is another city centre park with fine views of Pulteney Bridge and the weir, with a small entry fee of £2 per adult and £1 for children over 5. 

Image - Iford Manor

Iford Manor Gardens

Set in the Frome River valley, Iford Manor is home to Grade I listed gardens designed by renowned Edwardian landscape designer Harold Peto. Head here for an idyllic wander among Italian, Byzantine, ancient Roman and Oriental garden designs accented with statues, columns, terraces, and architecture. 

From 6th April, the café will be open for lunches, afternoon tea and snacks with views over the valley. There are also regular behind-the-scenes garden tours as well as evening champagne tours with Iford's owner, William Cartwright-Hignett. 

Image - Dyrham Park, credit Beth Weston

Dyrham Park

While the baroque-style house at National Trust's Dyrham Park is currently closed for conservation work (it's due to reopen at Easter), the extensive grounds are all open to explore. Amble over ancient parkland, through formal 21st-century gardens with echoes from the past, and around the tranquil zig-zagging woodland terraces. Get the most out of your visit by following one of the self-guided walking trails, which chart the estate's history, show off the artistry of the gardens, and introduce you to sweeping vistas across the channel. 

Image - Bowood House and Gardens

Bowood House and Gardens

Based in the Wiltshire countryside, the picturesque grounds at Bowood House include ‘Capability’ Brown parkland, a walled garden, an Italian-inspired terrace garden, and an ever-changing herbaceous border. Let the kids loose on the Adventure Playground, complete with two new jumping pillows, plus activities at The Den, and stop for treats at the Treehouse Café or take along a picnic.

For six weeks from 15th May, you’ll also be able to enjoy bluebells, azaleas, magnolias, and rhododendrons in the beautiful Woodland Gardens, which open just for the flowering season. Originally laid out in 1854 by the 3rd Marquess of Lansdowne (a former Chancellor of the Exchequer, Home Secretary and confidante of Queen Victoria), the garden features some of the earliest known hybrids in the UK. 

Image - Westonbirt, credit Johnny Hathaway

Westonbirt, The National Arboretum

It's famed for its autumn colours, but Westonbirt should be on your spring hitlist too. A gorgeous array of colours sweep the 600-acre arboretum as exotic magnolias, camellias, and rhododendrons bloom into life. As well as walking the 17 miles of paths and testing your tree identification skills (there's around 3000 different species to spot!), there are often events, workshops and family activities to enjoy.

Image - The Bishop's Palace and Gardens

The Bishop's Palace and Gardens

The Bishop’s Palace was the medieval home of the Bishop of Bath and Wells for over 800 years – the well pools there inspired the city’s name. Admire them in the 14-acre RHS-partner gardens along with herbaceous borders, a pretty parterre, an arboretum, a Garden of Reflection, and a fourteenth-century moat surrounding the palace. It’s a peaceful place to while away a few hours, with the palace itself open to visitors too. 

Somerset Lavender Farm

For a relaxing stroll, head to the family-run Somerset Lavender Farm in Faulkland. Take in the soothing scents of 50,000 lavender plants and visit the shop to pick up your own lavender plants (May is the perfect time to plant them). 

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