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.

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 - American Museum

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 - Royal Victoria Park

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 £2.50 per adult and £1.25 for children over 5 and concessions. 

Image - Sydney Gardens

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. 

Don’t miss a visit to Iford’s restaurant for lunch where much of the food is reared, grown or sourced from the estate’s farm and vegetable garden, as well as other local sustainable suppliers.  Alternatively, their adjoining cafe serves homemade breakfast baps, pastries and cakes from the Iford bakery, as well as a selection of salads and sandwiches for lunch freshly made each day on site. Dogs are welcome in the garden, restaurant and cafe. 

Image - Iford Manor

Prior Park Landscape Garden

On the fringes of the city and just a stone's throw from the Bath Skyline walk is this stunning 18th-century landscape garden. You can also visit one of only four Palladian bridges of this design in the world, which was created by local entrepreneur Ralph Allen, with advice from 'Capability' Brown and the poet Alexander Pope.

Image - Prior Park Landscape Garden

Dyrham Park

Explore the extensive grounds and admire the baroque-style house at National Trust's Dyrham Park. 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 - Dyrham Park, credit Beth Weston

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 - Bowood House and Gardens

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 - Westonbirt, credit Johnny Hathaway

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