Prior Park Landscape Garden surrounding the Prior Park estate south of Bath, Somerset, England, was designed in the 18th century by the poet Alexander Pope and the landscape gardener Capability Brown, and is now owned by the National Trust. The garden was influential in defining the style known as the "English landscape garden" in continental Europe. The garden is Grade I listed in the Register of Historic Parks and Gardens of special historic interest in England.
Around 1100 the site was part of a deer park set out by the Bishop of Bath and Wells John of Tours. In 1720s it was bought by Ralph Allen and landscaped to complement his new house. Further development was undertaken after the house became a seminary and then a Roman Catholic grammar school (which later became Prior Park College). In the 1990s 11.3 hectares (28 acres) of the park and pleasure grounds were acquired by the National Trust and a large scale restoration undertaken. Features of Prior Park Landscape Garden include a Palladian architecture bridge, lake and ancillary buildings.
Monday | 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM |
Tuesday | 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM |
Wednesday | 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM |
Thursday | 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM |
Friday | 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM |
Saturday | 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM |
Sunday | 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM |
Pink Unicorn | Dec 22, 2017
Really beautiful views here. If you walk to the top near the house (I think the house is a school so you can't go in here as part of the National Trust visit) you get to look down at the rolling hills with Bath in the distance ~ just lovely. You also have good views from the bridge looking up towards the house. There are refreshments (tea, coffee, cakes) and toilets here down by the bridge end. There are 2 entrances (one up the steep hill and one down near the houses) if I go back and walk from the centre of Bath I'd go for the entrance at the bottom of the hill next time. I think there is parking for disabled badge holders but you may need to prior book. There is no parking for non badge holders so you may end up walking or going by bus. It is quite a walk from the centre of Bath up a steep hill so may be best busing it if you have trouble. I would recommend a visit.
Peter Wharmby | Feb 8, 2018
Very pleasant gardens with excellent views of Bath and beyond. Some very steep hills though, so be prepared. Parking is tricky, with no dedicated site so finding a spot on residential streets is necessary, but it is worth it. Recommend the fascinating carved graffiti on the sandstone bridge!
Julia Jackson | Sep 25, 2017
We really enjoyed the peace of this park and the landscape views. There are no pretty herbaceous borders but the reproduction of the 1700s landscape was excellent. The tea shed had drinks and cakes, we had taken sandwiches so we were all set for lunch. The bath skyline walk can be accessed from the park for the more energetic. Personally walking up and down the the hill and around the park was enough exercise for me 😊
Aubrey Oiller | Oct 15, 2017
A lovely place to visit for some peaceful walking. My husband and I went here when they opened at 10am and barely anyone was there. Halfway around the park there is a small tea room and toilet if you need a break. There's also a bus stop not far from the entry gate. You can get 2 for 1 entry with a voucher online if you travel by train.
Maria Barton | Feb 20, 2018
It is a lovely place to walk for the energetic. We needed a drink afterwards but sadly the café was closed.
Ben Leivers | Mar 24, 2018
Beautiful place, really friendly team working there at the entrance. The National Trust organises a calendar of events throughout the year so refer to their website/app for the latest. I think a morning or afternoon visit would suffice and a bite to eat on a bright day would be really good. Bath in general has lovely landscape and architecture and Prior Park is one of the many fine examples of the Bath area. You really get a feel for the history. There are lovely views from the viewing point looking over Bath. The magnificent Palladiun bridge is poetic to walk over the lake. The walk itself around the lake is full of wildlife and very relaxing. There is a nice little outdoor cafe, I imagine it must be very busy in the summer, it has great views of the lake. There are toilet facilities on site. I would say it's not the easiest walking to negotiate if disabled, Parking is tricky. All in all, a lovely place to visit.
Greg Sargsyan | Apr 5, 2018
Loved the park and the interesting history behind it! Definitely worth a visit. Take a quick bus ride from the city centre.
Huw Jeffries | Mar 26, 2018
Lots of fun with the kids - beautiful gardens with interesting places to explore. No parking on site (except for disabled) - we parked in one of the side streets nearby.
Matt Williams | May 4, 2018
The fellow at the gate was very helpful. I arrived to the park late in the day but he showed me where I could let myself out after the main gate is closed. The park is absolutely beautiful and peaceful. One of the highlights of my visit it to England. Be aware that there is currently repairs going on to a damn between the ponds.
Tom Bright | Apr 30, 2018
A fantastic trip with lots of photographic opportunities straight out of major films or period dramas ... expect to give your legs a good work out and be ready for some extra effort if you are bringing a pram or wheelchair ... very attentive staff and great one off events run throughout the year.
Jody Martinez | Jun 6, 2018
There is no public parking available here so that made our visit a bit difficult. We were told to find a spot nearby in a residential neighborhood and walk back. It was a beautiful area to view Bath.
john twaite | Jun 23, 2018
The worst National Trust experience ever. No car park (OK so I should have looked it up first), poor sign posting. I parked on a road behind the park and walked a long way round, I saw the Bath skyline. I found an entrance and it was closed because I was late as I walked so far. Sneaked in round a gate only to find the lake drained. I drove 90 mile for this. I could see the potential of this place is stunning, however make sure you plan your parking, route and check that the repair work has been finished before you go.
Karen Dauncey | Jun 30, 2018
Beautiful gardens with lovely views over Bath, it's a steep hill to walk down and back up but well worth it!
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