The grand Palladian mansion of Prior Park is one of the landmarks of Bath. Sitting on the green slopes to the south of the city, the house sits above picturesque landscaped grounds, still dotted with interesting historical features. These grounds, incorporating woodland walkways, lakes, a famous Palladian bridge and excellent views of Bath, are open to the public and cared for by the National Trust.
The gardens make a pleasant outing from the centre of town, are interesting for students of garden history, and also lie conveniently close to the National Trust’s Skyline Walk, a ramble above the town. I’ve also written directions for a scenic circular walk from the railway station which visits the gardens (more below).
The garden’s existence is tied up with the history of Bath. Ralph Allen was an important local figure in the eighteenth century; a businessman and notable philanthropist, reputed to be the inspiration for Squire Allworthy in Henry Fielding’s Tom Jones. Among his business interests were the stone mines from which the honey-coloured local limestone was extracted. To demonstrate how effectively the Bath stone could be used, Allen built this splendid show-mansion on a hillside overlooking Bath. The gardens of his house were landscaped in a fashionable ‘natural’ style, with advice from two other eighteenth-century luminaries: Alexander Pope and Capability Brown. While the house has been for many years a private school, the gardens are now cared for by the National Trust, and are subject to continuing restoration projects and historical investigations.
Don’t expect formal flowerbeds at Prior Park; this garden is all landscape, views, architecture and wildlife. At the centre of the garden is a shallow green valley, where cows (and occasionally wild deer) graze. The grassy slope drops from the house towards a series of small lakes and a Palladian bridge at the foot of the grounds. The path which circles the gardens winds around the wooded slopes on either side of the valley. Various follies and architectural features have been uncovered during the work to restore the garden, including a grotto and ice-house. The restoration work on the gardens is ongoing, and there is often something new to see or learn.
The most famous feature of the garden is its rare Palladian bridge. This isn’t the one you may have seen in the Netflix series Bridgerton, but it is one of only three in Britain, all in the gardens of stately homes. (Read my article about Bridgerton locations in Bath). For some visitors the bridge is notable thanks to its appearance on the cover of the 1996 album Morningrise by Swedish progressive metal band Opeth. As well as looking fantastic in photos, the bridge is an atmospheric place to linger, admire the lakes and reflect on the varied history of the site. There’s historic graffiti on the bridge – the names of vandals from the past. The bridge is a historic monument but staggeringly, some visitors still consider defacing it – I’ve had to argue with – and report – a visiting family in the act of gouging their names in the stonework.
I’d recommend allowing a generous amount of time to explore the gardens at your leisure. There are many wonderful photo opportunities and views to admire: the theatrical view of Bath from the highest path, the romantic reflections of the Palladian bridge in dark lake waters, picturesque woodland glades and the imposing grandeur of the historic stately home. There’s a tea shed/café in the gardens by the lakes with outdoor tables: a great place to enjoy a lunchtime snack or a hot drink in the open air. I still remember enjoying a hot chocolate in the snow one winter.
The gardens are open daily in summer months, but have more limited opening in winter – I’d strongly recommend you check up-to-date opening details, including last admission times, before you travel. There are steep slopes, so wear sensible shoes. You don’t really need walking boots or Wellingtons, since the paths are mostly well-made and gravelly, but to explore thoroughly or venture onto nearby footpaths, I’d suggest footwear that can handle a bit of mud or roughness underfoot. Note that the house is a school and isn’t open to the public; the main entrance to the landscape gardens is on Ralph Allen Drive, downhill from the Prior Park School entrance.
The garden is a good starting point for joining the 6-mile Bath Skyline Walk (a leaflet can be picked up at the visitor desk – or see my variation including a garden visit, linked below). The National Trust organises a calendar of special events at the gardens – see their website for the latest programme. There are often well-designed trails for children including fun activities.
How to get to Prior Park Garden
There is no parking at or near Prior Park, and the National Trust are keen to encourage green modes of travel. It is possible to walk to the gardens from the centre of Bath – through Widcombe and straight up Prior Park Road and Ralph Allen’s Drive (see my alternative route below). The walk takes 20-30 minutes, and the hill is steep, so visitors may prefer to use the public bus service. Bus number 2 to Combe Down/Mulberry Park/Foxhill (its published destination keeps changing) departs from Dorchester Street, just outside the railway station and a few yards from the main bus station, and stops at the entrance to the gardens. Buses are generally every 12-20 minutes and the journey takes less than 10 minutes. Ask the driver or a fellow-passenger where to alight. The open top bus company City Sightseeing run a ‘Bath Skyline’ route which stops at the gardens.
As of late 2024, the National Trust have reopened a lower entrance to Prior Park Gardens, which offers visitors an alternative to ascending Ralph Allen’s Drive to the main gates. Do check their official webpages or social media for the latest on access before your visit, though, as this may change from time to time. The lower gate (pedestrian access only) is up a long lane, Church Lane, which starts by St Thomas a Becket church in Widcombe. You can reach the church on foot along Church Street, which branches off Prior Park Road at the foot of Ralph Allen’s Drive at one end, and is a turning off Widcombe hill above Widcombe Crescent at the other end. The access route enters the garden near the lower lake and tea shed, and close to a couple of public footpath routes climbing up towards the Skyline Trail.
If you fancy a longer, more scenic walk to Prior Park Landscape Garden and beyond, returning into Bath via a stretch of the National Trust’s Skyline Trail with superb city views, see my walk directions: Prior Park & Skyline variant walk.
> Prior Park Garden (National Trust) – see the official website for the latest opening days and times, tea shed opening hours and access.