Botanical Gardens at Royal Victoria Park, Bath
A historic and tranquil nine-acre botanical oasis in Bath’s Royal Victoria Park, blending rich plant collections with cultural heritage and serene woodland walks.
Nestled in the northwest corner of Royal Victoria Park, the Botanical Gardens in Bath span approximately nine acres of beautifully landscaped grounds. Established in 1887, the gardens feature an impressive collection of trees, shrubs, herbaceous borders, a rock garden with a pool, a scented walk, and a replica Roman temple. The tranquil woodland area known as the Great Dell adds to the garden's charm, offering scenic aerial walkways and panoramic views across the park. Open year-round with free admission, these gardens provide a peaceful urban oasis rich in botanical diversity and historical character.
A brief summary to Botanical Gardens
- Park Ln, Bath, BA1 2XQ, GB
- +441225396056
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 3 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 9 am-5 pm
- Tuesday 9 am-5 pm
- Wednesday 9 am-5 pm
- Thursday 9 am-5 pm
- Friday 9 am-5 pm
- Saturday 9 am-5 pm
- Sunday 9 am-5 pm
Local tips
- Visit on weekday mornings for a peaceful experience with fewer visitors and better wildlife sightings.
- Bring a sketchbook or camera to capture the diverse plant life and scenic views, especially around the Great Dell.
- Use the accessible tarmac paths to explore the entire garden comfortably, including wheelchair-friendly routes.
- Enjoy a quiet moment on one of the many benches near water features or rose gardens to soak in the tranquil atmosphere.
- Consider donating to help maintain the gardens, as entry is free but upkeep relies on visitor support.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Walking
A scenic 25-minute walk from Bath city center leads you directly to the Botanical Gardens via Royal Victoria Park’s pathways. The terrain is flat and accessible, suitable for all fitness levels and wheelchair users.
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Public Transport
Frequent bus services run from Bath Bus Station and Newbridge Park & Ride to Upper Bristol Road, approximately 250 meters from the gardens. The journey typically takes 10–15 minutes, with tickets costing around £2–£4.
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Car
Parking is available on nearby streets with pay and display options. The closest car park is Charlotte Street Car Park, about 600 meters away, charging approximately £1 for 2 hours. Note that parking is free for the first hour on some nearby streets.
Botanical Gardens location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Botanical Gardens
Historical Roots and Botanical Heritage
The Botanical Gardens at Royal Victoria Park were founded in 1887, making them a cherished historic feature of Bath. Originally designed to showcase one of the finest collections of plants on limestone in the country, the gardens have evolved over more than a century. A key highlight is the replica of a Roman Temple, originally Bath’s exhibit at the British Empire Exhibition in 1924, which adds a unique cultural element to the botanical setting. In 1987, the gardens were extended to include the Great Dell, a former quarry transformed into a woodland garden rich with conifers and native plants, enhancing the diversity and depth of the landscape.Garden Layout and Plant Collections
Spanning roughly nine acres, the gardens are meticulously arranged with winding paths that invite exploration through varied botanical displays. Visitors encounter a fine herbaceous border, a rock garden with a bubbling pool, and a scented walk designed to engage the senses. The collection of old shrub roses is particularly notable, offering bursts of color and fragrance. The Great Dell woodland area features an aerial walkway providing breathtaking views over the trees and Royal Victoria Park beyond. Water features such as a small stream flowing under quaint bridges and a fish-filled pond with a moorhen house create a serene atmosphere.Visitor Experience and Atmosphere
The Botanical Gardens provide a peaceful retreat from the city bustle, with numerous benches scattered throughout for quiet reflection or birdwatching. The gardens are alive with local wildlife, including birds, insects, and butterflies, making it a favored spot for nature lovers and photographers. The level, gated site with tarmac paths ensures full accessibility for all visitors, including wheelchair users. The gardens’ tranquil ambiance lends itself well to relaxation, artistic pursuits like sketching, and mindfulness activities.Events and Cultural Significance
Within the gardens lies the Temple of Minerva, a charming small venue overlooking a secluded pond and bordered by a rose garden. This location is used for intimate events such as small weddings, outdoor theatre, art installations, and children’s activities, blending natural beauty with cultural engagement. The gardens’ romantic setting and heritage status make them a popular choice for celebrations and exhibitions, enhancing Bath’s cultural landscape.Accessibility and Facilities
The Botanical Gardens are easily accessible on foot with a pleasant 25-minute walk from Bath city center. Public transport options connect nearby, with good links from Bath Bus Station and Newbridge Park & Ride. Parking is available in the vicinity with pay and display options and free parking for up to one hour. The gardens are open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM throughout the year, with free admission. Nearby amenities including cafés and restrooms are located just outside the gardens within Royal Victoria Park.Conservation and Sustainability
Managed as part of Royal Victoria Park, the Botanical Gardens emphasize sustainable horticultural practices and biodiversity conservation. The inclusion of insect-friendly plants and a variety of native species supports local wildlife habitats. The gardens encourage visitors to respect the natural environment, maintaining a low-impact, eco-friendly urban green space that serves both educational and recreational purposes.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
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For the design and aesthetic lover
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For the architecture buff
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For the view chaser and sunset hunter
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For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
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For the eco-conscious traveler
- Sustainable
- Eco-Friendly
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- Public-Transport Accessible
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
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- Wildlife Habitat
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Mindfulness
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For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
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- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
