Bath: A City for Outdoor Adventures

While Bath is a large city, the countryside is so accessible no matter where you are. Within either a short drive or walk, you can be in woodland, on hilltops or swimming in rivers. With some of the UK’s prettiest parks and countryside, Bath offers the best of both worlds.

 

Parks and Gardens

  • Sydney Gardens: This park is wonderfully placed at the end of Great Pultney Street and is home to the Holbourne Museum. This lovely park has a picturesque canal running through the middle and several coffee spots. Plus, a wonderful and large play area for children. 
  • Parade Gardens: Enjoy stunning views of Pulteney Bridge and the river Avon in this vibrant space. There are deck chairs to enjoy a sunny afternoon alongside a coffee shop serving cream teas. 
  • Botanical Gardens: Discover a diverse collection of plants from around the world, including exotic blooms, fragrant herbs, and towering trees. There’s also a wonderful coffee shop set amongst the large trees. 
  • Royal Victoria Park: A family-friendly space with a large playground featuring exciting equipment for all ages, from swings and slides to climbing frames and sandpits. It’s the perfect place for children to burn off energy while parents relax in the surrounding parkland.

Outdoor Attractions

  • Beazer Maze: Challenge yourself to find your way through this intricate stone labyrinth, inspired by Georgian architecture and featuring a mosaic at its heart. 
  • Prior Park Landscape Garden: Discover stunning 18th-century gardens with Palladian architecture.
  • Alexandra Park: Enjoy panoramic city views from this elevated park.
  • American Museum: A short drive away from Bath is the American Museum. The gardens are large and planted beautifully with plenty of spots to enjoy a picnic. 

Walks and Hikes

  • Bath Skyline Walk: Embark on a challenging hike rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the city and surrounding countryside.
  • Bathwick Fields: Escape the city’s hustle and bustle for a leisurely stroll through these peaceful green spaces.
  • The Kennet and Avon Canal: Enjoy a leisurely walk or bike ride along this picturesque waterway, passing through charming locks and historic villages.
  • Bathscape Walking Festival: Discover the beauty of the Bath area with a variety of guided walks suitable for all abilities, from gentle strolls to more demanding hikes.

Pub Walks

Combine walking with good pub food:

  • Kennet and Avon Canal: Bath to Bathampton: Enjoy a riverside stroll and pub stop.
  • Bradford-on-Avon to Avoncliff: Discover charming villages and enjoy a pub lunch.
  • Norton St Philip Loop: Explore the countryside and reward yourself with a pub.
  • Box Hill Circular Walk: Hike to the top for stunning views, then enjoy a pub.
  • Little Solsbury Hill: A shorter walk with a rewarding pub at the end.
  • Hare & Hounds Lansdown Trail: Combine a scenic walk with a visit to the iconic Hare & Hounds.

Canals and Waterways

Bath’s waterways offer a tranquil escape.

  • Kennet and Avon Canal: Explore this historic waterway by boat or on foot, passing through picturesque locks and charming villages.
  • River Avon: Admire the iconic Pulteney Bridge from the water on a leisurely boat trip.
  • Sydney Gardens Canal Boat & Bridge: Enjoy a romantic boat trip through the heart of the city.
  • Pulteney Bridge: A stunning architectural masterpiece offering panoramic river views.
  • Bathampton: Discover this picturesque canalside village, a perfect spot for a peaceful stroll.

Whether you’re seeking relaxation or adventure, Bath’s outdoor spaces have something for everyone. Enjoy exploring!

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