Parade Gardens
A serene, award-winning garden oasis in Bath's center, featuring vibrant blooms, riverside views, and summer concerts.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Cherry blossoms in full bloom
Parade Gardens
Best Time
Cherry blossoms in full bloom
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene, award-winning garden oasis in Bath's center, featuring vibrant blooms, riverside views, and summer concerts.
"A small but incredibly cosy garden that exudes warmth and tranquillity."
🧺 Perfect Picnic Spot
Bring a blanket and snacks for a delightful picnic by the river. It's a top choice for a relaxing outdoor meal.
🚶♀️ Stroll & Unwind
Wander through the beautiful flower beds and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. Great for a leisurely walk.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Award-Winning Flower Displays
Throughout the gardens
Vibrant, colorful blooms create a stunning visual spectacle, earning these gardens numerous accolades. A true feast for the eyes!
Riverside Serenity
Along the River Avon
Enjoy picturesque views of the River Avon and charming riverboats from the well-maintained lawns. Peaceful and scenic.
Unique Sculptures & Statues
Scattered throughout the gardens
Discover intriguing sculptures and statues that add an artistic touch and charm to the tranquil garden setting.
Summer Concerts
Bandstand
Experience live music performances on the bandstand during summer months, adding a lively atmosphere to the gardens.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Free Entry & Best Times
Picnic & Relax
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🧺 Perfect Picnic Spot
Bring a blanket and snacks for a delightful picnic by the river. It's a top choice for a relaxing outdoor meal.
🚶♀️ Stroll & Unwind
Wander through the beautiful flower beds and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. Great for a leisurely walk.
🎶 Catch a Concert
Check the schedule for summer bandstand concerts for live music and a vibrant atmosphere.
📸 Capture the Views
The gardens offer stunning photo opportunities with flowers, river views, and Bath's architecture.
Tips
from all over the internet
🧺 Perfect Picnic Spot
Bring a blanket and snacks for a delightful picnic by the river. It's a top choice for a relaxing outdoor meal.
🚶♀️ Stroll & Unwind
Wander through the beautiful flower beds and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. Great for a leisurely walk.
🎶 Catch a Concert
Check the schedule for summer bandstand concerts for live music and a vibrant atmosphere.
📸 Capture the Views
The gardens offer stunning photo opportunities with flowers, river views, and Bath's architecture.
🍦 Treat Yourself
Enjoy delicious ice cream from the cafe while soaking in the garden's charm. A sweet addition to your visit.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Parade Gardens is widely praised as a beautiful, tranquil oasis in the heart of Bath, offering stunning floral displays and lovely riverside views. Visitors appreciate the free entry, the well-maintained grounds, and the peaceful atmosphere perfect for picnics and relaxation. Some minor points of feedback include the seasonal opening hours and the desire for more varied activities.
"I had an amazing time at Parade Gardens in Bath! The entry was completely free, and the views were absolutely stunning. The park is filled with an array of cool sculptures and statues that make the whole place even more interesting. The scenery around the gardens, coupled with the beautiful architecture of Bath, really takes your breath away. Plus, it’s incredibly clean with no litter in sight – perfect for a peaceful and relaxing visit. Highly recommend checking it out if you’re in the area!"
Ayyub Chowdhury
"Parade Gardens is a lovely green space right in the heart of Bath, perfect for relaxing on a sunny day. It’s a great spot to have a little picnic or just grab a drink and chill on the grass. Located near the river, the views are beautiful, and the atmosphere is peaceful. If the weather’s good, it’s one of the best places in the city to unwind and enjoy the outdoors."
Yaprak C. ivan (Цвета)
"A small but incredibly cosy garden that exudes warmth and tranquillity. Despite its compact size, it is well thought out and beautifully maintained. Colourful flowers bloom in neat, bright bunches, filling the air with subtle, pleasant scents. There are various unique sculptures scattered throughout the garden, each adding its own charm and artistic touch to the space. It is the perfect place to relax, unwind and enjoy a moment of peace away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. It is obvious that a lot of effort and love has been put into creating this serene, inviting corner of nature - a true hidden gem for those who appreciate beauty and tranquility."
John
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Parade Gardens is centrally located on Grand Parade, Bath, BA2 4DF, right by the River Avon. It's easily accessible on foot from the city center, just a short walk from Pulteney Bridge. If arriving by car, the nearest parking is likely at the SouthGate Shopping Centre car park.
Yes, Parade Gardens is very close to Bath's main bus station and the Bath Spa train station, making it convenient to reach via public transport. From either station, it's a pleasant walk through the city to reach the gardens.
Cycling is a great way to explore Bath, and you can cycle to Parade Gardens. There are usually bike racks available nearby, though it's always good to check for specific facilities upon arrival.
The most straightforward way is to walk from the city center. Head towards Pulteney Bridge, and you'll see the gardens situated alongside the river. It's a scenic and easy stroll.
The main entrance is on Grand Parade. It's clearly marked and leads directly into the gardens.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Great news! Parade Gardens is now free to enter, making it an accessible and enjoyable spot for everyone.
Parade Gardens is typically open from April to September. Specific daily hours can vary, so it's advisable to check locally or on the official Bath & North East Somerset Council website for the most up-to-date information.
While entry to the gardens themselves is free, specific events like summer concerts might have separate ticketing. It's best to check the event listings for any associated costs or booking requirements.
Yes, Parade Gardens is generally open seasonally, from April to September. Outside of these months, it is usually closed to the public.
No, as entry is now free, you do not need to book in advance to simply visit and enjoy the gardens.
📸 📸 Photography
The riverside offers stunning views of the Avon and Pulteney Bridge. The vibrant flower beds, especially when in bloom, and the unique sculptures also make for excellent photo opportunities. The bandstand is another picturesque feature.
Yes, photography is generally allowed and encouraged in Parade Gardens. Capture the beautiful floral displays, serene river views, and the charming atmosphere.
The 'golden hour' – shortly after sunrise or before sunset – offers beautiful, soft light that enhances the gardens' beauty. Mid-morning can also be lovely, especially when the sun catches the flowers.
While not explicitly stated, drone usage in public parks can be restricted due to privacy and safety concerns. It's best to assume it's not permitted unless official signage indicates otherwise.
For professional photoshoots, it's always a good idea to check with the local council or park management beforehand to inquire about any permits or specific guidelines.
🎫 🌳 Onsite Experience
Parade Gardens offers a cafe for refreshments, deck chairs for relaxing, and public toilets. The bandstand is a central feature for summer concerts.
Absolutely! Parade Gardens is an ideal spot for a picnic. The lawns are perfect for spreading out a blanket, and the riverside setting is very pleasant.
Children often enjoy running around on the open lawns and exploring the sculptures. The peaceful environment is great for a family outing, and the nearby river adds to the interest.
Yes, deck chairs are available for rent within Parade Gardens, allowing you to comfortably relax and enjoy the views.
The gardens are generally flat and well-maintained, making them reasonably accessible. However, specific accessibility details should be confirmed with the park management if needed.
🍽️ ☕ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a cafe located within Parade Gardens that serves refreshments, including ice cream and drinks.
Yes, bringing your own food and drinks is perfectly fine, and it's a popular spot for picnics. Enjoy your meal on the lawns or by the river.
The cafe typically offers light refreshments, snacks, and ice cream. It's a convenient place to grab a drink or a treat while enjoying the gardens.
Being in the heart of Bath, there are numerous restaurants, cafes, and pubs within a short walking distance of Parade Gardens, offering a wide variety of dining options.
Prices at the cafe are generally considered reasonable for a park cafe, offering good value for snacks and drinks.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
❤️ Couples & Relaxation Seekers
+1🚶 Budget Travelers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Brief History of Parade Gardens
Originally, access to the gardens was by subscription, reflecting their exclusive nature. However, in recent times, the decision to make entry free has opened up this beautiful space to a wider audience, allowing more people to enjoy its serene atmosphere and stunning floral displays. The gardens have consistently won awards for their horticultural excellence, a testament to the ongoing care and dedication they receive.
Experiencing the Gardens: What to Expect
The gardens' prime location along the River Avon provides picturesque views of the water, riverboats, and the iconic Bath architecture. It's an ideal spot for a leisurely stroll, a quiet read, or a delightful picnic. During the summer, the bandstand often hosts concerts, adding a lively soundtrack to the tranquil setting. The availability of deck chairs further enhances the relaxation experience, making it easy to simply sit back and soak in the atmosphere.
+1Parade Gardens for Photography Enthusiasts
For capturing the grandeur of Bath, the gardens provide excellent vantage points that frame the city's historic architecture. The unique sculptures scattered throughout the park add interesting focal points and artistic elements to your photographs. Early morning or late afternoon light, often referred to as the 'golden hour,' casts a warm glow over the gardens, enhancing their natural beauty and creating a magical atmosphere for photography.
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