Visit Bath - walk in Royal Victoria Park
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To the west of the city centre, entered through imposing gates, is the grand expanse of Royal Victoria Park. It's a great place to wander, escape the crowds, eat a picnic in front of the Royal Crescent or find a cafe to relax a while.
And it’s worth hunting out the authentic formal Georgian garden which has gravel instead of grass to protect the women’s long dresses from staining. It's entered via the gravel path running along the southern rear of Brock Street and The Circus.
Further west the huge children’s adventure playground at the end of the Park isn’t Roman or Georgian... but it is free and a real help for tourist families with little children.There are simple sand pits, swings and roundabouts here plus much more elaborate adventure rides and a skateboard park.
In between there are 57 acres. Highlights include a big duck pond, an aviary, period ornaments, a botanical garden and an original bandstand, where there may be some free entertainment if you're lucky in your timing. Around the tennis courts (open and covered) there's a popular mini-golf course, bowling green, toilets and a good cafe overlooking the tennis courts.
The Park was opened in 1830 and was the first park named after the young Princess Victoria, aged 11, who was visiting at the time. Little did she know that every other park in Britain would end up being called after her by the end of the century. It was originally an arboretum - that's why there are such superb trees dotted around.
Royal Victoria Park is open every day and is free. In the first weekend of May watch out for the Bath Flower Shower in the Park. After dark the Park is not quite so welcoming and there have been attacks on lone pedestrians. It's not as scary as a major city park but take care late at night - walk under the street lights and stick to the main open areas - don't cut through the trees and bushes.
Cost per person (no concessions): Free
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