Parade Gardens
Bath, South West England
One of Bath’s most popular parks, the riverside Parade Gardens are located in the heart of the city, steps from Pulteney Bridge, Bath Abbey, and the Roman Baths. First laid out in the 18th century, and now a Grade II-listed landmark, the gardens are celebrated for their floral displays, bandstand, memorials, and summer programming.
The basics
Whether you want to catch your breath after sightseeing or are especially interested in Bath’s historical highlights, the Parade Gardens are a must-visit in the UNESCO-listed city. After purchasing tickets, it’s worth strolling the paths to admire the notable floral displays, spot the garden’s key features (including the King Edward VII Memorial), and soak up views overlooking the River Avon and Pulteney Bridge. With its benches and grandstand, the park is comfortable for whiling away the hours, and easy to visit independently.
Things to know before you go
- Visitors to the gardens must pay a small fee to enter; admission is discounted for seniors and children, and free for kids 5 and under.
- Dogs are not allowed in the Parade Gardens.
- Picnics are permitted in the park, though there is also a café selling light refreshments.
- The Parade Gardens are accessible to wheelchair users, with paved, level paths throughout.
How to get there
The Parade Gardens are located at Grand Parade, Bath BA2 4DF, right along the River Avon in central Bath. The gardens are less than a 10-minute walk from Bath Spa Railway Station, the city’s main transit hub. A range of buses stop nearby, and taxis and rideshare services frequent the area.
When to get there
The Parade Gardens are open daily throughout the year, from mid-morning to early evening. The best time to visit is during the summer months, when facilities like deck chairs and children’s entertainment are provided. Live music performances are also held in the park’s bandstand on Sunday afternoons throughout the summer. Note that the park can close with little warning if the weather interferes.
More parks and gardens to see
In addition to visiting the Parade Gardens, don’t miss the chance to explore Bath’s other top green spaces. Popular options include the expansive Royal Victoria Park, overlooked by the iconic Royal Crescent; the 9-acre (4-hectare) Botanical Gardens at Royal Victoria Park; and Henrietta Park, home to the scenic King George V Memorial Garden of Remembrance.
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