Sydney Gardens

The basics

The gardens are free and open year-round, so many visitors pop in for a walk after visiting Bath’s famous attractions, like the millennia-old Roman Bath complex, the iconic terraced Royal Crescent, or the Gothic-era Bath Abbey. As the park is spread out, it is a great place to take a break from the crowds. Many half-day or full-day Bath walking tours may include a stop here, especially Jane Austen-focused tours as the author herself once lived nearby.

Things to know before you go

Don’t forget to bring a camera or at least your smartphone, as you’ll find plenty of excellent photo opportunities here—aim for the pre-dusk Golden Hour for the best lighting. Bring snacks and drinks, as you’re unlikely to find much for sale within the gardens. Sydney Gardens is generally accessible to visitors with limited mobility or using wheelchairs. Consider combining your visit to Sydney Gardens with a stop at the Holburne Museum, located on the edge of the garden. A former villa, the art museum boasts a wide-ranging collection of paintings and decorative art objects.

How to get there

Sydney Gardens can be easily reached by foot from the center of Bath. Plan on around a 10-15 minute walk from the city center, passing mostly down Great Pulteney Street. If arriving by train, the park is located about a 20-minute walk from Bath Spa station. Those driving will find several nearby car parks. Flat and compact, Bath is also the perfect biking town and cycling paths lead to Sydney Gardens.

When to get there

Late spring and summer are popular seasons for visiting Bath, when the town plays host to famous festivals like the Bath Carnival—typically held in mid-summer—and the Bath Fringe Festival in May or June. However, that’s also when you’ll find the biggest crowds. Consider visiting during the quieter autumn months, when the foliage turns golden, or earlier in the spring when the blossoms are starting to bloom.

On the trail of more Jane Austen sites in Bath

Literature fans shouldn’t miss the Jane Austen Centre, a museum which gives an overview on the celebrated author’s time in Bath and insights into her writing, as well as daily life in Georgian times. Near Sydney Gardens is No. 4 Sydney Place, Austen’s former family residence, where you can see a commemorative plaque. It’s also possible to visit Georgian-era social venues, like the Assembly Rooms and the Guildhall, to imagine the fashionable gatherings of Austen’s day.