One of the most
delightful features of the Royal Victoria Park, the Botanical
Gardens were formed in 1887 and within their 3.8 hectares (9 and a
half acres) is one of the finest collections of plants on
limestone, certainly in the West Country.
Less than a mile from Bath City Centre in the north west corner
of the
Park, the gardens boast many choice trees, shrubs, a fine
herbaceous border, a rock garden and pool, a scented walk, a
collection of old shrub roses, and a replica of a Roman Temple (the
City’s exhibit at the British Empire Exhibition held at Wembley in
1924). These are just a few of the many attractive and interesting
features of the garden.
To mark the centenary in 1987 the gardens were extended to include
the Great Dell, a disused quarry and formally part of the park
itself, which already contained a very fine collection of conifers.
It has been developed into a woodland garden, and contains ever
more plants and features to add to this fascinating and beautiful
park.
The Temple of Minerva in the Gardens was carefully adapted and
extended in 2009 to create an indoor Interpretation Centre for
visitors and schools / groups. The Interpretation Centre has a 15
minute video explaining the Heritage Lottery Fund restoration of
Royal Victoria Park along with other information and occasional
exhibitions. The Centre is open during week days only but is
available for bookings by schools and groups at other
times.
Friends of Bath Botanic Gardens
Are you interested in the Botanic Gardens? Would
you like to share this interest with others, or attend
lectures and visit other gardens?
There is an association called the Friends of Bath Botanical
Gardens which arranges a programme of events to
include monthly evening lectures, tours of the gardens and
summer visits to other gardens amongst other activities, as well as
producing a regular newsletter. For further details of
subscriptions and an application
form call 01225 396386.
Friends of Bath Botanical Gardens
Royal Victoria Park Nursery
Marlborough Lane
Bath
BA1 2LZ
Lee Dickson's sculpture
Proud to have one of the original 12 Giant Redwoods brought over
to the UK in the 1850's, we were saddened when it succumbed
to Honey Fungus (one of the few blights able to kill the
Giant Redwood).
To celebrate its life and place within the Botanic Gardens, we
commissioned a local artist - Lee Dickson, a chainsaw sculptor from
Radstock - to create a sculpture (pictured right) in May 2001.
Standing about 7m high with a diameter of about 3.5 m, it is
sited near the top entrance to the Botanic Gardens, close to the
Dovecote.
Bath Botanical Gardens booklet
A full colour illustrated guide to the Bath Botanical Gardens has
been produced and can be purchased either from:
- Mementos, the gift shop at the Pump Room
- Royal Victoria Park Nursery (see above for address)
- Bookshops throughout the City.
Costing £2.50 and written by S.D. Hitt, former Parks Director,
the booklet is an interesting insight into the history and make up
of the gardens. Including photographs by Jane Gifford, the guide is
must for anyone exploring the gardens for the first time. If you
wish to have one posted to you, add an addition £1.00 for post
& packaging (£2.50 overseas). To find out more either
email or call us (details above).
