Royal Victoria Park was laid out in 1829
becoming one of the earliest public parks in the country and
possibly the first created through public subscription. The
residents of Bath paid for the future protection and enhancement of
this green space. Remarkable records show how the Park has remained
relatively unchanged since its creation, making it an important
example of the Victorian style. When officially opened by an
eleven year old Princess Victoria, she was so impressed that she
designated it the "Royal" Victoria Park, a unique honour for an
urban park and it is now registered by English Heritage as a Park
of National Historic Importance.
Laid out as an arboretum, with a
Botanical Garden, walks and drives, today it is the region's
premier recreational space. Its facilities include a major
children's play area and skateboard park, golf & putting
greens, bowling greens, tennis, lake, model
boating pond, bird aviary, allotments
and Pavilion Restaurant which is open throughout the year 8.00am to
5.00pm. The 23 hectares (57 acres) Park hosts international events
such as the Three Tenors' concert, a free event. The Council has
been carefully restoring the Park since 1992 and is currently on
the final phase of £1.5 million Heritage Lottery Funded project,
which includes the replacement of railings and gates removed for
the World War II efforts, the refurbishment of the bandstand,
creation of an Interpretation Centre, new signage and many
landscaping improvements. The renowned Royal Crescent forms a
backdrop to the park, situated at the heart of a World Heritage
City.
Royal Victoria Park (RVP) is situated just north/west of the
city centre on the Upper Bristol Road (A4). There is limited
car parking within the park, some at parking
meters. Charlotte Street 'pay on foot'
car park adjoins RVP and provides access to the park
directly behind the bandstand.
