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Beechen Cliff and Magdalen Gardens

This woodland provides a backdrop to the World Heritage Site and a refuge from the busy city
Learn more about Beechen Cliff and Magdalen Gardens

Besides providing somewhere to walk and relax and a home for nature in the city, Beechen Cliff woodland also provides a walking route to the spectacular viewpoint at Alexandra Park – a view so good that even Jane Austen wrote about it in Northanger Abbey.

We own and manage the woodland with the help of local volunteers. Home to majestic beech trees and a spring carpet of wild garlic, much of the site was formerly small cottages (some of which were destroyed during the Bath Blitz) and has since been recolonised by nature. In places, the remains of back garden walls and features can still be seen, including an Anderson Shelter from the Second World War.

Nearby, a small park known as Magdalen Gardens was laid out in Edwardian times as a place to walk and enjoy the view. More recently, local volunteers have helped to manage the site, clearing overgrown shrubs and trees and planting native wildflowers and bulbs.

In recent years, we have worked with representatives from local Friends Groups, resident's groups and local councillors to improve the woodland and the surrounding area. We have installed new paths, noticeboards, signs and planted trees and woodland flowers.

Admission and opening times

Beechen Cliff and Magdalen Gardens is open throughout the year. There is no charge for admission.

Facilities and features

  • Nature areas
  • Viewpoints over the city of Bath
  • Walking routes
  • Wildflowers

Site access

Site access details

Pedestrian access

Via Shakespeare Road and Alexandra Park

Disabled access  

  • The path is uneven and steep, with limited access for wheelchair users.

Parking

Limited parking in designated areas (pay to use)

Public Transport

Good public transport links from Bath Bus station to Wells Road