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Botanical Gardens

Created in 1840, the Botanical Gardens have benefited from several generous gifts of Victorian plant collections and unusual trees
Find out more about the history of the Botanical Gardens

One of the most delightful features of the Royal Victoria Park, the Botanical Gardens were formed in 1887. The gardens feature one of the finest collections of plants on limestone in the country.

Less than a mile from Bath City Centre in the northwest corner of Royal Victoria 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).

To mark the centenary of the gardens in 1987, the site was extended to include the Great Dell, a disused quarry and formerly 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.

Admission and opening times

The Botanical Gardens are open throughout the year. There is no charge for admission.

Facilities and features

  • Botanical plants
  • Flowers
  • Herbaceous border
  • Replica Roman temple
  • Rock garden and pool
  • Shrubs
  • Walkways
  • Woodland garden

Site access

Site access details

Vehicle access

There is no vehicle access, but the gardens are next to one of the park's internal roads, making it easy to drop off goods and equipment

Pedestrian access

There are two access points on the Royal Avenue loop

Disabled access

Fully accessible, with tarmac paths around the gardens

Parking

On-road pay and display parking (free for up to 1 hour)

Closest car park, Charlotte Street Car Park (600m)

Public transport  

  • Good public transport links from Bath Bus Station and Newbridge Park & Ride to Upper Bristol Road (250m)
  • 25 min walk from Bath Bus Station and Bath Train Station