Learn more about Parade Gardens
Parade Gardens is a grade II listed park. Originally known as St James's Park, it was laid out in 1709 to accompany assembly rooms for spa visitors.
The flower bed displays in Parade Gardens are among the finest in the country, and the annual 3-dimensional carpet bedding in the summer always features a unique concept.
In 2013, Bath was a Gold award winner in the RHS Britain in Bloom competition, with Parade Gardens also winning the RHS Britain in Bloom Edible Britain award. The entry included a 100ft border of vegetables for all to enjoy, and a 3D sculpture of the TV characters 'The Herbs'.
Admission and opening hours
Parade Gardens is open to the public at a small charge, between 10am and 6pm.
Opening hours are subject to weather conditions.
| Visitor | Price |
|---|---|
| Bath and North East Somerset residents (with a Discovery card) | Free |
| Adults | £2.50 |
| Students and senior citizens | £1.25 |
| Children (5 to 16 years old) | £1.25 |
| Children (0 to 5 years old) | Free |
We also charge £2 per person for pre-booked parties of 30 or more. Please email parks@bathnes.gov.uk to make a group booking.
Facilities and features
- Bandstand
- Benches
- Circular pathway
- Collonades
- Flower beds
- King Edward VII memorial
- Monk's Mill - historic remains of a medieval mill, older than Bath Abbey
- Statues and sculptures
- Viewpoints over Pulteney Bridge and the weir
Band dates 2024
| Date | Band performing in Parade Gardens |
|---|---|
| Sunday 2nd June | Bath Tub Orchestra |
| Saturday 8th June | Big Brunch Band |
| Sunday 9th June | Choirs led by Kate Courage |
| Saturday 15th June | Aviator Band |
| Sunday 16th June | Bissboro Flute Trio |
| Sunday 23rd June | Saxophony |
| Sunday 30th June | City of Bath Brass Band |
| Sunday 7th July | Midsomer Norton and Radstock Silver Band |
| Sunday 21st July | Cricklade Band |
| Saturday 10th August | Samba Kernow |
| Sunday 11th August | Apollo Wind Band |
| Sunday 18th August | Bristol Coracau (Latin American music) |
| Sunday 25th August | Phoenix Wind Band |
| Date | Bands performing at Royal Victoria Park Bandstand |
|---|---|
| Sunday 21st July | City of Bath Brass Band |
Site access
Site access details
Vehicle access
- No direct vehicle access
- Loading and unloading from Grand Parade (with parking suspensions)
Pedestrian access
Via Grand Parade, a single entrance with stairs and ramp
Disabled access
- Wheelchair accessible ramp to the gardens below
- The paths are paved throughout