Victoria Park

Overview

Royal Victoria Park is Bath's largest and oldest park, opened by the 11-year-old Princess Victoria in 1830. Spanning 23 hectares adjacent to the Royal Crescent, it features an arboretum, a botanical garden, a children's adventure playground, and extensive lawns popular with locals and visitors alike.

Highlights

• Botanical gardens: A walled garden with a collection of over 4,000 species of plants from around the world.
• Dell: A sheltered ornamental garden with a rockery, pools, and specimen trees.
• Views of the Royal Crescent: The park offers one of the best angles to appreciate the crescent's full sweep.

History

The park was laid out on land donated by the local council and formally opened on 28 October 1830 by the 11-year-old Princess Victoria, seven years before she became queen. It was one of the first parks in England to be created for public use and has been a cherished green space ever since.

Visitor Tips

• Seasonal events: The park hosts an annual air balloon fiesta in summer and events throughout the year.
• Combine with Royal Crescent: The park directly borders the crescent's southern lawn.
• Duration: 45–90 minutes.