National Trust · BA2 5AH

Prior Park, Bath

18th-century landscape garden overlooking Bath. One of only four Palladian bridges in the world. Adults £10 — free for National Trust members. No on-site parking — take Bus 2 from Bath Bus Station.

Prior Park — essential information

Location
Ralph Allen Drive, BA2 5AH
Owner
National Trust
Entry
Adults £10, children £5, NT members free
Hours
Sat–Wed 10am–5pm (closes dusk in winter)
Built
18th century by Ralph Allen, designed by Richard Jones
Bridge
One of only four Palladian bridges in the world
Parking
No on-site parking — bus or taxi from Bath centre
Getting there
Bus 2 from Bath Bus Station (12 minutes)

No car parking at Prior Park

Prior Park has no visitor car park. Bus 2 from Bath Bus Station (12 minutes, every 10–15 minutes). Taxis from the centre cost approximately £6–8. Some visitors walk — 20 minutes uphill, steep. The bus is easiest.

What to see at Prior Park

1

The Palladian Bridge

The most photographed element of Prior Park — a classically proportioned stone bridge over the lower lake, designed c.1755. One of only four Palladian bridges in the world (alongside Wilton House, Stowe, and St Petersburg). The bridge is reflected in the still water of the lake below. It is the central photographic viewpoint of Prior Park. Walk down to the lower lake and look back towards the bridge for the best composition.

2

The Landscape Garden

Prior Park Landscape Garden was laid out by Ralph Allen, the Bath stone merchant who financed much of Bath's Georgian expansion. The designer was the poet Alexander Pope, and later Capability Brown contributed to the landscape. The garden sits in a steep valley below Prior Park mansion (a private school, not open to visitors) and rises to panoramic views over Bath from the upper terrace. The lakes, grotto, and cascades are all original 18th-century features.

3

Views over Bath

From the upper areas of the garden, the views over Bath are among the best in the city — a wide panorama of the Georgian roofline, the Royal Crescent, and the hills beyond. These are the views that poets and artists painted in the 18th century. The best viewpoint is from the path leading down from the entrance, before the garden descends into the valley. Visit on a clear day for the full effect.

4

The Grotto and Cascade

At the foot of the garden, a naturalistic grotto and cascade sit alongside the lower lake. The cascade was designed to create a picturesque effect — water falling over rocks, framed by planting. The grotto is currently undergoing long-term conservation but remains partially visible. The cascade flows into the lower lake, feeding it throughout the year.

Staying in Bath near Prior Park?

Widcombe and Bathwick are the nearest neighbourhoods — a 15-minute walk from Prior Park to the centre. Bath Spa station is 20 minutes on foot from the garden entrance.

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Prior Park — frequently asked

Is Prior Park Bath worth visiting?
Yes — Prior Park Landscape Garden is one of the best National Trust properties within walking distance (or a short bus ride) of Bath. The Palladian bridge is exceptional — one of only four in the world. The garden is steep and requires some walking, but the views over Bath from the upper garden and the lake reflection of the bridge are genuinely memorable. Allow 1.5–2 hours. Best in autumn (colour) and winter (bare landscape reveals the structure).
How do I get to Prior Park from Bath?
Do not drive to Prior Park — there is no visitor car park. From Bath city centre, take Bus 2 from Bath Bus Station towards Prior Park Road. Journey time approximately 12 minutes. Alternatively, take a taxi (approximately £6–8 from the centre). Some visitors walk (approximately 20 minutes uphill from the centre, steep in parts). The entrance is on Ralph Allen Drive, BA2 5AH.
Is Prior Park free for National Trust members?
Yes — Prior Park Landscape Garden is a standard National Trust property. National Trust members enter free with a membership card. Non-members pay adult £10, children £5. No pre-booking required for National Trust members. Day membership is not available — you need to have purchased NT membership in advance. The NT website lists current opening hours and seasonal closures.
What is the Palladian bridge at Prior Park?
The Palladian bridge at Prior Park was constructed c.1755, designed in the Palladian architectural style with a classical stone colonnade structure. It spans the lower lake and is reflected in the still water. It is one of only four Palladian bridges in the world — the others are at Wilton House (Wiltshire), Stowe (Buckinghamshire), and Pushkin (near St Petersburg). The Prior Park bridge is considered the finest of the four.
Can you walk from Prior Park to Bath city centre?
Yes — the walk from Prior Park to Bath centre is approximately 1.5–2 miles (20–30 minutes). The route descends steeply from Ralph Allen Drive through Prior Park Road, then through Widcombe, and down to the city centre via Widcombe Hill and the Lower Bristol Road. The descent gives more views over the city. Comfortable footwear is recommended — the path is steep and can be slippery in wet weather.

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