Top 7 Walks in and around Bath
Whatever the season, getting outside and walking in the fresh air feels great. Even on a city break there are still plenty of open spaces, city walks and places to explore – and Bath is no exception. We have gathered together our top 7 walks in Bath – how many can you tick off?!
Royal Victoria Park
Situated at the top of Bath, just a short walk from the city centre, you’ll find Royal Victoria Park – named after Queen Victoria who opened the park in 1830, aged eleven. Spanning a huge 57 acres this green parkland is popular with tourists and residents alike and features a play park, tennis courts and mini-golf. There are also seasonal events to watch out for too, ice skating in the winter and the ever-popular ‘Bath on the Beach’ in the summer.
The Botanical Gardens at Royal Victoria Park
Within the landscape of Royal Victoria Park you’ll also find nine acres of beautiful botanical gardens tucked away from the rest of the parkland. This is a really tranquil spot for a peaceful walk, where you can enjoy scented pathways, rock gardens, aerial walkways, streams and even a replica of a Roman Temple. It’s free to visit so it’s well worth a look.
Bath Skyline Walk
Set on the skyline hills just a short stroll outside of the city centre you’ll find the National Trust’s Bath Skyline Walk. Covering six miles it takes you on a clockwise route through meadows and ancient woodland with spectacular views along the way.
Kennet and Avon Canal Path
This is a popular walking route with residents and tourists alike as it follows Bath’s historic canal way out from the city centre along a picturesque towpath. The scenery along the way is beautiful and you can walk as much or as little as you like – if you make it to Bathampton The George Inn makes a very welcome stop for a drink or Sunday lunch.
Rainbow Woods
A short drive (or longer walk) outside of the city centre you’ll find the magical Rainbow Woods. With a play area and Elf & Fairy door trail it’s a great space for kids to run around and enjoy. You’ll also follow various walks around the woods and open fields that lead to you some amazing vantage points over Bath below.
Two Tunnels
This former railway is now a 13-mile circular walking/cycling route that takes you from the centre of Bath out through the surrounding countryside. On the way you’ll see the Tucking Mill Viaduct and the Dundas Aqueduct, as well as travelling through the longest walking/cycling tunnel in Britain – the Combe Down Tunnel. You can join at any point and walk/cycle as far as you want.
Prior Park
This beautiful 18th-century landscape garden is a popular tourist attraction in Bath and for good reason – it’s simply stunning! Set just above the city centre you are able to enjoy sweeping views across the valley and you can walk across one of only four Palladian bridges in the world. Walkable from the city centre, this National Trust site is a great open space to visit any time of year!