Parade Gardens

Parade Gardens is a grade II listed park in the centre of Bath, Somerset, set on the bank of the River Avon just below the city's most famous landmarks. It sits south of the Empire Hotel and roughly 250 yards east of Bath Abbey, so it is one of the easiest green spaces to reach on foot from the main sights.

Where are Parade Gardens and how do you get there?

The gardens lie in the heart of the historic centre, a short stroll from Bath Abbey and the Roman Baths area. You do not need transport: from the Abbey you walk east, and the park opens out beside the river. Because the centre of Bath is compact, the gardens work well as a pause between museum visits, shopping streets and the riverside walk.

What is there to see?

The park is a formal, tidy riverside garden with flower beds, lawns and paths arranged below street level, next to the water. Its best-known features are the views. From the garden and the colonnade you look along the River Avon towards Pulteney Bridge and the curved weir, a composition that appears on countless postcards of Bath. The setting makes the gardens a popular spot for photographs, especially when the beds are in bloom.

A bandstand stands within the grounds, and in the summer season the gardens are used for live music and events. Deckchairs are set out during the warmer months, which gives the place a relaxed, old-fashioned seaside feel in the middle of an inland Georgian city. The gardens are also hired for private occasions such as weddings, and larger festivals have used the space as a venue.

When is the best time to visit?

Late spring and summer are the most rewarding months: the planting is at its fullest, deckchairs are out and concerts are more likely. A sunny afternoon is ideal for sitting by the river and watching the weir. Early morning is quieter if you prefer fewer people in your photographs. In colder months the gardens are calmer and the river views remain good, although the seasonal extras are not available.

Tickets and access

Entry arrangements for Parade Gardens have changed over the years. They were previously charged for most visitors, and the city's tourism site now describes entry as free after trials in 2025. Before you go, check the current terms and opening hours on the official Visit Bath or council pages.

Frequently asked questions

Is Parade Gardens a listed site? Yes, it is a grade II listed park.

How far is it from Bath Abbey? About 250 yards to the east, a few minutes on foot.

What is the view from the gardens? The River Avon, Pulteney Bridge and the weir.

Are there deckchairs? Yes, they are available in the summer months.

Is there music? The park has a bandstand, and concerts are held there in the summer season.

Can I visit all year? The gardens are a pleasant stop in any season, but flowers, deckchairs and events are best from late spring to early autumn.