Sydney Gardens in Bath Harcourt Masters

Sydney Gardens in Bath

Bath‘s oldest park, Sydney Gardens, is located behind the Holburne Museum at the end of Great Pulteney Street. The gardens were designed by the architect Charles Harcourt Masters in 1795 and cover 12 acres. The gardens were purchased in 1909 by the city.

A plan of Sydney Gardens, Bath, as part of the plan of Bath published in 1810

History

The gardens were originally known as Bath Vauxhall Gardens. They are the last remaining eighteenth-century pleasure (or “Vauxhall”) gardens in the UK. The Sydney Hotel within the gardens was the main center for entertainment. It is now the Holburne Museum. It was named after the British Home Secretary, Thomas Townshend, Lord Sydney, who was responsible for granting permission for the gardens to be created. The gardens were designed to a plan by the architect and city surveyor, Thomas Baldwin, and completed by Charles Harcourt Masters.

It hosted concerts, fireworks displays, and regattas on the canal. The gardens also had a large music room, which was used for orchestral performances and dances.

By the late 19th century, the popularity of pleasure gardens waned, and Sydney Gardens fell into disrepair. It underwent periods of neglect and faced threats of redevelopment. However, in the 20th century, efforts were made to restore and preserve the gardens. Various renovations and improvements have been carried out to maintain the historic character of the site.

Bath’s oldest park laid out by Harcourt Masters

Jane Austen Connection

Sydney Gardens became very popular towards the end of the 18th and 19th centuries and were frequented by members of the Royal family as well as the famous author Jane Austen who lived nearby at number 4 Sydney Place. It was thus the place to see and be seen by the great and good in 18th-century Bath.

Smartphone information app on the park

Today, Sydney Gardens features fine trees, shrubberies, lawns and flower beds, two tennis courts, and a fun children’s play area.

Sydney Gardens is also popular for its bridge views of the railway line and for the Kennet and Avon Canal which runs through the park. The canal’s wide paths are ideal for cycling or canal walking.

Cast Iron Bridges, Sydney Gardens, Canal

Walking along the Kennet and Avon Canal in the park

Visitors to Sydney Gardens can admire Cleveland House which is also within the gardens as well as nearby Pulteney Bridge and Henrietta Park. Also nearby is Bath Deep Lock on the Kennet & Avon Canal. It is the second deepest lock in the UK. The lock was created by merging two locks. It has grassy banks and a wide, open towpath.

Access – Getting There

Sydney Road
Bath, North East Somerset
BA2 6NT
Tel: 01225 394041

Accommodation in Bath

Bath offers a range of accommodations to suit all budgets. Some recommended places to stay in Bath include the three-star Holiday Inn Express Bath, the four-star Hilton Bath City Hotel, and also the superb, luxury five-star The Gainsborough Bath Spa.