Al fresco ambience
OLIVIA SCULL shares her guide to some of the best picnic spots around Bath
lAST week, lockdown restrictions were eased slightly and now you can meet up for a picnic with one other person outside. It means that we won’t have to be exercising to see other people, as rules will allow us to sit on benches and even indulge in an ice cream, or a hot or cold beverage.
To prepare for our first picnic of the year and celebrate the first phase of the easing of the lockdown restrictions that we have found ourselves in since January, we have rounded up some of the best spots for an alfresco sandwich with a view of Bath.
Given how lucky we are to be in such a beautiful city, there really is no shortage of options from which to choose.
Parade Gardens
Situated right in the heart of bustling Bath, these gardens offer the chance to hire a deck chair right by the river to overlook the weir.
With benches and bandstands as well as its own cafe, this Grade Ii-listed park has everything you need for a lazy lunch in the sun.
The floral displays and foliage are always immaculate, so even though you have to pay a small fee to enter the gardens in the summer months, it is definitely worth it.
royal Victoria Park
Opened by Queen Victoria in 1830, this 57-acre park attracts both tourists and residents giving it a great atmosphere on a sunny day. The large size means you can keep your distance and feel safe as well as enjoy a bit of normality.
Victoria Park is home to the botanical gardens, crazy golf, picnic tables - and if you’re lucky with the weather, you may spot the launch of a local hot air balloon.
alexandra Park
An 11-acre green space that offers panoramic views of Bath, Alexandra Park is a perfect location for a summer afternoon. The centre of the park has a large area to stretch out in, where all you can see is the sky and tree tops.
There is also a play area for the children and a cafe for lastminute supplies.
henrietta Park
English summers don’t often get too hot, but if you’re searching for a shady spot for your picnic then there’s no reason not to pick Henrietta Park.
The area has plenty of shrubs, hedges and trees, which bring the saviour of shade when you’re feeling hot and bothered.
Bath Skyline
If you want to escape the city, then the Bath Skyline is perfect. Despite it only being just outside the city centre, you really feel like you’re in the countryside.
The whole walk is six miles, but you can go as far as you wish as the views are spectacular throughout. However, the best picnic spot is Bathwick Fields which is home to a wildflower meadow.
Sham Castle
The infamous Sham Castle is a public space with a good area of open grass, and is a perfect spot to have lunch.
This picnic spot is great for a quieter and calmer time; it sits alongside Bath Golf Club so is outside the mayhem of the city centre.
Sydney Gardens
Sydney Gardens is definitely popular with picnickers in the summer months, but if you look closely there are plenty of hidden areas you can make your own.
Lay your picnic mat beside the river or nestle in the woodland areas underneath the trees.
There are also tennis courts and a play area.
Two Tunnels Circuit/prior Park
For more of an adventure, take this 13-miled of disused railway walking/cycling loop for a relatively flat walk or cycle.
Pause for your picnic in the 18th-century landscape garden Prior Park, owned by the National Trust, or find your own spot along the route.
Queen Square
If you need to eat and run, then go for Queen Square right in the city centre. You can grab something from a nearby cafe or deli and enjoy it in the square while on the go.
It is also ideal for those who enjoy people watching. There are plenty of benches, too, and during less restrictive times, there is often the odd event, festival or game of boules happening.