Gardens
The Bath Priory is a true hidden gem - a beautiful, historic building, with four acres of glorious landscape gardens, nestled close to the heart of Georgian Bath.
The gardens themselves encompass 3 acres of lawn and meadow at the back of the house, and an acre of courtyard at the front. There is a Victorian feel to the structure of the gardens, which is complemented by an array of different plant and tree species, from the tulips blooming vibrantly in the spring, to the great cedar of Lebanon that dominates the wild meadow on the adjacent side of the garden (it's over 150 years old!). Don't forget to take a look at the beautiful Italian Garden, complete with water feature, and enjoy the opportunity to sit on the pretty sun terrace, looking out over the croquet lawn whilst sipping a glass of champagne!
The Bath Priory is a member of both the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), being one of their 'Recommended Gardens', and has opened the gardens for charity for the past eight years under the National Garden Scheme (NGS) Yellow Book.
Head Gardener Jane Moore
Head Gardener, and previous Chelsea medal winner, Jane Moore, is extremely passionate about her role at The Bath Priory and keen gardeners will appreciate her attention to detail and careful tending, recognising some of the plants and flowers (amongst them Dahlias, Asters and sub-tropical species) which have been lovingly planted. Jane works with her assistant, Anna Taylor, to ensure that the gardens are kept looking perfect at all times of year, from the bright days of summer to the frosty mornings of winter.
Jane is happy to offer gardening tours, and answer any questions you may have about your garden at home.
Click here to view Jane's biography.
Gardening Accolades
- RHS Recommended Garden 2011
- Bath in Bloom, Best Hotel Garden - Bath City Council 1996, 2004, 2008, 2009
- Garden Writer's Guild - "Journalist of the Year 07/08" - Head Gardener Jane Moore
- RHS Chelsea Flower Show: Silver Medal 2003
- Green Tourism Business Scheme - Silver Award 2011/2012
The Kitchen Garden
The walled Kitchen Garden provides the perfect spot for vegetables and fruit to thrive; and a commitment to using local, seasonal produce means only the freshest of ingredients will be used in the kitchen. If you look out, you may even catch a glimpse of one of the chefs collecting herbs or flowers for evening service!
What to look out for during your stay:
SEPTEMBER - Jane will be harvesting outdoor tender plants like basil, courgettes and tomatoes, before chilly nights draw in and ruin the produce.
OCTOBER - Harvest pumpkins and squashes and dry them off in the porch or greenhouse. They should store well into the winter if dried off properly.
NOVEMBER - Sow a tray of cut-and-come-again salad leaves. Keep them on your kitchen window sill and help keep the season going a little bit longer.
The Sun Terrace and Outdoor Pool
The sun terrace is wonderful and you can gaze out for hours over the beautiful, romantic Victorian gardens. On clearer days, when the thermals are right, you may even see an air balloon drifting by. Proprietors Andrew and Christina Brownsword arranged for the former paving stones from Paternoster Square (by St Paul's, London) to be recycled and laid here and planted thyme between the paving stone cracks to create a subtle fragrance. In the warmer months you can sun yourself while sampling the delicious fare from The Bath Priory Terrace Menu.
Hidden at the far end of the gardens is the heated outdoor pool, an ideal spot for lazing around and splashing about during the warmer months.
Click here to take a tour of the gardens.
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Gorgeous Garden Break
If you like all things 'green' and fancy exploring The Bath Priory's four acres of beautiful landscape gardens, then this is the perfect escape for you this Summer.
Enjoy stepping through the wild meadow, marvelling at the giant trees, before taking in the carefully created Italian Garden and heading round to the walled Kitchen Garden...keep an eye out for some of the hidden sculptures along the way!
Click here for full details.
Garden Events
Throughout the year, Head Gardener Jane Moore hosts a series of wonderful events, which allow guests to explore the beautiful gardens:
Thursday 18th August - National Garden Scheme Open Day
Friday 19th August - Royal Horticultural Society Spring Garden Walk
Thursday 22nd September - 'Fork to Fork' Lunch with Head Gardener Jane Moore and Head Chef Sam Moody
Please call 01225 478388 for further information on our gourmet events and to book.
