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.
Please see the Events Diary for more details on our RHS & NGS events in 2013.
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.
10 Years of Gardening at The Bath Priory Hotel - "Congratulations Jane"
Jane has transformed the garden at the Bath Priory over the past 10 years. With the able help of Anna, who has actually worked here longer, they have developed the four acres of gardens into a beautiful oasis within the city of Bath. Their hard work was recognised last year when the Bath Priory was awarded the Relais and Chateaux Garden Trophy for 2013.
The gardens are open to the public and Jane also hosts various events throughout the year for the Royal Horticultural Society and the National Garden Scheme.
I would like to thank Jane for all of her hard work over the past ten years and look forward to working with her for the next ten.
Simon Franks - General Manager
Gardening Accolades
- Relais & Chateaux Garden of the Year Award 2013
- Green Tourism Business Scheme - Silver Award 2011/2012
- RHS Recommended Garden 2011
- Garden Writer's Guild - "Journalist of the Year 07/08" - Head Gardener Jane Moore
- RHS Chelsea Flower Show: Silver Medal 2003
- Bath in Bloom, Best Hotel Garden - Bath City Council 1996, 2004, 2008, 2009
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!
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.
Tips for families
Children are welcome to play croquet in the gardens, but if they would like something a little more fun and exciting, Royal Victoria Park hosts a large play area suitable for children of all ages, crazy golf and they can even go and feed the ducks!
Click here to take a tour of the gardens.
Please call 01225 478388 for further information on our gourmet events and to book.
