Prior Park Landscape Garden

18th century garden overlooking the Georgian townscape of Bath.

Lancelot Brown was not the only one to see the latent 'capabilities' of Prior Park. The poet Alexander Pope was also moved by the sweeping valley and panoramic views, and both learned men gave their advice and encouragement to the garden's creator - the entrepreneur and philanthropist Ralph Allen.

Ralph Allen, a successful local businessman, once inhabited the honey-coloured mansion which stands at the heart of the park (now a school). Under his ownership, the extensive parkland was transformed into a romantic, landscaped fantasy complete with a Palladian bridge and no less than three lakes. Capability Brown's carefully planned vistas included a grotto, a Gothic temple and a grass cabinet, which are currently being restored.

View attraction map »

Back to list »