Britain's official guide to canals, rivers and lakes

Saturday 6th September 2008

Prior Park Landscape Garden

  • Prior Park Landscape Garden
  • Ralph Allen Drive
  • Somerset, BA2 5AH

T: 01225 833422

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.

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