Exploring Bath: Alexandra Park

For a while, I kept seeing photos on Facebook of my friends at a park with the most incredible views over Bath. Having lived here for three years, I was a bit peeved that I didn't know where exactly this park was, or even what it was called. After a quick Google search, I soon learned that this mysterious park was in fact Alexandra Park. It is on one of the hills surrounding Bath, and it’s most appealing aspect is basically the views of Bath it offers. It is most definitely my favourite place in Bath now.

The first time I went there was on a spontaneous adventure with my friend Saffron. We left the house at about eight o’clock one evening, not entirely sure where we were going, but just wanting to find this park. We walked along to the bus station in Bath, jumped on a bus and headed up the hill. At the top of the bus, we hopped off, and started walking up a long road called Shakespeare Avenue (which, as a literature student, I love). All that I knew of how to get to this park was that we needed to go up Shakespeare Avenue, and luckily we had looked at a house there when we were looking for accommodation for our second year of uni, so we knew where it was. It is a long road, and it is up a big hill. It hurt. But our excitement drove us on. When we reached the top of the road, the park gates were right in front of us, so it was easier to find than we thought. We followed the path in and around, and soon were met with one of the views. 

I don’t know if it would be that exciting if you don’t live in Bath or have any particular connection to the city, but I think the views are stunning and I really really loved being able to look at it all at once, and seek out my favourite places.

Unfortunately, the sun was setting, so we didn't get to see much of it in the light, but it was so pretty in the dark all lit up.

The next time I went back, we left really early (at half past seven in the morning, to be precise). Instead of getting the bus, we walked up the hill to the bottom of Shakespeare Avenue, and then on up to the park. Although it was more tiring, it meant we enjoyed the views even more. It was also lovely to watch the city coming to life in the morning, and see it in daylight.

If you’re visiting Bath, or even if you’re from here and you have never been to Alexandra Park before, I would definitely recommend a trip up there. From the bus station you can get the number 14 bus up the hill to Shakespeare Avenue, and walk from there (the hill isn't too bad, I promise!)   

Emma J