Alexandra Park Walk & Visitor Guide: How to Find Bath’s Most Beautiful View
Looking for the best and most breathtaking view of Bath? Alexandra Park offers panoramic views of the city that will take your breath away. It almost feels like you’re hiding Bath’s best-kept secret when you have this view all to yourself.
Alexandra Park sits high above the rooftops of the UNESCO World Heritage City of Bath. The park is more of a local’s hideaway from the busier city center parks like the Parade Gardens or Sydney Gardens than a tourist attraction, and I’m going to tell you how you can visit this amazing viewpoint in Bath!
In this guide, I’ll show you exactly how to get to Alexandra Park, the best walking routes (including Jacob’s Ladder!), alternative ways to reach the top, and when to visit for the most unforgettable experience.
How to Visit Alexandra Park, Bath and Climb Jacob’s Ladder
Where is Alexandra Park, Bath?
Alexandra Park is situated just south of Bath’s city center, located above the train station, Bath Spa.
The park itself is around 11 acres of peaceful green space, sitting quietly at the top of Beechen Cliff. It’s a bit of a hidden gem, especially for first-time visitors to Bath, but once you know how to get to Alexandra Park, Bath, you’ll realise just how close it actually is.
Whether you head up via the Jacob’s Ladder walk or take a more relaxed route by road, you’re only about a 25 to 30 minute walk from the center of Bath.
How to Get to Alexandra Park: The Best View in Bath
On Foot:
The walking route is pretty straight forward. You can start from the back side of the train station and cross over the river on the bridge and head straight up to Alexandra Park. The exact starting location is on Calton Road, as soon as you turn off Lyncombe Hill.
By Car:
Alexandra Park is located at the end of Shakespeare Avenue, so taking a car will save you walking up Jacob’s Ladder, but you obviously won’t get the experience. During the day, you can park around the circle of Alexandra Park, making the viewpoint easily accessible for anyone! You can also order an Uber to drop you off at the top and walk back down if you want!
If you plan to park in Alexandra Park, you can obtain a free parking permit from the Bath Council Website.
By Bus:
If you want to take the bus to Alexander Park, hop off at the Bear Flat stop and walk down Shakespeare Avenue straight into the park! The bus station is right outside Bath Spa Train Station! Buses 4 and 172 are just a couple of routes that will get you there!
Walking Up to Alexandra Park in Bath
Now the real fun begins. I’m sure you are curious if you should skip the walk up and just park up top? Or is the walk to Alexandra Park really worth it? And I’m going to be completely honest with you…
The iconic climb up Jacob’s Ladder to Alexandra Park feels like some kind of rite of passage for visiting the park, but let me tell you, it’s not! If you put the directions in your phone, it will tell you it only takes 15 minutes (which it would… if the ground were flat). You should add an extra 10 minutes onto whatever your phone says.
The climb is strenuous, and I don’t recommend it for anyone who has health or mobility issues. The steps to the top are very uneven and quite deep.
Honestly, I would take an Uber to the top and then walk down. So you still get to experience Jacob’s Ladder, but it’ll be slightly easier on the way down.
If you still want to walk to the top but don’t want to climb the stairs, you can take to the streets of Bath and walk up a gradual incline. Head up Wells Road or Halloway and then turn left onto Shakespeare Avenue to lead you right into the park.
You can even turn this into a circular walk if you’d like, allowing you to explore this less touristy area of Bath.
The Best View in Bath
Let’s be real… Bath isn’t short on pretty places to look at. The entire city is a gorgeous Georgian haven. But if you are looking for that jaw-dropping “wow” moment, Alexandra Park is your place.
From the top, you get an amazing panoramic view of Bath and the Cotswold Hills. There’s even an information board that highlights some of Bath’s landmarks… from Bath Abbey to St John’s Church, the winding River Avon with Solsbury Hill in the background.
Whether you’re into photography, just want a quiet moment to sit and soak up the scenery, or you’re after that perfect postcard shot of Bath, Alexandra Park delivers.
Best Time to Visit Alexandra Park
There is no wrong or right time to visit Alexandra Park. It will be beautiful no matter when you visit, but if you want the best lighting for your photos, I recommend heading up there in the early morning, just after sunset, or golden hour before sunset.
Make sure you leave yourself enough time to get down to the bottom (if you are walking) before it gets dark because the path is not lit at night.
During the day in the summer months, it can get a little busy, but it will still be far from the tourist crowds in the city center.
And if you are looking for the best time of year to visit Alexandra Park, then it has to be autumn, with the vivid fall foliage framing the city.
Places to Stay Around Alexandra Park
If you are looking for places to stay in Bath that are around Alexandra Park, then I would stay near the Bath Spa station. There are plenty of accommodations for every type of traveler in the area and within walking distance of Jacob’s Ladder and Alexandra Park.
Off-Grid Living Widebeam: OMG, you can stay in a canal boat on the River Avon! What more could you ask for?! The widebeam is located across from the train station and within walking distance of Alexandra Park.
Travelodge Bath Waterside: This hotel is located next to the river and across from the Bath Spa Train Station; it’s within walking distance of Alexandra Park and the city center. I have stayed here a few times and I love it. Book the super room to get a spacious room with an amazing view.
Southcot Place Apartment: This modern apartment (also has a garden) is so close to the start of the walk to Alexandra Park! It’s the perfect place if you want to self-cater and want a more peaceful area to stay in, away from the bustling city center.
The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa: This is not close to Alexandra Park, but I have to include it because it’s one of my favorite hotels. If you are trying to go full-on Regency period Bridgerton, then this is the place to stay!
The View You Won’t Want to Miss
If you’re visiting Bath and want to experience the city from a different angle… Alexandra Park is the perfect place to do it. It’s peaceful, panoramic, and a little bit off the beaten path, which makes it all the more special. Whether you are feeling bold and want to take the trek up Jacob’s Ladder or take the slower scenic route towards Bear Flat, the reward at the top is always worth it.
I’d love to know if you are planning on visiting Alexandra Park, Bath! Are you going to climb to the top or order an Uber? Let me know in the comments below, I love hearing from you!
And if you’re planning your first trip to the city, don’t forget to check out my First Timer’s Guide to Bath and One Day in Bath Itinerary for even more ideas. You can also follow along on Instagram: @thecravetraveler for more UK travel inspiration and tips! Or come chat with me over on Threads!
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