Prior Park and the Palladian Bridge
I have gone overboard with this week’s Alphabe letter which is ‘P’ and used lots of them!
We are in Bath in the South West of England, place of Roman Baths and a beautiful Abbey. Prior Park is a little way from the centre of the city and up a STEEP hill. I put it in capitals because it is quite a climb. Once you get there however, the park is wonderful and as for the views…well!
Originally owned by Ralph Allen (mayor of Bath in 1742) the gardens were created by designs from the poet Alexander Pope and famed landscape gardener Capability Brown. They utilized the splendour of the steep valley that the mansion overlooks.
One of Prior Park’s many features is a Palladian Bridge pictured here.
You will see many of them around the stately homes of England but what makes this one special is that it is only one of four IN THE WORLD that you can cross.
The Park is maintained by the National Trust which has been carrying out a large-scale renovation of areas such as the cascade, serpentine lake and Gothic temple. As you make your way around the park you can see that lots of planting has been done so that what must have been an amazing garden is gradually being re-born.
Are you a National Trust visitor? Have you been to places that are almost unique?
This is perfectly enchanting. What a lovely place to visit!
I would adore coming there sometime.
Such gorgeous architecture.
Thank you for sharing this.
A+
My husband and I visited Bath many years ago and were enchanted.
=)
Julia, What a fantastic piece of architecture! They just don’t build things like that anymore–or never did here really. I would love to visit England–it’s in my top ten travel bucket list.
I love Prior Park, thanks for the reminder *pops it on the holiday ‘to do’ list*
This bridge is truly beautiful. It would be lovely to see in person.
It is as magnificent as it looks & when you know the rarity, that makes it even more special. Many thanks for popping over!
I love seeing the treasures in someone else’s country. I liked stopping over and seeing this beauty. Thank you
Thank you for your kind comments. There are quite few ‘places to visit’ posts so do stop & have a look. Great to see you here!
The bridge is so imposing, especially in the rural setting. What a treasure!
The whole site just nestles in a small valley! Thank you for visiting here!
This amazing bridge is a sight I never saw years ago when I was in Bath, and I am the poorer for that. It is magnificent.
I always remember what Jane Austen wrote in one of her letters:
“We have come to Bath to be happy.”
And so we were when we went there, and so I think are many many visitors still!
It is tucked away from the normal tourist areas. Maybe next time eh?!
That is one beautiful bridge! It looks so stately in that picture.
The whole place has that feeling. Thank you so much for stopping by!
The Palladian Bridge is spectacular! How wonderful that many treasures are being protected by the National Trust.
We are so lucky.If you become a member it is so much cheaper as well!
We joined the National Trust last month when we visited England. If you look at my blog I am writing about some of our visits and there are still a few to come. We have not been to Prior park yet but maybe another year. I love this bridge that you are showing here. Great P wod.
I will pop over and have a peruse. Thank you for a) joining the trust b) stopping here for a visit!