Bath is renowned for its stunning landscapes and picturesque spots, but few places rival the charm of Henrietta Park. Nestled in the heart of the city, this seven-acre historic park has earned the prestigious Green Flag Award for the third consecutive year, a testament to its exceptional quality and maintenance.
Henrietta Park captivates visitors with its mature trees, aromatic flowers, and an enchanting pergola adorned with roses. The grounds include beautifully curated shrubberies and a sensory garden, creating an inviting space for relaxation and contemplation. Originally opened in 1897 to commemorate Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee, the park reflects Bath’s rich history and commitment to green spaces.
A significant feature of the park is the memorial garden dedicated to King George V, established in 1937. A plaque in the Garden of Remembrance honors the late monarch, providing a meaningful historical touch. Although the garden was redesigned in the 1950s, the plaque remains a poignant reminder of its origins.
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Henrietta Park is among six exceptional parks in Bath and North East Somerset that received the Green Flag Award this year. Alongside it, Bloomfield Green, Hedgemead Park, Royal Victoria Park, and Sydney Gardens also met the stringent international standards set for parks and green spaces. Additionally, Haycombe Cemetery was recognized following a detailed ‘mystery shop’ assessment.
Visitors on TripAdvisor rate Henrietta Park highly, with an average score of 4.5 out of 5 stars. Many praise it as their favorite spot in Bath, often preferring its peaceful ambiance over the more tourist-heavy Royal Victoria Park. One reviewer shared, “The seating around the pond is a gorgeous spot, especially in summer. I bring all my friends here because it’s such a hidden gem.” Another noted, “While Victoria Park attracts more tourists due to its proximity to the Royal Crescent, Henrietta Park offers a beautiful, tranquil retreat just a short walk from Bath’s bustling streets.”
Councillor Sarah Warren, Deputy Council Leader and Cabinet Member for Sustainable Bath and North East Somerset, highlighted the importance of these green spaces: “Our residents cherish these havens that offer peace and connection with nature. We remain dedicated to investing in our parks to keep them welcoming and well-maintained for both people and wildlife. We also thank our dedicated Friends groups, volunteers, and council teams for their vital roles in securing these awards.”
This year, 21 locations across Somerset were honored with top accolades. The Green Flag Award represents the international benchmark for quality in green spaces, reflecting the commitment of land managers, local authorities, and volunteers to maintaining these vital community assets.
Erika Diaz Petersen, Historic England’s Principal National Landscape Adviser, emphasized the broader significance of these achievements: “These parks and green spaces are essential to our heritage and environmental resilience. We commend this year’s Green Flag Award winners for safeguarding these valuable green infrastructure networks, which benefit both people and nature. Historic England supports the Green Heritage Site Accreditation, recognizing those sites that excel in preserving and celebrating their historic and natural heritage.”
Henrietta Park stands out not only as a peaceful urban retreat but as a symbol of Bath’s dedication to preserving beauty, history, and ecological wellbeing—a true hidden gem waiting to be discovered.