Following the long stretch of Georgian terraced houses on Great Pulteney Street - scenes now synonymous with Bath -  you will be led to yet another quiet, charming park amidst the city, fronted by the Holburne Museum. But Sydney Gardens isn't just another park. It is the oldest park in Bath and one of the UK's few remaining eighteenth-century pleasure gardens - now Grade II listed on the Register of Historic Parks and Gardens. 

Designed and laid out in 1795, it has been frequented by the likes of British Royalty and Jane Austen (Austen lived at number 4 Sydney Place). Both the Kennet & Avon Canal and the Great Western Railway line run through the park and under its various picturesque bridges. You will also find tennis courts, a Temple of Minerva (currently under restoration), as well as a site for a children's play area, which is currently under construction. 

The bridges over the railway are also a popular steam train spotting location, be sure to check the running times of the historic British Pullman that frequently runs through on its journey from London Victoria to Bristol Temple Meads. It's not uncommon to see crowds gather on the two bridges just before the train's arrival. 

Otherwise, wander through the network of paved pathways, relax amongst the shaded lawns, or grab a snack or a sandwich from Holburne's Benugo cafe and watch the trains go by. If you're feeling up to it, you can walk along the canal's towpath back into the centre of town. 

The gardens are push-chair friendly and there are portaloos available in lieu of public restrooms. Customers of Holburne Museum or Benugo Cafe can use the toilets there.