Bath takes great pride in its parks and gardens, with colourful flowers on display all year round and never a blade of grass out of place.

Whatever time of year you visit Bath the parks and gardens always look spectacular and there is nowhere better to take an afternoon stroll or relax in the summer sunshine.

Starting in the centre of Bath, you will find Parade Gardens. Situated on the banks of the River Avon, and overlooking Pulteney bridge and the weir, take a picnic along and sit and listen to the music from the bandstand.

The floral displays are among some of the best in the country. There is a small charge for visitors during the summer but entrance is free for Bath residents.

Victoria Park is the largest park in the city centre and hosts many events during the summer including Bath Music Festival events, the children's festival, circuses, fairs, the annual flower show, and hot air balloons taking off creating a splash of vivid color in the evening summer sky. Children will love love the free playground and the BMX and skate park. Victoria Park also offers tennis, bowls, adventure golf, and a cafe serving refreshments.

Take a walk through the Botanical Gardens which boasts a wonderful display of flowers and trees. There are seven entrances into the park from various points across the city.

There are also some beautiful National Trust Gardens just outside the city centre.

Prior Park Landscape Garden is an 18th century garden which is just a 10-minute bus ride or a 30-minute walk from the centre of Bath.

It's a beautiful, tranquil place, where you can see deer and kingfishers, whilst walking through the woodland glades. It offers some of the best panoramic views of the city and has a circular walk, which takes about an hour. The park has three lakes and a stunning Palladian bridge, which is one of only four in the world. Prior Park is a garden for all seasons and is open all year round. It is a great place to while away a few hours or have a picnic.

Dyrham Park, is eight miles outside Bath on the A46. It is a spectacular 17th century mansion with a 274-acre garden and deer park.