Jane Austen and gong sound baths come to Prior Park this September

Prior Park Landscape Garden, a National Trust garden in Bath, is holding a series of new events this September. 

For the Jane Austen Festival, Prior Park Landscape Garden is teaming up with Bath Assembly Rooms to celebrate Jane Austen’s 250 birthday. From 15th-21st September, visitors will be able to act out favourite Jane Austen scenes whilst ‘taking a turn’ around the garden, and if they come in Regency dress will get a 15% discount off admission. There will also be several pre-bookable events, including guided garden walks themed around Jane Austen (Thursday 18 September 11am and Saturday 20 September 2pm) and a cream tea picnic (Saturday 20 September 2pm-4pm). 

The landscape garden offers the perfect addition to any Jane Austen visit. It was created in the 18th century by local entrepreneur Ralph Allen, with advice from 'Capability' Brown and the poet Alexander Pope. Set in a sweeping valley above Bath, visitors can enjoy magnificent views over the city. Home to one of only four Palladian bridges in the world, its reflectionscan be enjoyed in the middle lake, with the trickling sound of the cascade in the background. 

Susie Meader, Visitor Operations & Experience Manager at Prior Park, said, “It's really special to be celebrating this milestone with the Jane Austen Festival and the National Trust team from Bath Assembly Rooms. Prior Park is a beautiful outdoor spot, perfect for a picnic in character with a view of the whole city of Bath. We're delighted to be able to add to the experience for festival-goers in a new way this year.”

Prior Park Landscape Garden has long offered visitors a peaceful escape. To add to this, for the first time it will be hosting a gong bath on Thursday 25 September 9am. Held on the Palladian bridge itself, before gates open to the public, discover the profound impact of sound on your mental and physical wellbeing. The enchanting tones and vibrations of gongs and other instruments work harmoniously to bring focus to the mind, soothe the nervous system, and rejuvenate the body. 

Rachel Beaumont, Senior Visitor Experiences Officer, said, “We’re excited to be bringing gong sound baths to Prior Park. What can be better than laying on the Palladian bridge in complete peacefulness as the wildlife twitters and quacks around you? A perfect start to an autumn morning.” 

Check out the website - www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/bath-bristol/prior-park-landscape-garden/events - for booking and prices.