Great Dell in Royal Victoria Park

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A beautiful open space with an intimate feel

In need of some peace and quiet? Kids or pets need to stretch their legs? Are you looking for some tranquil you time? Then Great Dell in Bath's Royal Victoria Park is definitely for you! Tucked away within the city, it is a leafy, beautifully maintained park space offering quiet picnic space, gentle walks and a safe, fenced-off area for children and adults.

'Dell' is an Old English word for a valley, usually surrounded by woods. That is precisely what Great Dell is. Mostly flat, with a rising path that reaches a wooden aerial walkway looking down on the dell space. There are all manner of giant trees and bushes from around the world, that create a bright green canopy that shelters the entire place from the sun. Its gently sloping sides give the dell a cosy and intimate feel, and there is plenty of space for all.



One of the truly special things about the Dell are its resident English Oak trees. Some of these are over four hundred years old, and they form the backbone of the great dell. The Oak is a staple of the South West of England, and an old adage says that they can live for a Millenium, with '300 years to grow, another 300 to live and a final 300 to die. The peace and tranquility that these gentle giants offer is truly magical. Another legend states that Robin Hood and his merry men lived in a secret Dell, and it is easy to imagine why once you visit this special place.



A favourite spot of the Dell is the aerial walkway, which is fully accessible for prams and wheelchairs. It offers a view of the bowl-like dell and some of the more colourful trees and bushes, including Japanese Acer trees and rhododendrons. For families, it also makes a superb meeting place, or a base to play hide and seek from. With the entire area being fenced off with painted iron railings, this is a safe place that is road and bicycle free. Perfect for a picnic!



The Shakespeare monument is well worth a look. Up on a plinth at the base of the Dell, a noticeboard tells of the 30,000 strong procession that led up to the statue's unveiling. Many of his plays have been performed here, and not least 'A Midsummer Night's Dream'. It really does have a magical ambience here.



A family favourite of the dell is a gigantic Californian Redwood tree, another potential meeting place. It is the tallest tree of the entire place, and looks to be in vigorous health.



Whatever you fancy doing, this place will be waiting for you. The whole space is open from early morning until dusk, as is the rest of Royal Victoria Park. The Dell is right in the centre of the city if you are waking, and offers plenty of parking spaces if you arrive by car or motorcycle. When the whole of the UK is seeking some socially distanced outdoor freedom, this is an ideal place to have a little nature, whether you are alone, with family or looking for a safe place to get some exercise with a friend. All hail Great Dell!



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