Things to see and do at Bathampton Meadows

A wide shot of sheep in the distance grazing in a green field with trees and a hill beyond. — Sheep grazing in the fields at Bathampton Meadows, Bath | © National Trust Images/James Dobson

Located on the eastern edge of Bath, Bathampton Meadows contributes to the green surroundings of the World Heritage city of Bath. As a green corridor it links the centre of Bath to the surrounding areas of Batheaston, Bathampton and Bathford. A stroll through the meadows, which date back to the late 18th century and were once part of Ralph Allen’s estate, takes in farmland, waterways and views of the city. Here’s a guide to some of the things you can see at Bathampton Meadows.

Spring highlights in Bathampton Meadows

With the promise of longer and warmer days to come, spring is a lovely time for a walk through Bathampton Meadows. As daylight hours increase the willows that line the river start to blossom with catkins and Pied wagtails can be spotted feeding in the sheep fields.

Blossom can be spotted in the hedgerows as leaves begin to appear on the ancient oak and other trees. Late April and into May is a good time to listen to bird song, notably blackbirds, thrushes, robins and wrens. You might be able to hear the song of some migratory birds as well, such as blackcaps and sedge warblers.

As spring progresses, the river becomes home to the new season ducklings, signets and goslings. The butterflies will be out and especially along the hedgerows you should be able to spot peacock, small tortoiseshell and red admiral butterflies

Historic farmland and wide-open spaces

The meadows are made up of three large open fields which connect surrounding areas to the centre of Bath. This historic farmland dates back to 1743 when Ralph Allen purchased Bathampton Manor and the estate that is now Bathampton Meadows. As a designated flood area for the river Avon which runs alongside, you can see wetland areas which offer different fauna and flora throughout the seasons.

Spot the ancient oak

Bathampton Meadows is home to some ancient trees including an oak tree that’s estimated to be over 800 years old making it a contender for ‘Champion Oak status’. You can spot the tree from the path as you pass the sheep grazing fields, a smaller oak stands next to it. Home to many other trees lining the river and edges of the meadows, you can also see giant sequoia trees and willows by the river. Over 2000 new hedgerow trees have been planted at the meadows which will add to blossom in the meadows over time.

A visitor carries a child through grassy meadows — Visitors walking along the 'green corridor' at Bathampton Meadows, Somerset | © National Trust Images/James Dobson

Wildflowers and blossom

Blackthorn and willow trees offer a welcome burst of colour in springtime as they start to flower. You can also see blossom on the pear trees by the bridge in Batheaston. From spring the meadows start to come alive with marsh-marigolds and cuckoo flowers, and in the summer months the fields are dappled with wildflowers such as purple loosestrife and other wetland loving plants. In the coming years the diversity of wildflowers will improve as new seed is sown across the meadows.

Wildlife spotting in the meadows

Home to many bats, birds and butterflies, the meadows provide an opportunity to spend time in nature. Hedgerows provide navigation routes for bats and have recently been planted with new trees and grassland seed mix to provide homes for pollinators and breeding sites for birds. We’ll be conducting butterfly surveys in the summer months to monitor the number of species already present in the meadows and to see how this changes over time.

Waterways

Running alongside the river Avon the meadows see many visiting birds that come because of the river such as migrating Canadian geese. On a walk you might spot swans, ducks and other water loving birds. In the field near, Kensington Meadows, there’s an old Victorian culvert and stream run through the middle.

Views to admire

Due to the open nature of the meadows on clear days there are some wonderful views of landmarks in Bath. Look up to Little Solsbury Hill which is easily reached from Bathampton Meadows for those looking for longer walks, or across to Bathampton Downs or the tree rich Brown’s Folly.