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Prior Park Review

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Prior Park

Address: Ralph Allen Dr., Bath
Phone: 01225/833422
www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Category: Parks
Location: Bath

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Fodor's Review:

A vision to warm Jane Austen's heart, Bath's grandest house lies a mile or so southeast of the center, with splendid views over the Georgian townscape. Built around 1738 by John Wood the Elder of honey-color limestone, the Palladian mansion was the home of local businessman (he owned a stone quarry) and philanthropist Ralph Allen (1693-1764), whose guests included such luminaries as poet Alexander Pope and novelists Henry Fielding and Samuel Richardson. Today it is a Roman Catholic school and the interior is not open to the public, but you may wander through the beautiful grounds, designed by Capability Brown and embellished with a Palladian bridge and lake. There is no parking lot here or in the vicinity: unless you relish the uphill trudge, take a taxi or use the frequent bus service (Nos. 2 or 4 from the center).

Cost: £4.50
Open: Feb.-Nov., Wed.-Mon. 11-5:30 or dusk; Dec. and Jan., Fri.-Sun. 11-dusk; last admission 1 hr before closing

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