Features included a maze, grotto, sham castle and an artificial rural scene with moving figures powered by a clockwork mechanism.

The layout was affected by the construction of the Kennet & Avon Canal in 1810 and the Great Western Railway in 1840 which pass through the park.

[5] The gardens were constructed in the 1790s, opening in 1795 as a commercial pleasure grounds, following the development of Bathwick by Sir William Pulteney, 5th Baronet, across the River Avon from the city centre.

[7] The original plans were by Thomas Baldwin and completed by Charles Harcourt Masters who included labyrinth,[8] grotto, sham castle and an artificial rural scene with moving figures powered by a clockwork mechanism.

The original design for the hotel, prepared by Thomas Baldwin in 1794, was a two-storey building which would serve the pleasure gardens.

Projecting from the rear of the building at first floor level was a conservatory and a semi-circular orchestra with a wide covered loggia below.

[11] At public breakfasts tea, coffee, rolls and Sally Lunn buns were served at about midday, followed by dancing.

[12] There were generally three evening galas each summer, usually on the birthdays of George III and the Prince of Wales, and in July to coincide with the Bath races.

During these galas the gardens were lit with thousands of lamps and the guests took supper accompanied by music and fireworks.

[15][16] Around the same time a clockwork moving model of a village with flowing water, known as "The Cascade" was constructed, however it was not well received and was removed within 10 years.

Sir Reginald Blomfield was appointed to carry out the extensive restoration and alterations necessary to render the building suitable for museum purposes.

[25] Throughout the 20th century the council parks committee carried out some restoration of some of the structures however others were demolished when the cost of repair was prohibitive.

[31] In June 2021, L-P archaeologists have announced the discovery of a 2,000 year-old limestone Roman coffin with the remains of two skeletons.

[38] The Kennet & Avon Canal passes through the gardens via two short tunnels[39][40] and under two cast iron footbridges dating from 1800.

[44] There are also foot and road bridges over the railway which were designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel and built in 1840,[45][46] as were the retaining walls.