Activities in Bath Activities

Bath was established as a spa resort called “Aqua Sulis” by the Romans in 43 AD.  Baths and temples were built on the hills and valley of the River Avon.

In its heyday as a fashionable resort during the Elizabethan era, Bath was rebuilt adorned with wonderful buildings in Palladian style and was awarded royal status by Queen Elizabeth I in 1590.

Bath has served as the leading centre of aristocracy outside London during the 18^th and early 19^th century: Thomas Gainsborough, the artist, lived and worked here, as well as Jane Austin who arrived in 1801 and stayed long enough to write “Northanger Hall” and “Persuasion”.

Visitors in Bath have several wonderful parks and gardens to choose from.

The “Royal Botanical Gardens” and the “Royal Victoria Park”, named after the then 11 year old Princess Victoria in 1830 are just ideal for families and couples that wish to spend some time together. There you can also find some excellent golf courses, a play park, bowling green, duck pond and café.

Prior Park Landscape Garden, set in a wonderful steep valley overlooking the city of Bath, is another option for visitors who seek relaxation and love picturesque landscapes.

Bath is a place that offers visitors the chance to travel in time.

The Roman Baths and Museum are a “must”. During July and August you it is even greater to go there at night.

The “Jane Austin Centre” is a permanent exhibition with costumed characters, housed in a wonderful Georgian building – ideal for anyone who loves Austin’s novels and wants to get the feel of her memorable age.

You can also combine it with a visit at the “Fashion Museum”, where you can actually dress up in Georgian dresses!

Art buffs will love the exhibitions of the “Holbourne Museum” and “Victorian Art Gallery”.

Star and galaxy lovers must visit the “Herschel Museum of Astronomy” and learn more about one of the pioneers in the exploration of the universe.

One of the most impressive exhibitions is in the “Bath Aqua Theatre of Glass”, where you can actually see glassblowers at work and stained glass workers.

The “Royal Crescent” is actually a group of 30 terraced Georgian houses and the corresponding “Circus” is more of the same, and together they would form a circle the exact dimensions as Stonehenge – an ideal place for couples to enjoy a romantic walk.

If it is architecture and history that fascinates you, Bath Abbey is worth a visit while the “Museum of Bath’s Architecture” will deepen your knowledge on Georgian Architecture.

The River Avon, also known as Bristol Avon, flows serenely near Bath and it’s navigable.

Almost anyone visiting Bath, especially families, enjoy a nice row in the River exploring the area, while many combine it with a “father & Son” fishing session.

Couples prefer a romantic relaxed punt during the night, along with their picnic hamper, while youngsters opt for a river cruise with their friends, without avoiding a couple of stops to the beautiful waterside pubs.

Another nice option is hiring a bicycle and explore the banks and their luxuriant vegetations and then enjoy a delicious meal in Avon’s floating restaurants.

When it comes to hen and stag weekends beautiful Bath and River Avon is one of our most popular destinations.

The stunning Gough’s Cave, the fascinating vistas formed by stalagmites and stalactites and St Paul’s Cathedral are just few of the wonderful attractions inviting you to explore them.

Cave climbing, hiking with your kids or living a small adventure with your friends; whatever you choose Cheddar Gorge will surely meet your expectations.

Just 15 minutes from Bath’s centre is the “West of England Falconry”, which offers a truly unique chance of interacting with these wonderful creatures. Experienced falconers will help you become friends with the falcons and have an unforgettable experience.

Get behind the wheel on one of the fastest racing tracks in the world at “Castle Combe” circuit.

Planning a romantic anniversary? Take a hot air balloon ride to really get a bird’s eye view of the city while you sip on a cool glass of champagne.

Dads and sons that seek adventure will love the Bath Racecourse, home to 16 flat races and a treasure of weekend and evening fixtures.

Organize your Stag or Hen Party weekend in Bath, choosing from a galore of tens of different activities.

Stag party “gangs” can choose paintball, clay shooting, hover crafting, mini racing, off road driving, bubble football, vodka tasting and blindfold driving.

Hen weekends often include cocktail making, dance classes, murder mysteries, burlesque lessons, can-can lessons, perfume making, spa facilities, wine tasting, lingerie making and recording studio sessions.

Bath’s festival calendar is crammed throughout the year.

Take your friends and have the time of your life during the The “Bath Folk Festival”, a 9 day event with gigs, concerts, dancers, workshops, free ceilidh and tradition summer schools held all over the city.

Romantic souls should plan their visit during the “Jane Austin Festival” that includes walks, talks, minibus tours, day trips, music recitals and even workshops on how to play the harp and bonnet making. Regency dancing and archery complete the picture.

Culture enthusiasts have numerous options too:

• The Comedy Festival and the Film Festival in November.
• The International Music Festival that attracts world class performers.
• The “Fringe Theatre” Festival.
• The Literary Festival.

In September the Bath Food Festival and the Great Bath Feast in October give gastronomes a chance to surprise their palate.

For a relatively small city, Bath boasts an extensive and diverse nightlife. There is a rich cultural programme of music, theatre and dance, while many visitors just chill out in a Bohemian 18^th century pub listening to jazz and blues.

There are of course plenty of pubs, bars, clubs and restaurants to choose from.

Bath travels its fortunate visitors in time but also offers them a galore of fun outdoor activities, both inside the city and in the River Avon, and numerous wonderful day – trip options, like Castl Combe and Cheddar Gorge.

Bath is a rare amalgam of art, elegance and fun, and probably its most distinguishing feature is its galore of unusual and fascinating activities, like river cruises and hot – air ballooning.