Thinking of booking a summer holiday in Bath? With a packed lineup of events, buzzing alfresco places to eat and drink, and a host of gardens blooming beautifully under the sun, you won’t regret visiting our stunning World Heritage city during the sunnier months of the year.
Here are some ideas on how to spend your summer holidays in Bath, whether you’re spending time with your loved one, friends or family, or taking the kids for a summer break...
Skip to: Summer events | Top Attractions | Family Days Out | Summer Offers | Food and Drink
Summer event highlights
Fancy rocking to live music and Carnival beats, sipping champagne under the sunset while exploring some of the best-preserved Roman ruins in the world, or enjoying a spot of alfresco theatre? Bath is the place to be this summer. Decide what to see and when with our what’s on listings.
Top picks this summer include the Garden Theatre Festival (2 - 26 July), Circus Festival at Beckford's Tower (19 July), Bath Summer Fayre (17 - 19 July), Bath Pride (22 August) and Foodies Festival in Royal Victoria Park (4 - 6 September), as well as theatre and live music performances at the city’s arts venues.
Just outside the city, you can enjoy Valley Fest (31 July - 2 August), If Opera (6 - 16 August), and Field to Fork Festival in nearby Bradford on Avon (22 August).
Image: Garden Theatre Festival
Don't miss Bath on the Beach (until 2 August), the city's most chilled out summer venue. Relax beneath palm trees, challenge your friends and family to a range of beach games, sip on refreshing seasonal cocktails, fill up on wood-fired pizzas, and enjoy a slice of the Mediterranean in Bath.
If you're looking for more alfresco culture, there are plenty of outdoor theatre productions to see this summer, and Adventure Cinema in the beautiful surroundings of Westonbirt Arboretum.
You can always while away lazy summer days in the city’s beautiful parks too. Pack a picnic and soak up the summer sunshine! Or, wander around Bath's many outdoor attractions.
Image: Bath on the Beach
Top attractions and experiences
The American Museum and Gardens is celebrating 250 years of American independence this summer, with a special programme of America 250 events, including a chance to see an original copy of the Declaration of Independence! Take in the stunning views from their terrace and take a look at their latest exhibtion: Circus of Curiosities: An Exhibition of Moving Marvels.
Visit the new exhibition on printmaking through the ages at The Holburne Museum, or take a stroll through sculptures in the garden of The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa. Other big exhibitions this summer include Norman Ackroyd: The Transience of Light at Victoria Art Gallery, and Glenn Brown: Grottoesque at No.1 Royal Crescent.
Don't miss Summer Lates at The Roman Baths throughout summer, which sees live music and DJ sets bringing added atmosphere to the historic site after hours.
Image - Summer Lates at The Roman Baths
If you're a horror fan, see a different side of Bath with 'The Frankenstein Experience.' Created by Mary Shelley's House of Frankenstein and Show of Strength Theatre Company, this one-hour tour will let you learn more about the author's life in Bath and the city's key role in inspiring her work. You'll also enjoy entry to the museum included in the price of your ticket.
No visit to Bath would be complete without a trip to The Jane Austen Centre. Step back in time to Austen's Bath, with costumed guides bringing the author's iconic characters to life as you enjoy an intriguing exhibition, a chance to dress up in Regency costume, a photo opportunity with Mr Darcy, and much more. Once you've had your fill, head upstairs to the Regency Tea Room and treat yourself to a delectable afternoon tea.
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Image: Afternoon tea at The Regency Tea Room
Of course while you're here, you'll want to book a spa day, so why not visit the city's newest state-of-the-art spa at The Francis Hotel? Treatments include thermal rituals with bubbles, steam or mud, facials, massages and reflexology.
If you're still looking for ways to fill your summer days, take a look at the tours and sightseeing you can get involved in around the city, visit one of our local vineyards or breweries, book a memorable experience, or browse the latest classes and workshops from Yuup Bath.
Image: Minerva Wines vineyard tours
Family days out
Enjoy a day full of fun at Wookey Hole Caves this summer, where your ticket gives you access to a wide range of attractions, including an adventure golf course, Dinosaur Valley, vintage penny arcades, 4D cinema, soft play zones, and of course, the caves. Enjoy 20% off admission tickets when booking online more than one day in advance, or book a stay at the on-site Wookey Hole Hotel from £199 for a family of four, which includes tickets to Wookey Hole Caves for the family!
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Image - Wookey Hole
Let the little ones burn off some energy with outdoor activities and trails at Dyrham Park and Prior Park Landscape Garden, both just a short drive from Bath. Nature lovers will enjoy the Room on the Broom woodland trail at Westonbirt Arboretum.
Avon Valley Adventure Park is being transformed into Summertopia throughout the summer holidays. Expect hours of fun in sand and water play areas, including a 50 metre slip 'n' slide and paddling pool, a walk among prehistoric giants in Dinosaur Valley, as well as daily foam parties and talent shows. Book one visit to Avon Valley Adventure Park this summer and you can return for free before the 31 August! Get there with the 39 or X39 bus to Saltford from Bath City Centre - if you alight at the Pixash Lane stop you'll see signs directing you to the park.
Image - Mini jeeps at Avon Valley Adventure Park
Head to Cheddar Gorge & Caves' to discover what life was like for our Stone Age ancestors. Discover the differences between prehistoric and modern life, with live fire lighting and tool making demonstrations from Cheddar Gorge's resident hunter-gatherers.
Head to The Bird of Prey Project just outside Bath, and meet 20 different species of hawks, owls, falcons and more. This summer, the attraction is celebrating British Bird of Prey Day on 15 August with guest speakers, interactive activities, and stalls alongside its usual flying displays. Get there with the 39 or X39 bus to Newton St Loe - it's just a short walk up to the village from the bus stop and you'll see signs for the attraction once you get closer. The Bird of Prey Project is next door to Newton Farm Shop and Cafe if you need some lunch afterwards!
Image: The Bird of Prey Project
Summer offers
There are more deals than ever this summer, thanks to the Great British Summer Savings! You can enjoy reduced entry to attractions across the city throughout the summer, including Westonbirt Arboretum, The Little Theatre Cinema and Odeon Cinema. Visitors to American Museum & Gardens can enjoy special £2.50 admission on weekdays in July.
Children aged under 16 travel free on all bus services over the summer school holidays, so you can explore more of the city and beyond!
Remember to book direct to nab the best deals and perks, such as free breakfast and parking. For the best rates, stay midweek and enjoy the added bonus of exploring Bath without the weekend crowds!
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Image - American Museum & Gardens
Alfresco Food and Drink
Bath’s food and drink scene caters to all tastes. Take your pick from welcoming restaurants, family-friendly cafes, vibrant pubs, and everything in between.
Summer is the best time of year to make the most of Bath’s many alfresco venues. Dine outdoors on Green Park Brasserie’s buzzing terrace to enjoy free live music with your music every evening from Wednesday-Saturday, or tuck into award-winning pizzas from Bath Pizza Co, - both venues do £6 spritzes from 12 - 5pm daily, and a summery twist on the ever-popular Bottomless Brunch offer: think spritz, mimosas, Prosecco and pints.
Image: Bath Pizza Co
Giggling Squid offers a range of delicious Thai dishes in their large and stylish restaurant in the heart of the city, including chicken satay, red duck curry and salt & pepper squid.
At Shires Yard, you'll find a mouth-watering kaleidoscope of cuisines from across the world, with plenty of alfresco options. Settle down at Bandook for an Indian street food feast, whether you fancy small plates or substantial grills and hearty curries, and experience a delightfully distinctive fusion of Indian street food culture and fine British ingredients.
The Botanist Bar & Restaurant is the home of Channel 4's First Dates, which offers a wide selection of food and drink, including their signature hanging kebabs, as well as a quirky range of botanical cocktails.
Image: Shires Yard
If it’s a cool pint in the sun that you’re craving, hit up the suntrap beer garden at The Bath Brew House and choose from a wide range of craft beers fresh from the on-site brewery, as well as a carefully curated selection from around the world. If cider is more your scene, wander up to The Bath Cider House to enjoy some drinks on their back terrace, or if you're in a group, The Cork has two bars, party pods, regular DJ sets and live sport.
Venture out of the city to enjoy some scenic cafes and country pubs, whether you opt for the Walled Garden Restaurant Lucknam Park, or the expansive beer gardens at Lock Keeper in Keynsham or The Cross Guns at Avoncliff.
Image: Walled Garden Restaurant at Lucknam Park
Explore Bath & Beyond this Summer
Take the stress out of your journey and travel to Bath by train, admiring the picturesque surrounding countryside as you speed towards the city. Bath Spa railway station is conveniently located in the heart of the city centre, just a short walk away from Bath’s major attractions and shopping districts. If you are travelling in a group of between 3 and 9 adults, you can get a 1/3 off Standard Off-Peak tickets when travelling together with GWR's GroupSave ticket.
Bath is just the tip of the iceberg, with so many fabulous places to explore on day trips beyond the city, from charming rural towns and villages to gorgeous green spaces. There's no need to bring your car - thanks to First West of England's expansive local bus network, you're always within easy reach of amazing attractions outside the city centre.
Remember to tag us in your posts, photos and videos of your summer adventures in Bath, and include #SummerInBath in your captions and stories!
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