Our favourite grown up days out near Bath
Bradford on Avon
Situated on the edge of the Cotswolds, Bradford on Avon is a picture-perfect market town with lots to offer. From river and canal walks, to hidden footpaths and secret staircases it’s a great place to explore on foot, whatever your level of fitness. There’s a whole host of cafes, restaurants and pubs to choose from, as well as independent shops, selling everything from gifts and homeware to artisan food and drinks.
https://www.bradfordonavon.co.uk/
The American Museum
At the top of Bath, the American Museum is the only museum of its kind outside of the US to house an extensive collection of American history and art. Showcasing American culture and creative works, as well as housing exhibitions and boasting incredible landscaped gardens, it’s a great day. Currently Claverton Manor is open for chaperoned visits and the garden is open for a restricted number of visitors, but it’s worth checking their website before you visit.
Longleat
A fun day out that’s not just for little ones, Longleat offers a safari experience in the heart of the Wiltshire countryside. Drive through lion country, tiger enclosures and wolf woods, and hop out at the African Village for a closer look at the giraffes and zebras. There are stunning grounds to explore, fun attractions within the park as well as seasonal events. As you’d expect, there are additional safety measures in place at the moment so check the website before you travel.
The Newt at Somerset
A stunning venue in the heart of Somerset, offering beautiful grounds, woodlands and farmland to discover. Have a look at the website to plan your visit as you can order picnics to collect, check the times of garden tours and read the most recent safety advice for your trip. The great thing with the Newt is that your entry price on the day provides you with membership for a whole year!
https://thenewtinsomerset.com/
Lacock
The beautiful village of Lacock is only around a 30-minute drive from Bath and is full of character and old-world charm. It’s said to look today largely as it would have done 200 years ago. As soon as you arrive you’ll see why this quintessential English village with traditional stone cottages, a medieval tithe barn and church attracts so many visitors each year, it’s stunning! It’s not surprising that it’s a popular filming location and has starred in Harry Potter, Downton Abbey and the BBC’s Pride & Prejudice. With village and river walks, as well as an Abbey to explore there’s plenty to see. For more information have a look at the National Trust website.
7 reasons to visit Bath this autumn
Whether you’re thinking ahead to October half term, looking for somewhere to celebrate a big birthday or planning a surprise romantic getaway, here are 7 great reasons why Bath is a great autumn staycation destination (check latest Covid restrictions and advice before you set off):
1 – Relaxation is our thing
Bath has been known as a place of rest and relaxation since the Romans built the world-famous Roman Baths. From there, Bath has taken wellbeing extremely seriously, it’s in our name after all. So whether you’re interested in trying the Thermae Spa (where you can bathe in Britain’s only natural thermal hot springs) or enjoying a spa day with a friend – we’ve got it covered.
2 – We have a great food scene
Here in Bath, we’re big foodies. We love nothing more than discovering new and exciting places to eat, sampling the best that Bath has to offer. Walk around the city and you won’t be short of choice, from traditional pubs to top-notch dining options. Eat in or take out – it’s up to you. Some of the best places are tucked away down narrow streets or underneath grand Georgian buildings – that’s the thing about Bath, there’s always a hidden gem to discover. In autumn you’ll still find it warm enough to sit outside during the day and enjoy our cafe culture, watching the world go by with a warming coffee or hot chocolate.
3 – Our shopping is unique
Whether you’re into the best names the high-street has to offer or a boutique, independent store, Bath has something to offer even the most discerning shopper. Looking for a cosy winter coat or new winter boots? Milsom Street is one of the most fashionable areas in the city and home to one of the oldest department stores in the World – Jollys. With beautiful boutique fashion and homeware stores, as well as an electric indoor market scene in the Guildhall, Bath offers a truly unique shopping experience!
4 – We’re brimming with culture
You don’t have to be a culture vulture to appreciate all that Bath has to offer. With many of our most famous attractions opening up again there’s plenty to choose from. So, whether you’re a history buff, big into astronomy, a Jane Austen fan, a rugby supporter or a lover of great Georgian architecture, there’s something for everyone. Covid restrictions in some venues may apply, so it’s worth checking to best plan your trip.
5 – We’re walkable
The great thing about Bath is that it’s really accessible without needing a car. We have great buses, taxis, and Uber, of course, but the truth is that once you’re in the city centre you can pretty much walk anywhere within half an hour. So, if you’re shopping in Southgate and fancy a walk up to the Royal Crescent, it’s only going to take you around 20 minutes. From there it’s a 15-minute or so walk back into the city centre to the Roman Baths – easy. Big cities are great but isn’t it so much nicer when you can walk with a coffee in hand and see everything in your own time?!
6 – We’re a city with a countryside feel
When it comes to scenery, we like having the best of both worlds – cityscapes and countryside. With incredible city parks, walks and woodlands on our doorstep we don’t have to choose. We have National Trust sites like Prior Park Landscape Garden and the Skyline Walk – 6 miles of walkways show-casing the incredible countryside and views we’re so lucky to have. As well as The Royal Victoria Park in the city where you can play mini golf, visit the botanical gardens and let the kids enjoy the huge play park.
7 – Accommodation is easy
Whether you’re looking for a super central apartment or a rural retreat, we have something for everyone. We’ve been providing suburb holiday rentals in Bath since 2016 and have properties all across the city. So, if it’s an award-winning mews house for 2, a warm and welcoming split-level apartment for friends to share, or a cosy country cottage we can find the right nook for your stay. We’re an Airbnb super host so we pride ourselves on offering top-quality accommodation and maintaining an excellent level of service to our guests.
If you’re looking for a trip to make this autumn a season to remember, take a closer look at Bath. We’ll be looking forward to seeing you again!
Top 10 family attractions in Bath
Roman Baths
No trip to Bath would be complete without a visit to the world-famous Roman Baths – one of the best-preserved examples of Roman remains outside of Rome. With special audio guides for kids, apps to help them uncover fascinating facts, as well as activities and characters along the way, it’s great fun for all the family.
Parade Gardens
Occupying a triangular spot in the centre of Bath is Parade Gardens. It’s really popular with residents and tourists alike as a picnic spot and a space to take a break and watch the world go by. You get great views of Pulteney Bridge and the weir, and there’s even a traditional bandstand.
https://visitbath.co.uk/listings/single/parade-gardens/
The American Museum
Housing a unique collection of American culture and artwork, the American Museum has long been a popular choice with grown-up visitors, but kids are by no means left out of the fun. With a newly-created children’s garden and play park, taking inspiration from nature and the surrounding landscape, children can enjoy the space to explore and play!
The Royal Victoria Park
An amazing open space right in the city centre that’s great to visit all year round. With an adventure playground, 18-hole mini golf, tennis courts, skate park and botanical gardens it’s a guaranteed winner for families!
https://visitbath.co.uk/listings/single/royal-victoria-park/
Bath City Farm
Located in Twerton (just outside the city centre) Bath City Farm sits on a 37-acre plot and offers a farm-experience in the city. With a nature trail, history trail and a great play area for kids, as well as a cafe, it’s a fun day out for families. Check the website for opening days/hours and Covid restrictions.
Rainbow Woods
A wonderful woodland just on the outskirts of the city centre, Rainbow Woods is great fun for all the family. With an elf and fairy door trail, woodland play area, rope swing and a den building area it’s an outdoor space that will capture the imagination of little ones.
Bath Leisure Centre
Better, Bath Leisure Centre has recently undergone a £10m refurbishment and now features a huge range of facilities to keep kids (and grown-ups) entertained whatever the weather. With a 25m six lane pool, newly refurbished leisure pool with flumes and play area, sauna, brand-new trampoline park and soft play, 8 ten pin bowling alleys, and family diner, it’s a great facility to have in the city centre.
https://www.better.org.uk/leisure-centre/banes/bath-sports-and-leisure-centre
Prior Park
Managed by the National Trust, Prior Park is a beautiful 18th-century landscaped garden in Bath created by Ralph Allen. It’s a stunning place to wander around and enjoy being outside in the fresh air as a family!
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/prior-park-landscape-garden
Little Theatre
An utterly charming and cosy, 2-screen cinema (and bar!) in the city centre. It was built in 1935 and is full of 1930’s classic cinema character. Showing a variety of movies, including a whole host of new and old films for kids, it’s a really lovely alternative to the larger cinemas.
https://www.picturehouses.com/cinema/little-theatre-cinema
Alice Park
With 8-acres of parkland, playpark, tennis courts and an award-winning cafe, Alice Park has a community feel and is loved by local Bathonians. On their website, Alice Park is described as ‘a little tranquil gem on the eastern side of Bath’ and this most definitely sums it up!