Thinking of booking a summer holiday in Bath? With a packed line-up of events, buzzing alfresco places to eat and drink, and a host of gardens blooming beautifully under the summer sun, you won’t regret visiting our stunning World Heritage city during the warmer 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...
Where to Stay in Bath this Summer
With so much to fill your days with in Bath this summer, you’re going to need somewhere to rest and recharge during your visit. Not only is the city brimming with impressive accommodation options to suit every need and budget, but you can also take advantage of one of the several tempting special offers available at Bath's hotels, B&Bs, holiday cottages and other accommodation providers to add extra value to your stay. Many of the city's high-end hotels offer affordable luxury with eye-catching discounts on your stay the more nights you book.
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!
Image: Apex City of Bath Hotel
Summer Events in Bath
Fancy rocking to live music and Carnival beats, enjoying a spot of alfresco theatre, or getting your sports fix? Then Bath is the place to be this summer. Decide what to see and when with our what’s on listings and our guide to the city’s festival line-up for this year.
Image: Bath Carnival
Event highlights this summer include the annual city-wide party Bath Carnival, the UIPM Laser Run and Modern Pentathlon World Championships 2023 at the University of Bath, the family-friendly Garden Theatre Festival at The Holburne Museum, If Opera’s spectacular 2023 season at Belcombe Court, and a series of Edinburgh Fringe Festival previews at comedy club Komedia and The Hop Pole, among theatre and live music performances at the city’s other arts venues. Or you could choose to learn about the less distinguished side of the city in Dirty Bath.
Image: UIPM Laser Run & Modern Pentathlon World Championships
If you’re bringing the family along with you, don’t miss the all-new Brick America: An Adventure in LEGO Bricks Creative Exhibition at the American Museum & Gardens and free children's activities at The Herschel Museum of Astronomy, No.1 Royal Crescent, and Beckford’s Tower, among many other family-friendly summer holiday events.
Keep an eye out for a range of fun, family-friendly activities across Bath city centre every Sunday in July and August, including a 'How Much is that Doggie in the Window?' trail. Children will also love Magique, a magic and illusion show at Wookey Hole, and a range of events at Avon Valley Adventure & Wildlife Park, including a massive water fight!
Image - Avon Valley Adventure & Wildlife Park
You can always while away a lazy summer day in the city’s beautiful parks too. Pack a picnic and soak up the summer sunshine! Or, wander around Bath's many outdoor attractions.
If you're still looking for ways to fill your summer days, take a look at the tours and sightseeing you can do around the city, book a memorable experience, or browse the latest activities from Yuup Bath.
Summer offers
Looking for a family day out? If you purchase a full-priced ticket to Wookey Hole or Cheddar Gorge & Caves this summer you'll receive a 10% discount on the admission price to other South West attractions, including Bristol Aquarium and Noah's Ark Zoo Farm. The offer is valid until 4 September 2023 and discounts will be available after purchase, either online via a unique link or in-person via a QR code.
Image - Wookey Hole
Eat and Drink in Bath This Summer
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 time to make the most of Bath’s many alfresco venues. Dine outdoors on Green Park Brasserie’s buzzing terrace and savour sumptuous, locally-sourced steaks and other seasonal dishes with an Aperol Spritz in hand as you watch the world go by. Better still, visit on any evening from Wednesday-Saturday, and enjoy live jazz, funk, soul and swing music. Or head to the Brasserie’s neighbouring sister restaurant, Bath Pizza Co, and tuck in to award-winning pizza under the glass roof of Green Park Station.
Image: Green Park Brasserie
Wherever you choose to go for your main course, we’re sure you’ll be searching for something sweet afterwards. Sample some of the latest mouth-watering seasonal creations from the team at Heavenly Desserts’ Bath restaurant, along with 16 flavours of Italian gelato, coffees, teas and their exclusive croffles.
Image: Heavenly Desserts
Why not indulge in a delectable alfresco afternoon tea this summer? Try The Roseate Villa’s assortment of warm scones, sandwiches and indulgent cakes freshly made on-site by the hotel’s baker in the peaceful, leafy surroundings of the Villa’s garden terrace. Or, treat yourself to a luxurious afternoon tea at the Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa’s new Montagu’s Mews restaurant.
If it’s a cold 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 your preferred tipple, wander up to the opposite end of town to enjoy unique on-site fermentations created using Somerset apples from the team at The Bath Cider House on the outdoor terrace.
After a lively drinking venue? Look no further than The Cork, with its two bars, party pods, regular DJ sets, live sport, pub quizzes, Bath’s only Drag Queen Bingo Night and much more!
Image: The Bath Cider House
On the opposite end of the scale, don't miss Bath on the Beach, 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, and enjoy a slice of the Mediterranean in South West England.
Image: Bath on the Beach
For more inspiration on where to eat and drink alfresco in Bath this summer, take a look at our roundup of the city’s best restaurants with outdoor spaces.
Be sure to check out the many special food and drink offers available in Bath, and enjoy a spot of fine dining at the best value this summer.
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 shops and attractions. 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 beautiful 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.
Better still, you can enjoy £4 off a West of England FirstDay Group Ticket all summer until 1 September, offering up to 5 people (of any age) travelling together unlimited journeys for one day across Bristol, Bath and Wells for £10. So, why not take in the magificent landscaped gardens at the American Museum, Iford Manor, and Prior Park Landscape Garden, or head further afield to explore Wookey Hole Caves and Longleat Safari Park?
Image: First West of England
Remember to tag us in your posts, photos and videos of you having fun and include #SummerInBath in your captions and stories!
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