Bath's family fun this summer

5th May 2011

Although the World Heritage Site of Bath is better known for its history and heritage than family fun, the city is filling the 2011 summer holiday calendar with a number of special events that will appeal to both young and old.  2011 is Bath’s ‘Year of the Museum’ so forget boring exhibits in dusty cabinets, and instead, meet the Romans, experience the Wild West or dress up like a Georgian…

Meet Romans
Seeing history come to life makes it easier to imagine what life was really like in times gone by, and the Roman Baths have achieved this by introducing real, costumed characters who tell the stories of living and working in Roman times.  The Roman Baths is a fantastic attraction for families and there is even a dedicated audioguide especially for children.  Not to be missed is The Roman Baths by Torchlight (1 July – 31 August) which allows visitors to explore the ruins of the impressive site by the light of flickering torches - an unforgettable and unique experience. 

Experience the Wild West
The American Museum hosts some of the finest collection of Americana outside of the United States, with a fantastic interactive exhibition and quizzes for the whole family to get involved in.  If you feel brave enough to venture into the Wild West this summer, head up to the museum’s Wild West Weekend (23 & 24 July) and experience a cowboy encampment, try your hand at various birch bark crafts and view a special exhibition of Native American art and artefacts.

See the stars
The Herschel Museum of Astronomy – home to the site where the planet of Uranus was first discovered - will be hosting Astronomical Star Parties and Solar Observation this summer, two fantastic free events for all to enjoy.  Salute the sun safely through a solar telescope as part of the Summer Solstice Solar Observations (21 June) or join in the Star Party which will be held on 12th August, with the chance to see the Geminids meteor shower, Saturn setting, Jupiter rising and Uranus.

Dress like a Georgian
Visit the Fashion Museum to experience the changing styles in fashionable clothes from the late 16th century to the present day and why not experience Georgian dress first hand, with the opportunity to try on a corset or crinoline?

Stamp up the fun
Located in the city centre, Bath Postal Museum is home to many fun activities for young family members, such as interactive quizzes and historic video characters. Children can also try completing the mail computer challenge, dress up in costumes and play the 'potholes and pitfalls' board game.  

Join the Dalek invasion
Take a short drive from Bath to discover the Fleet Air Arm Museum which will be hosting two days of terror with a Dalek Invasion! (13 & 14 August.)  Only the brave should enter, as an army of Daleks accompanied by Davros, Miss Hartigan, Cybermen, Ice Warriors, Pig Slaves, Weeping Angel and others, take over the museum for the weekend.  Children will also be able to enjoy dressing up in sci-fi fancy dress, an audience Q&A with the Daleks, Dr Who traders and celebrities and a March of the Daleks to finish the day.

Search for Bath’s 100 Objects
When visiting any of the museums in the city, keep an eye out for any of the artefacts that are part of Bath in 100 Objects – a selection of nominated and most significant objects from the city’s 17 museums.  Find which kitchen used a running dog to turn a roasting spit, experience a taste of the spa water that has been used for medicinal purposes for 2000 years or explore one of the oldest department stores in the world!  For more information on Bath in 100 Objects, visit www.visitbath.co.uk/100objects.

There are many more ideas for days out in Bath and the surrounding area, family friendly places to eat and even places to stay on the ‘Family Friendly Bath’ section of the official destination website.  If you plan to stay in the area, the website provides a hassle free, easy way to book, at any time of day or night: www.visitbath.co.uk/familyfriendly

Alternatively, helpful, friendly advice can be found at Bath Tourist Information Centre.  For advice on days out contact Bath Tourist Information Line: 0906 7112000 (50p/min), or to book attraction tickets, events, and accommodation phone: 0870 420 1278 (national rate).

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Notes to Editors:  
For further information please contact Lucy Weaver at Bath Tourism Plus on 01225 477441 or email: lucy_weaver@bathtourism.co.uk or visit www.visitbath.co.uk, the official tourism website for Bath and the surrounding area.

Bath Tourism Plus
Working with the public and private sectors, Bath’s destination marketing organisation, Bath Tourism Plus, takes full responsibility for co-ordinating the work of a busy tourist information centre, the marketing of Bath and the surrounding area to leisure and business travellers, PR activity to attract the nation’s top travel writers, a conference office, and development of Bath’s official destination website www.visitbath.co.uk

Year of the Museum 2011
2011 is Bath’s Year of the Museum, a campaign involving all seventeen museums in Bath.  The sheer variety of museums enrich any visit to Bath. Many tell the story of this fascinating city while others delve into a variety of interesting topics.For a city of its size, Bath has more museums than most, 17 within a square mile, which represents one for every 5000 people who live in Bath. Each museum will be running a full programme of events and exhibitions both for local residents and for the four million visitors from around the world who come to Bath each year.Bath is one of only a few cities in the world to have the coveted World Heritage Site status, and in many ways Bath is like a virtual museum with a piece of history around every corner. Over the past five years £20 million has been invested in restoring and redeveloping three of the museums; the Holburne Museum, the Roman Baths and the American Museum in Britain, creating new facilities and adding excitement to the displays.Events throughout this special year will include the release of a World Heritage Audio Trail, Bath in 100 objects, Museums at Night, Museum of the Month, a lecture series and special events for Heritage Open Week.For free or discounted access to many of Bath’s museums and attractions, residents are entitled to a free Discovery Card, whilst visitors can buy a Bath Visitor Card for only £3 to give them the same privileges.For more details about these cards, and for further information on what’s happening during the Year of the Museum, go to www.visitbath.co.uk/museums.