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Wet Weather Bath
The sun may not always shine in Bath, but you can always find plenty to interest and amuse in the many museums and attractions in the area.
The world famous Roman Baths is a must for all visitors who want to learn more about life in Bath over 2,000 years ago. A special 'Saver Ticket' (valid for 7 days) also gives entry to the Museum of Costume with exhibitions designed to appeal to young and old alike.
If architecture and buildings are your 'thing' then the Building of Bath Museum with its own Georgian 'Wendy House' for younger visitors to explore is well worth a visit. Most of the city's attractions also organise children's events including the Holburne Museum of Art, the Museum of East Asian Art and the Theatre Royal. Try a 'Super Star Search' at the William Herschel Museum or visit the Bath Postal Museum, just 50 metres away from the 19th century post office from which the first Penny Black was sent. Bath even has its own youth theatre, The Egg, with special shows for young children. Alternatively, take a visit to the Little Theatre Cinema who show quality films from around the globe and have a special kid's club every Saturday.
The American Museum at Claverton Manor may be perched on a hill above the city, but by purchasing a Heritage Saver ticket on a Bath City Sightseeing bus, up to 4 children can travel free with a fare paying adult and visit not only this family-friendly museum, with its gardens, live military re-enactments and childrens activities, but also the National Trust's Landscape Garden at Prior Park and the Holburne Museum. Admission to the attractions is included in the ticket price.
The Avon Valley Railway, at Bitton just outside Bath, offers family outings for all weathers and its 1950's steam trains evoke a nostalgia for bygone days. Santa Specials and Thomas the Tank Engine trains will keep the youngsters amused, whilst mum can enjoy Sunday lunches cooked by someone else, or dad a Murder Mystery ride.
If it's pouring outside little ones can still let off steam in the local Soft Play Centres, or listen to story-time at one of the libraries. Bath also boasts some great independent toy shops including The Golden Cot on Abbey Gate Street, or Tridias on Walcot Street which organises free Saturday activities.
If you're feeling creative take a tour of the free Victoria Art Gallery which provides children's tables, colouring sheets and crayons to inspire young artists. Arty Walcot Street is home to Bath Aqua Theatre of Glass which has regular glass blowing demonstrations. If this gets small children excited, then pop down the road to Crockadoodledo where they can have fun painting crockery.
And if all this makes you hungry, Bath has a great choice of family friendly places to eat, a list which goes beyond the usual High Street names. See the eating and drinking section for full details. You could even book your child onto a cookery course at the Bertinet Kitchen so that they can come home and cook for you!
Copyright © 2005 Bath Tourism Plus
