If you're planning to watch the 2012 Games, why not visit Bath before or after your visit? Bath is close to a number of the main venues and is perfect for experiencing a quintessentially English city. It is also the ideal city to retreat from the hustle and bustle of London. The Games will be held in London and across the UK from July to September 2012.
The perfect location
Bath offers
an ideal location for an overnight stay or day visit from London, taking just 90 minutes on a train from Paddington train station. Alternatively, why not visit the city for longer by staying before or after the Games? As well as the many attractions and events within the centre, Bath is an excellent base for exploring the surrounding areas of outstanding beauty and history, such as Stonehenge and The Cotswolds.
Book accommodation early
Whether you are looking for a serviced apartment, a luxury spa hotel or a friendly B&B or guest house, Bath and the surrounding area has a wide range of accommodation on offer. We advise you book early for accommodation during the 2012 Games, as Bath is very popular during the summer months. You can either search and book accommodation online or call our personal booking service on 0844 847 5256 (overseas callers, +44 844 847 5257). Our helpful and knowledgeable staff will be able to book accommodation in Bath and the surrounding area on your behalf.
Sport becomes art
Sport enthusiasts may be interested in the public art event by Art at the Edge, which will culminate in a city-wide sport-themed sculpture trail in the summer of 2012. 29 established sculptors have been invited to each create a sculptural interpretation of an Olympic or Paralympic sport, with a 30th sculpture to be chosen from a nationwide competition. The full collection will be exhibited at the Victoria Art Gallery, as well as the streets and 
public spaces of Bath in 2012.
Money raised through the project will go to support disadvantaged and disabled young people through the life changing work of the Youth Sport Trust and ParalympicGB.
One of the bronze sculptures will be the winning prize in the Art at the Edge Lottery. Tickets cost £10 and can be purchased at the Bath Tourist Information Centre. For further information and to book your ticket call 0844 847 5256.
Bath’s Olympic heroes
Over the years Bath has played host to some great sports men and women. Bath’s most recent Olympic success story is Amy Williams, gold medallist in the 
skeleton at the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games. She was the only medallist for Great Britain. Amy Williams went to school in Bath and is currently training at the University of Bath.
Having also trained at the University of Bath, Kate Howey carried the Union Flag at the 2004 Opening Ceremony after winning the silver medal in judo at the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games. She also became the only woman to have won 2 Olympic judo medals having won a bronze medal at the 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games.
Other winners include Jason Gardener, gold in the 4x100m relay in Athens 2004 Olympic Games, Ben Rushgrove, silver in T36 100m in Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games and Steph Cook, gold in modern pentathlon in Sydney 2000 Olympic Games. All have spent time training at the University of Bath.
Bath is proud to be hosting the British Paralympic preparation camp for the 2012 Paralympic Games at the University of Bath.
A retreat away from the Olympics
If sport isn't your thing or you want some time to relax pre or post events, Bath is the city to visit. Nourished by Britain's only natural hot springs you can spend a few hours bathing in the natural thermal waters at Thermae Bath Spa. Bath is a popular spa destination with a superb choice of day spas and luxurious spa hotels for you to enjoy.
If retail therapy is your way of relaxing Bath has a fabulous mix of small independent boutiques alongside the familiar big name stores. During your shopping trip make sure you stop off to sample Bath's local flavours. Also, why not visit one or two of the many museums and attractions as well as experiencing a guided walking tour around the city, taking in the beautiful architecture, and learning about the city's history?
Make sure you experience what is quintessentially English in Bath during your visit. Enjoy afternoon tea in the Pump Room, discover Bath's most famous resident at the Jane Austen Centre, or visit Number One Royal Crescent, a magnificently restored Georgian town house.
There is so much to see and do in Bath. Take a look at our things to do and ideas and inspiration sections for some great tips.
For further advice about visiting Bath during the 2012 Games please contact the Bath Tourist Information Centre on:
UK callers - 0906 711 2000 (50p / min)
Overseas callers - +44 844 847 5257
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