Things To Do Indoors

Bath is a wonderful place to explore in any weather, including a rainy day! British weather is known for being unpredictable, but luckily there is still plenty to do while keeping dry and warm.

Take a tour and see the city whilst staying dry

If it’s looking a bit grey outside, you can still explore the city without getting too damp. Catch one of Bath City Sightseeing Tour’s double-decker buses for a loop of the city; you can alight when the sun does appear to take in some of the best sights up close.

Enjoy one of our indoor attractions and activities

On days where rain is on the cards, it’s a good idea to have a few spots in mind to duck into, in the event that the heavens do open. The Fashion Museum Bath, Bath Abbey and the Jane Austen Centre are both perfect for a quick exit from the rain as you’re perusing the city, and are well worth a visit. Alternatively, plan a cultural rainy day sheltering in Bath’s many museums and galleries, such as Bath World Heritage Centre, The Holburne Museum, Victoria Art Gallery, or No.1 Royal Crescent, or be brave and book in to the Escape Room at Mary Shelley’s House of Frankenstein, where the clock is ticking for you to unlock the mysteries of an unhinged mind and, more critically, your way out to (rainy) freedom!

If you want a family adventure despite the rain, head to the caves at Wookey Hole for a magical and historical day out, or hop on board the Avon Valley Railway’s carefully restored locomotives and carriages. Take a ride behind a steam or diesel locomotive whilst admiring idyllic views across the Avon Valley.

Air-conditioned attractions and cool places

If the heat gets too much, you can stay cool in the air con while watchign a show at Theatre Royal Bath or Komedia Bath, exploring an exhibition at The Holburne Museum, watching a film at Tivoli Cinema, or browsing the shelves at Bath Central Library.

You can also escape the heat at shaded locations such as Royal Victoria Park, Henrietta Park, Westonbirt Arboretum or Sydney Gardens. Or head underground to the grand showcaves at Wookey Hole or Cheddar Gorge.

Escape from it all at one of our spas

Who cares what the weather’s like outside if you are floating in warm water, indulging in a spa treatment or warming in the sauna? Bath is a true centre of relaxation and one of the only places in Britain where you can bathe in natural hot springs. Whether it’s a spa day, wellness weekend or a longer retreat, it’s the perfect place to help you relax in even the most miserable weather. You can even watch the rain fall onto you in the outdoor rooftop pool at Thermae Bath Spa, or in the outdoor pools at Homewood Spa and The Spa at Lucknam Park.

Find out more about spas in Bath

Explore some of our shops and shopping areas

Of course there’s always another failsafe…shopping! Bath has an excellent range of independent and unique shops you won't find anywhere else. Take cover in The Corridor, a late-Georgian arcade connecting High Street and Union Street, or explore Shires Yard, another covered shopping area. There's also the undercover Guildhall Market, the oldest shopping destination in Bath, or if you have a high-street craving, head to SouthGate to find all your favourite brands.

Head down to Green Park Station, which proudly hosts the UK’s first ever Farmers’ Market. Every Saturday local producers and farmers pack out the market square stocking cheese, cider, bread, olives, fruits, vegetables, wild venison, bacon, sausages, cakes, eggs, charcuterie boards and everything in between. The markets host a hand-picked and creative collection of traders, making it easy for you to enjoy a one-of-a-kind shopping experience, all under the cover of the historic station building.

Warm up in our restaurants, pubs and cafes

Just looking for somewhere cosy to shelter from the rain? There are plenty of welcoming cafés, inviting restaurants and warm pubs to keep you feeling snug while enjoying the best of local produce and specialities.

Or you could indulge in a quintessential Bath afternoon tea, book a table at one of our hotels, cafes or traditional tea rooms and spoil yourself. The Pump Room is central and the perfect place to stay cosy.

Don't let the weather get you down...

Museums & galleries

Housed in some of the city’s finest buildings, the museums of Bath offer a wealth of remarkable stories.
Spas & wellbeing

There’s definitely something in the water here in Bath. A true centre for relaxation, it’s one of the only places in Britain where you can bathe in natural hot springs. Whether it’s a spa day, wellness weekend or a longer retreat, it’s the perfect place for a relaxing break.
Theatre shows

Housed in beautiful, historic buildings, Bath's award-winning performance venues offer fantastic year-round programmes perfect for an entertaining evening in the city. Bath's Theatre Royal hosts a range of world-class touring productions, while The Egg is geared towards families.
Shopping

Bath’s show-stopping retail scene, set against a backdrop of Georgian grandeur, has made the city one of the most stylish destinations for 300 years, with a compact city centre brimming with independent stores and high street brands.
Pubs

There are plenty of places in Bath for a quick drink with friends, a casual meal out with family, or a fun night out with live music. The mix of well-known chains and unique, independent bars and pubs offers something for everyone.
Coffee shops

There's a top selection of cafes serving hot drinks and treats in Bath. Here are some of the best.
Afternoon tea

Perfect for celebrating a special occasion or enjoying as a sweet pick-me-up after a long day shopping, Bath is the ideal setting to indulge in a quintessentially English afternoon tea.
Whatever the weather

Browse these ideas of things to do indoors, no matter the weather.