From adrenaline-filled outdoor activities to escape rooms that test your brainpower, keep teenagers entertained with these things to do in Bath. You’ll have as much fun as they do!

Mary Shelley’s House of Frankenstein

The most thrilling museum in Bath is dedicated to Gothic literary genius Mary Shelley. Exploring House of Frankenstein is a multi-sensory experience, sure to capture the attention and imaginations of teens who love a touch of horror and history.

Image - Mary Shelley's House of Frankenstein

As well as taking in the unusual artefacts, ominous soundtracks and bespoke smells, you can have a go at breaking your way out of one of their escape rooms. Or solve the deviously difficult case of The Body in a Suitcase, using your detective skills to figure out whose remains lie within and why.

Stay at Hotel Indigo during summer 2022 and you can get two free tickets to Mary Shelley’s House of Frankenstein with their Teen Family Getaway package.

Original Wild

Let Original Wild lead you on an adventure in Bath. Take to the River Avon on a paddleboard or kayak, for water-based fun and sightseeing from a unique point of view. Even if it’s your first time holding a paddle, their Adventure Experts will teach you the basics and get you feeling confident on the water.

Back on land, enjoy the thrill of climbing and abseiling experiences or have a clue-cracking adventure around the city with Code Break. This is Original Wild’s self-led tour-game which takes you past iconic monuments and hidden alleyways as you work through riddles and questions. If there are enough of you, split into groups and race against each other.

Image - Original Wild

The Bird of Prey Project

See over 20 different species of hawks, owls, falcons and more, as well as watching flying displays from these beautiful birds. Private experiences are also available if your teens want to meet a hawk or owl up close.

Image - The Bird of Prey Project 

Yuup

Yuup curates exciting experiences from local hosts and you’ll usually find teenager-friendly activities among the selection. Channel your inner Viking with a spot of axe throwing out in nature on the glorious Kelston Roundhill. Outdoorsy types will also love the Wild Woodland Campfire Cooking experience, also at Kelston, where you get stuck in with fire-making and outdoor cooking.

Or how about some group VR gaming? Enter a fully immersive virtual world with your mates at Activity Reality. You’re submerged into its visuals, sounds and textures – as you move your way through it too.

Image - Active Reality, credit Yuup

Paddywax Candle Bar

Get crafty at Paddywax Candle Bar. Their candle pouring workshops are a space to connect, create and make memories together. The process starts with each of you choosing a vessel and fragrance, before the team leads you step by step through making your own artisanal custom candle. 

Image - Paddywax Candle Bar

Bath Aqua Glass

Set your older teens the challenges of making their own glass paperweight or Christmas bauble at Bath Aqua Glass. They do regular glass blowing workshops, available for ages 16+.

Image - Bath Aqua Glass

Mendip Activity Centre

Think of an outdoor activity and there’s good chance you can do it at this family-friendly centre and campsite in the rolling Mendip Hills. Everything from orienteering to caving, climbing and kayaking is a possibility and there’s even a dry snowsport slope where you can learn to ski and snowboard. It’s the ideal place for an exhilarating day out.

Fully embrace the great outdoors by booking a stay on the campsite, Basecamp. Here you can get the freedom of wild camping with acres of space and a family orientated feel, plus the added luxury of flushing toilets and hot showers.

Image - Mendip Activity Centre

Self-guided Adventure Games

Combine getting to know the city with a treasure hunt or escape room-style adventure game, using your smartphone to play along and follow the route. Uncover architectural mysticism, a dash of Roman mythology, religious politics, and curious figures from the city’s past with The Secret City.

Treasure Hunt Bath has a pirate twist (under 15s go free!) and Bath Escape's Detective Tours take your around the sights of Bath in an Agatha Christie-style murder mystery for you to solve.

Bath Spy Mission Treasure Trail has three trails to pick from, including two Roman editions, or you can play at being wizards with the Clueniversity of Magic. 

Image - Treasure Hunt Bath

Horse Riding at Lucknam Park

Take your animal-loving teens to the Equestrian Centre at Lucknam Park, a country house hotel surrounded by unspoilt parkland. Here they have horses and riding experiences to cater to all, whether riding is already a hobby of theirs or they’re curious to give it a go. And of course, you can always hop in the saddle and join in too!

Image - Lucknam Park

Cycling

For a two-wheeled adventure, there’s an appealing choice of mostly flat, family-friendly cycle paths in Bath. You could go all the way to Bristol along the Bristol and Bath Railway Path, or stop at one of the many scenic spots on the way. The Kennet and Avon Canal Path offers a waterside ride through the pretty Avon Valley, or experience the longest cycling tunnel in the UK on the Two Tunnels Greenway.  

Image - Two Tunnels Greenway, credit @jessicamckay92

Team Bath

Team Bath binds together all of the facilities, services and activities of the University of Bath’s Sports Department. The Sports Training Village is open seven days a offers more of the sports and activities on a pay-as-you-play basis. 

There is a thriving community tennis programme with PAYG tennis courts, plus Walking Tennis, Inclusive Tennis and Cardio Tennis. An 50-metre swimming pool is open for daily swim-fit sessions, and is where some of Britain’s top swimmers are based. There are also a host of indoor and outdoor fitness classes (more than 60 to choose from, including Yoga, Zumba and Womxn). Throughout the year, Team Bath also hosts numerous sporting events which may appeal to the teenagers (and all the family) including the Super League Netball in the Team Bath Arena, Super BUCS Rugby, Athletics and more.

Image - Team Bath Netball

Alternative Walking Tours

Not sure a walking tour will thrill your teens? Well, some of the quirkier ones on offer might just prove you wrong. Those intrigued by all things paranormal will love tracking down areas of ghostly activity. 

Image - Bath Ghost Tours

Time for Sweet Treats

When energy levels dip, revive your brood with one of Bath’s delightful sugary treats. Local delicacy the Sally Lunn bun is a must for a traditional Bath experience, while a Swoon gelato is a favourite on sunny days.   

Image - Sally Lunn's Historic Eating House

Watch Live Sport

If you’re a family of sports fans, it’s a great idea to check the local fixtures ahead of your visit. Bath is rugby obsessed and there’s an unbeatable atmosphere Bath Rugby's ground, the Rec, on match days. For your football fix, watch Bath City Football Club take on local rivals over at Twerton Park. There’s motorsport happening further afield at Castle Combe Circuit, where teens can also get behind the wheel in under-17s driving experiences. 

Image - Bath Rugby

Getting to Bath

Take the stress out of your journey and travel to Bath by train, admiring the picturesque rural scenery as you speed through the countryside surrounding Bath. Bath Spa Station is conveniently located in the heart of the city centre, just a short walk away from Bath’s shops and attractions. 

Or arrive by bus and make the most of 1/3 off a West of England FirstDay Group Ticket from 23rd July to 4th September 2022. Up to 5 people (of any age) travelling together can go on unlimited journeys for one day across Bristol, Bath, Weston-super-Mare and Wells for £10.

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