Starting university in Bath this year? From the Instagrammable Georgian architecture to awesome attractions and first-class clubs, pubs, bars and restaurants, you’re going to love it.
Between lectures and settling into your accommodation, spend time making the most of all the city has to offer. To get you started, we’ve rounded up our top things every student should do while living in Bath.
Head out on a sightseeing adventure
Get acquainted with Bath’s many iconic landmarks and attractions.
Make a start by diving into the city's past at the ancient Roman Baths, picnicking on the beautiful lawns of The Royal Crescent, or taking in the culture at Bath's horde of award-winning museums and galleries. Our guides to the city's top things to do and must-sees in Bath should inspire you to start exploring further.
As a Bath resident, you’re able to visit The Roman Baths, Victoria Art Gallery, and Bath Abbey for free. Apply online for your exclusive Discovery Card, then simply book a time slot online and show your card on arrival. Your card also entitles you to a range of offers and discounts at other Bath attractions and eateries - find a full list here.
Many of Bath's other top attractions also offer student discounts when provided with a valid ID, including No.1 Royal Crescent, The Jane Austen Centre, Mary Shelley's House of Frankenstein, Herschel Museum of Astronomy, The Holburne Museum, and Beckford's Tower, as well as the city's open-top bus tours.
There are also a wide range of fun walking tours and trails to help you get to know your new city, from the free Jane Austen trail in Sydney Gardens to a Ghost Hunters Silent Disco Tour, and many others. Or, try a self-guided treasure hunt, where you'll learn interesting facts as you explore Bath following cryptic clues sent to your phone, with plenty of great pubs and cafes along the way.
Image: The Roman Baths, credit Andy Fletcher
Pamper yourself at Bath’s spas
Feeling run-down after freshers or stressed out pre-exams? You’re in the perfect place for a pick-me-up, what with Bath being a world-famous spa and wellbeing destination.
While student budgets might not stretch to regular pampering, you can use your Discovery Card to enjoy £10 off the Thermae Bath Spa's popular 'Thermae Welcome' package for a special treat. The venue is Britain’s only natural thermal spa, where you can take a dip in the mineral-rich waters of the rooftop pool, with incredible views over the city to boot.
You can also take advantage of 15% discounts on soothing spa treatments at luxurious boutique hotels Homewood and No.15 by GuestHouse on weekdays with your Discovery Card.
Don't miss Virgin Experience Days' huge 22% student discount on their spa days in Bath, featuring The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa, Macdonald Bath Spa Hotel, and LUSH Spa Bath.
Image: Thermae Bath Spa
Find your new local
Bath is blessed with a cracking selection of pubs and bars, so plan a pub crawl or two to find your favourites. Some of the city’s most student-friendly watering holes include The Bath Brew House, The Cork, The Grapes, The Bath Cider House, The Bell Inn, The Canon and Belushi’s. The Cork also features its own karaoke room, which can host up to 15 people if you're in the mood for a singalong!
Image: The Bath Brew House
Try something new
Up for an unusual way to bond with new uni friends? Head to Mary Shelley’s House of Frankenstein together and attempt to solve your way out of one of the venue's two thrilling escape room challenges.
Choose from the Victor's Lair Escape Room, where you'll need to help Victor Frankenstein in his maniacal quest to win your freedom, or The Shallows, where you'll need to crack the horrifying secret behind the unethical research of a shadowy organisation. You’ll encounter insane equations, strange artefacts and miscellaneous body parts - it's not for the easily spooked!
If you'd prefer something a little more relaxed, students get discounted solo entry (17% off the standard adult ticket price) to the on-site museum dedicated to Shelley's life, as do groups of five or more.
Image: Mary Shelley's House of Frankenstein
Party at Bath’s clubs and entertainment venues
Take your pick from Bath’s genre-spanning array of club nights. There’s Komedia Bath for much-loved guilty pop pleasures and disco club nights, Labyrinth for themed club nights almost every day of the week, and Circo Bar and Second Bridge for glam nights out.
If you fancy a more private night out with friends, try Bath Karaoke at Robun or The Cork's karaoke room for all-night singalong parties with moreish snacks and delicious drinks on the side.
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Image: Komedia Bath
Explore other sides to Bath's nightlife
It’s not all about club nights after dark in Bath. Make your way to Komedia for weekly stand-up comedy gigs, legendary local pubs such as The Grapes and The Bell Inn for live music, or Sleight Magic Bar and Krowd Keepers Magic Theatre for mind-blowing magic with a side of cocktails. Green Park Brasserie and Bath Pizza Co also play host to free live jazz, funk and soul music throughout the week.
Image: Bath Pizza Co
Seek out the city’s best food and drink
There’s no chance of a sweet tooth going unsatisfied in Bath, with bakeries, cafes, tearooms, confectioners, and ice cream shops on practically every corner. From the city’s legendary buns to a chocolate-themed café, check out our guide to sweet treats to get your appetite going, or find out more about afternoon tea experiences in the city.
If you're looking for some good deals, Bath Pizza Co offers pizza with a pint or Prosecco for £12.50, Green Park Brasserie offers a burger and beer for £14.95, local brewery Electric Bear offers a student discount on their fantastic range of craft beers at their taproom.
Image: Green Park Brasserie
The award-winning Swoon Gelato offers a 10% discount to students. You'll also find a mouth-watering lunch deal at Ludo Sports Bar & Kitchen, where you can enjoy a range of delicious dishes with a soft drink for £10, as well as a 'Pint & Pizza Slice' offer every Friday evening.
Image - Ludo Sports Bar
Indulge in a traditional afternoon tea
There are excellent afternoon teas aplenty to enjoy in Bath, made extra special by unique settings – from the oldest house in Bath-turned-tearoom Sally Lunn's, to the historic grandeur of The Pump Room Restaurant. Book in for a special treat, or for when the family is visiting.
Image: The Pump Room Restaurant
Spend an evening at the theatre
Catch a show at one of the UK's oldest theatres, Theatre Royal Bath. You'll find a varied programme including dramas, operas, comedies, dance and musicals, plus a concession price on student tickets.
Image: Theatre Royal Bath
Image - The Hideout
Go out for cocktails
Let the expert mixologists of Bath shake you up a drink or two. There’s no shortage of cocktail bars to choose from, with popular venues including The Hideout, Circo Bar & Lounge, The Ivy Bath Brasserie, The Botanist, Turtle Bay, Raincheck Bar, The Dark Horse, Revolution, The Common Room and Sub 13.
Image: The Hideout
Get active and adventurous
Keep fit at the YMCA’s Health and Wellbeing Centre, which offers a special membership rate for students. Sign up with no joining fee for £29.95 a month and you’ll enjoy unlimited access to the gym facilities and fitness classes.
Image: YMCA Bath
There are also plenty of opportunities to explore Bath's waterways on a boat trip or stand up paddleboarding tour with Original Wild, or take a dip at one of the city's best swimming spots.
Image: Original Wild
Hit the shops
Whether you’re into high street stores, independent boutiques, or flea markets, Bath is a shopper's delight.
The main shopping areas include SouthGate, a buzzing retail complex featuring over 50 popular high street brands - check out their website for a handy roundup of which stores and restaurants offer student discounts. Further north is Milsom Street and its characterful surrounding alleyways, home to stylish upmarket brands, and Walcot Street, known as the 'Artisan Quarter,' where you'll find quirky independents and a Saturday flea market.
Image: SouthGate Bath
Get to know the city on foot
Bath is the perfect size for exploring on foot, with lots of gorgeous surrounding green areas that are easy to reach too. The Bath Skyline Walk is a must for incredible views over the city as well as woodlands, meadows, hidden valleys and sights such as Sham Castle along the way.
Get your steps in and savour a few pints on these top pub walks in and around the city.
Image: Bath Skyline
Watch a Bath Rugby game
With their city home to one of the world’s oldest clubs, Bathonians are proud of their rugby heritage. Even if you’re clueless about the sport, watching a Bath Rugby match at The Recreation Ground during your time here is an experience you won’t forget.
More of a football fan? You can always make Bath City FC your second team while you’re living here and cheer them on in the National League South!
Or, if you're a lover of cricket, or just want to get into a new sport, Bath Cricket Club's fixtures are free and open to all.
Image: Bath Rugby
Enjoy brunching
Whether you need a hangover-curing big breakfast or somewhere to study with a side of eggs, find the perfect hangout among Bath’s cafes and restaurants. Head to The Ivy Bath Brasserie for breakfast in a swanky setting, or the Bertinet Bakery and The Whole Bagel for heavenly baked goods.
Cafe Lucca, Courtyard Cafe, Good Day Cafe, Boston Tea Party and Wild Café are all top choices for a cosy café experience. You can also book in for a bottomless brunch at Green Park Brasserie, Sweet Little Things, or Turtle Bay every weekend.
Image: The Ivy Bath Brasserie, credit Paul Winch-Furness
Get crafty
There are several ways to unlock your creative side in Bath, from glass making workshops at Bath Aqua Glass to candle making workshops at Paddywax Candle Bar, where you can enjoy a 20% discount on candle pouring workshops and purchases in the on-site shop.
Image: Paddywax Candle Bar
Explore beyond Bath
Once you feel at home in Bath, venture further afield. The scenic Iford Manor Gardens, Wookey Hole Caves, Cheddar Gorge & Caves, pretty Cotswolds villages, or leafy Westonbirt Arboretum (especially in autumn) are all great days out in the beautiful countryside near Bath, among many others.
Bristol is just 12 minutes away by train, boasting a lively music scene and buzzing student club nights, as well as its own range of fabulous attractions to enjoy.
A 16-25 Railcard will knock a third off your rail fares, and come in handy for your adventures beyond Bath. First Bus also offer discounts of up to 10% on tickets for students and people aged 16-21 with valid ID.
Image: Cheddar Gorge
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