Plan your #SummerInBath and enjoy a soothing but adventurous holiday in our beautiful World Heritage city and its picturesque surrounding countryside.

Whether you’re after a staycation or vacation, a short break with a loved one, a few days away with the kids, or something different, you’re in the right place! 

What to do this Summer in Bath 

There’s plenty to fill your days with in Bath over the summer months, from the city’s iconic visitor attractions to unique events and experiences. 

Bathe under the summer sun in Bath’s naturally mineral-rich waters at Thermae Bath Spa, spend a torchlit evening soaking up 2,000 years of history at the impressively preserved Roman Baths, take in the stunning architecture of Bath Abbey, and learn more about Bath’s rich history at the city’s other award-winning attractions.

Immerse yourself in Bath’s thriving cultural scene over the summer months; choose from a variety of theatre, opera, live music, and stand-up comedy performances at the city's numerous arts venues. 

Sports fans are guaranteed to feel at home in Bath this summer, as the city welcomes the usual programme of horse racing at Bath Racecourse, regular fixtures at Bath City FC, and a range of special motor racing events throughout the summer at nearby Castle Combe Circuit. You can also catch one of Bath Rugby's pre-season matches at The Rec.

- See what’s on in Bath this Summer 

Enjoy the outdoors

If you’re looking for an active holiday, head out on a summer excursion along one or more of the several scenic walking and cycling routes around Bath. Or, book an expert-led walking tour of the city, with themes available for all interests. We've also got plenty of memorable experiences for you to choose from, or you can browse the latest activities from Yuup Bath.

Summer is also the perfect time to enjoy Bath’s outdoor attractions in all their splendour, stretch out in parks, and take in the beautiful sights of gardens in the area. You can also take in the city's charm from the water on stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking experiences with Original Wild, or aboard your own hired narrowboat from Bath Narrowboats.

Escape the heat

Many of Bath's historic sites offer a cool location to get out of the sun on hotter days. The Roman Baths and Bath Abbey are both large stone buildings which stay at a cooler temperature year-round. Or take the natural approach and enjoy the shade at Royal Victoria Park, The Botanical Gardens or Westonbirt Arboretum.

Looking for somewhere in Central Bath with air con? Theatre Royal Bath, Holburne Museum, Komedia Bath, Tivoli Cinema and Bath Central Library all have air conditioning.

Bath's waterways also offer an opportunity to cool down, whether you take a slow stroll alongside the Kennet and Avon Canal, rent a boat, or have a go at paddleboarding or kayaking along the river. Or you could head underground to the cool caves at Wookey Hole and Cheddar Gorge!

Stay in Bath this Summer

Why not make the most of your time in Bath with a stay in the city? With award-winning accommodation options to suit every taste and budget, you're sure to find the perfect place to rest your head. Remember to book direct and stay midweek for the best rates, and enjoy the added bonus of exploring without the weekend crowds!

Add extra value to your summer holiday break with the wide range of special offers available at Bath’s hotels, B&Bs, cottages and other accommodation providers.

Read our guide on family-friendly places to stay in and around Bath to find accomodation suitable for families with children of all ages. Make the most of the warmer days by staying at one of the campsites, holiday parks or rural retreats near Bath.

Or, if you’re heading to the city for some quality time with your significant other, check out our roundup of the most romantic hotels in Bath.

Summer food and drink in Bath 

After you’ve worked up an appetite exploring the city, sit down to a tasty meal at one of Bath’s cafés and restaurants. Take your pick from welcoming gastropubs, family-friendly cafés, lively pubs, and everything in between. 

 As it’s summer, why not enjoy a memorable alfresco dining experience at Green Park Brasserie and Bath Pizza Co? Relax on one of the buzzing terraces as you eat, accompanied by free live jazz, funk, blues and soul four nights a week, and an Aperol Spritz in hand.

Don’t miss Bath on the Beach, the city’s most chilled out summer venue, where you can challenge your family, friends or loved ones to a range of beach games, while enjoying seasonal cocktails, delicious street food and ice cream. For more inspiration on the best places to savour a drink out in the sun, read our roundup of Bath’s best beer gardens. 

• Find out more about alfresco dining in Bath

Getting here

Travel to Bath by train with GWR this summer, with trains to Bath Spa from London, Bristol, Cardiff and beyond. If you are travelling in a group of between 3 and 9 adults, you can get a 1/3 off Standard Off-Peak tickets when travelling together with the GroupSave ticket.

Children and young people under the age of 16 can travel for free on buses across the West of England this summer with First Bus, Stagecoach, Bath Bus Company, and The Big Lemon - no bus pass or registration is required. The scheme covers all school-age children from 5 to 15, including those in secondary school. And there's no need to travel with a fare-paying adult, so older kids who want to travel independently or with friends can do so. For more information, visit the Travelwest website. 

Free bus travel for under-16s will continue to be available across the region during the school summer holidays until at least 2029, thanks to funding from the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority.

National Express offer coach routes to Bath from towns and cities across the UK. You can also get 20% off your next trip to or from Bath with FlixBus.

Remember to tag us in your posts, photos and videos of you having fun and include #SummerInBath in your captions and stories!