Bath for kids

Our Local Expert Says:

One of the top reasons Bath is such a destination. If getting in the water is more your goal then be sure to visit the nearby Thermae Bath Spa.

Description:

The Roman Baths pay homage to Bath's origins, so it's unsurprising that over a million visitors head here every year. Bath is home to three thermal springs of 46°C, that have been enjoyed by many cultures. Before the Romans built their impressive Baths, the Celts had a shrine on the site of the baths, and they continue to be enjoyed today at the Thermae Bath Spa. On arriving at the baths you'll be presented with an audio guide narrated by travel writer Bill Bryson (read his Notes of a Small Country for a satirical view of Britain). Follow Bryson's descriptions through one of the world's best-preserved Roman spas. Sights within the complex include the King's Bath, into which 1.5 million litres of hot water still flow daily, and you'll also see the mechanics behind the baths. The Great Bath is the one that is most likely to captivate you though. With its striking archways and the unusually green water, it transports you back in time so magically, that it's almost possible to forget you are in the 21st century.

Description:

This can be found on the east side of the Weir in Beazer Gardens. The paving stone maze is a favourite with younger children who play for hours trying to find the centre. The garden itself is named after the Bath-based construction company who donated the land. The central location of the maze makes this an ideal spot for families to take a picnic away from the hustle and bustle of the city centre. Access is from steps on Pulteney Bridge.

Description:

These French style cafes' best feature is the outdoor courtyard on the lower level of Shires Yard - it's protected from the wind, open air, and umbrellas guard against the occasional shower. Several breakfast options all come with OJ and tea or coffee at a very reasonable price. Lunch fares include a many filled baguettes, jacket potatoes, salads, soup, pizza, chicken kiev, lasagne, and the tempting Aubergine Parmigiana. A range of daily specials are available to suit your budget. Enjoy the French music, order a latte and sit back and relax. Or, if you are after a bite to take-away, just pop into their takeaway shop at the entrance to Shires Yard off of Milsom Street.

Description:

The Circus is a circular street that attracts hundreds of visitors daily. It is even home to a Hollywood star. John Wood the Elder designed The Circus but unfortunately passed away just three months after the first stone was laid. The work was completed by his son John Wood the Younger, who also built The Royal Crescent round the corner. There are three entrances to The Circus, and it is designed so that wherever you enter, one of the three elegant facades will be opposite you. The Roman Coliseum was Wood's inspiration, but he made The Circus his own by including symbols from the arts, sciences and even the Masons, being a member himself. In actual fact when viewed from the air the Circus, along with Gay Street and Queen's Square, all form a massive key shape, another Masonic symbol. If you're in Bath in December head to the Circus to sing carols by candlelight with the Salvation Army band. This is one of the most traditional carol services going and is a favourite with Bath residents. Otherwise head to the Circus first thing in the morning to beat the crowds.

Our Local Expert Says:

The Crescent will transport you back in time. Don’t forget your camera.

Description:

The Royal Crescent is the highlight of Bath's Georgian architecture. It rises above the city majestically, offering great views over the city that it dominates. The crescent was designed by John Wood the Younger, between the years of 1767 and 1775 and has remained unchanged ever since. Visitors who wish to discover what lies behind the crescent's 30 front doors can either check themselves into Von Essen's Royal Crescent hotel, or step inside No 1 Royal Crescent. While a stay at the former will cost you a pretty penny, a visit to No 1 Royal Crescent will cost no more than £12 per family. No 1 allows visitors to step beyond the Palladian façade to discover how the rich of the 18th century lived. If you are after opulence and money isn't an issue though, staying in The Royal Crescent Hotel will be the experience of a lifetime. One of the best things about the Royal Crescent is that you can enjoy it for free. It's easily accessible from Bath city centre, Royal Victoria Park and The Circus, so you can visit at several different times should you wish to. Head there first thing in the morning and you'll have it to yourself. At sunset however, you'll witness the honey-coloured Bath stone aglow as the disappearing sun sets this amazing site alight.

Our Local Expert Says:

Royal Victoria Park is just as beautiful in the winter thanks to the hard work of the groundsmen. Treat yourself to some mulled wine and set of to explore.

Description:

Bath residents and visitors alike love to while away a few hours in Royal Victoria Park. It is situated to the west of the city centre and the Royal Crescent borders its north side. The park was named after the 11-year-old queen that opened it. Today it consists of a boating pond, nine-acre botanical garden, an enchanting woodland area, a gigantic children's play area as well as a skate park, pitch and putt, tennis courts and a calendar of open-air events. If you're in Bath in the summer pack a massive picnic and spend a day in this beautiful park. And don't forget to enjoy an ice cream from the park's very own ice cream van.

Our Local Expert Says:

Jamie’s Italian offers a large menu full of delicious treats. Everything from the bread to the bakewell tart is to die for, which is why Bath residents keep going back.

Description:

Jamie Oliver is one of Britain's best-known celebrity chefs, and in 2008 he unveiled an Italian restaurant in Bath. Jamie's Italian was popular from day one and is definitely worthy of the queue that often forms outside its doors. The large restaurant serves high-quality Italian fare at reasonable prices, unlike most other celebrity restaurants. The atmosphere is relaxed yet charming, and families are made to feel very welcome. Jamie's Italian is situated in Milsom Place, a new leisure area situated off Bath's high street, and therefore is easy to get to. If you're nearby on a Friday, Saturday or Sunday morning be sure to drop in for brekky.

Description:

Located in the center of Bath, this popular family-owned pub has two separate bars. It serves Bellringer from Abbey Ales, and also has five pumps which feature a changing selection. Some of its ales include: Blindmans Brewery's Icarus, Shepherd Neame's Spitfire, and Badger's Tanglefoot. The Raven also specializes in pies. If you want to eat, drink, and be merry, this is the place for you.

Description:

Parade Gardens are a great source of pride for Bathonians and feature ornate themed flowerbeds depicting cartoon characters or persons of historical importance. From the gardens, you can get a lovely view of the weir and watch the canoes as they travel westward along the river. During summer afternoons, free children's activities are held near the bandstand. These are always popular with tourists and locals alike and feature arts and crafts, circus skills and storytelling. On Sundays, you may also be treated to concerts in the bandstand. A perfect place for picnicking or just soaking up some rays away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Access is opposite The Empire, below Orange Grove. A small charge is made for entry to the gardens.

Our Local Expert Says:

There is a little park on the riverside, perfect spot for photos, a view & a rest.

Description:

Pulteney Bridge is one of only four bridges in the world to have shops spanning both sides. This, combined with its graceful position over the river Avon, earns it the status of being one of the most elegant sites in England. It was designed by Robert Adam in the 18th century, and was based upon the Ponte Vecchio in Florence and the Rialto Bridge in Venice. The bridge can of course be enjoyed without spending a penny. Sit on a bench alongside the river, or hire a deck chair in the Parade Gardens and just sit and enjoy the view, not only of the bridge, but of Bath Abbey as well. On the bridge itself you can sample delicious baguettes and cakes in XXXXX, find the perfect engagement ring, treat your loved one to a beautiful bunch of flowers or buy a Bath rugby shirt. Either purchase would no doubt be remembered long after you leave Bath. As will the stunning view of Pulteney Bridge.

Description:

Start with garlic bread and move on to one of Pizza Express's speciality pizzas cooked in full view by nice blokes in prison outfits. At this point, it is worth mentioning that it is considered very poor form to taunt these hard working chaps about the state of their uniforms, although a polite word to the management wouldn't go astray. Whether your taste is for a traditional Fiorentina, the Caprina with sun-dried tomatoes and goat's cheese, or the American Hot Pizza, you can be sure your taste buds will dance. The environment is modern and stylish - a very lively evening atmosphere. If pizza doesn't take your fancy, try one of the other house specialities - lasagne or the less adventurous ham and eggs. Wash it all down with beer and cocktails or plump for the excellent value house wine.

Description:

The Botanical Gardens can be found on the north side of Victoria Park. The gardens were formed in 1887 and house a huge array of plants over nine acres of land. The gardens include what is believed to be the largest collection of plants on limestone in the West Country, a scented walk, old shrub roses and a fine herbaceous border, along with many unusual examples of trees and shrubs. Within the garden a replica of a Roman Temple can also be found. This was originally part of the city's exhibit at the British Empire Exhibition at Wembley in 1924.

Description:

This garden is accessible via the Gravel Walk and through an entrance just to the rear of The Circus. The garden was excavated in the mid-eighties to reveal the exact position of the original flower beds, trees and paths and has allowed a faithful reproduction of the original garden to be created. The original garden is believed to date from 1770 or 1780. Unfortunately, no records of the exact species of plant that grew in the original garden have been discovered, but the garden has been planted with varieties that were commonly used in that period. Note: closed at weekends and bank holidays.

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If you really do crave exercise then there's sure to be something here to suit—swimming (25m pool and kids pool), squash, tennis (floodlit), table tennis, bowls, badminton, weights, fitness classes, yoga, five-a-side, aerobics, power boarding, circuit training. Open to all and every age catered for in this council-run leisure center, just off North Parade Bridge by the Recreation Ground. The center is by no means the smartest, cleanest or largest that you'll have seen but it's central and serviceable.

Description:

As there's no riverside pubs in Bath many people catch the Pulteney Princess from the weir (below Pulteney Bridge) for a quick trip up to Bathampton where there's a choice of three pubs, a toll bridge, water wheel, weir and village. Some visitors find it convenient, and cheaper, to park free at the Bathampton Mill and catch the boat into town for £3 one way or £5 for the round trip, half price for children and discounts for groups. Trips leave at half past the hour from Bath and ten minutes before the hour at Bathampton. A pleasant break from the busy city.

Description:

This tour is undoubtedly the local favorite. This is the tour to take if you are impressed by the beautiful surroundings and the graceful vistas but don't really care who built them. This is the other side of Bath; the side that would make Jane Austen, Sally Lunn and Big Beau Nash turn in their graves! Or perhaps it is just silly. Silly and very funny. Your guides for the evening are Nick Britten and JJ who will lead you hopping across Great Pulteney Street with your hands on your heads and your tongues poked out. They'll also attempt to drown a rabbit or two in the weir and give you the chance to win a pile of money and...But that would be telling.

Description:

There isn't a better way of spending a lazy summer afternoon than hiring one of these romantic narrowboats and gliding down the river. Apart from the obvious benefits, such as getting away from the crowds, becoming one with nature and taking some time out to recharge your batteries, travelling by water also offers a unique perspective of the city and the chance to do something a little different for a change. This area has some of the prettiest stretches of water in the country.

Description:

It's taken quite a while for the phenomena that is Starbucks to hit Bath but now it has, it looks like it's here to stay. Everywhere you look people are rushing around, mobile phone in one hand, enormous Starbucks 'Coffee to Go' in the other. There is seating in-store you understand but that's all very twentieth century. The trick to modern living is obviously to appear enormously busy and incredibly popular. Hence, a constantly ringing mobile phone and a bucket of caffeine leaves the perfect impression. And the coffee is good, rich yet not overpowering not unlike the folk who drink it. Starbucks have a second outlet in the city which can be found in Stall Street.