The sun is shining and the Georgian streets of Bath have never looked lovelier. If you’re planning to party Jane Austen-style this summer, there’s plenty of things to do in Bath throughout the season. From a pride of lions to exciting festivals, here’s why you should book YHA Bath for a city break with style.
1. Party Internationally or on the Fringe
If you’re planning on visiting Bath at the end of May, there are two great things to do, catch TWO amazing festivals – what’s not to love? Bath International Music Festival brings world-class artists together in a range of historic venues, from classical concerts to jazz ensembles, folk melodies to contemporary acts, the Bath Music Festival offers a diverse programme designed to inspire and delight people of all ages. If that doesn’t quite sound like your cup of tea, you could always go darker and edgier with the rule-breaking Bath Fringe Festival; you’ll find everything from street art to plays. The Bath Fringe is a festival of all the arts, with few rules as to what should be in or out – it’s what people want to do, and what venues in Bath want to put on.
2. Take cream tea at Sally Lunn’s
Locally-made clotted cream, thick strawberry jam and the famous Sally Lunn Bun! If your mouth isn’t watering already, take a trip to the city’s most historic eating house. You’ll find plenty to whet your appetite and it’s the perfect way to break up a day exploring all the things to do in Bath in summer. Sally Lunn’s is much more than a world famous tea and eating house in the centre of the wonderful city of Bath England. The historic building is one of the oldest houses in Bath and the kitchen museum shows the actual kitchen used by the legendary young Huguenot baker Sally Lunn, in Georgian Bath, to create the first Bath Bunn – an authentic regional speciality now known the world over! What are you waiting for?
3. Walk the skyline or relax in the park
Bath’s skyline is beautiful – rows of white Georgian houses and spires, with rolling green hills beyond. The National Trust has a short walk with stunning panoramic views and you only need an hour or so to do it, but if you were hoping for a longer time out in the sun, why not spend a few hours in Victoria Park; it’s ideal for a game of golf or a picnic.
4. Sip spa water at the Roman Baths
Don’t miss the national treasure that gave Bath its name. If you’re a fan of Roman history, this well-preserved site’s structures will take your breath away. So what does genuine spa water taste like? You’ll have to go to the Pump Room to find out, but it is fab for cooling you down on a hot day.
5. Laugh yourself silly on the comedy walk
If you want something hysterical rather than historical, the Bizarre Bath comedy walk is a breath of fresh air. Learn the stories of Bath with a funny twist and change your view of the city forever. You’ll find some excellent comedy clubs dotted around the town centre too so you can fill your entire weekend with giggles and guffaws.
6. Get creative at the Forest of Imagination
For a festival that makes you think and do, you can’t beat the Forest of Imagination. This is an invitation to come together and celebrate the beauty and biodiversity of Bath and once again showcase the imagination of the local community. In June the spaces inside and around Bath Abbey are transformed into a mix of art installations, outdoor theatre and creative activities. Join the fun and get playful at this free event for all ages. In the words of Andrew Grant and Penny Hay “The natural world is a powerful generator of childhood curiosity and those early sparks of imagination are often at the heart of our life-long creativity.”; we couldn’t agree more!
7. Drink up some local tipples
With all that amazing water, it’d be a crime if Bath didn’t have a thriving local drinks scene. Try Bath Gin at the Canary Gin Bar, take a tour at the Bath Brew House, or squeeze in at The Coer de Lion – the city’s smallest pub. You’ll find plenty of well-crafted concoctions to tickle your taste buds.
8. Drive through lions at Longleat
Did you know you can find a pride (and prejudice) of lions just 15 minutes from Bath? Longleat Safari and Adventure Park was the first of its kind outside Africa. Get close and personal with giraffes and lemurs, or watch big cats like cheetahs, lions and tigers from the safety of your car.
9. Dress up for the Jane Austen Festival
Meet Lizzie, Emma and *swoon* Mr Darcy at Bath’s vibrant celebration of Jane Austen. There’s a summer ball, a costumed promenade and plenty to ignite your imagination. If you’re open to Persuasion, remember to drop by at the fascinating Jane Austen Centre in Gay Street too.
10. Find yourself at Stonehenge
Get in touch with your Neolithic ancestors with a visit to the majestic stones of Stonehenge. The iconic site sits just an hour’s drive from Bath and the summer solstice is unforgettable. Soak up the atmosphere, ponder the meaning of life and watch the sunrise at this ancient monument.
Do all these things to do in Bath in summer sound fabulous? Book a stay at YHA Bath.
