Bath is one of the most beautiful and historic cities you will find within the UK, and it makes for an incredible family day out!
With a rich history, beautiful architecture, literary inspirations, amazing food and a host of exciting things to do with kids, Bath really is one of Family Days Out favourite places to visit.
It's for all those reasons (and so many more!) that we can't wait to share with you our Bath City Guide featuring our "Top 9 Family Attractions", which are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the amazing things to do in Bath with kids!
So make sure you read our Bath City Guide from top to bottom as we've proudly put this all together just for you, so you can plan your perfect family day out!
Main Image Credit: Visit Bath
Image Credit: Visit Bath
In this great Bath City Guide, you'll discover our top 9 things to do with kids in Bath, plus learn about some fun experiences for kids of all ages!
We know that budgets are often a consideration when travelling as a family, so also in this Bath City Guide we share some FREE things to do together which won't break your budget!
If you are visiting Bath without a car, never fear as we also offer great tips on how to get around the city on public transport, plus we share some fun facts about Bath to impress your friends with!
If you want to explore further afield, our Bath City Guide also lists a fun day trip that won't disappoint, AND you can learn some famous faces born right in the city too!
So whether this is your first trip saying "Yes, take me to Bath!" or perhaps you have lived in Bath all your life yet still you wonder "What is there is to do near me in Bath?", keep reading as we are excited to share our top 9 things to do in Bath with kids...and so much more!
Image Credit: Visit Bath
Bath is famous for - and even named after - those famous Roman Baths that draw hundreds of thousands of visitors a year from all over the world.
Located in the valley of the River Avon, Bath actually became a spa back in 60AD when the Romans build baths and a temple in this valley, however the Romans were aware of hot springs in the area long before.
There is also archealogical evidence that long before a Bath was built, the land was treated as a shrine during the British Iron Age.
After the initial Bath was built in 60AD, the entire bathing complex was built across the next three centuries.
During what is thought to be the 3rd century AD, Bath was given defensive walls, but it was in the 5th century AD that these defenses failed, and the baths began to fall into a state of disrepair, and eventually were lost to rising sea levels and the elements.
Some say the original baths were destroyed in 6th century AD, however the stunning baths you see today range from the 12th century to 18th century.
The 9th century saw the town enjoy a remodel in its layout, with the original Roman street patterns lost, and later during the English Civil War, Bath was garissoned for King Charles I.
By 1801, Bath was one of the largest cities in the UK, and today is one of the most popular to visit - and it's well worth a visit!
Image Credit: Visit Bath
With art, natural world, culture, history and learning all waiting for you in Bath, your biggest hurdle might be having TOO much to choose from!
Immerse yourselves in landmakrs of the city, from the impressive Bath Abbey to the Roman Baths & Museum.
Reach for the stars at the Herschel Museum of Astronomy, or deep dive into literature at the Jane Austen Centre. Kids can be part of history at the No. 1 Royal Crescent, or learn something new at the Bath Postal Museum!
Bath offers plenty of natural space too, so why not spend the day at Sydney Gardens or Royal Victoria Park?
Have an art-tastic day out at the Victoria Art Gallery, or experience something completely unique at Mary Shelley's House of Frankenstein!
With so many fun things to do in Bath with the family, you'll soon have that family day out itinerary filling up! So kids, what do you want to enjoy first?
Image Credit: Visit Bath
You really don't need a car if you're visiting Bath. In fact, you might actually enjoy the city more without one as you can really immerse yourselves in it all!
In the heart of the city you'll find Bath's railway, bus and coach stations. If you are arriving via public transport, you're already starting in the right place!
Across the city you'll find a number of regular bus services, as well as buses out to neighbouring towns and villages.
The TravelWest journey planner is a great tool for you to find different routes to your destination.
Cycling is also a great way to get around Bath, with various cycling routes in and around the city. You'll also find plenty of walking routes for you to take in the scenery!
Bath is an incredibly walkable city, and by exploring what the city has to offer on foot, you'll also be able to take in the architecture, the sights, and you won't miss trying all those delicious treats as you walk past the stores!
Whilst there really are so many things to do and enjoy in Bath, one of the highlights has to be the annual Jane Austen Festival. Over ten wonderful days, you can the family can celebrate all things Austen with the beautiful city of Bath as the backdrop.
In fact, Bath's Jane Austen Festival is the actually largest and longest running Jane Austen Festival in the entire world! What started out as a weekend in 2001 has grown into a 10 day programme, bringing in over 3500 people from around the world!
Spend the festival immersing yourselves in all things Austen, with guided walks, costumed balls, theatrical performances, talks and Regency costumes galore! Now, shall we all take a turn about the garden....? Splendid!
Image Credit: Visit Bath
The Roman Baths & Museum are one of the most impressive historic sites in Northern Europe, and the reason Bath acquired its name! An incredible example of life in Roman times, the Roman Baths & Museum allow kids to deep dive through 2,000 years of history.
The museum is where you can explore a collection home to thousands of archaeological finds dating from pre-Roman and Roman Britain including a gilt bronze head of the Goddess Sulis Minerva! History has never looked so impressive.
Image Credit: Visit Bath
Dating back to the 7th century, the imposing and impressive Bath Abbey started life as a Benedictine monastery, however this was reorganised in the 10th century then rebuilt in the 12th as well as the 16th centuries. Today, it's an iconic landmark of the city and a place you can really delve into the history through one of their tours.
On the Step It Up Tour you can head up the 212 steps of the Abbey's tower, taking the family behind closed doors, getting you close to the bells where you can admire the amazing panoramic views from the top!
Image Credit: Visit Bath
Spend the day learning all about the works, the life and the times of iconic literary icon Jane Austen, who penned her incredible works in the very city! The fascinating and charmingly put together Jane Austen Cetnre focuses on the life and works of Jane Austen, as well as the Regency period in which she lived so there is so much for kids to delve into!
The snapshot of life during Regency times also explores how Jane Austen herself and her writing would have been inspired, offering kids a completely immersive and visceral historic experience! They might just be inspired to write their own classic novel, you never know!
Image Credit: Public Domain
You will recognise the impressive architecture of Bath's famous Crescent, but did you know that you can actually explore within No. 1 Royal Crescent? Here, you will discover a magnificently restored Georgian townhouse museum, showcasing Georgian Bath life!
Kids can really gain an understand of what life would have been like during the 18th century, as the rooms have been decorated and furnished just as they might have been between 1776-1796. Exhibits, immersive experiences, talks & more all make this experience one for your history books!
Image Credit: Visit Bath
The Holburne Museum features an impressive collection of art, painitngs, books and objects all once belonging to a man named Sir Thomas William Holburne. In 1882 this collection features over 4,000 items (including books and pictures) and today the museum continues to preserve this amazing collection so families like yours can enjoy it all!
The collection relfects the loves, life and travels of Sir Thomas William Holburne, comprising of bronze sculptures, silver, and porcelain, and even portraits by some of the greatest artists of the eighteenth century!
Image Credit: The Holburne Museum
The Bath Postal Museum is a fascinating look at the history of the Royal Mail as well as postage around the world, including the postal service in Roman Times! Kids can learn all about the iconic red post boxes and their evolution, and hear about references to Royal Mail coaches within classic novels!
Much of the museum's collection and archives have never been seen by the public, and it offers an eye opening look at something we take for granted in the 21st century!
Image Credit: Bath Postal Museum
Be part of history at the Herschel Museum of Astronomy, where you can visit a Grade II listed property that was once the home of a man named William Herschel who discovered the planet of Uranus in his ow backyard back in 1781!
What's even more impressive is that the discovery was made on a telescope that Herschel himself designed, as he was a self-taught astronomer! Today, the house has been restored to its 18th century glory so you can actually imagine what life would have been like for this amazing man who changed our knowledge of our Solar System!
Image Credit: Herschel Museum of Astronomy
Did you know that the American Museum & Gardens is actually the ONLY museum of Americana located outside of the USA? Set on 125 acres of stunning natural beauty, this fascinating museum takes the family on a journey through the history of American, featuring colections from the United States with rooms recreating different periods throughout American history.
The exhibition gallery showcases some unique American products, with rotating programmes and temporary exhibits offering insights into American culture, music, photography, history, fashion and more!
Image Credit: American Museum & Gardens
Here's a fun fact, kids! Did you know that literary genius Mary Shelley was actually only 19 years old when she penned Frankenstein in 1816? She was also a resident of Bath, which means she was in the city when she wrote this classic - pretty amazing!
A visit to the world first Mary Shelley's House of Frankenstein will blur the lines between a museum and very impressive immersive visitor experience - all within a beautiful Grade II listed property! When you enter, you will will be entering the world of Mary Shelley. Suited to children over 12 years, prepare yourselves for a unique experience during your Bath family day out!
Image Credit: Mary Shelley's House of Frankenstein
Famous Folk From Bath!
John Wood, The Elder
John Wood The Elder was an 18th century English architect and town planner famous for surveying Stonehenge, architect of The Circle as well as establishing the foundational layout of Bath.
His designs also suggest he was involved with the Freemasons.
Image Credit: Public Domain
David Hartley, The Younger
David Hartley, The Younger was an English scientific inventor, and Statesman. He was a signatory on the 1783 Treaty of Paris, a document which ended the American Revolutionary War.
He was also the first MP to advocate for the abolition of slavery.
Image Credit: Public Domain
5 Fun Bath Facts
Impress your friends with your amazing Bath knowledge!
- A planet was discovered in Bath! In 1781 in a home on New King Street, a man named William Herschel discovered the planet Uranus through his homemade telescope right in his back garden!
- The very first ever stamp was mailed from Bath! On 2nd May 1840 an item of mail left Bath Post Office with a stamp that featured an engraved image of Queen Victoria on a black background. Now known as a Penny Black, this occured four days prior to the UK's official first day of posting!
- Bath seemed to attract literary icons! From Jane Austen, to Charles Dickens frequently visiting, to Mary Shelley penning Frankenstein in the city, there must be something in the air!
- The beautiful city of Bath and its archtecture has been backdrop to a number of Hollywood films, including The Duchess, Les Misérables, Persuasion and Fantastic Mr. Fox
- In 2007, over 17,500 Roman coins were discovered under a spa! The coins dated between 30 BC to 274 AD. What a find!
Top 5 FREE Things To Do With Kids In Bath
Stroll Royal Park!
The iconic Royal Victoria Park was opened by Queen Victoria as a child back in 1830, and today makes for an amazing day out with the family. Impressively, the iconic Royal Crescent serves as its backdrop where you can enjoy a host of activities.
From Botanical Gardens, to a skatepark, kids playground, a bandstand for entertainment, duck ponds, tennis courts, wild meadows and BBQ options for those picnics, Royal Victoria Park is SO much more than a park and a truly special place in Bath!
Image Credit: Visit Bath
Explore Bath Saturday Antique & Flea Market!
We love a good flea market at Family Days Out, and so when you find yourself in Bath with the family, why not check out the great Bath Saturday Antique & Flea Market! The Saturday Antique & Flea market has been a feature of Walcot Street for over 40 years
Flea Markets are a great way to really get to know a city, meet the locals and see what local items are on offer. Bath is rich in history, so exploring an antique market in the city could uncover some pretty special gems! You never know what you will find!
Image Credit: Bath Antique & Flea Market
Meet animals at Bath City Farm!
Located on 37 beautiful acres, Bath City Farm is a wonderful charity that offers education, training and therapeutic activities to those within the local community, AND a host of free admission attractions for families and children! It's well worth a visit, and such a great cause.
During your time at Bath City Farm, kids can not only enjoy the stunning views over Bath but they can visit the community cafe and shop, say hello to the adorable farm animals, spend time in the children’s playground, explore the various woodland and nature trails, and so much more!
Image Credit: Bath City Farm
Be inspired at the Victoria Art Gallery!
At the Victoria Art Gallery the whole family can explore over 1,500 decorative art treasures, from oil paintings, watercolours and prints, to cermanics, sculptures, and glass - all of which date from the 15th century through to modern day. At this iconic gallery you'll see works from masters including Thomas Gainsborough, Thomas Jones Barker and Walter Sickert.
The permanent collection is free to visit for all, however throughout the year rotating exhibitions are available to visit for a small admission fee. Don't miss the family activities they offer too, from children's crafts to trails and more!
Image Credit: Victoria Art Gallery
Spend the day at Sydney Gardens!
Located behind the Holburne Museum you'll find the oldest park in Bath - Sydney Gardens! Plotted and laid out by architect Harcourt Masters in 1795, and continuing into the nineteenth century, Sydney Gardens was the popular place be seen by the fashionable visitors to Bath!
Sydney Gardens was even visited by members of the Royal family and even famous author Jane Austen lived at number 4 Sydney Place, directly opposite! With beautiful flowers, gardens, tennis courts and children's playground, Sydney Gardens make for a beautiful day out in Bath - at no admission!
Image Credit: Sydney Gardens
24 Hours in Bath!
The UK is filled with some of the most incredible and important historical sites on the planet, and one that also happens to be a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and one of the wonders of the world. Yes, we're talking about Stonehenge.
This prehistoric monument located on Salisbury Plain, is only one hour's drive from Bath and really offers and unforgettable experience for the whole family.
Image Credit: English Heritage
Stonehenge is one of the world's most famous monuments, and really is a testament to human creativity, and imagination. During your visit, kids can learn all about the fascinating yet mysterious history, as they follow in the footsteps of those prehistoric people who would have called the area home 4,000 years ago.
In fact, archaeologists believe that Stonehenge was actually constructed from between 3000 BC to 2000 BC. Seeing the 13ft vertical standing sarsen stones, each weighing around 25 tons, are really quite a sight!
Walk among the Neolithic houses, explore a world-class exhibition, and learn why there is so much mystery behind Stonehenge and the surrounding landscape.
Here’s our top 4 Stonehenge things to do:
- Meet a 5,000 year old man
- Get close to the iconic Stone Circle and take a photo
- Move a mighty Sarsen stone in a Neolithic Village
- Check out the exhibitions on display
We hope you found this content useful! Please share with your friends, and if you have any comments, or want to let us know what we can do to further help you find fun days out with the family, then just email our team at [email protected]!
Let's get the family adventure started!
Lisa
Lisa has been a content writer for Family Days Out for nearly 10 years, and a keen travel writer for nearly 20. She loves experiencing the best of a city, discovering the many things to do and immersing herself in the culture, and sharing these experiences with others through her writing.
Leave a comment