The Summer Holidays are here and it sometimes can be a struggle to think of new and exciting things to do with the family over the next 6 weeks. There are plenty of Museums and Galleries in Bath who offer fantastic children’s activities throughout the holidays, but we’ve come up with five special events/places that should be added on to your list to keep the little ones out of trouble. Some are within Bath itself and some are not too far away from the city.
- Bath and Bristol Food Festival 2017 – Lansdown [12th to 13th August]
Just a bus ride away to the sweeping Lansdown Racecourse is the inaugural Bath and Bristol Food Festival. Here the organisers’ promise a plethora of stalls, talks and tastings for everyone with local producers vying with world flavours. Over the weekend you can also burn off a few of those calories with the fun fuelled games and activities that are taking place, many of which have been organised by Bristol F.C. Tickets available via the Festival website.
2. Wiltshire Music Centre – Bradford-on-Avon – Summer Holiday Activities
Over in nearby Bradford-on-Avon (accessible by bus and train from central Bath) just over the border is the renowned Wiltshire Music Centre. Throughout the summer weeks they have a huge number of events happening daily for budding baby rock stars or teen classicists. Not only are the events musical but there is also dance, stop-motion animation, fun play and art sessions that children of all ages can take part in. Prices vary so please check website for further details and how to book.
3. Longleat – Warminster – Marvellous Monsters (until October 29th 2017)
This extremely popular stately home and safari park is a perfect day trip out from Bath. It’s just under an hour’s drive from The Royal Hotel and so pack a picnic and enjoy the stunning grounds before heading in to enjoy lots of fun and activities. This year Lord Bath has allowed the grounds to be overrun by 20 huge animatronic insects and along with seeing these you can also see and handle exhibitions about bees, butterflies, mantises and more. The little train is still there and is a good way to see some of the park if you don’t get a chance to do the safari. There’s also an adventure playground and for older children and adults the House itself is a fascinating Elizabethan survival. You might even spot his Lordship! To book tickets please go to Longleat’s website.
4. Bath City Farm – Twerton (open all year)
The Bath City Farm is a FREE facility that is set in a beautiful area overlooking the village of Twerton, just on the outskirts of the centre of the city. You can visit anytime but during opening hours visitors can enjoy activities, the shop, toilets, cafe and much more. Children are encouraged to meet the animals and there are miniature Shetland Ponies, ducks, chickens, pigs, sheep, goats and cattle for the little ones to see. This year sees the return of the Enchanted World Outdoor Holiday Club and for a reasonable cost your children (ages 5-11) can spend the days outdoors in the 36 acres at Bath City Farm listening to folk tales, practicing native crafts, developing forest skills and playing traditional games. Further information about the Farm and Summer Activities can be found here.
5. Royal Victoria Park – Bath (open all year)
Closer to home one can find plenty of green spaces to enjoy in our wonderful city, but Royal Victoria Park has acres of fun for all the family to enjoy. Not only can you view the Royal Crescent from its grounds, but you can discover the hidden Botanical and Georgian Garden within, picnic and BBQ in the parkland, perhaps play some bowls or tennis on the courts, see who will be the winner in a round of Crazy Golf, send your teens off to the newly re-designed skatepark, feed the ducks on the Duck Pond, or simply just go for a stroll with an ice-cream around the grounds. Information about the Park’s facilities can be found on the Council’s dedicated Park’s page.
For details of other family activities in the city and surrounding area, please see the What’s On Guide at Visit Bath.
After a day of these fun activities, what better place to relax and reflect than at The Royal Hotel. Located in the centre of Bath we’re an easy stroll to all the main attractions; plus being directly opposite the train station and bus station means we are easily accessible by public transport. If you are coming by car, then we have a small car park for guests’ use (this must be booked in advance at the time of Room Booking – cost £8.20 per day. Subject to conditions and limited spaces) as well as being within walking distance of other 24 hour car parks.
Children are most welcome in The Royal and we not only have baby changing facilities but there is our lovely comfortable Isambard lounge in which families can relax with a drink, and our Brasserie Brunel where children’s portions of adult’s meals can be arranged (children are welcome in the 1846 Bar if accompanied by adults who are enjoying a bar meal).
If you’re staying over at The Royal Hotel then we can provide cots/extra beds within rooms on request. Our family rooms are very popular and our prices include a Full English Breakfast as standard as well as a continental selection in the morning.
Our staff are here to provide you with a friendly and efficient service so please do not hesitate to ask any questions on booking or arrival. We have a small luggage storage facility at the hotel if you’re room is not ready on arrival (Check in time is after 2pm) and maps and information available in the reception area. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout The Royal.
To book your Summer Break in Bath please contact The Royal Hotel directly on 01225 463134 or via the website: www.royalhotelbath.co.uk
(Photographs copyright – Visit Bath, Lets Go With the Children, BANES Council, Pintrest, Bath City Farm, The Royal Hotel, Longleat, Wiltshire Music Centre, Catherine Pitt)
Details are correct as of July 2017.