Free things to do with the kids in Bath this summer
The school summer holidays are just beginning, but it doesn't have to be a challenge to keep the kid's entertained.
Whether you want to explore the historic past of the city, have a picnic in an award-winning park or follow the steps of you favourite Hollywood star, Bath has it all - and for free!
The award-winning park is overlooked by the Royal Crescent and with 57 acres it boasts free attractions including a skateboard ramp, tennis courts, 12 and 18-hole golf courses, a children’s play area and 9-acre botanical garden - so there’s plenty to keep the kids busy.
Bike ride down the canal
The popular 10 mile walk along the Kennet and Avon Canal starts at Bath locks before heading north towards Bathwick and through the village of Bathampton where you can detour to visit the Toll Bridge over the River Avon.
Read More
Turning south, you head to Claverton towards Monkton Combe and then head to Limpley Stoke and Freshford which will take you into Wiltshire before finishing in Bradford upon Avon.
The journey passes the Sydney Gardens, a Grade II listed pump house in Claverton and Barton Farm Country Park, so there are loads of places to stop and explore.
You can view a map of the route here .
Stroll the skyline
The trail is National Trust’s most popular walking trail where you can see an Iron Age hill fort, 18th century follies and explore hidden valleys.
According to the National Trust, the walk will burn as much energy as playing 90 minutes of football and at the end, you can reward yourself with a free cookie and coffee at the American Museum of Claverton Down when you show your printed Skyline map .
Here Be Dragons
Magical dragons will be taking over the Victoria Art Gallery this summer with the Here Be Dragon exhibition from July 22 – October 8.
The gallery is also hosting free family orientated activities for Bath residents to keep the children busy over the summer holidays.
Admission to the exhibition is free for residents of Bath and North East Somerset with a Discovery Card and costs £4 for those without.
Read More
All activities are included in the cost, and admission is free for those under the age of 16.
Bath City Farm
The farm was set up by local communities in the 1990s, but BBC’s ‘DIY SOS’ team completed the farm buildings in 2005.
It has since gained a range of animals including a Soay sheep, goats, chickens, ducks, pigs, a pony and the most recent addition – a flock of guinea fowl.
And with an outdoor play area which includes a sandpit area, fort, climbing wall, slide and an interactive water cascade – it will keep the kids busy all day long.
The Holburne Museum
The museum in Sydney Pleasure Gardens has an extensive collection of art and artifacts, including the collection of Sir Willaim Holburne who collected art work in the 1800s.
It is also home to portraits from modern artists including David Fisher who won the museum’s competition for a commissioned portrait in 2008.
Read More
Hunt virtual dragon eggs that are hidden across the city
The virtual game was released by the Victoria Art Gallery to coincide with their Here Be Dragons exhibit.
There are eight hidden eggs across Bath and those who are lucky enough to find them all can enter a draw to win one of three good bags.
You can download the app for free on iTunes and Play Store.
Get out of the city and head for the beach
If you fancy a traditional seaside day out, why not head to Britain’s best beach? It’s only a couple of hours away!
The perfect picture postcard seaside resort of Weymouth in Dorset was also the only UK beach to make it into the European top ten.
Read More
Why not explore the Bath with a free walking tour. The guide will bring the city to life – not only showing you the history of the city but sharing facts and figures about famous Bathonians, showing you where they worked, lived and played.
Follow the steps of your favourite Hollywood stars
It’s no surprise that Bath is a popular setting for many famous films - including Les Miserables which features Pulteney Bridge, The Duchess and Vanity Fair, so why not follow the footsteps of the big stars? The Bath Movie Map is a free app which lets you explore the popular film locations.
Discover Georgian Bath and Jane Austen with the Jane Austen Audio Guide
Jane Austen is one of Bath’s most famous former residents, even writing two novels during her time in the city.
Read More
The free audio guide created by Bath Tourism Plus takes you on a walking tour around the highlights of the city. You can explore the wonderful sites of the city while also learning about the famous author with the free audio guide which includes extracts from some of Austen’s novels.
Beazer Garden Maze
The paving stone maze will keep the younger children busy for hours as they search for the centre of the maze.
It can be found on the east side of the weir in Beazer Gardens, with the entrance from the steps on Pulteney Bridge.
The challenge is educational and fun, aiming to keep children aged 4-11 reading throughout the summer holidays.
It’s proving popular already, with over 300 people signing up and children will have to borrow and read six books when they will be awarded a certificate and medal.
The challenge will run until September 9 and the theme for this year’s event in ‘Animal Agents’.
Get hold of a Discovery Card and go to the Roman Bath's for free!
If you’re a resident of Bath you can visit the Roman Baths and the Fashion Museum for free.
You can see how the Romans lived with the three natural hot springs, a temple which is dedicated to the goddess Sulis-Minerva and a fascinating museum displaying artefacts which were uncovered on the site.
The heritage attraction is hugely popular during the summer months so Roman Bath’s advises that you visit after 5pm, with the site closing at 10pm.
Read More
The Fashion Museum Bath is housed in the famous Assembly Rooms and displays a collection of world-class contemporary and historical dress.
There are also fun activities for the kids this summer including a pyjama party, fashion for the future and the birds and the butterflies.
Again, if you have a Discovery Card admission is free!
The Brutalist Playground
While the name may not sound that appealing, The Brutalist Playground is a family friendly exhibition brought by The Edge and The University of Bath.
It promises to be ‘part sculpture, part architecture, all play’ and the interactive playground provides a distinct move away from the previous concrete playground designs which were cast into housing estates in the mid-nineteenth century.
BCDH Summer Cat Cuddle-a-Thon
For the first time ever, Bath Cats and Dogs Home is hosting a Cat-Cuddle-a-Thon for all cat lovers out there.
You can spend two hours with a friendly feline, seeing the world through their eyes while also raising money for the charity.
Read More
Donations are not compulsory, but the charity is pledging to raise £100.
Plus, there are cat toys and a treat hamper for the cuddler who raises the most!
The park was announced as one of the best green spaces in the world this week, being one of the 1,797 UK parks and green spaces receiving the prestigious international Green Flag award.
If the sun is shining, the seven acre park is perfect for a family picnic away from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Comments
Post a Comment