Skip to main content

Summer at Bath

If you're a student staying in Bath over the summer, find out what events and activities are going on in Bath and the local area.

Summer activities

There are a number of activities taking place over the summer. All students are welcome, whether you are living on or off campus, but make sure you book onto each of your chosen activities as places are limited.


Date Event Time and location Details
Wednesdays Gardening Club 2pm - 4pm, Esther Parkin Book here
Wednesdays Social Networking Group various times Book here
Fridays SU Feel Good Fridays 10am - 3pm, The Edge Art Studio Book here
3 June PGT CV Clinic All day, Careers Centre Drop in
3 June Queer Bath Summer Talk 1.45 - 3.30pm, The American Museum (meet on campus) Book here
4 June International Students: Target the right UK employer sponsor webinar Online Register here
9 June Postgraduate employability conference various workshops from 10.30am - 1.15pm, 10E or online Find out more

Living in University accommodation?

If you are living in University halls, you are welcome to join in the ResLife programme of activities. Most events are free, but spaces are limited and need to be booked in advance.

Sports Pass

The Team Bath Sports Pass can be used during the Summer vacation; if you haven’t already activated your free sports pass then please do so by visiting STV reception. You can book courts or hire equipment to play sport with friends, or Swim in the SwimFit lanes. The STV has reduced holiday opening hours over the August Bank Holiday.

Library Resources

The Library also has a number of resources available to you over the break. As well as holding a large film collection for loan, you can access BOB - boxsets on demand films and documentaries via Kanopy and popular magazines from around the world through Press Reader. The Library Nook is a cosy space to access many of our popular fiction and non-fiction titles. See the Reading for Pleasure and Wellbeing pages for thematic reading lists you can explore.

If you are interested in taking time to develop some skills, the Linkedin Learning subscription offers 21,000+ videos and courses in business, technical, creative and personal development skills.


Other suggested free activities

In addition to the list above, there are a number of other free activities in which you may be interested.


Here are some ideas:

  • Visit the Roman Baths at sunset. The Baths are stunning at this time of day and often much quieter. Students who are studying on a course that lasts longer than a year and who live on campus, in Bath, or anywhere in North East Somerset are eligible to apply for a Student Discovery Card for no cost. This will entitle you to free entry to the Roman Baths.

  • Take a look around the Victoria Art Gallery. Free entry with a Discovery Card. There are free Art Store Tours on 19 June, 24 July and 21 August but booking needed

  • Spend an afternoon at the Holburne Museum. Free to students with University of Bath Library card

  • Go for a walk, picnic or bbq. The Sunny Days in Bath Guide has a list of things to do on a sunny day and top places to go.

  • Explore some of the parks in and around Bath

    • Parade Gardens in the city centre has pretty flower displays overlooking the River Avon and Pulteney Weir. Free entry.
    • Alexandra Park has panoramic views of Bath. Free entry.
    • Sydney Gardens at the bottom of Bathwick Hill overlooks the canal. Free entry.
    • Royal Victoria Park has flowers, botanical gardens, areas for ball games and picnics - all close to the Royal Crescent. Free entry.
  • Bath City Farm has stunning views over Bath as well as farm animals, woodland and nature trails, a community café and a farm shop. Free entry (not open Mondays).

  • Bath Skyline Park Run starting close to the entrance to the University, you can run or walk this 5K course every Saturday morning throughout the year. Free to enter but you must register in advance.

Further afield:

  • Explore Bristol. Plenty to see, and quick and easy to reach by train.
  • Visit the city of Wells or the town of Glastonbury. Easy to reach by bus. Wells is the smallest city in England and as well as a beautiful cathedral and reputedly the oldest residential street in Europe, it has pretty buildings and gardens.
  • From Wells you can take another bus to Cheddar where you can walk up the amazing gorge, see Cheddar cheese being made and/or sample some of the cider for which Somerset is renowned. Alternatively you can catch a bus to Glastonbury. Glastonbury is steeped in superstition and has many quirky shops as well as the famous Glastonbury Tor.
  • Take the train to Bradford-on-Avon. Wander round the shops and tea-rooms, picnic by the river or, for the more energetic, wander back to Bath along the scenic canal towpath.

What else is going on?

There a lots of other things to do over the summer, many are free or have a reduced rate for students. Here are just a few.


Date Event Time and location Details
31 May - 22 September Jane Austin Themed trail Bath Find out more
7 June - 15 June Festival of Nature Bath and nationwide Find out more
8 June Bath Contemporary Arts Fair Green Park Station, Bath Find out more
12 June - 10 August Bath on the Beach Royal Pavilion, Royal Avenue Find out more
27 June Holburne Pride Party Holburne Museum Buy tickets
3 - 6 July Bath Boules Queen Square Free to spectate
6 July Bath 10K Royal Victoria Park Free to spectate or volunteer, or fund raise for Cancer Research
12 July Bath Carnival City Centre Find out more
13 July Bath Contemporary Arts Fair Green Park Station, Bath Find out more
18 - 20 July Bath Summer Fayre Milsom Street Find out more
18 - 20 July Bristol Harbour Festival Bristol Harbourside Find out more
8 - 10 August Bristol Balloon Fiesta Ashton Gate, Bristol Find out more
12 - 21 September Jane Austen Festival Bath Find out more
30 June - 31 August Grommit Unleashed 3 (fun sculpture trail) Bristol A must for Wallace and Grommit fans. Find out more

Take a look at Visit Bath's What's On Guide and Visit Bristol's What's On Guide to get regular updates on what is going on locally. The Student Offers on the Visit Bath website gives a range of discounts, and the student guide section of the What's On in Bath is particularly useful. Sign up to Eventbrite too.

The Total Guide to Bath is a great resource to find out about best eating places, nightlife and things to do with friends. The Lifestyle section also has plenty of ideas on how to spend a day from water-sports activities to bike rides. If you are planning to go further afield then the TOTUM membership gives students a range of discounts on festivals, gigs and theatre tickets.

If you fancy a trip away over the summer, last year Blackbullion compiled a list of the 7 most affordable cities for students.


Useful information

During the summer vacation, there may be a reduced open hours for the shops on campus, and the buses will run less frequently. Find our more about transport to and from campus, opening times for shops on campus and for staff offices.


Wellbeing

Student Support will be available throughout the vacation period from 9am - 5pm via [email protected]. If you need advice outside these hours our Be Well - Talk now service provides free confidential advice and support to you wherever you are in the world, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can also access urgent support. If you have an emergency, ring 999 or University Security (O1225 383 999) if you are on campus or in University accommodation.

Transport

Buses will run a reduced service over the vacation period. Further information on bus times can be found on our webpage

Supermarkets in Bath

Supermarkets in Bath will be open as normal, with the exception of the Bank Holiday on 25 August.

Food outlets opening times

Check the opening times for all the food and drink outlets and shops on campus.

University offices

Offices on campus and in University buildings will be closed on Monday 25 and Tuesday 26 August. Our Security Team will operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week throughout the period as normal.

Contact us

If you have any questions about what's on, contact us


OSZAR »