What to do in Bath with children: our top 10 activities not to be missed
Bath is an ideal city to explore as a family! Full of history, fascinating sites and varied activities, it promises unforgettable experiences with your children. For a different way to see the city, climb on board one of our sightseeing buses and sit back as it takes you round Bath's most beautiful spots. Here are some ideas for activities to do with your children during your visit.
The Roman Baths
The Roman Baths museum is a must-see historic site, built around a natural hot spring called the Sacred Spring. It offers several activities for children, like the Special Excavation Trench, where they can become archaeologists for half an hour and uncover buried treasures.
Visitors can also meet Roman characters, listen to an interactive audioguide designed specially for children, or enjoy an activity book filled with games and puzzles, available for just £5.
More adventurous kids can explore the museum with the Grimwood Museum Adventure trail, created with Kids in Museums and Simon & Schuster Children’s Books to celebrate the release of the new Grimwood book by Nadia Shireen.
Finally, creative family workshops are held throughout the summer, where kids can make decorations, crowns, brooches, treasure boxes or pop-up figurines, for a complete Roman experience.
And you'll be glad to know that our Tootbus stops close by! Hop off at stop 1: Bath Abbey on the red line or stop B on the green line, and set off to explore the Roman Baths.
The Royal Crescent with its museum and gardens
The Royal Crescent is one of Bath's most iconic attractions. Consisting of a row of 30 terraced houses laid out in a crescent shape, this landmark is listed as Grade I - a building of exceptional interest. It's a breathtaking place that delights kids and grown-ups alike. For a bit of history, check out our article “14 fascinating facts about the Royal Crescent”. Don't miss the chance to visit the No.1 Royal Crescent museum, decorated and furnished in the style of the period 1776-1796. And that's not all; visit the gardens and savour the fresh air while the kids run around and play, all against an impressive backdrop of Georgian architecture.
Want to see the Royal Crescent? Our Tootbus routes drop you off right next to the landmark. Hop off at stop 10: Brock Street on the red line and get lost in the magic of Bath!
Thermae Bath Spa
Famous as it is for its natural hot springs, Bath also offers families a unique wellness experience. Thermae Bath Spa, a modern thermal spa located in the heart of the city, makes for a relaxing break with its outdoor pools and tranquil atmosphere. And you'll be pleased to know that some areas of the spa are open to children aged 6 and up, for example during the Family Sessions offered at specific times.
Children can relax in the hot water, either outside or inside, while admiring the stunning view over the rooftops of Bath. A perfect activity for recharging between two sightseeing stops and enjoying a moment of peaceful bliss as a family.
Royal Victoria Park
Opened in 1830 in honour of the future Queen Victoria, Royal Victoria Park is now one of the largest and most popular green spaces in Bath, covering 23 hectares. This spacious park is ideal for spending time in nature without leaving the city centre, with a multitude of outdoor activities on offer for kids and grown-ups alike.
Families love coming here to picnic on the vast lawns, while sports lovers can make use of the tennis courts or try their hand at the mini-golf course, a perfect way to have fun and enjoy each other's company. As for kids, they'll be kept entertained for hours in the huge playground, which boasts climbing frames, zip lines and even a skateboard area.
As well as the sporting and leisure activities, Royal Victoria Park offers regular community events and children's workshops! Whether you're looking for fun, relaxation or discovery, you'll love Royal Victoria Park's welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere.
Hop on board one of our buses and get off at stop number 15: Royal Avenue on the red line
The Bath Skyline Walk: a dose of fresh air above the city
Fancy a walk in the great outdoors with a stunning view of Bath? The Bath Skyline Walk is the ideal route for getting away from it all and seeing typical Somerset scenery. This circular trail nearly 10 km long, managed by the National Trust, takes you through flowery meadows and peaceful woods, with the bonus of spectacular views over the city and its skyline.
Easily accessible from the city centre, the trail is suitable for families, with several shorter sections ideal for little legs. Children will especially love stopping in the woods to climb on tree trunks, spot insects or just run around freely in the vast expanse of nature.
It's a perfect activity if you want to combine culture and nature during your stay. Make sure you've got sturdy shoes and snacks, and follow the signs along the length of the route.
And for an easy way to get to the starting point, there is a Tootbus stop not far away. Hop off at stop E: Great Pulteney Street on the green line!
Herschel Museum of Astronomy
Housed in an elegant Georgian house in Bath city centre, the Herschel Museum of Astronomy gives you the chance to step back in time and explore the universe. It's here, in this place steeped in history, that astronomer William Herschel discovered the planet Uranus in 1781 using a telescope that he built himself. To visit the house is to get a glimpse inside the private lives of the Herschel family. The objects inside have been carefully restored to recreate an 18th century atmosphere, and you can learn about both the everyday life of a passionate astronomer and the scientific instruments of the time.
The museum also offers interactive exhibitions and activities for younger children, where they can gain an insight into astronomy while having fun. Some days, there are even stargazing workshops that let children turn their gaze to the stars just like Herschel did over two centuries ago.
The museum is just a short walk from our route! For an easy way to get there, hop off at stop 8: Queen Square on the red line.
The Circus: a circle of history in the heart of Bath
The Circus is one of the most fascinating pieces of architecture in Bath. Designed by John Wood, the Elder in the 18th century, this perfect circle formed of magnificent Georgian townhouses embodies both elegance and harmony. Each façade is richly decorated with sculpted symbols representing art, science, nature and religion, which will fire up the imaginations of kids and adults alike. If you look up, you can admire the incredible details on the columns and the golden stones typical of local architecture.
As for the centre of the circle, it houses a small tree-lined garden, perfect for a break in the shade or a snack on the go. This is an essential stop if you're looking to soak up Bath’s unique atmosphere, whether you're a history buff or just curious.
And you'll be happy to hear that our route passes close by. Hop off at stop 9: Assembly Rooms on the red line to see this Georgian gem.
A boat ride on the river Avon
Want to see Bath from another angle? Treat yourself to a peaceful cruise on the river Avon. Gliding over the water lets you admire the city and its architectural treasures in a totally different way, far from the busy streets. Children will appreciate the calm of the cruise and the view of the bridges, golden stone houses and pretty green spaces lining the river. Some boats even provide commentary on the history of Bath, transforming this outing into a mini cultural adventure. It's a perfect activity to do as a family to relax, see the swans and enjoy the city's charm to the full.
Our red line takes you very close to the departure point: hop off at stop 1: Bath Abbey to get to the banks of the Avon.
The Holburne Museum: a cultural outing that's great for children
Located at the end of Great Pulteney Street, one of the grandest streets in Bath, the Holburne Museum is a real gem. It houses the personal collection of art enthusiast William Holburne and now boasts a wide range of pieces, from paintings to sculptures and decorative objects. It will also keep kids happy with its interactive exhibitions and creative workshops held regularly during the school holidays. This is the perfect place to awaken your little ones’ curiosity about art while enjoying a unique historical setting.
And that's not all: the museum looks out onto Sydney Gardens, a large, green park where you can take a walk, have a picnic or just relax.
For an easy way to get there, hop off at stop E: Great Pulteney Street on the green line.
Wander Bath's streets and stop for some treats
To keep the adventure going, take some time to wander the pedestrianised streets of Bath. The Georgian architecture, little shops with their colourful window displays and stone façades will spark your children's curiosity. Why not take a short detour to a cosy tea room for a sweet treat? The scones, cupcakes and homemade hot chocolate are always a hit with children - and grown-ups too!
If you still have some energy, have a look round the local bookshops, where you can often find a well-stocked children's section with books on the history of the city for kids. Some even offer storytime sessions or creative workshops during the school holidays. And to top it all off, be prepared for some surprises from the street performers that regularly bring energy to the areas around Bath Abbey and SouthGate. Musicians, magicians, jugglers… They offer a chance to have fun, discover unique talent and make lasting family memories, making your day even more special.
Bath is packed with exciting activities to experience as a family. And for a relaxed way to explore the city, you can't beat hopping on board one of our sightseeing buses in Bath. Hop on or off whenever you want!