Bath sizzles this summer with events, festivals and activities for all the family to enjoy, so choose Bath this summer.
Here is Visit Bath’s round-up of all that’s on in and around Bath over the summer period. So many reasons to choose Bath this summer!
Festivals & Events
Bath on the Beach
Running until August 11
Bath’s ultimate summer destination is returning! With the city’s largest outdoor beer garden, it’s the perfect spot to relax and unwind. Bath on the Beach will be making a comeback from June It’s the epitome of a laid-back summer experience! Bath on the Beach – Visit Bath.
Valley Fest
1 – 4 August
The best-tasting music festival for families in the west with the backdrop of the rolling Mendip Hills. Headliners include Sister Sledge, Sophie Ellis Bextor, The Feeling and Tinie Tempah. Valley Fest – Visit Bath.
Wylde Creatures of Bath Trail
Running July and August
Follow the trail to find 24 hand-painted creatures on benches around the city celebrating the biodiversity of the wildlife in the Bath area. The Wylde Creatures of Bath Trail – Welcome to Bath.
If Opera
23 – 31 August
For the 2024 season, hosted in the beautiful gardens of Bradford on Avon’s Belcombe Court, If Opera brings two of the greatest operas to the stage: Donizetti’s Lucia di Lammermoor and Strauss’s Die Fledermaus, together with the popular picnic prom featuring The James Taylor Quartet and a children’s concert, Little Red Riding Hood. If Opera’s 2024 Season – Visit Bath.
Somerset Jazz Festival
6-8 September
Taking place the first weekend of September is Somerset Jazz Festival with a line-up of great food, drink and jazz. Somerset Jazz Festival at Radford Mill Farm – Visit Bath.
Summer Events at Bath Attractions
Summer Lates at the Roman Baths
20 July – 31 August
The Roman Baths will stay open until 10pm every evening this summer, offering visitors a chance to enjoy the special atmosphere around the torchlit Great Bath. There will be a pop-up bar beside the Great Bath selling champagne, sparkling wine and soft drinks. The museum will stay open late so that visitors can look around the fascinating displays about life in Roman Bath, long after the usual closing time. Summer Lates at The Roman Baths – Visit Bath.
Jazz Session and Outdoor Theatre at American Museum & Gardens
Various dates throughout summer
Soak up the stunning views across the Limpley Stoke valley while you enjoy jazz with Sam Crockatt and outdoor performances of Little Women and Beauty & The Beast and choose from an array of light supper and refreshing drinks options at the American Garden Deli. Garden Grooves at American Museum & Gardens – Visit Bath.
Beckford’s Tower
Open weekends throughout the summer and autumn
After an extensive refurbishment project supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Bekford’s Tower has reopened to the public with refreshed interpretation, access to the tower roof, a hidden grotto and reconnection to the surrounding landscape. Beckford’s Tower & Museum – Visit Bath.
More Reasons To Choose Bath This Summer
Richard Hammond’s ‘DriveTribe’ at Haynes Motor Museum
A new feature showcasing cars, engines and video content from Richard Hammond’s hugely successful DriveTribe social media platform launches at Haynes Motor Museum. Alongside iconic TV cars, including ‘Oliver’ the 1962 Opel Kadett driven by Richard in the Top Gear Botswana Special, the display features a V10 engine and a mix of video displays, interactive features, behind the scenes stories and a photo opportunity. Summer at Haynes Motor Museum – Visit Bath.
Summertopia! At Avon Valley Adventure & Wildlife Park
Running until 1 September
Avon Valley will transform into a haven of summer fun for all the family. From splashing around in the sand and water play area, to walking with prehistoric giants in Dinosaur Valley, to meeting and interacting with real animals, children and adults alike are invited to make the most of the holidays at Avon Valley. Summertopia! at Avon Valley Adventure & Wildlife Park – Visit Bath.
Choose Bath This Summer
Longleat celebrates its 75th anniversary
Running until 1 September
Longleat is celebrating its 75th anniversary as a tourist attraction with a special exhibition for visitors to enjoy featuring original photographs and memorabilia from when Longleat first opened its doors to the public on 1 April 1949. DinoROAR also returns to Longleat 20 July – 1 September.
1949: A brave new Longleat – Visit Bath.
Mary Shelley’s House of Frankenstein Summer Experience
Various dates through summer
Show of Strength Theatre Company and Mary Shelley’s House of Frankenstein have joined forces to present The Frankenstein Experiencefeaturing a one-hour walking tour and entry to Mary Shelley’s House of Frankenstein’s multi-sensory museum plus a complimentary welcome cocktail. Visitors will experience real-life Gothic tales of secrets, lies and ruined reputations, as they are immersed in the dark, complex world of Mary Shelley and her infamous creation, Frankenstein. The Frankenstein Experience will run on 31 July, and 3, 7, 10, 14 and 17 August. The Frankenstein Experience – Walking Tour, Museum Entry & Complimentary Cocktail at Mary Shelley’s House of Frankenstein – Visit Bath.
Bath Things To See & Do
Reach for the Moon at Wookey Hole
Running throughout Summer
A giant moon, measuring 5.5 metres wide is suspended 70 metres underground on display as a brand-new visitor experience this year at Wookey Hole in Somerset. This latest addition is set to ignite the imaginations of explorers of all ages, illuminating the stories of the ancient caves. Magical summer days out at Wookey Hole Caves – Visit Bath.
Summer of play at Dyrham Park
Get active and creative at Dyrham Park this summer with a wide range of activities – do the ‘Dyrham Decathlon’ or take part in some arts and crafts. Summer of Play at Dyrham Park – Visit Bath.
British Bird of Prey Day at the Bird of Prey Project
17 August
A special day to celebrate Birds of Prey with flying displays, guest speakers, interactive activities and stalls. British Bird of Prey Day at The Bird of Prey Project – Visit Bath.
Food & Drink Experiences
Minerva wine tasting tours
Throughout July, August and September
Tour and tasting experience take place in the vineyard, home to ten thousand vines planted in 2016 where the acclaimed “Minerva” was created – an English sparkling wine was honoured with the prestigious Decanter Award in 2023. During the tour, guests will hear about the journey so far and try what the Romans would have tasted in their wine in the Middle Ages. Minerva Wine Tours – Corston Vineyard Estate – Visit Bath.
Abbey Hotel Tea Bar
Indulge in the exquisite fusion of Old-World Heritage and New World Flavours at The Abbey Tea Bar, in collaboration with Hope & Glory Teas. Nestled in the heart of Bath, the charming tea bar offers a delightful section of artisanal teas and delectable cake. The Abbey Tea Bar – Visit Bath.
Hotel News
Homewood Hotel
Updates to outdoor spa area to open this summer at Homewood Bath including vitality pool, an outdoor sauna, and experience showers. Spa Expansion at Homewood Hotel & Spa near Bath.
More Reasons To Choose Bath This Summer – Words by Visit Bath and Rachel McAlley
