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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 Book here
Saturday 22 June SU trip to Dunster Castle, Lynton and Lynmouth 8am - 7.30pm Book here
Saturday 13 July SU trip to Cheddar Gorge Details to be confirmed
Saturday 27 July SU trip to Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove Details to be confirmed
Saturday 10 August Shaftsbury and Splashdown Details to be confirmed

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.

Summer volunteering

If you wish to spend some time doing something enjoyable that helps others, then there are a number of volunteering opportunities available, ranging from one-off events like assisting at the Bath Race for Life or weekly sessions such as supporting older people use the internet.

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 and popular magazines from around the world through Press Reader.


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

  • 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 with a Discovery Card.
    • 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.

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
24 May - 9 June Bath Fringe Festival Various locations Find out more
13 July Bath Carnival Bath City Centre Find out more
19- 21 July Bristol Harbour Festival Bristol Harbourside Find out more
9 - 11 August Bristol Balloon Fiesta Ashton Gate, Bristol Find out more
13 - 22 September Jane Austen Festival Bath 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 studentsupport@bath.ac.uk. 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 26 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 26 and Tuesday 27 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