Looking for the perfect family weekend away? After spending 48 hours exploring the beautiful city of Bath, I can honestly say it’s one of our favourite UK city breaks we’ve done as a family.
With its stunning Georgian architecture, fascinating history, gorgeous parks and plenty of family-friendly restaurants, Bath really does have something for everyone. Whether you’re visiting with a baby, toddlers or older children, you’ll find lots to keep the whole family entertained.
We recently visited with our five-year-old, Elsie, and six-month-old Nancy, and managed to pack so much into just two days. If you’re planning a weekend in Bath with kids, here’s exactly how we spent our 48 hours.
Where to Stay in Bath with Kids
We stayed at the Apex City of Bath Hotel, and I genuinely couldn’t fault it.
As soon as we walked into our room we knew we’d made the right choice. It was incredibly spacious, which makes such a difference when you’re travelling with children. Elsie was absolutely thrilled to have a huge bed all to herself, while the hotel had already provided a travel cot for Nancy, making settling in so easy.
One of our favourite parts of the hotel was the leisure facilities.
The swimming pool was beautifully warm, which is always appreciated when little ones are involved! It also had jacuzzi jets and a waterfall feature that Elsie thought was the best thing ever. Alongside the pool there’s a modern sauna and steam room, giving parents the chance to unwind too.
Everything felt spotless, modern and well looked after, and despite being a city centre hotel, it still felt relaxed and family-friendly.
Its location couldn’t have been better either, making it easy to explore Bath entirely on foot throughout the weekend.
Day One: Exploring the Historic City
One of the best things about Bath is simply wandering.
Every street seems to reveal another beautiful building, hidden courtyard or independent shop. We spent hours strolling through the city centre, browsing the boutiques, popping into little gift shops and soaking up the incredible atmosphere.
Of course, Bath is famous for its Roman history, Georgian architecture and beautiful honey-coloured stone buildings, so even walking from one attraction to another feels like sightseeing.
The riverside walks are particularly lovely if you’re visiting with children. There’s plenty of space for little legs to burn off some energy while parents can enjoy the scenery.
Dinner at The Oven
After a busy afternoon exploring, we headed to The Oven for dinner.
If you’re looking for one of the best family-friendly restaurants in Bath, I’d definitely recommend adding this one to your list.
The atmosphere was relaxed and welcoming, making it easy to dine with children.
I ordered what might genuinely be one of the best pizzas I’ve ever eaten – a pesto base topped with prosciutto and an entire creamy burrata sitting proudly in the middle. It was absolutely delicious.
Although they don’t have a dedicated children’s menu, a full-sized Margherita pizza costs just £10, which actually worked out really well. The portions are generous, making it fantastic value for money.
The cocktails were excellent too, so everyone left happy!
Day Two: Royal Victoria Park
If you’re visiting Bath with children, Royal Victoria Park simply has to be on your itinerary.
We honestly spent far longer here than we’d expected because there was so much to do.
The adventure playground is enormous and easily one of the best we’ve visited. Elsie could have stayed there all day climbing, sliding and exploring.
There are huge open green spaces that are perfect for picnics, football, running around or simply relaxing with an ice cream. It’s one of those places where you can enjoy a fantastic day out without spending very much at all.
Speaking of treats… the ice cream sundaes definitely went down well with everyone!
Bath on the Beach
Located inside Royal Victoria Park during the summer months, Bath on the Beach completely surprised us.
We originally planned to stop by for a quick drink before heading elsewhere.
Several hours later… we were still there!
The atmosphere was brilliant.
The Wimbledon tennis was being shown on a giant outdoor screen, families were relaxing on deckchairs, children were building sandcastles and people were playing lawn games across the venue.
The man-made beach area is fantastic for younger children. There were buckets and spades available to borrow, meaning we didn’t even need to bring our own.
Elsie also loved challenging us to table tennis, while the lawn games kept everyone entertained between drinks.
There’s also a mini golf course for a small additional charge if you’re looking for another activity.
We ended up staying for lunch too, and I’m so glad we did. The chicken tenders were genuinely delicious and perfect for sharing with the kids.
It was one of those places where time just disappeared, and it became one of our favourite memories from the whole trip.
Why Bath is Perfect for Families
What surprised me most about Bath was just how family-friendly it feels.
Although it’s packed with history and beautiful architecture, it never felt overwhelming with children.
Everything is relatively close together, meaning you don’t spend your entire weekend walking huge distances between attractions.
There are plenty of cafés for snack stops, lots of green spaces for children to let off steam and enough activities to keep everyone happy, whatever their age.
Travelling with both a baby and a five-year-old can sometimes feel like trying to please two completely different audiences, but Bath managed it perfectly.
Things We’d Love to Do Next Time
Although we managed to fit loads into our 48 hours in Bath, there are still plenty of attractions we’d love to visit next time.
Our list includes:
- Visit the famous Roman Baths and learn about the city’s incredible history.
- Take a family walk up to the Royal Crescent and admire one of Bath’s most iconic landmarks.
- Explore the beautiful Prior Park Landscape Garden with its famous Palladian Bridge (perfect if you’re National Trust members like us).
- Visit the Jane Austen Centre for a glimpse into Regency Bath.
- Take a boat trip along the River Avon.
- Explore the Bath Skyline Walk for spectacular views over the city.
- Visit the Holburne Museum and gardens.
- Spend more time shopping around Milsom Street and the independent boutiques tucked away throughout the city.
- Visit the American Museum & Gardens, which looks brilliant for families during school holidays.
Bath completely exceeded our expectations.
It offers the perfect balance of history, great food, beautiful scenery and family-friendly attractions, making it an ideal destination for a weekend away.
Whether you’re splashing in the hotel pool, enjoying incredible pizza, relaxing in Royal Victoria Park or watching the world go by at Bath on the Beach, there are so many opportunities to slow down and enjoy quality family time together.
We left already talking about when we’d come back, and with so much still left on our list, I don’t think it’ll be too long before we’re planning another family weekend in Bath.
If you’re looking for a UK city break that’s easy to explore with children, Bath should definitely be at the top of your list.
