Leisure & Excursions Discover something new every day

Bath is the perfect base to explore the West Country, Stonehenge and the Cotswolds, with local towns such as Chippenham and Bradford-on-Avon accessible via a short rail journey.

Visit the nearby city of Bristol

Bristol is a vibrant, contemporary city famed for its bridges, balloons, boats, bikes, Brunel and Banksy. The world-famous Clifton Suspension Bridge, designed by the great Victorian engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel, spans the Avon Gorge and the River Avon. There are many cycle routes around the city, Harbourside and neighbouring countryside. Bristol is also home to the world’s third oldest zoo, so whether you’re looking for a great day out for all the family, a romantic break or a just little adventure, there’s a fantastic range of things to do in this amazing city.

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See Bath from above on a hot air balloon ride

Fancy experiencing an exhilarating bird's eye view of Bath? Hot air balloon rides offer breathtakingly impressive views of the city and the surrounding countryside, drifting over iconic sights such as the Royal Crescent, the Circus and lush landscapes just beyond the city's boundaries. Perfect for getting a bird’s-eye view of the whole city, and great for photos! You can take to the skies with either Bath Balloons or Bailey Balloons, both offering flights across the city and countryside for large groups of up to 15, as well as romantic Champagne balloon rides for two.

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Walk or cycle the Kennet & Avon Canal path

The Kennet and Avon Canal links England's canals from the River Thames at Reading to the Bristol Channel. It includes the dramatic Caen Hill Locks at Devizes and takes you past stunning aqueducts at Dundas and Avoncliff. Other highlights include pretty canal side villages and Bradford-on-Avon. Along the way to Bath, most of the route follows a towpath, making for an easy, relaxed walk or cycle. Two audio trails will tell you more about the Kennet and Avon Canal.

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Take a boat trip on the River Avon

Taking to the water is a gentle and relaxing way to explore Bath and the surrounding areas, offering a different perspective of the city's iconic sights and the opportunity to encounter some waterside wildlife as you float along. Hop aboard one of the boat trips leaving from Pulteney Bridge and relax whilst hearing about the city’s history and absorbing the tranquil surroundings. Or, if you prefer to captain your own vessel, hire a row boat, punt or canoe and charter your own course on the Kennet and Avon Canal.

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