Discover Bath: Your Guide To The City In August
Relax, and enjoy the best of British summertime in Bath with seasonal festivals and evening music concerts.
At this time of year, there’s a full programme of events to book onto. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly workshop or a foodie farmer’s market, this is a great month to soak up some culture in a world-famous tourist hotspot.
Foraging walk with Mr B's Emporium of Reading Delights: August 18th
If you love literature, you’ll love browsing in Bath’s book shops – and Mr B’s, on John Street, should be high on your list for a visit. It’s a great space to relax in, or to join like-minded fans for regular reading groups. This month, there’s an extra treat: a guided foraging walk. Combine a tour of some of the city’s best foraging spots with the chance to discuss Rogue Male by Geoffrey Household.
Torchlit summer events at the Roman Baths: Until August 31st
Built around the UK’s only hot springs, the Roman Baths is one of the best-preserved Roman remains in the world and a top destination for visitors to the city. During the summer, it’s open until 10pm every evening (last entry 9pm) giving guests the chance to walk on the 2000-year-old pavements by the light of flickering torches, with a glass of prosecco in hand, available from a special pop-up bar.
Puppet making workshops: August 1st, 8th and 29th
These workshops are held at The Edge, a fantastic arts hub based at the University of Bath’s busy and bustling campus. There’s no age limit, in fact everyone is welcome. They’ll be led by artist Edwina Bridgeman, who for the past 20 years, has been creating immersive sets for theatre companies, including Travelling Light, Stuff and Nonsense and the Bristol Old Vic. Have fun creating your own imaginary being or creature during these friendly, playful workshops, aimed at the whole family.
Gin and rum festival: August 9th
The UK's largest Gin and Rum festival tour is coming to Bath. All ticket holders will receive a goodie bag, and the chance to meet producers selling over 60 different gins and rums. By the end of the day, you'll have picked up plenty of tips for spirits and mixers to try in your cocktails at home. There'll be themed bars, talks and master classes, as well as live entertainment, so bring along your dancing shows.
Bath Marathon: August 18th
This annual run is in its fourth year and promises to be a spectacular event. Soak up the atmosphere, with hundreds of runners taking to the streets. The route takes in Bath Abbey and Pulteney Bridge, as well as the rolling Avon Valley countryside. Although race places have been booked long in advance, you can still be part of the day, joining as a spectator to cheer on participants.
Music at the Chapel Arts Centre: Throughout August
Now firmly established as Bath’s alternative arts venue, the Chapel Arts Centre is worth a visit if you’re looking for an insight into the local music scene. This well kitted-out venue is a beautiful building and has excellent acoustic properties. A highlight of this month’s music programme is Ma Bessie and her Pigfoot Band – combining classic blues and jazz tunes with stunning vocals from singer Julia Titus. Take a look at their events to choose from acoustic folk, vocal ballads, or sixties pop performances.
Staff pick: Benice Hampton
2019 Modern Pentathlon European Championships: August 6th to August 11th
The modern pentathlon is an incredibly exciting sport to watch, and thoroughly testing for athletes. Competitors show off their skills in fencing, swimming, riding and then the laser run – a combined running and shooting element. Often seen as ‘super-athletes’ more than 100 leading sportspeople will be in action at the University of Bath, home of Pentathlon GB’s National Training Centre. The event includes activities for spectators, there’ll be interactive opportunities to try out the sports involved – making it a fun family day out.
