Good news, sports fans! Bath is bursting with sport

Every year, thousands of people flock to Bath not only to take a dip in the Thermae Spa or stroll around the ancient Roman Baths. They visit in huge numbers to take advantage of the city’s enviable sporting scene, whether as spectators or as active participants.

Here’s our guide to the sporting gems Bath has to offer…

Where and what to watch

The city is home to both Bath Rugby Club and Bath City Football Club, the former being one of the country’s most well-known rugby union clubs. The club currently plays in the Aviva Premiership and has numerous prizes under its belt, including the Heineken Cup, the European Challenge Cup, the Anglo-Welsh Cup and England’s domestic competition.

If you want to experience sport like a local, head to the historic Bath City Football Club, currently playing in the Blue Square Conference South League, and immerse yourself in the fantastic atmosphere at the Twerton Park ground on the West side of Bath.

Another big draw for sports fans is Bath Racecourse, which has been in action for over 200 years. The racecourse offers flat racing and premier hospitality, as well as a great mix of weekend, weekday and evening race meetings. As an added bonus, Bath Racecourse is very family-friendly, with under 18s getting in for free on most race meets and days. It also enjoys a superior position on Lansdown Hill, with a spectacular view across the whole of the city.

Take part and get those pulses racing

For some, watching sport just isn’t exciting enough. If you simply can’t resist taking part, you’ll be happy to know that there are plenty of opportunities to participate in sport and outdoor activities in Bath. Examples include:

• Walking, hiking, cycling and running. Bath may be a buzzing cosmopolitan city, but it’s also packed full of green parks and surrounded by nature trails. This provides ample opportunity for walking, hiking, jogging, cycling and exploring. You can simply set off for the day with the family, or you can join an organised event – there are always plenty of them going on in Bath.
• Boating and rowing. If the weather is right, you can spend a fantastic, active day with the family by hiring a row boat, punt or canoe from Bath Boating Station and exploring the Kennet and Avon Canal.
• If you head just 35 minutes out of Bath city centre, you’ll find the Teampursuits centre in the village of Lacock, offering everything from motorised to countryside sports and activities.

For the kids…

Most of the sporting and outdoor activities found in Bath are family friendly and suitable for kids, but there are a few dedicated children’s sports events taking place in the next few months too. One great example is Super Camps, a series of summer holiday camps where your children can enjoy fun, active outdoor pursuits while you head off to explore the city and perhaps enjoy a ‘grown-up’ tipple or two.