Rainy day favourites in Bath - museums, soft play, indoor climbing and weatherproof family days out for when the forecast lets you down.
American Museum in Britain · Bath
A unique museum of American decorative arts and folk culture set in a Georgian manor house with extensive grounds above Bath. The folk art collection and Native American gallery fascinate teenagers in particular.
National Trust · Bath
Magnificent 18th-century assembly rooms where Georgian society gathered for entertainment and socializing. The grand rooms give a fascinating glimpse into Bath's elegant past. Family trails and activities help bring history to life for younger visitors.
Bath Abbey · Bath
A stunning Gothic abbey in the heart of the city with a free tower tour and magnificent fan vaulting overhead. The recently opened Footprint exhibition beneath the abbey floor fascinates older children.
Bath Abbey · Bath
Climb 212 steps to the top of Bath Abbey's tower for spectacular 360-degree views across the city. Guided tours explain the bells, clock mechanism and Abbey history along the way. An adventurous way to see Bath from above.
Bath and North East Somerset Council · Bath
A vibrant covered market operating since the 1770s with diverse food stalls, crafts, and local produce. Children love exploring the different stalls and trying samples from the food vendors. It's a wonderful introduction to local culture and shopping in a historic setting.
Bath and Wessex Model Railway Club · Bath
Annual model railway exhibition featuring intricate layouts, demonstrations and trade stands. Children are captivated by the detailed miniature worlds and moving trains. A special event for railway enthusiasts and families alike.
Bath Postal Museum · Bath
A charming small museum in the city centre telling the story of the world's first postage stamp, sent from Bath in 1840. Compact and accessible — a great short stop for curious primary-age children.
Bath Rugby · Bath
Behind-the-scenes tours of the Recreation Ground, home to Bath Rugby, one of England's most successful clubs. Tours include the changing rooms, players' tunnel and pitchside areas. Perfect for sports-mad families and rugby enthusiasts.
Bath Soft Play and Party · Bath
An indoor soft play centre designed for younger children with multi-level play frames, ball pits, slides and dedicated toddler area. The venue includes a café for parents and party rooms for celebrations. A perfect rainy day option with safe, supervised play.
Freedom Leisure · Bath
A comprehensive leisure facility with swimming pools, sports halls, climbing walls and fitness facilities. The centre offers family swim sessions, children's activities and holiday clubs. Perfect for active families whatever the weather.
Bath Preservation Trust · Bath
A tall Grade I listed tower on the outskirts of Bath with a small museum and panoramic views from the belvedere. A short, rewarding climb with fascinating eccentric history behind it.
Building of Bath Museum · Bath
A fascinating museum inside a Georgian chapel explaining how Bath's famous honey-coloured architecture was built. The working scale models and architectural drawings capture children's imaginations unexpectedly well.
Claverton Pumping Station Trust · Bath
A fascinating restored Victorian pumping station that once supplied water to the Kennet and Avon Canal. The massive waterwheel and beam pumps operate on special open days, creating a spectacular sight. Educational and engaging for children interested in engineering and history.
Corsham Court · Bath
An Elizabethan mansion just outside Bath with family-friendly trails through the historic house and stunning parkland. The house contains masterpieces by Old Masters and the grounds feature peacocks and adventure play areas. Special family events run throughout the year.
Fashion Museum Bath · Bath
A world-class collection of historic and contemporary fashion in the Assembly Rooms. The dressing-up sessions and hands-on fashion history activities make it surprisingly engaging for children.
Holburne Museum · Bath
A beautiful free art museum at the end of Great Pulteney Street with a strong permanent collection and excellent family trails and creative workshops during school holidays.
Komedia · Bath
A vibrant entertainment venue hosting family-friendly comedy shows, theatre performances and special children's events. The venue offers a programme of kids' shows during school holidays and weekends. Its central location and varied programme make it perfect for rainy day entertainment.
Roman Baths · Bath
Special family workshops and activities run by the Roman Baths team, including Roman-themed craft sessions and storytelling. These hands-on activities bring ancient history to life for younger visitors. Activities change seasonally and during school holidays.
Bath Preservation Trust · Bath
A meticulously restored Georgian townhouse showing exactly how Bath's wealthy residents lived in the 18th century. Children are given specific explorer trails to complete as they move through the rooms.
Roman Baths · Bath
Walk around one of the best preserved Roman sites in the world, with audio guides pitched perfectly for children. The steaming sacred spring and ancient lead pipes make history genuinely tangible.
Sally Lunn's · Bath
Bath's oldest house dating from 1482, now a café famous for its Sally Lunn buns with a small kitchen museum in the basement. Children are fascinated by the ancient kitchen and enjoy the sweet or savoury buns. It's a delicious way to experience Bath's history.
Theatre Royal Bath · Bath
A dedicated children's theatre offering world-class productions specifically for young audiences. This purpose-built venue creates shows in collaboration with children and young people. The intimate setting and high-quality performances make it a unique cultural experience.
Theatre Royal Bath · Bath
One of the oldest and most beautiful theatres in Britain, offering a year-round programme including family shows, pantomimes and youth theatre. The venue runs special family-friendly performances and backstage tours. Its stunning Georgian architecture adds to the magical experience.
Thermae Bath Spa · Bath
Bathe in naturally warm thermal waters on a stunning rooftop pool in the city centre. The open-air rooftop experience is unforgettable — note minimum age restrictions apply so check before booking.
Bath and North East Somerset Council · Bath
A delightful public art gallery in the heart of Bath showcasing British and European paintings from the 15th century to the present day. The gallery offers family-friendly trails and activities to engage younger visitors with the art collections. Free admission makes it an accessible cultural experience for all.