Hot Bath for cool kids

Anything labelled “family friendly” is often heaven for kids but quite the opposite for parents. Parents have a tricky dilemma, they are keen to spend quality time with their children but desperately need a break themselves. Bath is a place that couples enjoy for a romantic break before kids, but it caters equally well for the family market. A grownup heaven which also boasts plenty to keep small people happy, it is an ideal choice as a base for a family holiday.

Bath Tourism Plus, the official marketing organisation for the city of Bath and surrounding area, is developing special programmes geared to the family market. “People tend to view Bath as a romantic place for couples to visit and then when children come along they go elsewhere. The good news is that the area is great for families so parents have an excuse to come back with their children” said Robin Bischert Chief Executive of Bath Tourism Plus.

History and heritage are what Bath is famous for and the Roman Baths is top of the list of places to visit with its special children’s audio tour. There are numerous other museums which are child friendly and a hop on hop off open- top bus to see the sights and spectacular Georgian architecture so no one complains about walking too far. With its programme of festivals, a special children’s theatre and street entertainment children have plenty to keep them busy.

A visit to the area does not need to break the bank. Self-catering accommodation makes a flexible base, ideal for families who want to go out and explore the lovely countryside. There is so much to do and see with attractions ranging from Longleat to the Fleet Air Arm Museum.

Recognising that a holiday is about parents having a good time too, there are hotels like Woolley Grange that offer all the great things about a country house hotel and make families really welcome. For parents of young children who are missing candlelit dinners a deux this is the perfect choice.

Required reading for those with young children is the “Knee High Guide to Days Out in Bath“. It includes a map and toddle trail with things to count like the number of angels on the façade of Bath Abbey and things to look out for like gargoyles and winged sphinxes.

Children are inveterate shoppers and they can satisfy their craving for retail therapy in Bath. With over forty per cent of shops being independently owned, shopping is pretty popular with adults as well. Cafes and restaurants cater for every pocket and there are a host of country pubs in villages in the area. Delis will make up bespoke picnics to take along the river bank or canal, munch at the top of a hill with panoramic views over the city or enjoy by the huge outdoor play area in Royal Victoria Park.

With a bit of advanced planning, there are numerous “hands on” activities for children including the cookery classes with the Bertinet Kitchen; cycling along the Kennet and Avon canal; punting on the River Avon; and theatre workshops at Bath’s very special children’s theatre, the Egg.

The Visitbath.co.uk website will feature itineraries for different ages; tips for travelling with families; family orientated events; things to do and see and places to eat with children in the summer months.