Culture and Community in Bath
Bath's bursting with culture
From throwing shapes in underground clubs to battling your mates in boardgame cafes, you'll always be part of a community.
Art, literature and film
Bath’s one of the biggest indie film centres of the Southwest. Catch some exclusive early screenings at the FilmBath Festival or join in at a sing-along screening at Bath's beloved Little Theatre Cinema (if it's good enough for Wes Anderson....) For a more luxurious cinematic experience, there’s the centrally-located Everyman Cinema.
Bath punches high when it comes to art, with a range of different privately-owned galleries in the city. In addition to the Holburne Museum and the Museum of East Asian Art there’s also the Victoria Art Gallery, the council-run art museum with an interesting s collection of paintings, sculpture and decorative arts.
Literature students are also spoiled for choice, with famous authors visiting the city regularly at both the annual Bath Festival and local bookseller events.
We love: The Victoria Art Gallery is one of the best free art galleries in the country with some amazing touring exhibitions - filled with inspiration for anyone on a creative arts degree.
Step back in time
As the only UK’s only UNESCO World Heritage city, Bath is uniquely itself. From the Roman Baths to the iconic regency-era Royal Crescent, a stroll around the city is like stepping back in time. It’s no wonder it’s a firm favourite for film and TV productions like Bridgerton!
However, the city's heritage is not all carriages and gossip columns. Aside from a whole host of independent eateries and quirky shops, Bath is a city rich in museums. Whether it’s miniature art at the Holburne or the arts and cultures of East and South East Asia at the Museum of East Asian Art, Bath’s range of museums are as eclectic and charming as the city itself. It’s a great place for studying History or Heritage Management for that very reason!
Bath may be synonymous with the work of Jane Austen, but it also inspired work of a distinctly more gothic tinge. Did you know that a teenaged Mary Shelley wrote Frankenstein whilst living in Bath? There are museums dedicated to both – surefire inspiration if you’re enrolled on one of our well-renowned Creative Writing courses.
Even better, most of Bath’s museums and galleries offer free entry to Bath Spa students.
We love: For fans of Americana, there’s the American Museum of Bath. For the best views of the city, head up the Bath Abbey Tower on one of their tours.
Shopping in Bath
With its gorgeous Georgian backdrop, Bath must be one of the country’s most stylish shopping destinations. SouthGate is home to many big-name shops and the main thoroughfare through the centre is lined by familiar stores.
In summer, colourful decorations are strung along the streets and the central square becomes a cool hangout spot with deckchairs, and a big outdoor screen showing sports. In winter, the centre is abuzz with the world-famous Christmas market, with lots of traditional wooden stalls selling giftware and unique pieces.
In keeping with its independent spirit, there are also plenty of quirky boutiques. There are also some stunning arcades like The Corridor (reminiscent of a Parisian arcade) and the elegant Milsom Place. The Guildhall Market is Bath’s oldest shopping venue and you can find almost everything you need there, including hardware, second-hand books and clothing. There's also the charming Green Park Station with its markets and independent shops.
Bath has a reputation for its independent book shops, which are frequently used by our alumni and staff as venues for book launches. Toppings has a wonderful range of regular events and Mr B’s Emporium is perfect for an afternoon browsing the shelves.
We love: bargain hunting in the Artisan Quarter. Since the 1960s, the Walcot Street and London Road area has had a reputation as Bath’s Artisan Quarter with shops selling everything from vintage clothes and unusual homewares to delicious food and drink.
LGBTQ+ community in Bath
At BSU, we're committed to providing an environment that respects and celebrates all members of our community, and is free from discrimination, prejudice, harassment and bullying.
Bath is an inclusive, gay-friendly city. Mandalyns is the city centre’s established and popular gay bar which hosts events such as quizzes to karaoke. There are also regular queer cabarets and drag events in bars across the city.
Nearby Bristol has a very well-established and vibrant scene, with a whole host of LGBTQ+ pubs, clubs and events, plus the annual Bristol Pride, Trans Pride, Leather Pride and The Bear Fiesta celebrations.
We love: Drag Cabaret events at Komedia, Bath’s community-owned venue – and BSU partners, which means students can get discounted tickets for selected events!
Live entertainment
Bath’s a fantastic city for arts and culture with a wide range of different venues. Theatre fans and performing arts students will be in their element here.
For historical grandeur, there’s the small Mission Theatre or, for something particularly swanky, the Bath Theatre Royal is very much the grand dame in town. Dating back to 1805, it’s home to three very different spaces, including the more avant-garde Ustinov.
If you’re looking for smaller, more locally-run affairs, the Rondo Theatre is both intimate and experimental. There’s also the Chapel Arts, home to a vibrant community arts scene. Best of all, there’s plenty of amateur theatre groups offering the opportunity to tread the boards as well as spectate.
Music and comedy fans can catch dinner and a show at Komedia, Bath’s live entertainment venue inspired by European cabaret theatre.
Don’t forget, there’s also a theatre and concert hall on our Newton Park Campus, where you can see performances both by students and visiting artistes. Plus, as a Bath Spa student you’ll get free tickets thanks to our See It For Free offer.
We love: Enjoy some of the biggest names in theatre for as little as a fiver with the Theatre Royal’s bargain seat deals.
Socialising sober
For those looking for an alcohol-free night on the town, there are many ways to let loose and enjoy yourself.
Catch your favourite acts at the Bath Forum or one of the smaller indie live music venues like The Bell. Laugh till your belly hurts at Komedia’s weekly comedy night or feel more high-brow at a performance at the Bath Theatre Royal . Bath Spa University partners with many of the city's major venues which means more discounted rates for our students.
We love: For something a bit more interactive, Thirsty Meeples is the city’s board game cafe serving food, drinks and a library of nearly 3000 different board games!
Fresh air and green spaces in Bath
In addition to the seven green hills circling the city, Bath is surrounded by stunning waterways – perfect for a trip into nature. Leave the city behind with a walk along the tranquil Avon and Kennet canal with its narrowboats, viaducts and friendly country pubs. If you’re really feeling energetic, you can walk the cycle path all 15 miles to Bristol!
On hot summer days, there’s something particularly glorious about diving into the cool water at Warleigh Weir. This is a popular wild swimming spot in a stunning location along the canal.
Fancy keeping it local? Bathonians are spoilt for choice with green spaces. Whether it’s a stroll around Sydney Gardens (parasol optional) or a hike across the Bath Skyline (superb views guaranteed), there’s something for every nature lover. Victoria Park is always a popular destination, with crazy golf, gardens to explore, duck ponds and areas for barbecues and picnics.
Wherever you look in the city, you’ll see green space, including our gorgeous Newton Park campus with its acres of parkland, a lake, woods and even sheep and cows.
We love: A little out of the city centre is Bath City Farm, where you can visit pigs, goats, sheep and ponies, and enjoy some spectacular views over the city.
Dive into Bath's sporting community
It’s not just the buildings that have heritage in Bath - did you know that Bath Rugby is one of the oldest clubs in existence?
One of the country’s most successful clubs, the Bath team regularly plays to sell-out crowds. The Recreational Ground is right in the centre, which means the city is a sea of blue, black and white on match days. It’s a great atmosphere and just one of many things that gives the city its uniquely lively personality.
Not only is Bath home to one of the country’s best rugby teams, there are also several thriving cricket and football clubs. In fact, BSU are proud sponsors of Twerton Park, the football ground for both the Bath City FC teams – which means discounted tickets for students.
Bath’s a great place to run, walk or cycle. There are several cycle paths throughout the city and the Bath Half Marathon is a great event.
If you’re looking for something a little more leftfield, Bath has a strong tradition of French boules. There are a few pitches and clubs dotted around the city. In the summer, it's easy to transport yourself to the Mediterranean for a few hours.
For something a lot less strenuous, why not take the waters? After all, Bath is a city built for relaxation. Thanks to its natural springs, Bath has been a popular resort since Roman times – but there’s nothing old-fashioned about the city’s stunning Thermae Bath Spa.
We love: Group activities like boules can be a great way to bond with your new class or housemates. Why not try some virtual sports, or a Frankenstein-themed escape room, or even go for a punt along the River Avon?