Bath: let the adventure begin
Whether it's city shenanigans or communing with the countryside, Bath's perfectly located for all adventures away from your studies.
Get out of the city...into the city
Ideally located for some of the UK’s most exciting cities, Bath gives major cosy community city vibes with the added bonus of being able to jump on a train for bigger brighter lights when you feel the urge. With Bristol on its doorstep and two of the nation’s capitals within an hour by train, Bath really does have it all.
Bristol
Well-known for its independent spirit, Bristol is a city rich in history and culture – both traditional and contemporary. From Europe’s largest street-art festival to the English-speaking world’s longest-running theatre, there are plenty of reasons to make the 15 minute train trip from Bath to Bristol.
If you're looking for live music or big club nights, Bristol has an unbeatable music scene with lots of big acts playing at the city's venues and some legendary club nights. Plus, there seems to be a different festival every weekend in summer.
It’s also firmly on any decent foodie map, with everything from street food markets and traditional pubs to high-end restaurants and innovative cocktail bars.
When it comes to shops, you’ll find many independent stores and boutiques, as well as the modern Cabot Circus shopping centre with designer and high street brands.
For more on what to do and what to see, there’s extensive information on the Visit Bristol website.
We love: Heading through to Bristol on sunny days for a day ferry-hopping along the harbour on the Bristol Ferry waterbus. With a day pass, you can stop at all the major floating bars and restaurants and catch some incredible views of the city. Nowhere does it better.
Cardiff
The Welsh capital is just over an hour away by train and is filled with culture, shops and live music – perfect for a busy day trip or city break.
If shopping is a priority, there’s the modern St David’s Shopping Centre for brands and the beautiful Victorian and Edwardian arcades with their independent shops.
Cardiff is famous for its nightlife and there’s a wealth of bars, restaurants and nightclubs dotted around the centre. St Mary's Street in particular is legendary.
There are also plenty of venues for live shows - whether that’s comedy, music, or theatre, including the Principality Stadium which regularly hosts performances by international stars such as Beyonce and Ed Sheeran.
For more information, visit the Visit Cardiff website.
We love: Make sure you try and catch a game at the Principality Stadium - match day in Cardiff needs to be seen to be believed!
London
Red buses. Big Ben. The London Eye. Culture-vulture at one of the city’s many world-famous galleries or museums like the Tate or the British Museum.
Spend an evening catching a show at the West End or a matinee at the unforgettable Globe Theatre.
Dive into the city’s famous food culture at places like Borough Market or Chinatown.
Whatever you’re looking for, you’re sure to find it in this 2,000 year old mega city.
Less than 100 miles away, it’s very accessible by public transport with trains and buses running regularly from central Bath.
Keep up-to-date with what’s on through one of the many, many listing sites that covers the city.
We love: Digging through Time Out for their recommendations on the coolest corners of the city.
Frome
The bustling market town of Frome is a favourite celeb haunt thanks to its quirky shops and proximity to the swanky Babington House!
You can catch live music and comedy at the Cheese and Grain (it’s where Paul McCartney did his secret Glasto warm-up gig) and browse all the fun little independent shops. Best of all, it’s a very short hop away on the train.
We love: the monthly Independent Market - it always draws big crowds.
Get out of the city... into the wild
Nestled in the Somerset countryside, Bath is a haven for nature lovers. In addition to the city’s wonderful parks and green spaces, Bath is also an easy jumping-off point for outdoor adventures further afield.
Explore your surroundings
Take a trip along the tranquil canals and explore some of the quaint little market towns in the area like historic Bradford-on-Avon.
For a taste of bohemian Somerset, visit Frome’s weekly farmer's market and stroll round its cobbled streets filled with indie shops and delis.
For the perfect reel content, nearby Cotswold village Castle Coombe is often voted England’s most beautiful village. With its medieval streets and lush green surroundings, it’s a gorgeous day away from the books.
Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) are less than 60 miles away for those with a hankering for some mountain wilderness. From picnics in luscious valleys to sunrises atop Pen y Fan, there’s so much to explore in the stunning Welsh National Park.
Bath may be an inland city, but we’re less than 70 miles from the coast. Blow away the cobwebs on the South West coastal path or spend the day fossil-hunting on the Jurassic Coast.
We love: Paddleboarding along the Avon and Kennet. See the lush Bath countryside from the water with a day spent on the canal. There are several options available in the local area with a lively social scene too.