Westonbirt Arboretum in Spring

Walcot Street during the Fringe Festival

Promenade during the Jane Austen Festival in September

Westonbirt Arboretum, famous for autumn colours of the National Acer collection

Bath Christmas market is the highlight of the first week of December

Snowy scene at Westonbirt Arboretum

Bath is a beautiful city at any time of year, with so much to enjoy in the city and beyond. This screen details some of the major special events and attractions that occur throughout the year. For up to date information about what's on see the Visit Bath website

Bath is especially beautiful in spring and summer when the floral displays are at their very best and you can enjoy sitting outside in pavement cafes or wandering in one of the many parks & gardens. Click here for details.

March & April

Bath Literature Festival. Dozens of sessions from local and international writers and poets. See website for details.

Shakespeare Festival. Usually alternate years. Details will be posted on the Theatre Royal website.

Westonbirt Arboretum. The rhododendrons, camelias, magnolias, bluebells, primroses and wood anemones are breathtaking. See their website for details of the Spring highlights.

May & June

Bath Spring Flower Show. In Royal Victoria Park. May bank holiday weekend.

The Royal Bath & West Show. The show offers the perfect day out for the whole family; the best for shopping, food, flowers, crafts, country pursuits, equestrian competitions and arena displays. See website.

Bath International Music Festival. One of the UK's premier music festivals attracting a host of big names in Jazz and Classical music. Usually two weeks at the end of May. See website.

Bath Fringe Festival. End of May to beginning of June. Contemporary art events from drama and comedy, to street theatre and music. Standards impressively high. Some events are free; ticket prices vary for other activities.See website.

July & August

Bath International Taste Extravaganza. Showcases food from the city and the world. Details to be announced. See Visit Bath website.

Bath Classical Guitar Festival. Details to be announced. See Visit Bath website.

September & October

National Amateur Gardening Show. Bath and West Showground. See website.

Heritage Open Days. Celebrating Bath’s fantastic architecture, properties that are usually closed to the public or charge for admission offer free access. Click here for details.

The Jane Austen Festival. Around the third week in September. See festival website.

Bath Food & Drink Fortnight. End of September and
Beginning of October. A two week celebration of the wonderful food that is produced, sold and served in and around Bath. Click here for further information.

Bath Film Festival. Last two weeks of October. See website for full programme

November & December

Westonbirt Arboretum. The national acer collection shows off its stunning autumn colours. Nearer Christmas the Arboretum hosts 'The Enchanted Christmas' when the woods are lit up at night. There's also Father Christmas plus lots of other festive excitement See their website for details.

Bath Mozartfest. Some of the world's greatest performers presenting some of the finest gems in the classical repertoire. See website.

Christmas at Claverton. 25th Nov.- 17th Dec.The American Museum celebrates Christmas in historical style. See website.

Jane Austen's Regency Christmas. usuall last week in November and all December. Special exhibition at the Jane Austen Centre. Click here for details.

Bath Christmas Market. All Christmas shopping should be like this! It’s very atmospheric wandering around the many stalls near the Abbey, while sipping mulled wine! Gifts, crafts and food from around the world. See website for details.

January & February

After the Christmas and New Year festivities, this is an excellent time to indulge yourselves with a restorative break in this relaxing city. With so many excellent restaurants to choose from you can dine out every night of the week, should you feel so inclined and if you were doing all the Christmas catering then you've earned a bit of pampering! This would be an ideal time to visit the Thermae Bath Spa and once you are feeling more energetic then there's always the January sales to tempt you. If it snows,or is very frosty, Westonbirt Arboretum is magic, as are the parks and gardens in central Bath.

Photos of Westonbirt Arboretum copyright David Harding.