Sport and Leisure

Whether it's watching our city's great rugby club, hiking, or lounging in a hot tub, Bath has it all!

If you enjoy watching rugby, you're sure to want to watch Bath Rugby Club play one of its home matches at the 'Rec' by Pulteney Bridge. The club is one of the great institutions of the West Country, and in 1998 it was the first British team to win the European Championship. Bath City Football Club - or perhaps a day at Bath Races - are alternatives for the sports enthusiast. Bath's racecourse is famous for being the highest in the country. Badminton and Gatcombe, known for their annual horse trials, are not far from Bath.

There are also plenty of opportunities to participate in your favourite sport, both on campus and in Bath itself.

Walking and cycling are popular pastimes both in the city centre and in the vast countryside. There is a Sustrans cycle route which links Bristol and Bath to the National Cycle Network, plus the 92 mile circular Avon Cycleway. A recent addition is the series of circular routes which take in historical sites and beauty spots.

Bath is situated at one end of the Cotswold Way, a great footpath for ramblers to explore. The National Trust has created the Bath Skyline Walk, another circular route covering six miles.

The Thermae Bath Spa, which uses Bath's natural thermal waters, is now a major attraction for both tourist and resident. The complex offers a full range of spa treatments, and features an open-air rooftop pool.