Things to Do in Bath in September (and All Year Round)

September is one of the best months to visit Bath. The summer crowds thin out, the evenings are still light, and the city's honey-coloured stone glows in the autumn sun. Here are our favourite things to do in Bath in September, plus ideas for every other season.

Things to do in Bath in September

Jane Austen Festival

Every September, Bath celebrates its most famous former resident with the Jane Austen Festival. Its highlight is the Regency Costumed Promenade, when hundreds of people in Regency dress parade through the city streets. There are also talks, balls and walks, many open to anyone with a love of Austen.

Heritage Open Days

In September, Heritage Open Days give free access to buildings and places across England that are usually closed to the public, and Bath always has plenty to explore.

A hot air balloon ride over the city

September is still ballooning season, and the settled weather and golden light make it a lovely month to fly. Flights launch from Royal Victoria Park, right below the Royal Crescent, so you can be above Georgian rooftops minutes after take-off. See balloon rides in Bath.

Bath Children's Literature Festival

Towards the end of September, the Bath Children's Literature Festival brings authors and illustrators to the city for family events.

Things to do in Bath all year round

• The Roman Baths: walk around the remarkably preserved Roman bathing complex, built around the city's natural hot springs.
• Thermae Bath Spa: bathe in Bath's natural thermal water, with views over the city from the rooftop pool.
• Bath Abbey: climb the tower for views over the city.
• The Royal Crescent: visit No. 1 Royal Crescent to see how a Georgian townhouse looked inside.
• Prior Park: a landscape garden with a famous Palladian bridge and views back over the city.
• The Kennet and Avon Canal: walk or cycle the towpath out of the city into the countryside.

Bath through the year

Spring and summer bring the Bath Festival in May, long evenings for walking the city, and the main ballooning season. Autumn has the Jane Austen Festival and golden light over the Georgian terraces. In winter, the Bath Christmas Market fills the streets around the Abbey with stalls from late November.

See Bath from above

A hot air balloon ride is one of the most memorable ways to see the city, and it makes a great gift to combine with a weekend in Bath. Flights run in the morning and evening from March to October. Find out more about balloon rides in Bath.