Bath leap list

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Bath Leap List / noun / A list of GREAT activities students should do in and around BATH before they graduate and leap onwards to the next phase of their lives.

Welcome to the University of Bath Leap List!

We invited students, alumni, staff and members of the public to offer their favourite experiences in and around the lovely city of Bath – something they thought our current students should do before they graduate and ‘leap’ onwards to the next phase of their lives. Bath has such an abundance of history, culture, green spaces and water ways to enjoy, there was plenty to choose from. This list is a selection of the most popular - enjoy!

Watch the City of Bath come to life Try the Aurasma App on our cover images now!

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Getting started with Augmented Reality 1. Download the free Aurasma App from the App store or Google Play store 2. Open your web browser and enter the following URL: bit.ly/bathchannel 3. With the camera view displayed on the screen (click on the icon), hold your device over each of the cover images and watch them come to life! Double-tap to close

Front and back cover images: Bath Thermae Spa, Bath Royal Crescent, Christmas market, Page 11: Prior Park. © Bath Tourism Plus / Colin Hawkins

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Entertainment

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Culture

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Events

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Food & drink

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Out & about

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Explore more

“What you will get out of your life at Bath is directly proportional to what you put in.

Don’t sit back.” Pat Ryan, Biology graduate

Entertainment Bizarre Bath Comedy Walk – a guided evening stroll taking an irreverent look at the city of Bath. www.bizarrebath.co.uk

facebook winner!

“The comedy walk is absolutely brilliant! It’s really nice to do something different and I hadn’t seen anything like this before. It’s just the right mix between being well rehearsed and improvised, the audience is involved all the way and often some confused passers-by too. I laughed all the way round!” Bethany Squire, graduate 2012, BA (Hons) Modern Languages and European Studies (French & Spanish)

Moles – World Famous Live Music Club in Bath hosting the best upcoming acts and clubnights. www.moles.co.uk

“Cheese night on a Tuesday is unbeatable…that’s if you’re into cheesy pop & like to dance like a loon.” Elsa Barratt, graduate 2012, BA (Hons) Modern Languages and European Studies (French & ab initio Italian)

Thermae Bath Spa – bathe in Britain’s only naturally warm, mineral-rich waters; indoor and open-air, by day and night. www.thermaebathspa.com DC

“…feel like Royalty…”

Robyn Wallis, student, BA (Hons) Sport and Social Sciences

Komedia – Bath’s award-winning venue for live comedy, music, cabaret and club nights. www.komedia.co.uk/bath

“I watched my flatmate on Open Mic Night - it was a really good laugh.” Celyn Ferris, student, BSc (Hons) Social Work and Applied Social Studies

Little Theatre Cinema – quality cinema from around the globe. www.picturehouses.com/cinema/The_Little

“Homey & comfy.”

Kat Josephides, graduate 2013, BSc (Hons) International Management and Modern Languages (French)

Bath Rugby – watch a game of rugby at the Rec. www.bathrugby.com

“There’s a great atmosphere in the stadium.”

Ken Fujimoto, graduate 2014, MEng (Hons) Aerospace Engineering

Culture Bath Abbey Tower Tour – fully guided tour up the 212 steps to the top of the Tower for some great views of the city. www.bathabbey.org/towertours

“The Abbey Tower Tour is a great way to see the city from above - you go into the bell chamber and right up to the roof.” Toby Ayres, graduate 2012, BSc (Hons) Computer Science with Business

Roman Baths – the heart of our World Heritage City, where the Romans built a magnificent temple and bathing complex that still flows with natural hot water. Try this popular tourist attraction in the summer months when it’s torch-lit late in the evening. www.romanbaths.co.uk DC

Beckford’s Tower – neo-classical tower with a museum on the first floor and 154 steps to a panoramic view of Bath. www.bath-preservation-trust.org.uk Museums – these are the favorite cultural spots for students, but don’t forget the city has a strong cultural heritage - 17 museums within a square mile, including the Jane Austen Centre, Herschel Museum of Astronomy and the Fashion Museum.

If you want some more ideas, check out visitbath.co.uk DC

Festivals Literature, Digital, Comedy, Music and Film – just a few of the many festivals in Bath throughout the year. See visitbath.co.uk/whats-on for up to date information.

May be available.

Or perhaps the Bath Cider Festival at Bath Racecourse is more your cup of tea...

“…always a fun night.”

Ian Cowburn, graduate 2009, BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science

Events Throughout the year the city hosts a great mix of music, literature, sport, entertainment and art events. Keep an eye on visitbath.co.uk for full listings, but here are just a few to tempt you:

Bath Christmas market – over 120 individual wooden chalet style stalls in the heart of the city alongside Bath Abbey and the Roman Baths. www.bathchristmasmarket.co.uk

“…go in the evenings; magical with lights.”

Steven Williams, graduate 2013, MChem (Hons)

Don’t forget that shopping in Bath is interesting throughout the year - explore the grand Georgian Streets and small passageways that connect the larger stores with smaller independent boutiques. Look out for Bath’s Student Lock In – one night a year student shopping event with entertainment, giveaways and exclusive discounts. www.studentlockin.com “Grab a bargain.” Deanna Griffiths, graduate 2013, BA (Hons) Modern Languages and European Studies (French & Spanish)

Food & drink Sally Lunn’s House www.sallylunns.co.uk

“Great bun! Must eat.”

Vinnie Ong, graduate 2003, MSc Management and Strategic Information Systems

Boston Tea Party www.bostonteaparty.co.uk

“Breakfast at Boston Tea Party is a great way to start the day.”

Laura Elliott, graduate 2014, BSc (Hons) International Management and Modern Languages (French)

The Mad Hatter’s Tea Party – quirky and friendly tea rooms. www.facebook.com/madhattersbath Bea’s Vintage Tea Rooms – decorated in authentic 1930s/40s style to transport you back in time. beasvintagetearooms.com Jika Jika – award winning coffee house and canteen, brainchild of Bath rugby legends Lee Mears and Matt Stevens. www.jikajika.co.uk

“Good coffee, place to read.”

Edyta Branna, graduate 2013, BSc (Hons) International Management and Modern Languages (Spanish)

Society Café – good reviews for this modern, relaxed ‘urban living space’. www.society-cafe.com

“Best coffee in Bath.”

George O’Connell, student, MMath (Hons) Mathematics

Schwartz Brothers Limited – a gourmet burger takeaway that’s been in Bath for 35 years. www.schwartzbros.co.uk

“Treat yourself to a Schwartz Brothers burger, more than just your average takeaway!” Tom Evans, graduate 2013, BSc (Hons) Economics

The Real Italian Pizza Company – family run Pizza House in the city centre.

“Simply yummy.”

www.realitalianpizza.co.uk Eva Sakellaridi, graduate 2014, MA Education

Chapel Arts Café – in the Chapel Arts Centre, an established alternative arts venue. Wholly vegetarian offerings, many organic, local or gluten free. www.chapelarts.org

“yummy flat breads.”

Kelsey Heard, graduate 2013, BSc (Hons) Psychology

Many pubs to choose from but why don’t you try some real ale in The Raven, or check out The Salamander, The Pig & Fiddle, The Cosy Club or The Garricks Head -

“they do the best fish and chips in the city!”

Matt Alexander, staff

Out & about Bath Boating Station – for rowing, punting or canoeing on the River Avon. www.bathboating.co.uk

“Between 30-40 of us hire these lovely old antique boats and head to Bathampton Mill for lunch - the pub food is yum but expensive so many of us bring picnics. We then spend the rest of day messing around in the river, racing each other swimming, and finish up with ice cream. It’s a fairly awesome way to spend a nice sunny day.” Natalie Price, graduate 2013, MEng (Hons) Civil and Architectural Engineering

Claverton Weir – 100m long in the wonderful valley off the River Avon with long deep water stretches and shallow paddling areas above. www.wildswimming.co.uk/map/claverton-weir-avon

“In the summer, head down to the weir, which isn’t far away from the university. You can paddle your feet in the crystal clear water and there’s a cute little island where you can have a picnic.” Emiley Bendle, graduate 2014,

BA (Hons) Modern Languages and European Studies (French & Spanish)

Hot air balloon ride – take off from Royal Victoria Park just in front of the Royal Crescent for spectacular views. If you’re lucky with the prevailing winds, you might pass over The Circus which, along with Queen Square and the adjoining Gay Street, form a key shape when viewed from the air.

“Living in Bath it is inevitable that at some point you will look up into the sky and see hot air balloons drifting silently over the beautiful city of Bath.

What better way to celebrate graduation than with friends or family over the city where so many memories have been made.” Tamsyn Hawken, graduate 2014, MSc Health Psychology

Kennet and Avon Canal – from the heart of the city get quickly into beautiful countryside. “Cycle from Bath to Bradford on Avon along the canal towpath

– great views and good beer in Bradford to sustain you for the return trip!”

Sue Newport, graduate 1994, BSc (Hons) Business Administration

Two Tunnels Greenway – this new walking and cycling path was transformed from a disused railway line and forms part of a beautiful circular loop from Bath. www.twotunnels.org.uk

Roller skating at the Bath Pavilion – Get your skates on! No excuses, skate hire is free! tinyurl.com/osaxykm

Explore more Bristol – the second largest city in the south of England with plenty to see and do, just 15 minutes away by train. Explore the historic harbourside, take a river ferry trip, visit At-Bristol (the interactive science centre), Bristol Zoo or a contemporary art gallery such as the Arnolfini. Enjoy the street art of Banksy or the iconic ships and bridges of Isambard Kingdom Brunel.

“Bristol was key in the Industrial Revolution, go and see the SS Great Britain (the world’s first ocean-going liner), Clifton Suspension Bridge, the GWR train shed at Temple Meads, and Bristol Docks...”

Bill Wiffen, graduate 1972, BSc (Hons) Applied Physics

Stonehenge – iconic prehistoric monument. Mystery surrounds how and why our ancestors built this ancient, awe-inspiring creation. www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/stonehenge

“I rented a car with three others and we took off to see Stonehenge and Glastonbury. Along the way we stopped at Salisbury and the Wookey Hole Caves and had a great weekend - Explore the surrounding area and don’t be afraid to try driving on the “wrong side of the road”. I loved the exploration great laughs!” Allison White, graduate 2010, MA Education

Rock Climbing - “Cheddar and Avon gorges offer

some of the finest limestone rock faces in the country and can be a great introduction to rock climbing. If it’s raining why not head inside and try some indoor climbing or bouldering at one of Bristol’s two indoor centres.”

Robbie King, graduate 2013, MEng (Hons) Electrical and Electronic Engineering

Surfing in Devon – With North Devon bearing the brunt of Atlantic swells, this stunning coastline boasts several top surfing locations. Croyde Bay is one of the main draws with a rich surfing history. At just over 2.5 hours drive away, it’s closer than you think.

National Trust – Prior Park, Lacock Village, Dyrham Park and the Bath Skyline are some of the beautiful places to visit in and around Bath. www.nationaltrust.org.uk

City centre map Please visit our web page for an interactive map showing the locations of all the Leap List entries.

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KEY Seasonal Check opening times before you go.

Student discounts Show your student card to get student discount.

DC

Bath Discovery Card Students who are registered on a full-time programme of at least one year are able to apply for a ‘Discovery Card’. This card entitles you to free entry to the Roman Baths and Fashion Museum, and discounts at a wide range of participating attractions. Apply at the Roman Baths in the city centre (near the Abbey), or at the One Stop Shop in Manvers Street; you’ll need a letter from the University confirming your registration.

See also www.bathnes.gov.uk/discoverycard.

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Please visit us for all this information and more What’s your favourite thing to do in and around Bath?

Whatever it may be, we want to hear about it!

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Published October 2015