Saltford families can step into the past, get creative, and explore the world of art and archaeology this summer at two of Bath’s cultural attractions – The Roman Baths and Victoria Art Gallery.
Young explorers can dig for hidden treasures in an archaeological trench at The Roman Baths, enjoy an ice cream beside the Great Bath, discover new exhibition The Lost Spells at Victoria Art Gallery, or get hands-on with creative crafts inspired by nature and history.
See below under ‘The Roman Baths’ and ‘Victoria Art Gallery’ for a list of fun activities happening at both locations in summer 2025.
Please note that although entry is free to the Roman Baths and Victoria Art Gallery for Discovery Card holders, some activities – including ones listed below – require booking, plus some are free with others at an additional cost. Please see below for details.
Don’t forget that Under 16s travel on buses for free this summer! Details below.
Discovery Cards for Saltford residents
The Discovery Card gives Saltford residents (and all residents of Bath and North East Somerset) free access to Council owned Heritage Sites, including the Roman Baths and Victoria Art Gallery (book your free site visits at https://beta.bathnes.gov.uk/book-free-heritage-visits), as well discounts with participating local attractions and businesses; a full list of partners can be found here. So it’s well worth having!
Residents can order Discovery Cards online, and have the choice of ordering an e-card or physical card (made from recycled plastic). For details of the Residents’ Discovery Card, visit www.bathnes.gov.uk/residents-discovery-card and www.bathnes.gov.uk/discoverycard. For residents who are unable to book online, they can apply by calling Council Connect (01225 39 40 41) or applying in person at one of the council’s collection locations.
Free bus travel for Under 16s this summer
Visitors can now stay longer in Bath, as the Park & Ride service has been extended until 11.30pm from Monday to Saturday, on a trial basis until 31 August. The last buses will leave the city centre at 11.30pm.
Plus remember this summer children under 16 can travel on buses in the West of England area FOR FREE until 5 September 2025. Visit the TravelWest website for information (and some exemptions).
Museum website information
Please visit the museum websites for dates and times of each activity: www.romanbaths.co.uk / www.victoriagal.org.uk
The Roman Baths
Archaeology Adventures
Dig for replica Roman artefacts in an excavation trench and learn how to identify, record, and uncover hidden treasures, just like a real archaeologist. Archaeology Adventures can be booked as an addition to your Roman Baths ticket and take place in the underground Investigation Zone. Recommended age 5 to 12. £6 per child. Book here
Family activities in the Roman Baths museum
Don’t miss the family craft activities in the Roman Baths museum over the summer holidays, all inspired by amazing objects from the Roman Baths collection. Create a gemstone decoration, imperial crown, or Roman-style brooch. Included in Roman Baths admission. Recommended age 3+. Book tickets here
The Grimwood Museum Adventure family trail
Free for Roman Baths visitors, the new Grimwood Museum Adventure family trail encourages children to explore the museum with lots of activities and things to search for along the way. The trail was created by Kids in Museums and Simon & Schuster Children’s Books to celebrate Nadia Shireen’s new book in the Grimwood series, Rock the Vote! available from 1 August.
Summer Lates
Visit The Roman Baths after hours to explore the ancient stones and shimmering waters by torchlight. Relax with a drink from the bar, while children enjoy Marshfield ice cream, snacks and soft drinks. From Monday to Thursday, the historic site will stay open until 8pm, while at weekends opening hours will be extended until 10pm with live music beside the Great Bath. Last admission one hour before closing. Book here
Victoria Art Gallery
The Lost Spells: Listening to a Landscape of Voices
This family friendly exhibition showcases artworks by Jackie Morris and poems by Robert Macfarlane, from their best-selling book about nature, The Lost Spells. Young art lovers will enjoy exploring the beautiful paintings of wildlife with the free children’s trail, crawling through the specially created badger sett, playing dress up, and designing a leaf to add to a custom-made storytelling tree. Book here
Mini Makers
Let your creativity bloom over the summer holidays, in a series of Mini Makers workshops for children, set in the Victoria Art Gallery’s brand-new family activity space and inspired by current exhibition The Lost Spells: Listening to a Landscape of Voices. Make a funky origami bird decoration to hang from a twig mobile, use leaves and natural materials to design an animal, or write your own nature poetry for display. Perfect for children aged 11 and under. £5 per making participant. Book here
Free family crafts
Enjoy free family craft sessions over the summer holidays, hosted in the Gallery’s brand-new family space, and inspired by The Lost Spells exhibition. Activities range from pen painting to bracelet making, and creating a colourful, feathery bird. Free but booking advised. Recommended age 3+. Book here