News, events and schools' information for families across Bath and West Wiltshire

With summer officially here, there’s no better time to start planning family adventures and getting out to explore the hidden gems right on your doorstep. 

First West of England is encouraging people to get back out there to support local businesses and it’s never been easier or better value to explore with the whole family with a First Day Group ticket which allows unlimited travel for groups of up to five for the whole day in a chosen area.

Visiting local businesses and attractions will provide a much-needed economic boost for the region, especially to smaller independent traders on our local high streets.

Whether heading out to the beautiful 57-acres Royal Victoria Park – the perfect spot for family games and picnics – discovering local independent cafés and restaurants or learning more about the city’s most famous resident at the Jane Austen Centre, there’s plenty to do and see in Bath. 

What’s more, leaving the car at home and travelling with First can be kind for your wallet as well as the environment. As well as removing some of the costs of driving, like petrol or paying for parking, First’s ticket offers make the bus an even better choice.

First’s Day Group ticket is brilliant value for money, offering unlimited travel all day for up to five people in a chosen region on First West of England services. You can grab a deal by asking the driver for a Group ticket or the cheapest way to purchase via mTickets on the free First Bus App.

A First Day Group ticket (which allows up to five people, unlimited travel all day in a chosen area) in the Bath Zone is £9 or £8.60 if purchased on mTickets via the app. In the West of England Area, a First Day Group ticket is £14 or £13.20 on mTickets.

Doug Claringbold, managing director of First West of England, says, “There are so many great places to visit locally in Bath, many of them just a short hop away on the bus. 

“Our customers have missed lots of local gems during the past year and we want to encourage them to go and support these places again and perhaps even discover more in the city, whether they are shopping, eating and drinking or just visiting for a day out.

“Our message to customers is that, for a day out, the bus really is a viable alternative to the car: it lets you enjoy the scenery, contributes to cleaner travel and is great value for money especially if you buy your tickets in advance using our app. Families and groups can also get a great deal by using our Group Ticket which allows unlimited travel in one region for groups of up to five.

“Our drivers and colleagues across the region remain a vital part of connecting communities and businesses, and we are very much looking forward to welcoming customers back on board this summer.”

For the latest timetable information and ideas for great days out by bus visit www.firstbus.co.uk/golocal