After a landmark 2025, Bath is heading into 2026 with huge momentum and a packed calendar of festivals and events that will appeal to local families and families planning to visit the area.
The year begins with ReBalance Bath, headlined by Joe Wicks, followed by popular favourites including Bath Restaurant Week, Curious Minds, Queer Bath and the Bath Comedy Festival.
The much-loved Jane Austen Festival returns in September, alongside Film Bath and Movies at the Museums, before Bath Christmas Market closes the year from 26 November to 13 December 2026.
A brand-new Festival of Choirs will run from Friday 15 to Sunday 17 May, celebrating choir singing across the city with events at Party in the City, Green Park Station and a CHOIRLAB workshop day at The Roper Theatre.
Music lovers can also look forward to a rich programme of classical events. As part of Bath International Music Festival, American pianist Richard Goode presents a selection of Beethoven’s greatest works, while Bath Abbey hosts an immersive performance by British choral ensemble Gesualdo Six, marking the 400th anniversary of composer William Byrd.
Bath Bachfest in February and Bath Mozartfest in November will run under the direction of new Artistic Director Adrian Brendel.
The Roman Baths will present a year-long programme celebrating Roman festivals, with popular late evening openings returning for the summer.
The Theatre Royal Bath’s 2026 programme includes 2:22 A Ghost Story, the sold-out production of Prima Facie starring Jodie Comer and Murder in the Cathedral, starring Sir David Suchet. Strictly Jane Austen Tours also launch a new twilight walk exploring Jane Austen and Bath’s Gothic history, while Valley Fest returns to Chew Valley Lake in the summer.
A city families want to live in and visit
Bath ended 2025 firmly in the spotlight, marking the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen’s birth, being named one of the world’s top 10 food destinations by the Michelin Guide and crowned Best UK City for 2025 by Condé Nast Traveller readers.
As families begin planning weekends away, holidays and day trips for the year ahead, Bath and the surrounding area are set to continue flourishing as a place to live, study, visit and explore together.
Exhibitions and anniversaries
2026 marks 20 years of the Thermae Bath Spa, a milestone for one of the city’s most iconic attractions.
Families with older children and teens can enjoy a strong programme of exhibitions. Poster Power! runs from January to May at the Victoria Art Gallery, while The Holburne Museum presents Zandra Rhodes – A Life in Print over the same period.
Later in the year, Post Impressionist Printmakers from Manet to Picasso runs at The Holburne until September. No.1 Royal Crescent hosts Handle with Care: Cornelia Parker & Historic Glass, offering a contemporary perspective on historic collections.
Looking ahead to winter 2026, The World of The Snowman opens at the Victoria Art Gallery from 20 November. Based on Raymond Briggs’ much-loved picture book, the exhibition is designed with families visiting Bath in mind and runs until February 2027.
Food news for family days out
Bath’s food scene continues to grow in ways that suit both local families and visitors. The Pump Room Restaurant will launch a series of themed afternoon teas inspired by Bath’s literary connections, including Agatha Christie and Mary Shelley.
Somerset favourite Pizzarova opens in the city in the new year, while Bath Cider Festival arrives at Bath Pavilion on 13 and 14 February.
Families heading into the countryside can also look out for a new teatime experience at The Pig-near Bath and the recently opened Mad Swans in the Mendips, which combines eco-cabins with playful social spaces designed to suit all ages.
New places to stay
There are plenty of new accommodation options for families planning a short break or welcoming visiting grandparents.
Providence Hotels will complete the transformation of their North Parade hotel, while The Francis Hotel opens a new spa in the spring. Outside the city, Corsham House opens as a wine-led townhouse brasserie with rooms, and The Newt in Somerset launches Yarlington Lodge, offering exclusive-use accommodation with family-friendly facilities.
Shopping changes
Jolly’s is set to reopen in the spring following a major refurbishment, while M&S will move into the former Debenhams building at SouthGate, reshaping the city’s main shopping area for residents and visitors alike.
Bath on screen
Bath will be back on our screens in 2026, inspiring even more families to plan a visit. Season 4 of Bridgerton lands on Netflix at the end of January.
The city will also feature in The Seven Dials Mystery, an Agatha Christie adaptation, and British indie film Mother’s Pride, filmed at the Guildhall.
From festivals and exhibitions to food, film and family-friendly places to stay, 2026 is shaping up to be another standout year for families living in Bath and for those planning a visit to the area.
For even more events in Bath, go to the Events pages of The Bath & Wiltshire Parent
