Since Bath was founded by the Romans in AD43, a host of illustrious movers and shakers from glamorous Georgians and virtuous Victorians to a sparkling roll call of contemporary superstars have made the Unesco World Heritage city of Bath their home... and it's easy to see why.
Surrounded by swathes of West Country green belt, beautiful Bath is rich in a history that makes it one of the most popular tourist destinations in the UK outside of London – but time never stands still for the city's 90,000 modern day residents who have created their own versions of history-in-the-making set against a uniquely characterful, ever-evolving backdrop.
A forward-thinking attitude to culture, commerce, business, social wellbeing and lifestyle coupled with a buoyant property market offering homes for families of all sizes creates a sparkling mini-metropolis that earns Bath pole position on myriad quality of life surveys including, most recently, a high ranking on esteemed global media company Monocle's Small Cities Index charting the world’s 25 best urban spots for relocation and opportunities in 2021.
#TheCityForAdventurousMinds
The compact city centre – super-easy to navigate on foot – is home to an enticing array of shops, markets, cafes, restaurants and bars and maintains a particularly strong focus on independent businesses who happily sit alongside high street big brands and retailers. Independent shops such as the fascinating Mr B's Emporium Bookshop, the utterly gorgeous Up To Seven children's boutique and the magical My Small World toy store make family-friendly shopping a breeze, while many of the city's refuelling pitstops are as welcoming to little people as they are to grown ups.
The Bath Quays regeneration project is poised to create a vibrant new commercial quarter for the city and create yet more shopping and leisure spaces alongside family friendly property options both north and south of the river, while the city's suburbs and villages add further texture to the tapestry of modern urban life; just 3k east of the city centre, for example, the brand new Holburne Park development offers a collection of thoroughly modern, supremely elegant Georgian-style houses and villas built on landscaped grounds next to the picturesque Kennet and Avon canal, many of which feature dedicated home offices with provision for ultrafast broadband and all of which offer adaptable space for families of all sizes.
A diverse range of arts-based programmes and activities keep cultural attention levels up in Bath at all times. The Theatre Royal Bath's “egg” is a unique, innovative venue for children’s, young people’s and family theatre featuring a 120-seat auditorium and a family-friendly cafe; since its inception in 2005, the egg has developed to become a nationally recognised hub for its exceptional work with young people, schools, universities and colleges across the country.
Families are made to feel particularly welcome at Bath's museums too, most of which are based in some of the city's most illustrious historic buildings, and all of which offer regularly-updated timetables of family-friendly events. Few adults can resist the opportunity to dress up as a Victorian or Georgian and pose for a selfie in front of an image of the Royal Crescent at the Fashion Museum, while drawing cards in the galleries, art tables and sticker trails offer stylish fascination for all. A visit to the interactive Roman Baths is a multi-textured, comprehensive experience offering broad appeal to all ages, ensuring that this ancient complex still remains very much a fully-functioning, sparkling jewel in the Bath life crown, while the Sackler Discovery Centre at the Holburne Museum (which recently hosted highly acclaimed British artist Grayson Perry's 'Pre-therapy Years' exhibition) offers free family-friendly activities inspired by current exhibitions alongside Activity Drawers conveniently placed throughout the extension galleries, Family Activity Bags and Family Trail suggestions including a mapped-out 'voyage' and an 'Animals Everywhere' theme – it's worth noting too that the Holburne is also home to a beautiful alfresco Garden Café which opens out onto Bath's historic Sydney Gardens. Meanwhile, a range of family-friendly initiatives such as the city's Forest of Imagination project (which aims to become a showcase for the creativity of the city) are based around multiple green/riverside spaces and leafy, historic squares.
Sport and fitness for all is high on the Bath agenda. A healthy selection of gyms, sports and wellbeing centres includes the University of Bath's Claverton Campus: a world-class Sports Training Village incorporating the Team Bath Gym and Fitness centre, both open to the public. Fancy a taste of park life? The elegantly sprawling Royal Victoria Park is home to a collection of meadows, duck ponds and wide open spaces alongside crazy golf, Botanic Gardens, one of the biggest children's play areas and skateboard parks in the country and a really, really good café, while Parade Gardens sits alongside the weir in the centre of the city, and hosts afternoon teas with live entertainment courtesy of a bandstand in the summer months. Bath's Skyline Walk, meanwhile, offers perspective, serenity and multiple opportunities to engage with the ancient woodlands, peaceful meadows and secluded valleys that surround Bath, all outstandingly beautiful regardless of weather or season.
Alongside regular fixtures, Bath Rugby (based at the Recreation Ground at the heart of the city) delivers all manner of programmes and training sessions across all age groups and abilities plus a dedicated Rugby Academy to nurture the superstars of tomorrow, while Bath Cricket Club's Youth Cricket Club and popular Summer Camps provide an exciting foundation for young cricketers. Talking of summer camps...
Bath Festivals brings an annual dedicated Children's Literature Festival, the music/books-centric Bath Festival and a year-round Creative Learning programme for children and young people together under one eclectic, colourful banner, while long-established festivals including Glastonbury and WOMAD are within easy reach of Bath... and, these days, very much aren't just for grown ups.
On the business and commerce front, pioneering architecture, renewable energy, software, technology and publishing companies – many of them leaders in the global market – rub shoulders with numerous small, independent initiatives all supported by the reassurance of some of the fastest broadband technology in the UK, with speeds up to 120Mbps available across the city and nearby rural locations making Bath a reliably secure base for multinational conglomerates and home-based businesses and workers alike.
But as seductive as life in Bath is, there's a whole world on the doorstep – and Bath offers easy access to that world. Direct rail links to Bristol (duration 10-20 minutes), Swindon (26-28 minutes) and London (a maximum 90-minute journey – just 70 minutes on some services – every half hour) operate from Bath Spa Station on a very regular basis, while access to the M4 is just 8 miles away, along the A46. Flying high? The AirDecker bus service offers speedy access to Bristol Airport 7 days a week, 24 hours a day, with an average journey time of 1 hour 20 minutes.
Amber Pepperall and her family relocated to Bath from London in 2019 | Lisa Bowcott |
| Having lived in London for 17+ years, Amber and her family (her husband, two dogs, two cats and a son!) relocated to Bath in 2019. Their son joined KES in Year One of the Pre-Prep School in Half Term 2020. | After 20+ years of living in cities around the world including Geneva and Sydney, Lisa Bowcott and her family relocated to Bath from London. Lisa has twin boys in the Senior School and a younger son and daughter, both in the Junior School. |
We chose to relocate to Bath because it offers us all the benefits of a big city but on a much smaller scale, and still with plenty of diversity both culturally and socially. We wanted to live within easy walking/cycling distance to the city centre but still enjoy the benefits of the stunning countryside around us, and Lansdown offered us the best of both worlds; the views are breathtaking! The benefits of life in Bath compared to our London life are immeasurable: the space, the easy access to both the city and the countryside, the lovely restaurants and shops on our doorstep, the amazing sports facilities. Having the train station within reasonable distance was also key to us, as my husband plans to be in London for 1 or 2 days a week. For our son Felix, both the move and his transition to KES have been a dream - quite simply, he's taken it all in his stride and never looked back. Every school day, I drop off and collect a very happy boy who has wholeheartedly thrown himself into the KES way of life, making great new friends and relishing the academic and sporting elements the school offers in abundance. His seamless transition has made it so much easier for Henry and I to feel adjusted too. | We don't live in the centre of Bath but it only takes us 30 minutes to get right into the heart of the city, so we have the best of both worlds: really beautiful countryside literally on our doorstep, and easy access to a fun social life with friends. Instead of driving a few miles to school in London through horrendous traffic and fumes, we now drive several miles more but through winding countryside and breathtaking views of Bath; both school runs took us 30 minutes, but we all know which one we prefer! And although educational standards are just as high in Bath as they are in London, the kids don't have to deal with the huge pressures that London schools put on them; they're thriving academically but they're much more relaxed and confident, and it's been such a pleasure watching them settle into life here. There's a real sense of community in Bath and we've found it easy to make new friends - social activities organised by parents of younger children and plenty of school activities to get involved in helped on that front too; the Christmas Fair at KES, for example, is a great activity to get involved in as there are so many other parents engaged in making the event happen. There are lots of outdoor activities within easy striking distance so there's always plenty to do, and the beautiful country walks all around the outskirts of the city make it perfect for a family who loves dogs, as we do. We've met lots of families who moved to Bath from London, so there are many like-minded people who are happy to welcome newcomers. Many of the families here have two working parents, often with one parent working (or in my case studying) from home. So don't forget to check both the mobile signal and the WiFi at any possible future home – you don't want to find yourself struggling to work in a village blackspot! |
As Jane Austen – one of the city's most famous previous residents – wrote in her 1817 novel Northanger Abbey, “Oh! Who ever can be tired of Bath?” Over 200 years on, those words resonate deeply with all those who live in the city today – but, like Jane (who was born in Hampshire) many of them relocated to make Bath their home.
“Many of our clients base their decision to relocate to Bath on the high standard of education, the relaxed lifestyle, the beautiful surroundings, the thriving city centre and the easy access to transport routes – Bath really is a 'best of all worlds' city!” says Philip Cobb, Managing Director of Cobb Farr Estate Agents. “These days, of course, many parents work from home, or commute between cities far less frequently than they used to. Family homes in and around Bath with more space for home offices represent wonderful value for money compared to, say, houses of an equivalent size in London, while reliable infrastructure in terms of broadband capability and regular train services from Bath Spa railway station to cities across the UK (plus, of course, easy access to Bristol International Airport) make Bath the perfect location for busy business people.”
"Despite its relatively small size, Bath is a culturally diverse city with much to offer young families, from wonderful education opportunities to that all-important family downtime,” says Knight Frank’s James Dredge. “Bath became a World Heritage Site in 1987 but it's a thoroughly modern, forward-thinking city too; exciting, extensive, ongoing developments such as our collection of new build Georgian-style homes at Holburne Park. These homes are set within six acres of landscaped parkland along the Kennet & Avon Canal, against a backdrop of rich history, overlooking the breath taking city skyline, just around the corner from King Edward's School.” Vicky Dudbridge from Savills agrees, adding "These exceptional homes offer flexible living accommodation with ground floor facilities suitable for home living with adaptable shower room in addition to home working and office space which is so important in today’s changing market place. A home designed for the changing lifestyle where family is key is hard to find in Bath, especially where green space on your doorstep is so sought after."
Bathwick/Claverton Down Georgian townhouses, Victorian villas, cottages and cul de sacs both ancient and modern: leafy, elegant Bathwick, situated on the upper eastern slopes of the city leading up to semi-rural Claverton Down (home to the University of Bath's Claverton Campus' world-class Sports Training Village and the Team Bath Gym and Fitness centre, both open to the public) and within easy reach of the Bath Skyline walks offers stunning town and countryside views and a graciously comprehensive mix of family homes.
Lower Weston This largely residential suburb just west of Bath city centre on the edge of beautiful Royal Victoria Park offers a something-for-all mixture of properties spanning the Georgian, Edwardian, Victorian and 20th century eras. The shops, bakeries, supermarkets, cafes and pubs in Weston Village act as a thriving community hub while easy access to the gloriously pretty Primrose Hill Community Woodland makes everyday life in Lower Weston a picnic in the park.
Widcombe Nestling on the borders of pastoral paradise Lyncombe Vale, this community-driven enclave is home to a high street lined with the kind of shops, delis, pubs, takeaways, restaurants and bars that negate the need for the short walk to the city centre. Family-friendly properties abound here, from grand Georgian townhouses to Victorian villas and terraces both spacious and compact.
Combe Down A range of 18th/19th century Bath stone villas, terraces and cottages mingle comfortably with a range of Georgian, Victorian and thoroughly modern new builds in this leafy urban village on the south side of Bath, home to a wide range of amenities from shops, delis and pubs to banks, health centres and supermarkets.
Bear Flat This pretty plateau high on a hill just a few minutes south of the town centre earned number two position on The Times' prestigious Top Places to Live in the UK 2020 list, with the range of friendly local shops, pubs and restaurants, easy access to green spaces including Linear Walk and Alexander Park and the variety of family-friendly properties of all sizes including spacious Victorian terraced houses making it, in the Times' own words, “heaven on earth for young families.”
Camden/Larkhall While cosy Camden – home to one of Bath’s little-known but most glorious crescents, to the north east of the city centre – is largely residential, the adjoining stylish 'village' of Larkhall exists in a satellite all of its own, home to an eclectic mixture of independent pubs, shops and delis at the heart of the action. A fittingly eclectic mix of properties further endorses Camden/Larkhall's characterful reputation.
Bathampton/Batheaston East of Bath, nestled on the south banks of the River Avon and surrounded by acre upon acre of meadows, wetlands and woods, the super-pretty village of Bathampton is a near neighbour of the equally charming village of Batheaston, both villages linked at one point by a 19th century Toll Bridge. A characterful range of properties in both villages attests to the rich history of the area from 17th century cottages to 21st century grand designs. Meanwhile, easy access to all the necessary amenities (shops, pubs, health centres, etc) make modern country living a breeze.
Lansdown The leafy streets of peaceful, elegant Lansdown – situated on the rolling hills to the north of the city and home to its own cricket club, a Bath Spa University campus and, to the far north, Bath Racecourse – are lined with a collection of Georgian, Victorian and thoroughly modern, super-stylish properties, from those based around (or even on) the grand sweep of the historic Lansdown Crescent or the historic Sion Hill Place to the contemporary Ensleigh development, closer to the city centre.
Moorland Road/Oldfield Park This lively young family heartland of long, redbrick Victorian terraces south of the city centre is based around a bustling high street lined with family-friendly cafes, restaurants and bars alongside independent butchers, bakers, hardware, pet and wholefood emporia and delis, all serviced by its own railway station (Oldfield Park) and excellent bus services.
A collection of vibrant, characterful small towns and villages thrive around Bath, all offering easy access to the city centre that makes family and working life in a pastoral paradise location a dream-come-true reality.
KES operates several independent bus services and a shuttle service from/to Bath Spa Railway Station including a connection service between the Pre-Prep and Junior Schools, ensuring pupils can attend the school both locally and from further afield. For full details of school operated transport or local services, please click here.
Historic market town uniquely positioned on the edge of the Cotswolds and the River Avon, surrounded by the Avon Green Belt. After an exhaustive national contest in 2015, The Sunday Times concluded that BoA was worthy of the Best Town in Britain award based on its location, amenities, wide range of affordable family properties and overall beauty.
Picture perfect, super-pretty Freshford is hugely popular with ramblers who meander alongside the Avon or Frome rivers or cyclists who make the most of access to the Kennet and Avon Canal towpath, all of whom are richly rewarded for their efforts by finding themselves at the heart of a village that looks like a backdrop for a scene in a Beatrix Potter story.
Just inside the southernmost boundary of the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and designated a Conservation Area in 1983 for “special architectural and historic interest”, the tiny village of Wellow goes large on family-friendly charm.
Another high-ranking contender for the Sunday Times Best Places to Live in Britain awards, this vibrant market town - home to a massive array of thriving independent shops, businesses and creative industries initiatives – has a strong community focus and offers myriad family-friendly properties in and around its historic streets.
Nestling on the edge of the Mendip Hills, this charming, lively small town is home to multiple residential enclaves built on the higher grounds on either side of the River Somer, which runs the length of the town centre.
This super-pretty market town on the south-western edge of the Cotswolds boasts both a fascinating ancient history and a bang up-to-date forward-thinking outlooked supported by its growing reputation as a significant digital hub, with the town's Mansion House project – offering incubation space for digital entrepreneurs, growing SMEs and a wealth of innovative start-up companies – at the epicentre.
Cobb Farr Estate Agents | Savils Estate Agents |
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