Things to do in Bath on a rainy weekend

My little sister came to visit me over the weekend, and it poured with rain the whole time. That got me thinking about things to do in Bath when its raining – as although we’ve have the summer from hell I seem to have still managed to spend most of it outdoors in the city’s many parks and near the canal and river.

So I did what I always resort to doing at times of trouble… I asked Twitter. On Sunday morning I tweeted my request and was inundated with replies in seconds.

As a result, my sister and I had a great time visiting the Fashion Museum, which had a collection of wedding dresses on display to celebrate this year’s royal ceremonies. We also dressed up in corsets and crinoline, which made us both rather glad to be 21st century girls. Yep, you might get a waistline to die for, but I nearly suffocated in the process!

Anyway, as there were loads of great replies to my desperate Twitter plea, I thought I would pop them in a blog post so that everyone else can share them too. And please do add more in the comments box – unless we get an Indian summer I’m going to need your suggestions!

My sister trying on a corset and crinoline at Bath Fashion Museum.

Top of the list of recommendations was the Fashion Museum, which as I mentioned was a great way to pass an hour or so, and has dressing up items for adults and kids, and changing seasonal displays. Definitely more one for the girls, I don’t think my boyfriend would have appreciated it quite as much as my sister! Thanks to Colin, Sarah, Ian and Katie for the great suggestion.

Sally Lunn’s museum was suggested by Liz and we called in here to try Bath Buns after visiting the Fashion Museum. Its free to get in to the museum if you have a drink, or 30p otherwise and worth a look around. I can’t say I was overly ecstatic about my bun, but certainly worth trying it once.

Thanks to Mike who suggested the Holburne Museum – I was lucky enough to get invited to the opening of the Holburne following its extension and refit, and it is definitely a great idea for a rainy day. Entry is free, although personally I’d recommend factoring in a coffee break elsewhere as I found the cafe hugely overpriced and pretentious.

Mike also suggested the Herschel Museum of Astronomy – which, as anyone following me on twitter will know, is right up my street! Unfortunately I didn’t think my sister would be quite as enthralled by the discovery of Uranus, but at a very reasonable £5 entry this is definitely at the top of my list of places to visit and I’m hoping to get there very soon.

Juturna suggested visiting the Victoria Art Gallery, which is apparently now also open on Sundays. I must admit I have walked past many times without paying much attention to this gallery. Well, thanks to Jaturna I will now make sure I visit soon – maybe next time its raining in Bath!

Katie mentioned the American Museum, which I have visited once although on such a hot day that I spent most of my visit in the beautiful gardens. I think its worth going for the Marilyn Monroe exhibition alone, although you’ll have to be quick as it ends on October 30. The museum was ok, I don’t have any particular interest in American culture or history, and was hoping that Claverton Manor itself would be less adapted as I do like looking around stately homes, but if you do have a thing for American artefacts then this is the place for you!

Other suggestions included the Jane Austin museum, Number 1 Royal Crescent and of course there are the Roman Baths and Thermae Bath Spa, both of which will make a dent in your wallet (although Bath residents get discounts).

I hope that helps anyone looking for something to do over the winter in Bath. Do you have any other suggestions?