This summer, Bath will be participating in Britain in Bloom, the biggest horticultural campaign in Europe. In 1964 Bath won the first ever Britain in Bloom competition and will be pushing out all the stops again this year. Explore these three areas of the city to embrace the family-friendly floral exhibits on offer

ABBEY QUARTER

As one of the most historic quarters in the city, the Abbey Quarter is a delightful hub of music and activity. Can your children or grandchildren find all the animals on the beautiful hand-painted botanical benches in Kingston Parade? Be sure to explore the beautiful Abbey Green featuring an over 100-year-old stunning London Plane and then have a sweet treat from San Francisco Fudge Factory or Charlotte Brunswick Chocolates. Delicious afternoon tea at The Bath Bun or Abbey Deli. will complete your Bath experience. If you have time, why not explore the interactive exhibits, and displays at the Bath World Heritage Centre? It’s great for all the family! Walk through the arch to discover more blooms and trees on Abbeygate Street. If you enjoy the outdoors, don’t miss out on Cotswold Outdoor and George Fisher Bath, plus you can embrace eco-friendly clothes at Mabboo or get some new soft pyjamas from Haus.

Milsom Street is home to independent businesses and restaurants, including one of the oldest department stores, Jolly'sMilsom Street is home to independent businesses and restaurants, including one of the oldest department stores, Jolly's (Image: Bath BID)

MILSOM QUARTER

The bustling Milsom Quarter is filled with independent businesses and restaurants. Don’t miss out on Summer Sundays! Every Sunday during July and August, there will be pop-up performances, colouring-in fun and plenty for kids to get involved with at the bottom of Milsom Street. Fun Fact! What is now The Botanist Bath was originally a chapel and Jane Austen allegedly rented a pew for private use whenever she visited Bath. Now it is more famous for being the location for Channel Four’s First Dates. A short walk to Broad Street to see the Broad Street Community Garden, a playful green space for all to enjoy. It brings businesses and the community together to provide volunteering opportunities.

Floral displays aplenty at the Walcot Artisan Quarter. Floral displays aplenty at the Walcot Artisan Quarter. (Image: Bath BID)

WALCOT ARTISAN QUARTER

Wild Walcot is a community partnership of Walcot Street traders, Avon Wildlife Trust and Vegmead who work to create green spaces along Walcot Street. In the last seven years, they have transformed a piece of land near the Cattle Market Car Park into a community garden that blooms throughout the year and is filled with pollinator-friendly plants. It’s a perfect place to sit and enjoy lunch while soaking up some sun. The Walcot Artisan Quarter fondly refers to the many makers who occupy Walcot Street. From knitters to glassblowers, tilemakers, framers and artists have all gathered to create a supportive and holistic group of traders. Why not try Glass blowing or make a paperweight at Bath Aqua Glass? A unique experience that is great if you have teens. After you’ve spent some time in the Wild Walcot Garden, walk down Walcot Street to see the Gargoyles. There are 20 small faces carved into the wall. Some of them are even caricatures of some of the owners of the traders! Make sure to pay a visit to Walcot Street on a Saturday to experience the antiques and flea market!