February Half Term at the Roman Baths and Victoria Art Gallery
There’s lots for families to enjoy at The Roman Baths and Victoria Art Gallery in Bath this February Half Term holiday. Whether your little ones prefer digging for ancient artefacts or unleashing their artistic flair, there’s plenty to spark imaginations, keep hands busy, and make memories that last long after the holidays end this February.
Set off on an historic adventure at The Roman Baths
At The Roman Baths, young explorers can travel back 2,000 years and experience the sights, sounds and stories of Roman Britain. Families can wander through the atmospheric ancient site, meet costumed Roman characters around the steaming Great Bath, and enjoy free audioguides—including a lively children’s version narrated by beloved British author and former Children’s Laureate Michael Rosen.
Little ones can follow a free family trail, searching for clues, solving challenges and discovering more about the people who once lived, worked and relaxed at the Baths. Throughout the week, free drop‑in craft sessions (Monday to Friday) invite children to get creative by making decorations inspired by the ancient Roman festival of Lupercalia.
Young history hunters looking to get hands-on with the past will love Archaeology Adventures, an exciting add‑on experience running from 16–20 February. Budding archaeologists can dig for replica Roman artefacts in a purpose‑built trench, learning real excavation and recording techniques along the way. Sessions run each morning and cost £6 in addition to entry to The Roman Baths.
Families can extend the fun with an activity book packed with puzzles, games and quirky Roman facts, and older children can join a guided tour to uncover the lesser‑known stories of the ancient site. A visit can be rounded off in style with afternoon tea in the Pump Room—complete with sandwiches, cakes, scones and the option of bubbles for grown‑ups.
A range of flexible family tickets offers great value, whether you’re visiting as one adult with several children or a larger group. Children aged five and under go free, and visitors aged 6–18 are covered by the reduced child ticket. Book online in advance to save £2 per person.
Get creative at the Victoria Art Gallery
Over at the Victoria Art Gallery, creativity takes centre stage with family‑friendly activities inspired by Poster Power!, a new exhibition charting 200 years of British poster design. Visitors can enjoy everything from bold Victorian playbills to striking modern graphics, while younger children can explore an interactive area complete with a ride‑on train inspired by classic railway posters and a cosy farm‑themed zone with a fuzzy felt wall.
Families can also pick up a free children’s trail and enjoy a playful “find the letter” challenge together, looking closely at the fonts and typography throughout the exhibition to spot them all. For school‑aged children, there’s also the chance to enter our travel poster design competition. Winners from both primary and secondary categories will see their creations displayed in the exhibition itself!
Creative families can enjoy Mini Makers: Bath it is! from 18–20 February, where collage and stamps come together to help children create their own Bath‑themed posters (£5 per session; booking recommended). In the afternoons, the Gallery hosts Create & Colour—a free drop‑in activity where children can design their own travel posters using pastels.
The free‑to‑visit Upper Gallery provides a peaceful space for families to explore Bath & North East Somerset Council’s art collection. During half term, the new Art School… in a trail! invites children aged 9+ and their families to discover the collection through playful challenges and creative missions. Running from 14–22 February as part of a national Kids in Museums initiative, the trail encourages visitors to look at art in new ways and will be rewarded with an Art School sticker.
February fun for all
Together, The Roman Baths and Victoria Art Gallery offer a fun and creative programme designed to entertain, inspire and encourage new discoveries.
Councillor Paul Roper, Cabinet Member for Economic & Cultural Sustainable Development, said: “Half term should always come with a dash of discovery and a sprinkling of fun, and The Roman Baths and Victoria Art Gallery deliver both in style. Whether families want to dig like archaeologists, meet a Roman, climb aboard a mini train or simply enjoy a slice of cake in the Pump Room, there’s plenty to keep everyone smiling. We’re excited to welcome visitors for a week full of memory‑making.”
Whether your family is seeking ancient adventures, creative exploration or simply a memorable day out in the heart of Bath, both venues provide plenty to enjoy this February Half Term. With the two venues only a short stroll apart, it’s the perfect opportunity to make a full day of it - families are encouraged to book ahead and come ready to make the most of the activities on offer.
Plan Your Visit
The Roman Baths is open from 9am – 6pm (last entry 5pm) daily. Family tickets are available from £44.
Lupercalia Craft activities: 2pm – 4pm every day from Monday 16 – Friday 20 February, included in entry price.
Archaeology Adventures: 11am &12 noon every day from Monday 16 February - Friday 20 February, £6 in addition to entrance to The Roman Baths
Victoria Art Gallery is open from Tuesday - Sunday, 10.30am-5pm (last entry 4.30pm). Entrance to the Upper Gallery is Free for all, entrance to Poster Power! Is from £14.50 for a family.
Mini Makers: Bath it is! Sessions take place from 10.30am – 12.30pm from Wednesday 18 – Friday 20 February, and cost £5 per participant.
FREE colouring sessions take place 2pm-3pm, Tuesday 18 – Friday 21 February.
Art School… In a trail! Takes place during Gallery opening hours from Saturday 14 – Sunday 22 February, and is free.
Entry to both The Roman Baths and Victoria Art Gallery is free for Bath and North East Somerset Council residents with a Discovery Card.
