Sport in Bath

Whatever your level of interest in sport - whether you prefer to spectate, to keep fit at the gym, jog occasionally, or want to play competitive sport while you're abroad - Bath is an ideal place to be based. The city boasts some of the finest indoor and outdoor facilities anywhere in the British Isles, and is an excellent location to see top-level competitive sport played.

Casual Sport and Exercise

Living throughout the city as they do, ASE students are well-placed to take advantage of the many parks and open spaces that exist in Bath. Casual games of soccer and ultimate frisbee are often organised in Victoria Park, with the Royal Crescent as a picturesque backdrop. The park also boasts a fun 'pitch and putt' course, for budding golfers. Student joggers, walkers and cyclists enjoy miles of towpath, running beside the river and along the pretty canal that stretches through the city and out into the surrounding countryside. 

The welcoming (and beginner-friendly) Bath School of Shiatsu and Yoga has also proved highly popular with ASE students in past semesters, as has Good Gym which combines jogging with community-based volunteering.

Bath Sports and Leisure Centre

In the city centre itself, the City Sports Centre - conveniently located a short walk from Nelson House - has a family pool, a fitness centre, trampolining and 10-pin bowling facilities. A membership fee gives ASE students access to these facilities, as well as to free classes, such as yoga, kick-boxing and pilates.

The Sports Training Village (STV)

The STV, located on the University of Bath campus, is a Centre of Excellence for Sports, and offers first class facilities. These include a 50 metre swimming pool, indoor tennis courts, indoor and outdoor athletics tracks, a large sports hall (for basketball, badminton etc) and a state-of-the-art fitness and conditioning suite. All of these can be used at discounted rates on production of a valid student ID card.

Competitive Sport

ASE students wishing to play sport competitively can train with student teams at Bath Spa University, or join a range of city-based teams - including field hockey, running, lacrosse, football/soccer, rugby, swimming and rowing. (An ASE staff member can assist with this process, so get in touch with us in advance if you would like help making contacts.)

Spectator Sport

Bath Rugby is one of the country's top teams, and a host of international stars train and play at the local stadium, a mere stone's throw from the study centre. Football/soccer fans can get to watch the local team Bath City FC, or head to nearby Bristol, the home of two well-known clubs, Bristol Rovers and Bristol City.

During the summer months, the STV hosts track and field meetings, and cricket can be seen played in the city centre. An ASE staff member or friendly local is usually on hand to explain the rules to anyone who finds the game baffling!