The late May Bank Holiday weekend offers the perfect opportunity to explore both Bath and its picturesque surroundings with a group. With the weather typically warming up, this three-day weekend allows for both city exploration and countryside adventures.

In Bath itself, the Bank Holiday often coincides with the final weekend of the Bath Festival, bringing an extra buzz to the city's streets. The Festival Finale features live music, family activities, and a festive atmosphere in Royal Victoria Park.

The popular Bath Artisan Market takes over Queen Square on Saturdays, offering handcrafted goods, vintage items, and delicious local food — the perfect place to find unique souvenirs and stock up on local produce to bring back to the house.

For those looking to venture beyond the city, the charming villages of the Cotswolds are at their most beautiful in late May. Castle Combe and Lacock are both just a short drive from Batheaston and look particularly magnificent against a backdrop of spring greenery.

Stonehenge is another popular day trip — the prehistoric monument is particularly special around the late May Bank Holiday as it approaches the summer solstice, just 45 minutes from Heron Stays by car. For a full list of what to do with your group, see our guide to things to do in Bath with a large group.

One of the real advantages of staying at Heron Stays over a bank holiday is having your own kitchen. Prepare a proper picnic to take to Royal Victoria Park or along the River Avon, or cook a big group dinner back at the house rather than competing for restaurant tables on a busy weekend.

Bank Holiday weekends are busy in Bath, so book accommodation and any popular activities as early as possible. Heron Stays sleeps groups of up to 14 across two whole-house 16th-century properties in Batheaston. Contact us to check availability and book direct for the best rates.