2027 programme update
In 2027, our Bath study holiday returns to Bath Spa University.
Bath Spa University should not be confused with the University of Bath. They are two separate universities, with different campuses, accommodation and facilities located in different parts of the city.
The course, accommodation, dates, excursions and included services may change from one season to the next. For this reason, you should always check the latest Bath study holiday page for the most up-to-date programme information.
Bath Spa University study holiday at a glance
A study holiday at Bath Spa University may be a good choice if you would like to:
- experience life on a green university campus;
- enjoy a well-organised group environment;
- stay close to a historic city without being based in the city centre;
- combine English lessons with organised activities and excursions;
- discover a different side of England away from the country’s largest cities.
It may be less suitable if you picture a mainly city-based experience, want complete independence throughout your stay, or hope to be in the centre of a large city every day.
What makes Bath Spa stand out is not simply the destination itself. It is the combination of a welcoming campus, the English countryside and one of England’s most recognisable historic cities, known for its Roman heritage and Georgian architecture.
Are Bath Spa University and the University of Bath the same university?
No. Bath Spa University and the University of Bath are two separate institutions.
Bath Spa University has several campuses, including Newton Park, Locksbrook and Sion Hill. The University of Bath, meanwhile, has its main campus at Claverton Down.
This distinction matters because it affects:
- the location in relation to the city centre;
- the layout of the campus;
- the accommodation;
- the available facilities;
- transport arrangements;
- the overall day-to-day experience.
Different summer programmes may use different campuses from one year to the next. When comparing study holidays in Bath, it is not enough to look at the name of the city. You should always check which university, campus and accommodation are actually included.
For 2027 departures, the programme is based at Bath Spa University. The specific campus, accommodation and services for your group will be confirmed on the latest programme page.
What is it like to study at Bath Spa University?
Bath Spa University is best known for Newton Park, its main campus, which is set in the countryside just outside Bath.
The surroundings include historic buildings, modern university facilities, open parkland, woodland and a lake. It feels very different from accommodation in central London or a college surrounded by busy city streets.
This type of setting often encourages a stronger sense of group life. Each day follows a clear routine of lessons, meals, activities and organised travel, with much of daily life taking place within the campus itself.
Spending the summer on a university campus does not, however, mean experiencing university life in exactly the same way as British undergraduates during term time.
Students on the summer programme:
- follow a planned timetable;
- comply with the centre’s rules and daily schedule;
- take part in organised group activities;
- use only the facilities made available to the programme;
- remain under the level of supervision required for students under the age of 18.
The presence of a library, sports facilities or other university buildings does not automatically mean they are available to every summer programme. The facilities that students can actually use should always be confirmed in the programme details.
Bath Spa University is not located in Bath city centre
One of the most important things to understand is the campus location.
A campus such as Newton Park offers a peaceful, green environment, but Bath’s historic city centre is not directly outside your accommodation. Travelling into the city requires organised transport or public transport connections.
That is not necessarily a disadvantage. For many students, it is one of the biggest benefits. The campus provides a quieter base, while visits into Bath become part of the organised programme.
It is important to have realistic expectations. Choosing Bath Spa does not mean spending every day wandering independently around the Royal Crescent or the Roman Baths.
How often students visit the city, how they travel there and how much time they spend in the centre all depend on the individual programme.
If you are unsure whether this type of experience would suit you, you may also find it helpful to compare London with a quieter campus-based destination.
Who is Bath Spa best suited to?
Bath Spa can be an excellent choice if you enjoy green surroundings, a structured daily routine and spending time with other students.
Students who enjoy green campuses
The campus is well suited to anyone who prefers open spaces and a quieter pace of life. You do not need to love the countryside, but you should not expect shops, busy streets and city attractions right outside your accommodation.
Students who like a structured routine
Having lessons, meals and activities centred on the campus can help students who feel more comfortable when each day follows a clear routine.
This can be particularly helpful during a first experience abroad, when settling in, meeting new people and getting used to the programme naturally takes a little time.
Students interested in British history and culture
Bath offers a very different setting from a modern city. Its Roman origins, Georgian architecture and literary heritage provide plenty of opportunities to connect English language learning with places and stories that are recognised around the world.
Students who do not need to be in the city every day
Bath Spa is often a better fit for students who are happy to balance campus life with organised visits into the city.
If having the freedom to go into town independently is a priority, a more urban destination may be a better choice.
When Bath Spa might not be the right choice
No destination is right for everyone.
Bath Spa may not be the best option if you:
- dream of spending your time in a major city;
- want an experience centred on city life every day;
- expect shops and attractions immediately outside your accommodation;
- want a high level of independence during your free time;
- prefer a seaside destination;
- are looking for very specific sports facilities;
- do not enjoy programmes with a structured group routine.
Your decision should also not be based solely on attractive photographs of the campus or the beauty of the city.
Before booking, it is worth thinking about your age, level of independence, personality, previous experiences away from home and what you hope to get from your study holiday.
Our guide on choosing the right study holiday can help you compare these factors before making your decision.
Bath: a historic city to discover beyond the campus
Bath is famous for its Roman heritage, Georgian architecture and the distinctive honey-coloured stone used throughout much of the city.
Among its best-known landmarks are the Roman Baths, the Royal Crescent, The Circus, Pulteney Bridge and Bath Abbey. Together, they offer a fascinating glimpse into different periods of British history within a relatively compact city centre.
Bath is also closely associated with Jane Austen, who lived in the city between 1801 and 1806 and set parts of Northanger Abbey and Persuasion there. More recently, several streets and historic buildings in Bath have appeared as filming locations for the television series Bridgerton.
If you would like to learn more about Bath’s literary and cultural heritage without overcrowding this page, you can also read our feature on Bath, Jane Austen and Bridgerton.
Not every attraction mentioned in travel guides is automatically included in a study holiday. Visits, entrance tickets and excursions should always be checked in the programme for your chosen departure.
Bath as a gateway to Somerset
Bath is also an excellent base for discovering the surrounding county of Somerset.
Somerset is home to historic towns, medieval abbeys, rural landscapes and places linked with British legend. Destinations such as Wells, Glastonbury and Cheddar Gorge are all within reach of Bath, although they should not be assumed to form part of every study holiday programme.
These places offer more than sightseeing opportunities. Excursions can also help students use English while exploring history, geography, literature and local traditions.
Our feature on what to see in Somerset during a study holiday explores these destinations in greater detail.
English lessons during your study holiday
The English course is an important part of the experience, but it is not the only time students use the language.
English is also used:
- when listening to instructions;
- during organised activities;
- when speaking with staff;
- when meeting other students;
- during excursions and visits;
- in everyday situations throughout the programme.
This does not mean that every activity automatically leads to language improvement. Progress depends on participation, starting level, the make-up of the classes and each student’s willingness to communicate.
Teaching hours, language levels, placement tests, optional examinations and course organisation should all be confirmed on the Bath 2027 programme page.
Any accreditations should also refer specifically to the organisation delivering the English course rather than being presented as accreditation for the entire travel package.
Accommodation, meals and facilities: what should you check?
Bath Spa University has several campuses and different types of student accommodation. The accommodation used for summer groups may not match the standard university residences available during the academic year.
Before booking, it is worth checking:
- the name of the residence;
- its location in relation to the classrooms;
- whether rooms are single or shared;
- whether bathrooms are private or shared;
- the meal plan provided;
- how dining arrangements work;
- whether laundry facilities are available;
- Wi-Fi access;
- which communal areas students can use;
- which sports facilities are included;
- the supervision arrangements;
- transport links to Bath city centre.
Descriptions such as “single room with private bathroom” should only be used when they are confirmed for the specific 2027 departure.
The same principle applies to sports facilities, recreational areas and every other university facility.
Is Bath Spa suitable for a first study holiday?
Bath Spa can be an excellent option for a first study holiday, especially if you are looking for a structured routine, a strong group atmosphere and a setting that feels less overwhelming than a major city.
That said, staying on a university campus does not automatically make every programme easy.
Before choosing Bath Spa, it is worth thinking about:
- how comfortable you are spending time away from home;
- whether you have stayed away from your family before;
- how happy you are following shared routines;
- whether you genuinely want to travel;
- how you adapt to new environments;
- how independent you are in managing everyday tasks;
- how comfortable you feel in larger groups.
If you are preparing for your first experience abroad, you may also find our guide to a first study holiday overseas helpful.
Bath Spa or London: which experience is right for you?
Bath Spa and London offer two very different experiences.
Bath Spa
Bath Spa may be the better choice if you are looking for:
- a green university campus;
- a more structured daily routine;
- a smaller historic city;
- a balance between campus life and organised visits;
- a less urban environment.
London
London may be the better choice if you are looking for:
- a major international capital;
- a wider variety of experiences;
- museums, neighbourhoods and famous attractions;
- frequent travel around the city;
- a faster-paced urban experience.
There is no single right answer.
A confident student who enjoys travelling and is excited by big cities may feel more at home in London. Someone who prefers green surroundings and a more structured daily routine may enjoy Bath Spa far more.
What should you check before choosing Bath Spa?
Before booking your 2027 study holiday, it is worth checking the latest programme page for:
- which Bath Spa University campus is being used;
- the name of the residence;
- the room types available;
- whether bathrooms are private or shared;
- the distance between the accommodation and classrooms;
- the number of English lessons;
- how language levels are organised;
- the course provider;
- any course accreditations;
- the activities included;
- the confirmed excursions;
- any included entrance tickets;
- transport arrangements into Bath;
- the age range;
- the level of supervision;
- what is included in the course fee;
- any additional personal spending you should budget for.
Keeping these details separate makes each page easier to use. This article helps you decide whether Bath Spa is the right destination, while the programme page provides the confirmed details for each departure.
Why choose a study holiday at Bath Spa University?
The biggest reason to choose Bath Spa is not a vague promise of excellence.
It is the opportunity to experience a university campus surrounded by green space, enjoy a structured group environment and spend time in one of England’s most distinctive historic cities.
It can be an excellent choice if you would like a quieter alternative to a major city without missing out on cultural visits, activities and excursions.
Before making your decision, it is worth comparing your expectations with the structure of the programme itself.
Dates, accommodation, English lessons, excursions and included services can all be found on the latest Bath 2027 study holiday page.
Frequently asked questions about Bath Spa University study holidays
Which university is used for the Bath study holiday in 2027?
The 2027 programme is based at Bath Spa University. The campus, accommodation, classrooms and facilities used by the group will be confirmed on the latest programme page.
Are Bath Spa University and the University of Bath the same university?
No. They are two different universities. Bath Spa University includes campuses such as Newton Park and Locksbrook, while the University of Bath has its main campus at Claverton Down.
Is Bath Spa University located in Bath city centre?
Not all Bath Spa campuses are in the city centre. Newton Park, the university’s main campus, is located in the countryside just outside Bath. Travel into the city depends on the programme and the transport arrangements provided.
Does the study holiday definitely take place at Newton Park?
Bath Spa University has more than one campus. The exact location used for the 2027 programme, together with the accommodation and classroom locations, should always be confirmed on the programme page.
Do the rooms have private bathrooms?
That depends on the accommodation assigned to your group. Bath Spa University offers several different types of residence. A private bathroom should only be assumed when it is specifically confirmed for the 2027 departure.
Is Bath Spa suitable for a first study holiday?
It can be an excellent choice if you are looking for structured campus life, green surroundings and a less urban environment. Your decision should also take into account your age, independence, personality and how comfortable you feel living as part of a group.
Can students move around Bath independently?
Travel arrangements and levels of independence depend on students’ ages, the programme rules and the organisation of the group. You should not assume that students will be able to explore Bath independently.
Which excursions are included?
Excursions may vary between departures. Only those listed on the official programme page or in the booking documents should be considered included.
Should I choose Bath Spa or London?
Bath Spa is often better suited to students who prefer a green campus and a more structured routine. London may be a better fit for students who enjoy large cities, constant activity and a more urban experience.
Where can I find the dates, prices and full programme?
The latest information on dates, prices, English lessons, accommodation, activities and excursions can be found on the Bath study holiday programme page.
