The Bird is a dazzling boutique hotel nestled in a quiet residential street a stone's throw from Bath's city centre and its iconic world-heritage sites. Masses of colour, bold designs and statement artwork combine with luxurious bedrooms, delicious food, and fabulous cocktails to create a uniquely creative and lively atmosphere. 

Every meal here is something special. Discover the restaurant Plate, where the ever-changing menus feature the finest ingredients from farmers and fishermen, all hand-picked to create spectacular, playful dishes that celebrate the seasons. You may also be tempted to take an al fresco afternoon tea on Plate Terrace.

Each of the 31 bedrooms features hand-crafted wallpaper, unique artwork, and dramatic designs. Every room is different, but all promise a wonderful night's sleep and knock out views over Bath and beyond.

This two-hour cruise will take you along a fascinating stretch of the picturesque Kennet & Avon canal from Bath Top Lock, through the Cleveland House Tunnel (look out for the trapdoor in the tunnel roof through which clerks in the room above used to exchange paperwork with the boatmen passing below), under the pretty foot bridges of Sydney Gardens and out into the Somerset countryside to Claverton.

The boat itself was built in 1890 and is believed to be the oldest electric launch in existence. Made from mahogany on oak with alternate teak and ash decks, the Lady Lena is every bit as elegant as the landscape she cruises gently through. You will be treated to a glass of fizz (or elderflower pressé) and a delicious afternoon cream tea as you make your way up and back along the water.
 

Festooned Flowers is a green florist and flower farm set in beautiful countryside above Bath's St Catherine's Valley. "Mother Nature rules the roost, so life is full of fun and surprises in our flower field," says its founder Sue Narbett. That means the flowers are grown without the use of heated greenhouses, pesticides or herbicides and her seasonal displays rely on natural rather than foam supports. 

Sue has created a two-hour workshop especially for our Bath Outdoors weekend. Located beneath a gazebo in the flower field alive with blooms and the hum of insects, you will learn to make your own natural foliage candle holder. All materials, including a locally hand-made beeswax candle, will be supplied. Sue will take you into the field to gather dogwood, willow and hazel and teach you how to use them to make the base, then show you how to decorate it using dried flowers, seed heads, berries and cones, all grown on the farm. She will also show you how to press your own flowers in a small wooden flower press, which you will be given to take home. 

See this historic city come to life as you paddle under bridges, past wildlife and up to some of the most unique views in the Southwest.

Your Adventure Expert will kit you up, brief you on the basics and get you on the water so no previous experience is necessary (although you must be able to swim 15m in light clothing). Starting the session on your knees, you will have plenty of time to build your confidence and enjoy the views as you paddle into central Bath. From there, your instructor will help you put the ‘stand up’ in stand up paddleboarding with a simple step-by-step guide.

Please wear suitable clothing for time on the water (gym wear is ideal and bare feet are recommended.) Bring some dry clothes for after your session just in case you get wet. 

Cost for this optional experiencce is £46p/p