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
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 have been organised in Victoria Park in the past, 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.
CaliUnity
ASE has links to CaliUnity, a locally-owned, community-focused gym. On top of callisthenics, Cali offers mobility, yoga, and handstands and rings classes. It is a versatile gym with small-group classes. ASE offers a special membership to students who want to attend CaliUnity.
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!
“Joining the gym was the best thing I did. I felt like a part of the community, like a local who belonged there.”
— Brooke L Sager, Skidmore College