October in Bath: The Sports Lover's Guide to the City
- The Apartment, Bath
- 2 days ago
- 4 min read
From a Summer of Sport to Bath in Full Swing
What a summer it's been for sport! The FIFA World Cup captivated the globe for 39 days in June and July, Glasgow hosted a brilliant Commonwealth Games (23 July–2 August) and Birmingham delivered a memorable European Athletics Championships (10–16 August) – and a nation newly reminded of just how much it loves live sport.
Now, as the seasons turn and Bath glows amber in the autumn light, the energy doesn't stop. It simply relocates. To The Rec. To Twerton Park. To Bath Racecourse. To Odd Down. October 2026 is one of the richest months in Bath's sporting calendar and it makes the city an exceptional destination for anyone who wants to feel the buzz of live sport in one of the most beautiful settings in England.
Here's your insider guide to everything on offer.
Bath Rugby: Three Home Games at The Rec
Bath Rugby is one of the great clubs in English rugby and October 2026 delivers three home fixtures at The Recreation Ground, the most atmospheric club rugby venue in England:
Friday 2 October: Bath Rugby vs Exeter Chiefs, 19:45 (Gallagher Premiership)
Saturday 17 October: Bath Rugby vs Montpellier, 20:00 (Investec Champions Cup)
Saturday 31 October: Bath Rugby vs Sale Sharks, 15:05 (Gallagher Premiership)
The 17 October fixture is particularly special: Champions Cup rugby under floodlights at The Rec on a Saturday night, with Bath facing Montpellier in the opening round of Europe's premier club competition. And the month closes on Hallowe'en afternoon with Sale Sharks at 15:05. The Friday night Premiership derby against Exeter on 2 October is a perfect midweek occasion — arrive Sunday or Monday, explore the city at a quieter pace, and be at The Rec on Friday night. Fixtures sell fast and, with regular sell-outs last season, early booking is recommended.
Tickets: bathrugby.com
Bath City FC: Three Home Games at Cannon Clarke Stadium @ Twerton Park
Fan-owned, friendly, with a loyal local following and some exciting new investment on the horizon, Bath City FC offers semi-professional football at its most genuine. Three home fixtures this October at Cannon Clarke Stadium @ Twerton Park (the club's home since 1932) make it a brilliant month for football fans.
Saturday 10 October: Bath City vs Gosport Borough, 3:00pm
Tuesday 20 October: Bath City vs Havant & Waterlooville, 7:45pm
Saturday 31 October: Bath City vs Poole Town, 3:00pm
The Romans' Tuesday evening fixture on 20 October is a classic midweek occasion — arrive Sunday or Monday, explore the city, and catch the match on Tuesday night.
Information and tickets: bathcityfc.com
Bath Racecourse: Three Racedays to Close the Flat Season
Perched on the northern slopes of the city, Bath Racecourse is one of England's most picturesque racing venues. October brings three racedays - including the season finale - and all three fall midweek, making them perfect companions to midweek stay in the World Heritage Site city.
Thursday 8 October: Property & Construction Raceday
Monday 19 October: Monday Afternoon October Flat Racing
Thursday 29 October: Season Finale Raceday
The Season Finale on 29 October is a special occasion, the last flat racing of the year at Bath, with a celebratory atmosphere.
Information: bath-racecourse.co.uk
Running: Railway racing and RUH (fund) raising
Bath & Bristol Railway Races — Sunday 11 October
Starting from Green Park Station in Bath, the Railway Races follow the historic route of the original train line to Bristol. Distances include 10km, Half Marathon, Marathon and 50km - all of which are on an out and back format, and a point to point 25km which runs one way from Bath to Bristol Temple Meads Train Station. Races start from 9am.
More information: relishrunningraces.com
RUHX Glow Run — Friday 16 October, Odd Down Sports Ground
A community evening glow run raising funds for the Royal United Hospital Bath, brilliant for families and friend groups. Arrive midweek, enjoy the city at its quietest, and round off the stay with something a little different on the Friday evening.
Information and register: ruhx.org.uk/events/glow-run/
Half Term: Bath's Best for Families
Half term falls in the final week of October. Alongside the live sport, Bath has plenty for families:
The Roman Baths: A must do in Bath with family audio guides and autumn programming.
Prior Park Landscape Garden: National Trust hillside garden with sweeping views over Bath.
Bath City Farm: A free, family-friendly welcoming working farm in the heart of the city.
The American Museum & Gardens: A special estate in beautiful grounds on Bath's outskirts
Thermae Bath Spa: The UK's only natural thermal spa, with a stunning rooftop pool.
Your base for it all: The Apartment, Bath
Three minutes' walk from Bath Spa railway station; and less than ten minutes from the Roman Baths, Bath Abbey and The Rec - not to mention easy access to Twerton Park and Bath Racecourse - The Apartment, Bath is perfectly placed for an October visit.
Our multi award-winning two-bedroom, two-bathroom home sleeps up to six guests. Our guests call it 'excellent in every way' and October is when Bath really earns that description.
Save 15% on midweek October stays by using the code MIDWEEK15 at checkout. Book direct at apartmentbath.com. Valid Sunday to Wednesday arrivals in October 2026 only.
Comments