ToursGaGa

A lot of hot air

Balloons floating steadily over the Bath are a regular sight. It's easy to see why: the undulating Cotswold countryside is the sort of view that makes even the most cynical of souls misty-eyed. Try Bath Balloons (tel: +44 (0) 1225 466 888; www.bathballoons.co.uk) for rides over the Cotswolds, the Mendip Hills and the Kennet and Avon Canal.

Catch a classical concert at Theatre Royal

The Theatre Royal (tel: +044 (0) 1225 448844; www.theatreroyal.org.uk), built in 1805, is one of the oldest working theatres in the UK. It stages everything from original productions to Shakespeare, children's shows and West End hits like Avenue Q.

Check out the bizarre side of Bath

The words 'bizarre' and 'Bath' are probably not the most obvious bedfellows, but from March through October, the Bizarre Bath Comedy Walk (www.bizarrebath.co.uk) leads its participants through the Spa town's more irreverent attractions. It's 90 minutes long and starts at a pub, so you can get a few drinks down beforehand if you like.

Rowing on the River Avon

The River Avon stretches for 75 miles (121km) from Gloucestershire down to Avonmouth, near Bristol. It's been said by some that drifting down at your own pace on a gorgeous July day is one of life's truest pleasures. Find out for yourself by hiring a canoe, kayak or punt from Bath Boating (tel: +44 (0) 1225 312 900; www.bathboating.co.uk) for anything from an hour to a day, or take a riverboat tour.

See the skyline from the hills

Bath is surrounded by light green hills and bottle-green trees. This six-mile walk circumvents the top of the city while taking you to the 18th-century Sham Castle and the Iron Age fort on Solsbury Hill. Bath's tourist office has more information (www.visitbath.co.uk, +44 (0) 1225 322442).