Recreation Ground

The Recreation Ground sits in central Bath beside the River Avon. It is a large open space used for many sports and public events. About a quarter of the ground becomes a rugby pitch during the season. In summer the temporary stand is removed for cricket matches. The rest of the ground hosts hockey, croquet, drama, quidditch and tennis. A cricket pavilion stands at the William Street entrance. A sports and leisure centre lies on the southern edge. The ground has a long sporting history. Cricket and rugby began here in the 1890s. Somerset County Cricket Club played first-class matches here until 2011. The ground survived Second World War bombing and later legal challenges. A High Court ruling in 2002 confirmed it as a charitable trust for public recreation. Bath Rugby’s presence has been a continuing issue under these terms. Visitors find wide grass areas and several pitches. The cricket pavilion marks one entrance. The leisure centre on the south side offers indoor facilities. After rain the ground can become boggy. The River Avon still floods parts occasionally. The open space remains a busy community hub for sport and recreation.