Bath Rugby play at the Recreation Ground, a walk of well under 15 minutes from Bath Spa station along the riverside path, right in the centre of the city. Single match tickets have started from around £35 for adults on recent Gallagher Premiership fixtures, with cheaper junior and student prices, though it varies by opponent and how far ahead you book.
Where and what The Rec is
The Recreation Ground, known to everyone simply as The Rec, sits on the banks of the Avon between Pulteney Bridge and Bathwick, a genuinely central ground by professional rugby standards. Bath Rugby, founded in 1865, have played there since the 19th century, and on matchdays the short walk from town fills with black, white and blue shirts heading the same way.
Getting to the ground
On foot. If you're staying anywhere near central Bath, walking is the easiest option. From Bath Spa station, follow the riverside path round to the rear of the station and it takes you straight to the ground; allow 10 to 15 minutes at an easy pace. From the Abbey or the main shopping streets, it's a similarly short walk.
By train. Bath Spa station has frequent services from Bristol, London, Swindon and further afield, making the train the simplest way in for anyone travelling any distance. See our guide to Bath Spa station to the city centre for the walk itself.
By coach from surrounding towns. Bath Rugby has an arrangement with local operator Centurion Coaches for a dedicated matchday service from towns including Trowbridge, Bradford-on-Avon, Frome, Warminster, Dilton Marsh and Westbury. Coaches drop off and pick up on Pulteney Road, close to the ground. Fares vary by pickup point and fixture, sometimes starting under £10 return, but seats are limited and bookable up to 24 hours before kick-off, so book ahead and check current routes and prices before you travel.
By car. There's no matchday parking at the ground itself. If you're driving in, use one of Bath's Park and Ride sites and walk or catch the connecting bus into the centre; our Park and Ride guide covers routes and times, and the parking guide has the wider picture on city centre options. Expect the centre to be busier than usual around kick-off and full-time on matchdays.
Buying tickets
Tickets are sold through Bath Rugby's official ticketing site, and prices are tiered by stand and by fixture, with derby games and high-profile matches against sides like Northampton or Leicester priced higher and selling out faster than midweek or lower-profile fixtures. As a guide, one recent Premiership fixture priced adult tickets from £35, students from £15 and juniors from £5, though these figures move with demand and season, so check the current match before assuming a price. Book in advance for anything you don't want to risk missing, since popular fixtures do sell out.
On a matchday
Arrive with time to spare. The Rec doesn't have the sprawling approach roads of a purpose-built stadium, so the streets around it get busy in the hour before kick-off, with pubs along the route filling early. If you want food or a pint beforehand, our guide to Bath's best pubs has options within easy walking distance of the ground.
At a glance
| Getting there | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Walk from Bath Spa station | 10-15 minutes | Riverside path, signposted on matchdays |
| Coach from surrounding towns | Varies by route | Centurion Coaches, book 24hrs ahead |
| Park and Ride + walk | Varies | No matchday parking at the ground |
Practical tips
- Book tickets and coach seats in advance for anything but a quiet midweek fixture.
- Walk if you can. The Rec's location means most Bath-based visitors don't need transport at all.
- Check the current fixture list on the official site, since kick-off times vary by broadcast and competition.
- Combine it with a weekend in Bath. The ground's central location means a match slots easily into a wider visit; see our guide to Bath in one weekend for the rest of the day.
Frequently asked questions
How far is The Rec from Bath Spa station?
Well under 15 minutes on foot, following the riverside path round to the rear of the station. It's one of the most central grounds in professional rugby.
Is there parking at Bath Rugby's ground?
No, there's no matchday parking at The Rec itself. Use one of Bath's Park and Ride sites and walk or catch the connecting bus in, since the streets around the ground get busy before kick-off.
Can I get a coach to Bath Rugby matches from nearby towns?
Yes, Centurion Coaches runs a dedicated matchday service from towns including Trowbridge, Bradford-on-Avon, Frome, Warminster, Dilton Marsh and Westbury, dropping off on Pulteney Road. Seats are limited and bookable up to 24 hours before kick-off.
How much are Bath Rugby match tickets?
One recent Premiership fixture priced adult tickets from around £35, students from £15 and juniors from £5, but prices are tiered by stand and move with the fixture and demand, so check the current match before assuming a price.
What's the best way to get to The Rec on matchday?
Walking, if you're anywhere in central Bath. It's a short, flat walk from Bath Spa station or the Abbey, and avoids the lack of matchday parking at the ground itself.
Are there pubs near The Rec before kick-off?
Yes, several pubs along the route from the centre fill up early on matchdays. See our Bath pubs guide for options within easy walking distance of the ground.