Mid-week break in Bath. Hotel in the centre or stay further out and drive in?

[Blatherskite]

DD age 7 is Dragon crazy. Has been for years. My DSis told me about the current dragon exhibition at the Victoria Art Gallery and the dragon trail around the city and I thought it might make a lovely short break. Both of the kids love history too so I was planning maybe two nights away so that we can have a good couple of days to explore Bath's Roman heritage.

I've been looking at city centre hotels but they're all quite pricey and it seems like most rely on nearby public parking rather than having private car parks so I was wondering if it would possibly be easier to stay slightly further out and drive in instead before parking in the same car parks.

We're looking at arriving on a Tuesday and leaving again on the Thursday.

Any recommendations or advice would be very welcome.

I did the Dragon thing the other day with dd7 and she thought it was much better than I did! There are some days they run extra craft activities so those are worth looking out for. I'd second staying in Bradford On avon and getting the train in, it's only 13 minutes, much easier than parking in Bath and a lovely little town in its own right. With waaaaay too many good places to eat!

Family room at Bath Youth Hostel - no car park but parking in road.

Those stories aren't Airbnb though are they? That's usually trip advisor which can be inconsistent with reviews. Airbnb properties get more honest reviews imo. Anyway it's up to you but the system generally works and you can get very high quality accommodation for lower prices than hotels

We are going to a wedding in bath next month
We are staying outside of bath, keynsham as I wasn't prepared to pay £250 for a travelodge

Holiday Inn Express has parking and easy walk to Bath city centre. www.expressbath.co.uk/

Mid week cheaper than weekends. If walking check where abouts...Bath is hilly.

The Bath Arms near Warminster is quite fun and cheap - quirky but good food and charming staff. It's a short drive in but you are on the doorstep of Longleat so could do the Lions and Bath.
Otherwise consider short term apartment?

The stories definitely have been about Airbnb. I did have a look none the less but everything available when we wanted to go was very expensive.

I need to check out when the exhibition finishes as the kids go back really early this year and we're running out of time to visit anywhere!