Date published: 2026-09-10 | Category: Bath, Delivering for local residents, Leisure, Tourism and Heritage
Residents and visitors will continue to be able to enjoy golf and footgolf at Royal Victoria Park while Bath & North East Somerset Council puts in place a new long-term operating arrangement for the site.
The council has secured an interim operator for the former Approach Golf Course following the decision by Future Golf Ventures to cease trading on 31 August. Excel Tennis Ltd, which already operates the tennis courts and Treetop Café in Royal Victoria Park, has agreed to provide golf and footgolf activities on a weekend-only basis during September and October.
The temporary arrangement will maintain public access to the facilities while the council completes the procurement process for a new long-term operator. The award of a new contract is due to start in November through an existing competitive tendering process.
Future Golf Ventures informed the council on 18 August of its decision to cease trading ahead of the end of its contract, creating the need for an interim solution while longer-term arrangements are finalised. The council had already been progressing work to appoint a new operator from November.
Councillor Alison Born, Cabinet Member for Adult Services, said: "We know how valued golf and footgolf are by residents and visitors and we are pleased to have secured an interim arrangement that will keep these activities available while we complete the process of appointing a new long-term operator.
"I would like to thank Excel Tennis for stepping in at short notice to ensure continued public access to the facility from last weekend, and Future Golf Ventures for their operation of the site. Our priority is to maintain access to this popular leisure facility and secure a sustainable long-term future for golf and footgolf in Royal Victoria Park."
The council is also progressing the Royal Victoria Park ponds restoration project. Potential water sources have been identified and this week works began to remove silt and the damaged liner. This autumn, the council will consult on long-term plans to bring a sustainable water source back to the ponds and help wildlife thrive.
More information can be found on the Victoria Falls Foot Golf & Pitch ‘n’ Putt website. Opening hours 10am to 5pm Saturday and Sunday. No booking required. Online booking will be added to the website soon.