Bath is a fantastic city to explore at any time of year, thanks to its combination of stunning architecture, rich culture and great cuisine. If you are planning to visit this autumn, you will be in for a real treat, as some great festivals are set to be held.

These include literary celebrations and a whole month of indulgence in the finest local foods. So, if you are planning a short break in a holiday cottage in Bath soon, read our guide to events you really should not miss.

Bath Festival of Children's Literature

Running from September 28th to October 7th, the Bath Festival of Children's Literature is an absolute must for families. Every autumn, more than 80 events are scheduled to give young readers the chance to attend talks, workshops and more by their favourite authors and illustrators.

Staged at great venues across the city, the events are aimed at people of all ages, with previous authors to make an appearance including Neil Gaiman, Darren Shan and Jacqueline Wilson. This year, families will be treated to a similarly impressive line-up, including illustrator of Horrible Histories Martin Brown as 2012's Illustrator in Residence.

Meanwhile, younger children are bound to love the fun shows available, including a Peppa Pig event at the Mission Theatre.

The Great Bath Feast

If you have a real passion for food, the Great Bath Feast is guaranteed to appeal. Beginning on September 23rd and running until October 31st, this month-long celebration of local cuisine promises to stage a wide variety of foodie events at venues across the city.

These include wine and rum tastings at sophisticated venues, as well as splendid breakfasts laid out by hotels. Local restaurants will also participate by offering special menus and events. You can browse local markets, including the Love Food Market and the Bath Artisan Market; these present the perfect opportunity for picking up something to prepare later at your holiday cottage.

Bath Autumn Book Festival

This brand-new book festival is scheduled to run from October 5th to 16th, and is a must for any serious book lover. Aiming to provide a host of exciting events for literary fans, as well as celebrate the role of independent bookshops, this will be hosted by Bath's most famous bookstore, Topping & Company.

Topping & Company has a reputation for staging top literary events throughout the year, with previous guests including Margaret Atwood, Stephen Fry and Nigella Lawson. As part of the first Bath Autumn Book Festival, you can attend talks from Caitlan Moran, David Mitchell and Raymond Blanc.