bath to visit

Soak up Bath with these wonderful things to see and do

Sep 24, 2021 • 7 min read

Charming Bath is full of quirky shops, spas and laneways to stroll ©1000 Words/Shutterstock

Classy, cultural Bath in southwest England is famous for its exquisite architecture and Bridgerton backdrops.

While the Roman Baths and Georgian Royal Crescent are must-see sights, there’s also a cool, contemporary city to explore. True, the city can be expensive. But avoiding peak times brings accommodation prices down. Add superb shops, arts and music venues and some surprising outdoor activities, and you have an appealing city break for couples and friends.

Tour Bridgerton filming locations

When it premiered in late 2020, Bridgerton quickly became Netflix's biggest-ever series . A record 82 million households watched in the first month. Set in Regency London, the show was filmed extensively in Bath and city buildings are clearly identifiable behind the action.

The Visit Bath website lists the locations so you can do a self-guided tour taking in Lady Danbury's mansion, the home of the Featheringtons and the  Assembly Rooms , the settings for those lavish balls. Or book a tour with BritMovie Tours for an anecdote-filled, two-hour guided promenade around Bath’s Bridgerton locations – spiced with scandal, naturally. 

Soak like a Roman in a rooftop pool

Bath was born of geothermal springs which flow from the earth at a toasty 46°C (114ºF). Those arch lovers of luxury, the Romans, spotted their potential and built a state of the art bathhouse. Almost two centuries later, the Thermae Bath Spa means you too can blissfully float in mineral-rich waters. 

The complex has massage jets, whirlpools, an ice chamber and steam rooms. But the big draw is the open-air, rooftop pool. Schedule an evening session , and you could be soaking under the stars with views of illuminated rooftops as the steam rises all around.

Experience the Roman Baths

Although the Roman Baths are undeniably a tourist attraction, they’re also the key to unlocking both Bath’s historic narrative and the city you see today. The Romans built the sumptuous bathing complex in 70AD and today the cluster of atmospheric pools, courtyards and exhibits are brought vividly to life by projections, soundscapes and CGI displays. 

The baths are beside a temple to the healing goddess Sulis-Minerva . It’s this connection between the geothermal waters and health that has  helped the city flourish and has funded grand building projects – from the Roman era to the spa town and tourist hotspot it is today.

Book tickets online and aim for a slot first thing in the morning. Or check the baths'  What’s On page  for special events like  T’ai Chi on the Terrace overlooking the Great Bath.

Delight in the Royal Crescent

An exquisite semicircle of grand honey-colored homes, Bath’s Royal Crescent is another of the city’s can’t-miss sights. The terrace of 30 houses sweeps for 150 meters around a manicured lawn and was built between 1767 and 1775. 

This gorgeous place inevitably featured as a backdrop in  Bridgerton . One of the houses, the museum No 1 Royal Crescent , appeared as the Featheringtons’ home. Book a visit to see lavish Georgian furnishings, and the pots and pans of the servants’ quarters. After a June 2021 reopening, the story of the house and its residents has been brought to life by new digital projections and soundscapes.

Discover the Circus & the Georgian Gardens

After visiting the Royal Crescent, one of Bath’s big draws, many visitors take in the Circus en route from the city center as a bit of a sideshow. This means they miss an intriguing insight into the city’s past. A ring of 33 graceful townhouses split into three semicircular terraces, the Circus features stonework with beautiful emblems and symbols.

A short stroll away, down Gay St and back along Royal Ave, sits one of Bath’s unsung sights. The Georgian Garden is set behind No 4 The Circus. The compact space has been restored to resemble a typical town garden dating from around 1760. Complete with authentic plants and a copy of an elegant 18th-century garden seat, the space provides a rare glimpse into life behind Bath’s grand Georgian facades.  

Book a Reading Spa

Novelist Jane Austen lived in Bath in the early 1800s. Mary Shelley wrote much of Frankenstein while in the city. So what better to do in a geothermal town awash with literary links than indulge in a Reading Spa ? Run by the beautiful bookshop Mr B's Emporium , these one-off experiences allow you to sit down with a bibliotherapist over coffee and cake to discuss what you love to read. They then scour the shelves for armfuls of books to suit your tastes. All you have to do is decide which to take home. 

Unfortunately, there’s a big backlog for in-person sessions. Mr B’s bespoke  reading subscriptions – where a dedicated bookseller selects a book for you each month – are a good alternative while you wait.

Clamber up Bath Abbey’s tower

Bath’s famously fabulous architecture has visitors tracing trails from the Roman Baths to the Georgian Royal Crescent . But the best way to see these exquisite buildings initially is to actually look down on them from the roof of Bath Abbey .

During the medieval abbey’s Tower Tours , you’ll climb 212 steps, navigate a stone spiral staircase, weave past bell ropes and emerge onto the roof for panoramic views. From here, the city’s architecture and street plan appears like a giant animated map.

Go to a great grassroots gig

Touring all that gorgeous architecture can leave you gasping for a pint. Handily Bath is blessed with some brilliant, beautiful pubs, including locals’ favorite, the Bell Inn . This ethical, lively, live-music pub is owned by the customers – around 500 of them bought it in 2013. 

The inn is a living-wage employer and is part of the Musicians’ Union Fair Play Venue Scheme , which helps performers get a fair deal. The Bell is also home to seven real ales, bar billiards, a real fire and live music sessions three times a week spanning jazz, blues, Cajun and folk.

Cycle through a musical, mile-long tunnel

In a city of splendid sights, the idea of cycling through a tunnel might seem odd. But Bath's Two Tunnels Greenway is a unique cycling experience. It runs from East Twerton, east of the city center, to Midford, 3.8 miles to the south . 

After views of the Royal Crescent, riders enter the Combe Down Tunnel. At 1672 meters – or a little over a mile – this subterranean stretch is the longest traffic-free cycling tunnel in Europe . It’s also packed with interactive sound and light installations. Your movement through Passage , an installation by  United Visual Artists and the composer Mira Calix ,  triggers audio-visual displays set in 20 separate alcoves. It’s an unforgettable ride.

Hire a row boat

If visitors stray from Bath’s streets, they probably hop on a boat trip from Pulteney Bridge. But a more atmospheric way to explore is by walking a mile north east of the city center to hire your own craft from the Bath Boating Station . 

This Victorian boathouse hires out vintage wooden rowing boats, Canadian canoes and punts. You then get to propel yourself along some 2 miles of river, looking out for birds like kingfishers, herons and moorhens en route to the Bathampton Mill pub .

Make your own bauble

Bath Aqua Glass specializes in making aquamarine artworks using techniques that haven’t changed much since Roman times – many of the pieces echo styles of the era. Most visitors spot the shop near Bath Abbey . But if you walk 10 minutes north to the outlet on Walcot St , you can watch the artisan glassblowers at work.

The doors to the workshop are often open to disperse the heat. But if you visit on Friday or Saturday you can head inside for a closer look. Or   you can book activities including choosing the colors for a personalized bauble, crafting your own glass artworks, or hiring a glassblower for the day.  

Enjoy superb shopping

Bath’s shops are some of the best in the west. High-quality independent stores line the narrow lanes just north of Bath Abbey, Milsom St is good for upmarket fashion, while the SouthGate shopping center has all the high street brands.

Bookworms love Mr B’s Emporium and Topping & Co – the latter has rolling library ladders and free pots of coffee. Walcot St, the city’s self-styled Artisan Quarter, has the Bath Aqua Glass outlet , the workshop and store of renowned weaver  Katherine Fraser , and the fabulously pungent Fine Cheese Co shop and cafe.  

See a film in an art deco cinema

In a city rich in history, it’s fitting that one of its independent movie spaces is historic too. The Little Theatre Cinema was built by community theater pioneers in 1935, primarily to screen newsreels and documentaries. 

Since then it has added a second screen, and it now focuses on art house films and foreign language flicks. It also holds special autism-, toddler-, child- and dementia-friendly screenings, and it still has an art deco feel.

You might also like: Best things to do with kids in England How to get around in England The 11 best beaches in the UK

This article was first published Aug 10, 2018 and updated Sep 24, 2021.

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The 16 best things to do in Bath

From glorious thermal springs to lush limestone buildings, here the very best things to do in this Somerset city

Established by the Romans way back in 76BC, Bath is certainly steeped in history. It's beauty makes it more than worthy of a place on everyone's bucket list, but don't worry, it's got a whole lot more to offer that some fun for the history buffs.

This small Somerset city has bags of wonderful things to do, see, and eat. Take a dip in the baths, wander the Royal Crescent, and enjoy the abundance of theatre, comedy and art - there's a tonne of culture to drink in. Here are our top picks for things to do in Bath.

RECOMMENDED: 🍝The best restaurants in Bath 🏰The best things to do in Castle Combe 🌉The best things to do in Bristol 🌤️ The best things to do in the UK

At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines . This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, click here .

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Top things to do in Bath

1.  Sightsee the city

While Bath isn't the biggest city, there's plenty to see and do. Wander around the city and take in the breathtaking sights at a more leisurely pace, making sure to look out for the big-hitters (the Royal Crescent and the Roman Baths are a must-see) as well as other picturesque locations such as the lush Prior Park. Since you'll be spending all day on your feet, don't forget to refuel at one of Bath's best foodie spots, and if you start to get tired (or short on time) take it a little easier by grabbing a ticket for the hop-on-hop-off tour buses. 

2.  Be stunned by Bath Abbey's glorious gothic architecture

As soon as you walk into Bath Abbey, look up. The exquisite vaulted ceiling above is a feat of sixteenth-century architecture. The intricate pattern, which finely fans out from the walls, was created by Robert and William Vertue, who also designed the ceiling of the Henry VII chapel at Westminster Abbey. Take a tour of the towers which lets you stand above the incredible ceiling and takes you to the bell chamber for a peek behind the clock face. If you're after a different perspective, hop on a cruiser and make your way down the River Avon to take in the Abbey's grandeur from afar.

3.  Step back in time at the Roman Baths

In case it wasn't clear in the name, we have the Romans to thank for the Baths in, well, Bath. They unearthed the hot springs in this aptly-named city and built some astounding structures within which to house them. The incredibly well preserved Roman Baths in the centre of town are a sparkling example of the legacy left all those years ago.

4.  Bed down at one of the city's best hotels

Whether you’re here for the spectacular Roman Baths, are a Jane Austin megafan keen to explore the town she made her own, or just to take in the city's many glorious architectural wonders and see some fine art, you won’t have to worry about finding good accommodation. Bath has something to offer for all budgets and categories, from the delightful No15 Great Pulteney that's housed in a Georgian terrace to  the exquisite eponymous hotel and spa  located  in the Royal Crescent.

5.  Get a bird’s-eye view

If you think Bath looks pretty in pictures, you should see it from the sky! Weather permitting, those with a head for heights can get a unique perspective of the city on a hot air balloon ride. Blimps take off at dusk or dawn, when the city is at its most atmospheric. You can even enjoy the beautiful Somerset countryside with a cheeky bit of bubbly while taking in Bath’s many landmarks from a totally different point of view.

6.  Drink in Bath’s best brews

If you're a craft beer lover, you'll find plenty of very happy drinking in Bath. The folk round here are fond of a native brew, with many of the pubs stocking locals like Electric Bear, Bath Ales and Abbey Ales (the oldest brewery in town, don’tcha know). And let's not forget the West Country's most revered tipple and the apples that go into it, good old British cider, too. So while you’re here, go straight to the source and learn the art of crafting a beautiful brew. Wadworth’s Victorian tower brewery is a particular highlight.

7.  Indulge in a bit of drama at Rondo Theatre

Forget the blockbuster productions, this fringe theatre located in an old church hall in Larkhall is the place for a show with real charm and intimacy. Rondo is just a short jaunt from the city centre. Here you'll find independent productions, as well as touring shows, plus performances from the resident community theatre group Rondo Theatre Company, which has been going since 1953. On top of that, there's regular shows from comedians, circus acts and much more – this really is a great little venue.

8.  Rock out in an art deco music hall

The Bath Forum is a beautiful, Grade II-listed old cinema, which first opened its doors in May 1934, but that now offers up its stage to major touring bands, tribute acts, comedians and musicals. The interior is still decked out with gold-leaf flourishes and wooden fixtures and th e 1,600 iconic green seats make this Bath's biggest venue. The Beatles, Paloma Faith and Jamie Cullum have all step foot in here, and, since 1988, The Forum has also been home to Bath City Church.

9.  Laugh it all out at a quality comedy night

The little sister of Brighton's Komedia is situated in Bath's Grade I-listed Beau Nash House - and you only need to glance at the venue's awards to know you're in for a good time. Firstly, Komedia has won the Chortle Award for Best Venue in the West and Wales a staggering five times and even its kitchen has got in on the prize action, being  awarded Gold at the Taste of the West Awards.  Plus, not only is Komedia great if you're up for a giggle, but you can also catch various other events, such as live music, club nights, film and even burlesque. Once you've laughed until your belly aches, retire to the on-site Arts cafe where you can grab a coffee and a delicious lunch made with local ingredients. 

10.  Marvel at a true Georgian masterpiece

After the Romans had their way and were long consigned to history, it was the Georgians that took a real liking to this spa town during the eighteenth century and built much of the city you see today. They liberally used the famous yellow Bath limestone to construct elaborate and ornate buildings here, including Circus (a circle of large townhouses), the Assembly Rooms (where you'll find the Fashion Museum) and the Pump Rooms. A shouldn't-miss highlight is Royal Crescent , a curved row of 30 Georgian terraces, adorned with 114 Ionic columns and Palladian mouldings, with a ha-ha wall outside. 

11.  Spend a delightful afternoon with a most agreeable author

All those Sunday Evening period dramas owe a massive debt to one particular author, one-time Bath resident Jane Austen. Located in an original Georgian townhouse, the Jane Austin Centre allows visitors to trace Austen's story, with help from costumed actors, who have the details on everything worth knowing about the late author's life in Bath during the early nineteenth century. While you're here, you can also enjoy a cuppa in the Regency Tea Room and bag a momento of your trip from the giftshop.

12.  Enjoy a day at the races

Have a flutter on the horses at Bath's old racecourse at  Landsdown Hill . It's about a 20-minute drive from Bath Spa station by taxi and people have been making their way here for over 200 hundred years, since the first annual meet-up was held in 1811. These days, there are about 30 fixtures a year, plus other special events such as beer and cider festivals, half marathons and wedding fairs. Facilities include a canopy-covered roof garden and fine dining in the Royal Crescent Suite, which has a great view of the track below.

13.  Find the perfect frock

Bath's Fashion Museum is located down in the basement of The Assembly Rooms. Originally opened by designer Doris Langley Moore in the 1960s to showcase her collection of costumes – in what was then known as the Museum of Costume – this much loved little fashion haven now tells the story of what we've worn over the last couple of hundred years. From Georgian silk shoes to Nike Airs, a wander round here is a colourful and fascinating journey through fabric and form.

14.  Dine out at the oldest house in Bath

The Sally Lunn bun. Mean anything to you? Well, it will once you've visited to the oldest house in Bath, other wise known as Sally Lunn's . This little tea room and restaurant is famed for birthing a certain kind of hybrid teacake that's part bread bun, part cake and much loved here in Bath. Sally Lunn's is open from breakfast through to dinner, serving regional dishes, including the 'trencher dinner', which comes with the traditional trencher bread that people used to use as plates many hundreds of years ago.

15.  Breathe in the Bath countryside

South of Bath Spa station is the eighteenth-century, wonderfully landscaped Prior Park . Originally founded by entrepreneur Ralph Allen, the park is now run and lovingly maintained by the National Trust. The Palladian bridge is the park's most striking landmark and is one of only four to exist in the world. There's also a gothic temple and an ice house that was once used by the old mansion on the grounds. Regualr family activities are always taking place and there are two tiny shops – one in an outdoor cupboard and the other in a boat. There's also a Tea Shed that's open on weekends throughout the winter months to help you warm those freezing fingers.

16.  Take a gander at Sir William Holburne's art collection

Sir William Holburne was a navy man who travelled the oceans and harboured a sincere love for art. As such, he was able to collect unusual and rare pieces from all over the world. The Holbourne Museum houses his extensive collection of artifacts, as well as many other fascinating works of art ranging from Georgian oil paintings to sixteenth-century carvings and much more. One of Sir William's passports even survives to this day, displayed in here alongside his medals awarded for bravery in the Battle of Trafalgar.

More great things to do in Bath

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VisitBritain

Why we love Bath

A wellness retreat for the Romans and elegant Georgian architecture around every corner – Bath is the city that has it all. But look beyond its UNESCO World Heritage status and discover a destination bursting with cultural and gastronomic delights, from live music and comedy to captivating tours and experiences.

From a paddle down the River Avon, to touring the Bridgerton filming locations made famous by Netflix’s smash hit series – you won’t be short of finding adventure. Bust out your best moves at the world’s largest greenfield music and arts festival, Glastonbury, or discover life through the eyes of a literary favourite at the annual Jane Austen festival. From shopping and exploring the Roman baths, to taking a dip in the mineral-rich waters of the rooftop pool at Thermae Bath Spa and captivating walking tours , this is one place not to be missed.

BritMovieTours

Behind the scenes of Bridgerton

Listening to a soundtrack from the show, discover the houses of Lady Danbury and the Featheringtons, and the real-life ​​’Modiste’ – Madame Delacroix’s dress shop – and much more. 

Wayne Farrell Photography (www.waynefarrell.co.uk)

Bath Carnival

Creativity bursts into the city in July with Bath Carnival . Feel the rhythm of the city come alive with samba drumming, carnival dancers and let the DJ take the celebrations into dusk.

Paul Blackmore/Bath Fringe

Bath Fringe Festival

From comedy and cabaret to workshops and walks: anything is possible at this eclectic arts festival! Every summer, the Fringe presents entertainment for all the family – with dancing, exhibitions, film screenings, live music and more.

VisitBritain/Andrew Welsher

The Royal Crescent, Bath

A regal tour of Bath

Live out all your lavish fantasies on a Bridgerton tour – wander through Bath’s streets for picturesque sightseeing and discover the Bridgerton filming locations from the hit series, including the Royal Crescent and the Holburne.

Discover diverse flavours

Fill your tummy with foodie delights on a city tour with a bite to it! Say hi to the locals as you pass through Bath’s streets tucking into culinary artisans, sweet locally baked buns and seasonal produce.

Things to do in Bath

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Thermae Bath Spa

Britain’s only natural thermal spa, located in the historic city of Bath, offers the ultimate in relaxation.

Roman Baths

Tour the original Roman Baths and discover fascinating archaeological finds from pre-Roman and Roman Britain.

Colin Hawkins

No. 1 Royal Crescent

Explore fashionable life in 18th century Georgian Bath at this restored town-house museum, which had a starring role in Bridgerton.

The Jane Austen Centre

Fans of the author won’t want to miss this museum chronicling Jane Austen’s life and times, plus Regency tearoom.

Bath Skyline Walk

Head out on this circular National Trust trail, which affords spectacular views of the historic city of Bath.

Chris North

This former monastery is one of Bath’s most magnificent monuments, with amazing views from its tower.

Pulteney Bridge

Dating back to 1796, this Georgian marvel is a highlight of city tours and boat trips.

VisitBritain/Simon Winnall

Bath, England

Sally Lunn's Historic Eating House

Dating back to the 1400s, this restaurant, museum and shop specialises in traditional British cuisine.

Brit Movies Bridgerton Tour

History meets Hollywood on this filming locations walking tour, packed with behind-the-scenes gossip.

Bailey Balloons

Soar up, up and away over Bath and the Somerset countryside, on a hot air balloon adventure.

Destination Bristol

Stonehenge and Avebury

Spy the wolrd-famous mysterious prehistoric monument that continues to puzzle us all.

VisitBritain/Stephen Spraggon

The Green Rocket

This friendly veggie and vegan restaurant has won multiple awards for its plant-based menu.

The Elder Restaurant

From farm to fork, this bistro takes seasonal and sustainable dining to a whole new level.

Upper City Bath

Look out for locally-made fashions, artisan beauty products, art studios and more.

nicksmithphotography.com/VisitBath

Central Bath Shopping

Big-name fashion, designer and homeware stores rub shoulders with small independents and quirky boutiques.

Walcot Artisan Quarter

From classic vinyl to royal-themed ceramics and second-hand books – you’ll find it all right here.

Bath Boating Station

Explore the River Avon in a rowing boat, punt, canoe or motorboat from this historic rental spot.

Little Solsbury Hill

Surrounded by glorious countryside, this panoramic peak was the location of an Iron Age hill fort.

National Trust Images/Dawn Bigg

Bath Botanical Gardens

This beautiful park has been a haven for picnics, walks and wildlife watching since 1840.

Beata Cosgrove Photography/VisitWest

Great bands, cheap drinks and an amazing atmosphere: this underground venue hosts gigs and club nights galore.

Soul Photography/Moles

Entertainment for all the family – with dancing, exhibitions, film screenings, live music and more.

The Bath Festival

Books and music take centre stage – with author talks, live concerts, novel signings and more.

Nick Spratling/The Bath Festival

Bath Assembly Rooms

With glittering chandeliers and soaring architecture, this is a fabulous location for events and concerts.

National Trust Images/Anna Kilc

Jane Austen Trail in Sydney Gardens

Follow in the great author’s footsteps, and discover the places that inspired Northanger Abbey and Persuasion.

Gravel Walk - Persuasion

One of Jane Austen’s settings, this beautiful back-street also features in the Netflix series of Persuasion.

Plate Restaurant and Terrace

Whether for long lazy lunches, afternoon tea, or traditional Sunday roasts with all the trimmings.

Savouring Bath

From street food tours and small-batch distilleries, to trips packed with ice cream, cheese and comfort food.

The Pump Room Restaurant

Breakfast, brunch and afternoon tea are accompanied by live piano music, and beautiful Georgian architecture.

Mark Weeks/Searcys

Bizarre Bath

Enjoy the lighter side of Bath on this comedy-packed walking tour, with street theatre and stunts galore.

Victoria Falls Adventure Golf

This mini-golf course offers 18 challenging holes to play, all in a beautiful garden setting.

Original Wild

Book paddleboarding and kayaking tours of Bath, plus raft building, code-breaking, climbing and abseiling.

West Country Water Park

With paddleboarding, windsurfing and wild swimming, this outdoor activity centre has adventures for all ages.

Getty Images

This Michelin-recommended restaurant celebrates all-things fresh, sustainable and plant-based.

Pete Helme Photography/Oak Restaurant

Oak restaurant

Once a super-cinema, now a live events venue, catch some of the biggest names in comedy, live music, dance and more.

Bath Narrowboats

A narrowboat break on the Kennet and Avon Canal is the ideal way to connect with nature.

Bath Adventures

With gin-tasting cruises and silent discos, these city sightseeing tours are anything but ordinary!

VisitBritain/Aurélie Four

Featured things to do

Bailey Ballons

Soar up, up and away over the city of Bath and the Somerset countryside, on a hot air balloon adventure. This award-winning company takes off from Royal Victoria Park in Bath and offers VIP flights from the Bristol Balloon Fiesta, too.

Andrew Allcock

Glastonbury

Step into a world of world class music, stand-up comedy, circus performers and eclectic film at Glastonbury Festival - this is one creatively cultural experience not to be missed by the party-goers.

Skyline perspectives

Wander up to Solsbury Hill and the other heights above Bath for skyline views over the bustling city and beyond, mixing nature with autumnal colours and beautiful fresh perspectives.

Bath at Christmas

From an amble through its traditional Christmas market to a steamy twilight swim at the city’s rooftop pool – winter is a magical time in Bath with glistening lights and plenty of festive fayre.

Places to stay in Bath

Central bath.

Bath’s centre is where you’ll find most of the incredible historical and cultural gems. Bath City, the oldest part is blessed with handsome Georgian architecture and atmosphere to enjoy getting lost, and here boasts the only place in Britain where you can bathe in natural thermal hot springs.

From cosy pubs to trendy bars, a smattering of decent night life to places to wine and dine. North of the city centre is worth discovering for an alternative with boutique shops and speciality sports.

Victoria Park

This area features perhaps Bath’s most famous street, the truly awesome horseshoed shaped, Royal Crescent (built in the 1700s). Its close enough to the centre, and offers luxury and an poetic atmosphere.

Explore nearby

Cool creative Bristol is a must-see for art, culture and action-packed adventure.

VisitBritain/Rod Edwards

Lush rolling pastures, pretty stone villages and rambling rivers - the Cotswolds has it all.

Cotswolds, England

Step into a land of castles, world-renowned rugby and a whole host of myths and legends.

VisitBritain/Ben Selway

Just an hour by train from London and you’re in the city of dreaming spires.

VisitBritain/Jess Barfield

Small but mighty, Exeter is a city with seriously cool credentials. Discover the top attractions and best things to do and see during your next visit here.

Exeter City Council

Getting to Bath

Well connected by air, train, coach and bus to destinations across the UK,  getting to and around Bath is easy. Bath is located in South West England and Bristol International Airport is the closest airport, just 19 miles (30 kilometres) away. The A4 Air Decker bus service is direct to Bath from the airport, taking around 45 minuets.

From London, there is a high-speed train with Great Western Rail  from London Paddington to Bath Spa train station taking around 80 minutes.

There is a coach service from London Heathrow to Bath with National Express taking just over two hours.

Getting around

Bath's public bus service is well connected throughout the city and beyond, First West Bus is the largest operator. Or try a sightseeing hop on, hop off city sightseeing bus tour .

A compact city, Bath is great to explore by foot , with a good selection of free maps and guides , plus countryside walks, too.

With 14 self-service hire stations around the city, traffic-free cycle routes and the Bristol to Bath Cycle Path, the scenic city of Bath is brilliant when  explored by bike .

Want to know more?

Planning on visiting Bath? Get the latest information on Attractions, Events, Accommodation, Shopping & Eating Out.

36 Hours in Bath, England

By Susanne Masters Updated June 15, 2023

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Hot water mingles with 2,000 years of history in Bath, the spa town in southwest England. Named for its ancient, thermal-spring-fed Roman pools, Bath is a UNESCO World Heritage Site as well as the beautiful backdrop to Jane Austen films and the Netflix series “Bridgerton.” But the town is not resting on its past. Impressive restaurants like the Elder , which opened during the pandemic, add finesse to regional British fare, while a new museum dedicated to Mary Shelley, who wrote most of “Frankenstein” while a teenager in Bath, celebrates the city’s literary side in good, spooky fun. While centuries’ worth of visitors have flocked to Bath for a steaming soak, the sweeping Georgian architecture and rolling, lush countryside also attract active travelers to enjoy the area on foot, bicycle or even a kayak.

Recommendations

• The Roman Baths , a preserved ancient spa complex and museum, offers immersion in the city’s history, even if visitors cannot soak in its famous hot water.
• No 1. Royal Crescent , a museum in a restored townhouse, recreates the interior of a wealthy Georgian family home.
• Thermae Bath Spa offers a contemporary way to enjoy the city’s hot water.
• Oak is a mostly vegan restaurant that grows some of the produce that ends up on diners’ plates.
• Mary Shelley’s House of Frankenstein offers visitors creepy, experiential ways to explore the “Frankenstein” author’s life and legacy.
• Herschel Museum of Astronomy is the house where William Herschel discovered the planet Uranus in 1781 while living with his sibling and fellow astronomer Caroline Herschel.
• Bath Aqua Glass lets you blow a glass bauble for a personalized souvenir.
• Royal Victoria Park and Hedgemead Park bookend an architectural walk through the city.
• Original Wild , a local outdoor adventure company, will take you on a paddle-powered tour of the city.
• No. 15 by GuestHouse , a hotel occupying three Georgian townhouses, serves afternoon tea with style.
• Corkage is a wine bar and restaurant with an inviting terrace.
• The Green Bird Cafe is a pit stop for coffee and snacks.
• The Bell Inn is an independent pub that serves real ale and has live music.
• The Fine Cheese Co. sells cheeses made by small producers who use traditional methods.
• The Elder serves British fare, with emphasis on local produce and game, amid elegant wood-paneled décor.
• Bathwick Pharmacy stocks modern pharmacy products in a shop whose interior dates to 1826.
• The Antique Map Shop sells maps of the British Isles, Europe and the Americas, most over a century old.
• Independent Spirit of Bath sells locally produced drinks alongside international favorites.
• Dangleberg is the place to get spicy or fermented condiments.
• The Yellow Shop is a nostalgic haven for vintage and new clothing.
• Bath is a walkable city. But if your feet get tired, the Bathrider all-day ticket covers most buses in the city center for 5.60 pounds, or about $7. Parking is limited in the city center, although foreign-issued disability parking permits are accepted for visitors with mobility issues.
• The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa is a peaceful aerie and a stunning example of Bath’s Georgian architecture. Rooms start at £319.
• Eight , in two townhouses in the city center, has 20 rooms, each with its own spirit. Rooms start at £130.
• Cheap and cheerful, the YMCA Bath hostel is off Walcot Street, the creative heart of the city. Rates start at £22 for a bed in a dorm, with a variety of private rooms available.

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18 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Bath

Written by Bryan Dearsley Updated Dec 22, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Widely considered one of England's most attractive cities , Bath is famous for the archeological attraction from which it takes its name: its 2,000-year-old Roman baths.

Nestled in the Avon Valley between the Cotswolds and the Mendip Hills in the beautiful county of Somerset , Bath is also well known for its perfectly preserved honey-colored Georgian houses .

Today, some 500 of the city's buildings are considered of historical or architectural importance. Bath was granted World Heritage Site status in 1987, one of only a handful of such locations in the UK.

In addition to enjoying the city's spectacular architecture, parks, and gardens, popular things to do include exploring Bath's many museums, entertainment venues, and tourist attractions. And don't worry about getting lost. Handy maps and signage are located in most public areas and major intersections, making the job of finding your favorite points of interest that much easier.

Bath is well known for its many festivals and events, including the Bath Christmas Market , held mid-November to mid-December. Also noteworthy is the Bath International Music Festival , held over two weeks each May.

Learn more about what to see, as well as popular sightseeing opportunities and tours, with our list of the top things to do in Bath, England.

1. Visit the Historic Roman Baths

2. explore bath's georgian roots in royal crescent, 3. take a tour of bath abbey, 4. pulteney bridge, 5. get pampered at thermae bath spa, 6. take a peek inside the cross bath, 7. get your art fix (and more) at the holburne museum, 8. get dressed up at the fashion museum bath, 9. sally lunn's historic eating house, 10. herschel museum of astronomy, 11. the jane austen centre, 12. mary shelley's house of frankenstein, 13. see a show at theatre royal, 14. the museum of east asian art, 15. take a trip to the american museum and gardens, 16. explore the victoria art gallery, 17. the bath festival, 18. prior park landscape garden, where to stay in bath for sightseeing, map of tourist attractions in bath, bath - climate chart.

While the ancient Romans are credited for having established Bath's ancient hot springs as a place of relaxation and rejuvenation, legend has it their healing powers were discovered some 500 years earlier by a British king.

But it was the Romans who left their mark, building the city's famous Roman Baths and Temple of Sulis Minerva in 75 BCE around the largest of the city's three hot springs. It's not difficult to see the attraction: the water contains 43 different minerals, gushes from a depth of nearly 10,000 feet at a rate of 275,000 gallons a day, and is a constant 46.5 degrees Celsius.

Voted Britain's most romantic buildings, the award-winning Roman Baths and Temple are among the finest examples of Roman architecture remaining in England and attract more than 1.3 million visitors each year. Many of the artifacts found during various archeological digs, including altar stones and exquisite mosaics, are on display in the museum or around the Great Bath itself.

While regular free guided tours are available, those wanting to go at their own pace can pick up an excellent audioguide with their tickets. A version of this handy guide is also available for children, who are encouraged to engage with staff dressed in authentic period costumes. Tickets for the Roman Baths are timed and need to be booked in advance.

Feeling peckish after all that sightseeing? Book a table at the elegant Pump Room Restaurant in a setting that has been serving great meals and afternoon teas for over 200 years. Past guests have included no less than Charles Dickens and Jane Austen. Live music and samples of fresh spring water are included.

If you're looking to combine the Roman Baths with a tour of other city attractions, consider joining a fun two-hour Bath city walking tour . Highlights of these morning or afternoon tours include the best parts of the baths, including the hot springs, the Great Bath, the pump rooms, and the changing rooms, plus a walk to Royal Crescent and Bath Abbey.

Address: Abbey Churchyard, Bath, England

Official site: www.romanbaths.co.uk

Exploring Bath's perfectly preserved Georgian architecture is probably the second best excuse to visit this beautiful city. A great place to start your adventure is the Museum of Bath Architecture . This unique facility located in a former private chapel perfectly demonstrates how classical design influenced the city's buildings. It's also home to the incredibly detailed Bath Model , a magnificent 1:500 scale architectural model of the historic city center.

Next, walk to the northwest section of the city, where most of the best architectural examples are found. Check out Queen Square and Gay Street, with their beautifully symmetrical façades dating from the early 18th century. Next, head to the Royal Circus , a perfect circle of three-story homes with different classical orders (column types) on each level.

Finally, there's Royal Crescent . This monumental semicircular sweep of residential townhouses is famous for its breathtakingly uniform, palace-like façade. While most homes on the crescent remain privately owned, No.1 Royal Crescent is open to the public and provides a rare glimpse into what life was like for the wealthy, along with their not-so-wealthy servants, in the 1770s.

A variety of guided tours, educational events, and themed itineraries are available.

Address: 1 Royal Crescent, Bath, England

Official site: http://no1royalcrescent.org.uk/

The Gothic cathedral of the Bishop of Bath and Wells, traditionally referred to as the Bath Abbey, was founded in 1499. According to legend, it was built after Bishop Oliver King experienced a vivid dream of angels climbing up and down ladders to and from heaven. He also heard a voice declaring: "The crown should plant an olive tree and the king restore the church."

Interpreted as a sign to rebuild the church, the site of which had been used by Christians as a place of worship since 757 CE, the dream was intricately immortalized in stone on the building's west side. A good time to visit for those with flexible itineraries is during one of the frequent music concerts or public lectures (check the abbey's website for dates and details).

There's also a guided tower tour program, which takes in the bell chamber, clock face, and roof. From here, you'll get a superb view over the city and the neighboring Roman Baths. However, it's a 212-step climb, but a rest area is available halfway up. For a truly memorable experience, an after-dark private tower visit is also available for couples.

While admission to the abbey itself is free, there is a charge to climb the tower. For those wanting a keepsake from their visit, be sure to check out the on-site gift shop.

Address: 11a York Street, Bath, England

Official site: www.bathabbey.org

One of the most recognizable pieces of architecture in Bath, Pulteney Bridge is one of only a handful of bridges with buildings atop them that still exists. Completed in 1774 to connect central Bath to undeveloped land on the opposite side of the River Avon, it's considered one of the most iconic such bridges in the world, and even played a starring role in the film version of Les Misérables ).

Three arches support a variety of quaint little shops and restaurants, and the bridge opens onto Great Pulteney Street with its beautiful Georgian-era homes . The bridge also acts as the departure point for a variety of fun river excursions.

Address: Bridge Street, Bath, England

If you'd like to enjoy the same bathing experience as the ancient Romans who built the original baths here, you're in luck. A dip in the waters of Thermae Bath Spa, located across the street from the Roman Baths, is a unique opportunity to experience the same thermal waters that have drawn people as far back as the Celts to the area for thousands of years.

The facility itself is a pleasing architectural blend of a new modern glass-faced structure built in 2006 and original Georgian-era buildings. The main bathing area, the New Royal Bath , consists of a stunning open-air rooftop swimming pool plus an indoor pool, two thermal baths, two steam rooms, as well as an ice chamber. Also worth checking out are the original 18th-century "hot bath" and the delightful garden-side wellness suite.

A number of spa treatments are available, including water massages and hot stone therapies. A fun thing for couples to do is to book one of the romantic twilight packages, including dinner (there's an on-site restaurant), a spa treatment, and a rooftop pool session at sunset.

Address: The Hetling Pump Room, Hot Bath Street, Bath, England

Official site: www.thermaebathspa.com

Just a hop, skip, and a jump away from Thermae Bath Spa, and operated by the same company, is the Cross Bath . This historic spa facility provides a unique opportunity to take a dip in the city's ancient waters.

A highlight of a visit to this fully-renovated 18th-century building includes having access to the original open-air thermal bath. Adding to the fun is the fact that only 10 guests are permitted at a time.

For a truly memorable experience, your 1.5-hour experience can be booked for private sessions, too – a great option for couples and small groups of friends. As with the Thermae Bath Spa, robes and towels are included with your visit. When not in use, a new glass door allows curious passersby to take a peek into the facility.

Address: 9, 10 Hot Bath Street, Bath, England

Official site: www.thermaebathspa.com/spa-sessions-cross-bath/

The mainstay of the Holburne Museum's excellent collection of art includes paintings by Gainsborough, Reynolds, and Stubbs. There's also a large collection of 18th-century silver, Wedgwood porcelain, Renaissance bronzes, and early period furniture.

Housed in the former Sydney Hotel, the museum now includes a garden café overlooking lovely Sydney Gardens , famous as Britain's only surviving 18th-century pleasure gardens.

A variety of events and educational programs are held frequently, including classical music performances and lectures. If you time it right, a fun thing to do is participate in the museum's "late night" programs, which allows you to explore its many exhibits after hours. A café and shop are located on the premises.

Address: Great Pulteney Street, Bathwick, Bath, England

Official site: www.holburne.org

After taking in Bath's splendid architecture, you'll no doubt want to learn a little more about the styles and fashions that would have adorned the residents of the city's many exquisite homes. Housed in the architecturally stunning Assembly Rooms , the Fashion Museum contains a world-class collection of contemporary and historical clothing, including 150 dressed figures and more than 30,000 original items dating from the late 16th century to the present day.

Established in 1963, the museum's displays cover a variety of themes such as men's and women's wear, day and evening dress, as well as modern alternative fashion.

Highlights include a unique "dress of the year" wardrobe of dresses from the best-known dressmakers and designers, which have been collected since the museum's opening, with one new example being added each year. Examples can be seen from such leading brands as Mary Quant, Giorgio Armani, and Ralph Lauren.

For kids who enjoy dressing up, a fun thing to do is to try on some of the reproduction garments made available for visitors. The museum also has a good café, as well as a gift shop. Informative audioguides are included with the price of admission.

Address: Assembly Rooms, Bennett Street, Bath, England

Official site: www.fashionmuseum.co.uk/

Dating from 1482 and rebuilt in 1622, this living museum and historic eating house is famous for its delicious Sally Lunn's Buns, made from secret traditional recipes. Actor Nicolas Cage is reportedly a fan of their cinnamon butter topping. And he's right: they're delicious.

Also try the homemade lemon curd with clotted cream bun. So popular are they, you'll more than likely find yourself lining up with people from across the globe, and versions of the bun are popular in places like Williamsburg, Virginia, and New Zealand.

Just steps from Bath Abbey, the cellar museum demonstrates how the site has been used to refresh weary travelers since Roman times. Highlights include the original kitchen, an old oven dating from 1140, along with the only visible remains of medieval Bath.

The museum also features a fascinating display portraying how parts of the old city were raised an entire story to save it from flooding, and, of course, to allow posh Georgians a better place to promenade.

The best times to visit and avoid the crowds are around 10am or late afternoon near dinnertime; tables can be reserved for the latter. Alternatively, grab a bun or two as a takeaway.

Address: 4 North Parade Passage, Bath, England

Official site: www.sallylunns.co.uk

Housed in a beautifully restored Georgian townhouse, the Herschel Museum of Astronomy contains numerous artifacts related to the acclaimed musician and astronomer, William Herschel.

Notable things to do at the museum include viewing original pieces of music and numerous instruments, as well as many references to his greatest achievement, the discovery of the planet Uranus in 1781. This groundbreaking feat was made using a telescope Herschel designed and constructed himself in this very building.

Self-guided audio tours are available, with many replicas of Herschel's equipment being available for visitors to handle and experience. A variety of fun educational programs are also available in the museum and its workshop. An authentic Georgian-era garden is also available to explore.

Another itinerary-worthy attraction is the Museum of Bath at Work . Showcasing 2,000 years of Bath's commercial development, the museum's highlights include a reconstruction of a Victorian engineering and mineral water business that ran unchanged through to the 1960s, a stone quarry and crane, as well as a fully functioning cabinet maker's workshop.

Of interest to philatelists is the Bath Postal Museum , a fun diversion with displays of related materials and numerous antique postboxes.

Address: 19 New King Street, Bath, England

Official site: https://herschelmuseum.org.uk

Fans of English literature, and Georgian-era literature in particular, will want to make sure a visit to the Jane Austen Centre on historic Gay Street is included in their Bath travel itinerary. Austen famously vacationed in Bath before living here full-time from 1801 to 1806, a city that, at the time, was a gathering place for the country's upper classes, drawn by its famous baths, rural setting, and vibrant social scene.

Highlights of a visit include touring the well-preserved former townhome with a period-costumed guide (guided tours of other city landmarks are also available), and enjoying a wide variety of displays and materials relating to the author's time in Bath. There's even a waxwork of the author, constructed over a two-year period with guidance from forensic scientists to ensure it resembles Austen (of whom no realistic images exist) as closely as possible.

Another worthwhile place to visit is the center's tearoom, where you can enjoy an authentic high tea experience. There and there's also a well-stocked shop carrying the author's works and other souvenirs.

If traveling to Bath in the autumn, try to time your visit to coincide with the annual Jane Austen Festival . Held each September, this 10-day celebration culminates in a parade, which draws thousands of visitors and fans, most dressed in authentic period costumes. There's also a much-anticipated Masked Ball, something Austen herself would no doubt have enjoyed.

Address: 40 Gay Street, Bath, England

Official site: www.janeausten.co.uk

Located just a few steps up from The Jane Austen Centre is one of Bath's newest places to visit: Mary Shelley's House of Frankenstein. Opened in 2021, this one-of-a-kind attraction is an interesting mix of museum and immersive fun.

In addition to the informative displays outlining Shelley's sometimes tumultuous relationships and at times tragic life, it also offers a fascinating look at how her famous story sparked a virtual industry of monster-related literature and, ultimately, cinema.

As you make your way, you'll see, and in some cases have a chance to play with, a variety of interactive devices that help drive the story along until, eventually, you find yourself face-to-face with the monster Frankenstein just as Shelley wrote him.

You'll then have a chance to sit in an authentic silent-era movie house to watch cinematic incarnations of the famous monster. Afterwards, try your hand at the monster-themed escape room and, if you dare, enter the building's basement for a spooky walk-through experience. A gift shop selling related souvenirs is also on-site.

Address: 37 Gay Street, Bath

Official site: www.houseoffrankenstein.com

Opened in 1805 and host to some of the biggest stars of live theater ever since, the spectacular Theatre Royal was completely renovated in 2010. Today, it's considered one of the finest examples of surviving Georgian-era architecture in England.

In addition to the opportunity to enjoy first-rate theatrical and musical performances, a visit will expose you to the building's stunningly decorated interior. Highlights include the ornate plasterwork, plush seating, and large chandelier in the 900-seat auditorium, notable for its three separate galleries. It's also rumored to be haunted, its most famous ghost being the perfumed Grey Lady.

In addition to its ever-changing roster of visiting and locally produced performances, a number of annual events are also held here, including the popular Shakespeare Unplugged Festival. Theatre Royal also houses a second stage, the Ustinov Studio . This studio theater opened in 1997 and offers an eclectic mix of theater, dance, music, and comedy.

Theatre Royal is also home to a dedicated children's theater. The Egg opened in 2005 and hosts numerous kid-focused productions, educational programs and workshops, as well as the fun Family Theatre Festival. In addition to The Egg's café, two restaurants serve both lunch and dinner.

Address: Saw Close, Bath, England

Official site: www.theatreroyal.org.uk

Be sure to add the Museum of East Asian Art (MEAA) to your list of Bath attractions to explore. Housed in another of the city's gorgeous old Georgian townhomes, this fascinating museum opened in 1993 and contains many fine collections of carvings made from jade and bamboo.

There are also many bronze sculptures and ceramics from across East and Southeast Asia, including Korea, Japan, and China, in the collection. Some of the 2,000-plus items you'll enjoy seeing in this one-of-a-kind museum date back more than 7,000 years.

In addition to its permanent displays, the museum hosts a variety of interesting visiting exhibits throughout the year, as well as educational programs and events, ensuring a return visit is worthwhile. The museum shop is well worth visiting, too, and stocks a sizable range of Asian-inspired products.

Address: 12 Bennett Street, Bath, England

Official site: https://meaa.org.uk

Set amid 120 acres of stunning Somerset countryside just three miles outside of Bath, the American Museum and Gardens is home to a superb collection of antiquities from colonial times right up to the Civil War years. Set in a majestic 19th-century manor house, this fascinating museum was founded by a couple of antique collectors to house their vast collection of American decorative arts, and is the only museum of its kind to be located outside the US.

Highlights include authentic American-styled rooms and furnishings representing various regions and periods from the country's history, along with original quilts, maps, textiles, and folk art. Exhibits dealing with contemporary events are also held and are rotated annually.

Be sure to also allow time to explore the museum's magnificent gardens and grounds. A particularly fun thing to do is to wander the replica of George Washington's Mount Vernon garden. There is also an arboretum to explore, as well as a pleasant trail that takes you past a wide variety of trees native to the US.

The museum's recent addition is the New American Garden, which includes an impressive rose collection along with shrubs and perennials. Time your visit right, and you can participate in a variety of living history programs, including reenactments of battles and events from America's rich history. There's also an on-site gift shop selling a range of related souvenirs.

Location: Claverton Manor, Claverton Down, Claverton, Bath, England

Official site: http://americanmuseum.org/

Since throwing open its doors to the public for the first time in 1900, the world-class Victoria Art Gallery has remained one of Bath's most-visited museums. Named after Queen Victoria, who that same year celebrated her diamond jubilee, the museum contains superb collections of works by the likes of such well-respected artists as Gainsborough, Turner, and Sickert.

Additional exhibitions may feature items from the gallery's impressive collections of pottery, porcelain, glass, and watches, and are rotated frequently. As well as being of interest to adult visitors, there are also plenty of fun things for kids to do here, including popular activities such as crafts and drawing.

Of special interest for art fans are the Art Store Tours. These fun behind-the-scenes tours offer a look at areas and artworks not normally available to the public. Be sure to also pick up your handy guide (a charge applies) from the museum shop.

Official site: www.victoriagal.org.uk

Picking up where the old Bath International Music Festival, established in 1948, left off, the 17-day-long Bath Festival is an exciting multi-arts event that continues to draw huge crowds of festival-goers to the city each May. Music, of course, continues to play a large role in the festival, with everything from jazz to classical to folk and international music being included.

A must-attend highlight is the Party in the City event. This exciting evening of music is free to enjoy, with upwards of 2,000 performers in attendance from various music genres playing at multiple venues across Bath. There's also a strong literary component, which includes everything from poetry to contemporary fiction.

For those traveling with kids, consider a visit in the autumn for the Bath Children's Literature Festival , billed as the largest such festival in Europe. Highlights include author readings; illustration workshops; and plenty of family-friendly fun activities, including arts, crafts, and games.

Address: 9-10 Bath Street, Bath, England

Official site: https://bathfestivals.org.uk

Just two miles southeast of Bath is one of the most picturesque rural settings to be found anywhere in England: Prior Park Landscape Garden. Built between 1735 and 1750, Prior Park itself was the creation of renowned architect John Wood, whose design is considered to be one of the best examples of the Palladian-style mansions so popular during the period.

But it's the beautiful gardens, designed by poet Alexander Pope and famed garden architect Capability Brown, that so define this National Trust property, and which make it a must for any Somerset itinerary.

A focus of any visit should be exploring the magnificent and extremely photogenic Palladian bridge, one of only four such bridges still standing worldwide. Other features of note include a picturesque Gothic temple, a grotto, and a good-sized serpentine lake.

In fact, so pleasing an experience is wandering this property that you'll certainly want to take your time. This is especially true if you combine it with a walk along the Bath Skyline pathway , which can be joined close by.

Also worth doing is taking one of the park's first-rate free guided tours. These 90-minute walking tours include wildlife and fungi excursions, a head gardener option, as well as seasonal explorations. Autumn is a good time to visit for the colors and the smaller crowds.

And if all that walking makes you thirsty, pay a visit to the fun "tea shed" for a hot beverage.

Address: Ralph Allen Drive, Bath, England

Official site: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/prior-park-landscape-garden

Thanks to its status as one of the most visited small cities in England, Bath offers no end of choices when it comes to finding top-rated accommodations close to the city's attractions, most of which are located in the heart of this ancient city. Here are some highly rated and conveniently located hotels we recommend that are close to the Roman Baths and the city's other top cultural attractions.

Luxury Hotels :

• A favorite for those seeking a high-end experience is The Gainsborough Bath Spa , a sumptuously decorated heritage hotel that offers thermal pools, turndown service, and a delightful afternoon tea – all just steps away from the Roman Baths.
• Situated on Bath's most famous street, The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa offers guests a truly luxury experience in an authentic Georgian-era building, all just a few minutes' walk away from top attractions such as Bath Abbey. A full English breakfast is provided.
• A luxurious stay can also be enjoyed at the intimate boutique-style hotel No.15 Great Pulteney , located a short stroll from historic Pulteney Bridge.

Mid-Range Hotels :

• A comfortable stay can be had at The Roseate Villa , a charming, mid-range boutique hotel boasting welcoming staff and an amazing English breakfast, and which is located on a quiet road close to the city's top points of interest.
• Also worth considering are Pulteney House , a delightful bed-and-breakfast close to Bath Abbey, which offers a free breakfast and parking (a real plus), and SACO Bath , a great choice for those traveling with kids, as it offers larger one- and two-bedroom suites, and is located on St. James Parade just a short walk away from the top things to see and do in Bath.

Budget Hotels :

• For those seeking a centrally located place to stay, the Dukes Bath , a boutique guesthouse located in a beautiful old Georgian townhome, is an elegant yet affordable option worth considering. Breakfast is included.
• Also worthy of a look is Premier Inn Bath City Centre Hotel , a pleasant budget hotel that's conveniently located and offers modern décor and comfortable beds.
• Finally, be sure to check out Harington's Hotel , a charming 300-year-old property situated on a quiet, old cobbled street, which provides easy access to the city's top attractions.

More Related Articles on PlanetWare.com

Easy Day Trips : A great excursion from Bath is to make the 40-minute drive northwest to the larger and equally interesting city of Bristol . The country's oldest harbor is found here and is the place from which John Cabot began his epic voyage to the New World in the late 15th century. A visit should also include Bristol Cathedral, SS Great Britain, the world's first-ever iron-hulled passenger ship, and the historic city center.

Another port city to visit is Southampton, located a 90-minute drive southeast of Bath. Here, you'll want to explore the still intact medieval walls and historic homes, as well as the city's maritime connections along the Titanic Trail.

The tourist attractions of Salisbury are an hour's drive in the same direction. This historic city is famous for its magnificent cathedral and its many well-preserved historic buildings.

Easy Day Trips (Part Two) : The lovely city of Winchester is a popular spot to visit from Bath, just 90 minutes east by car. You'll of course want to visit Winchester Cathedral, as well as nearby Highclere Castle, forever immortalized as the ancestral home of the fictional Crawley family of Downton Abbey fame.

Just a little farther beyond Winchester is Portsmouth , home port of the Royal Naval Museum and HMS Victory , perhaps the country's most famous warship.

Another important naval town is Plymouth , a two-hour drive southwest and worth a visit for its fortifications and the Mayflower Museum, which commemorates the journey of the Pilgrims to North America.

Wales Watching : Thanks to its location, it's easy to cross the Bristol Channel and explore all the highlights of Wales from Bath (it's just over 30 minutes' drive away). Make your first stop Cardiff , a popular destination for the majestic Cardiff Castle and the reconstructed Cardiff Bay area. From here, you're only a few miles from one of the most beautiful parts of South Wales : Brecon Beacons National Park.

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I Loved Visiting This England City So Much I Moved There — Here's How to Plan the Perfect Trip

Bath is one of the most picturesque cities in southwest England.

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If you’re one of the millions of people who couldn’t get enough of Netflix’s hit Bridgerton , you’ve already had a glimpse of the Georgian architecture and glamour of Bath. Located in Somerset, a region directly west of London, Bath is recognizable for a variety of features, including its buildings made of the golden-hued Bath stone (or oolitic limestone), cobblestone streets, and natural hot springs that inspired the city’s name. 

Deemed a UNESCO World Heritage Site — the only city in the United Kingdom with that distinction — Bath was founded by the Romans in the first century A.D. and developed into one of the most fashionable places to live in the 18th century. The famed author Jane Austen even called it home for a few years. Given its uniquely preserved history and structural significance, Bath is a popular filming location; besides its role in Bridgerton , it also makes appearances in the 2022 version of "Persuasion" starring Dakota Johnson, "Les Misérables" (2012), and "Vanity Fair" (2004), among other productions. As Gerry Paddock, concierge at The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa notes, the city’s “fabulous architecture, river and canals, and an abundance of tranquil parkland” create a completely original — and photogenic — place to visit. 

Even with the fanfare surrounding Bath and its reputation as a cultural hub, there are still aspects of the destination that feel inherently magical and undiscovered. “Bath is a treasure and wears its Georgian and early Victorian history well,” says Andrew Lowkes, founder and owner of Landrace . “But don’t forget it’s a living, modern metropolis. It’s home to a progressive community of real people trying to do real things and effect real, meaningful change. Have a pint with the locals at The Bell on Walcot Street. Drop into Atelier Ellis and talk color, art, [and] beauty.” He encourages travelers to “seek the road less traveled and make up your own history” while exploring what the city has to offer.

Fair warning, though, this is the type of place that sticks in your mind, gently urging you to experience (or return to) its landscape and infrastructure. Its pull is so strong, in fact, that I decided to call Bath my home for a few months in 2021 — nearly a decade after my first visit. If you’re prepared to fall in love with one of the most exquisite cities in England, read on to discover our guide to Bath. 

Top 5 Can’t Miss

• Book one of the beautifully designed rooms at The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa, a five-star property located in Bath’s most iconic example of Georgian architecture. 
• Start your morning with a sausage roll and one of the famous cardamom buns from Landrace bakery. 
• Complete the Bath Skyline walk, a six-mile circular path that provides an elevated perspective of the city. 
• Pop in and out of Bath’s many independent bookstores, making sure to visit Mr B's Emporium, Topping & Company Booksellers, Persephone Books, and Bath Old Books. 
• Plan your visit in the spring or fall to experience the best weather and a less congested city.

Courtesy of The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa

Best Hotels & Resorts

The royal crescent hotel & spa.

If you’re hoping for an only-in-Bath experience, there’s one hotel to book: The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa . Housed inside the visually impressive landmark, notable for its Georgian stone facade and crescent shape, the hotel overlooks a sweeping green lawn — and it feels right out of Bridgerton , albeit with all modern amenities. The 45-key property manages to achieve the near-impossible hospitality feat: Its five-star features — including a spa, indoor swimming pool, steam room, and on-site restaurant, Montagu's Mews — coexist alongside a decidedly boutique, home-like atmosphere. With complimentary tea delivered to your room — or enjoyed in front of the fireplace or outside in the garden — you’ll want to leave time in your travel schedule to simply sit and savor the allure of the property’s enviable location and elegant decor. 

The Yard in Bath

“I always recommend The Yard in Bath ,” says Lowkes. “It’s over the road from The Scallop Shell… The best chippy tea in town followed by an early night? What’s not to love?” The 14 guest rooms surround a quiet courtyard, but the breakfast might be the star of the show. Each morning, guests receive a basket filled with croissants, granola, yogurt, fruit, and juice; alternatively, there’s a daily continental breakfast for an additional fee. 

The Bath Priory

The Bath Priory is the epitome of a countryside escape, even though it’s just a short walk down Weston Road from the city center. Once a private residence, the stately building has since expanded to welcome guests to its 33 guest rooms, spa, indoor and outdoor swimming pool, gardens, and restaurant. Even if you’re not staying on property, you can still book the quintessential afternoon tea ; the tower of finger sandwiches, scones topped with jam and clotted cream, and bite-size cakes is even more enjoyable when sitting outside on the terrace. 

Meet the Expert

• Gerry Paddock is the concierge at The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa, a 45-room property in Bath.
• Andrew Lowkes is founder and owner of Landrace, an artisanal bakery in the city known for its freshly baked goods.

Take a self-guided walking tour of the main tourist attractions.

Unlike London, Bath is a city where you can manage to see most of the main highlights in just one day. While several of the following attractions may be crowded — particularly if you’re visiting over a weekend — they’re still worth checking off your list. I’d recommend starting by Pulteney Bridge, a Palladian-style masterpiece and classic Bath photo op, and popping into Pulteney Bridge Coffee for tea and a sweet treat. Then, make your way to the magnificent Bath Abbey before heading to the Bath Assembly Rooms , where you can get a taste of what societal events were like during the Georgian era. Architecture will be top of mind as you walk to the Circus — three curved segments of townhouses designed by architect John Wood, the Elder — and the Royal Crescent , a row of 30 Georgian terraced houses designed by John Wood, the Younger. Complete the loop by visiting the Roman Baths ; just make sure to book a timed ticket beforehand. Paddock describes the historic attraction as “an immersive experience” and a “marvelous walk through Roman history.”

Discover the city from a different viewpoint via the Bath Skyline walk. 

On day two of your trip, you’ll want to get outside of the city center. The Bath Skyline walk is the perfect way to do so, as the circular route loops through the countryside and provides panoramic views of the city's limestone buildings in the distance. If you don’t want to walk the full six miles, Lowkes recommends at least walking up Bathwick Hill and into Bathwick Meadows — especially right before golden hour. “Find a picnic spot. Open a bottle of something expensive for absolutely no reason, and take in the city’s panorama as the evening draws in,” he says. “The smell of the meadow in summer, the feel of the soft grasses, the taste of the wine, and the sounds of the city below will make you fall in love with Bath.”

Spend a day exploring Bath’s museums.

Given Bath’s dedication to preserving history, it should come as no surprise the city is filled with top-rated museums. Bridgerton fans will recognize The Holburne Museum as Lady Danbury’s house, but the real building houses a variety of permanent and rotating art exhibitions and programming. Paddock calls it “one of Bath’s best hidden gems.” No. 1 Royal Crescent is an immersive museum experience, with visitors getting the opportunity to walk through a restored townhouse, decorated as it would have been in the late 18th century. The American Museum & Gardens , located just outside the center of Bath, might be an unexpected addition to the itinerary, but its collection of American folk art, quilts, textiles, and furniture is extensive — and fascinating to view from a different geographical perspective. Finally, bibliophiles will want to leave some time to stop by the Jane Austen Centre to learn about the writer’s life, family, and legacy. 

Hop on a boat tour down the River Avon.

When you’re tired of walking, a boat tour along the River Avon awaits. Pulteney Cruisers offers a quick out-and-back ride — just one hour in total — that goes under the Pulteney Bridge and into the Avon Valley. Look out for wildlife as your captain details various points of interest and historical facts. No need to book tickets in advance; you’ll pay the £12 fee when you board the boat at Pulteney Weir.

Lydia Mansel/Travel + Leisure

Landrace and Upstairs at Landrace 

No trip to Bath is complete without grabbing a freshly baked cardamom bun (or cinnamon, if you prefer), sausage roll, and loaf of sourdough bread from Landrace . The artisanal bakery on Walcot Street is small in size but impressive in nature; while you wait for your warm drink, peruse the expertly curated shelves of dry goods, olive oils, cheeses, and more. If you go up the bakery’s spiral staircase, you’ll enter Upstairs at Landrace , a cozy space to enjoy your bun and coffee or have lunch and dinner. The seasonal British dishes are posted on the restaurant’s chalkboard, and reservations are recommended. 

The Beckford Bottle Shop & Bistro

When the weather cooperates, The Beckford Bottle Shop & Bistro 's outdoor tables are full of patrons trying a bottle of something new — or a wine they return to again and again. The inside, with its Chesterfield sofas and window seats, is just as appealing when it’s a bit gloomier outside. The bottle and bistro adjoin, so you can either take a bottle to go or stay for small plates, snacks, a charcuterie board, and dessert. The entire operation is a perfect example of what makes Bath so special; it’s charming without being cloying, and stylish while still feeling welcoming. 

Clayton’s Kitchen

“I’m a huge supporter of family-owned restaurants, as they have so much passion for what they do and always use fresh, local produce,” says Paddock. Clayton’s Kitchen falls into that category, with chef and owner Robert Clayton helming the menu, which the restaurant describes as “British and Mediterranean with a twist.” Paddock adds, “When you dine there, the whole experience feels like you're being treated as one of the family.” 

The Scallop Shell

When dining at The Scallop Shell , Lowkes says you can expect “a diverse crowd, a nice mix of locals and tourists… and so much soul.” Fish and chips is the restaurant’s specialty, and there’s a clear focus on both nostalgia and sustainability; the fish comes from small artisan day boats, and the potatoes are grown on family farms. 

Hare & Hounds

The walk to Hare & Hounds isn’t easy; you’ll head straight uphill for about a mile from the city center. The view and food at the final destination, though, are worth the effort. Opt to dine on the outdoor patio overlooking the countryside, or fill up with traditional pub food inside, where the fireplace will keep you warm. If you’re looking for a Sunday roast and a pint to wash it all down, this is the place to go. 

Geography Photos/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

Topping & Company Booksellers

Bath locals and visitors have their pick of bookstores in the city, but both Paddock and Lowkes recommend Topping & Company . “It’s a one-off quirky experience, a must for passionate book lovers,” says Paddock, who notes its new location is inside a “stunning old Quaker meeting house.” Lowkes also shares that travelers should “try and attend a cookbook launch ” when in town: “Rakesh will be pouring wine. There’ll be food. It’s a whole vibe.”

As you stroll between the Circus and the Royal Crescent, there’s a good chance Beau Nash antique store will catch your eye. “They have some fabulous pieces in store,” says Paddock. The collection includes everything from antique silver drinkware to 19th-century mirrors, lamps, and tea kettles. 

Newton Farm Shop

You’ll need to venture out of the main part of Bath if you want to discover one of Lowkes’ top choices. “It’s outside of the city, but the Newton Farm Shop ([in] Newton St Loe) is one of my favorite places to buy ingredients for a Sunday roast,” says Lowkes. “Their little cafe menu is full of heart, and their well-stocked butcher’s counter is always staffed by helpful folk and stacked with quality farm-reared meats.”

Bartlett Street Antiques Centre

If you’re searching for an interesting, unexpected souvenir, check out Bartlett Street Antiques Centre . Various dealers have their selections of antique jewelry, homeware, art, and decorative items on display throughout the building, and finding a piece that speaks to you is akin to a treasure hunt. 

serts/Getty Images

Paddock recommends visiting Bath in the spring or fall, “purely because there are [fewer] tourists milling about, and most children are at school.” Plus, he says, the weather will be “pleasant for wandering around and sightseeing.” Summertime is Bath’s peak season, so try to avoid July, August, and early September if you want to see the city without as many crowds. Winter is technically off-season, so it’s a good time to take advantage of lower hotel rates — although some of the shops and museums may be closed for a few weeks. 

Getting from London to Bath is quick and easy. Download the Trainline app and book a ticket from London Paddington to Bath Spa. Depending on the stops along the route, the journey will take anywhere from 1.5 to two hours. Try to grab a window seat, as you’ll be able to glimpse various pastoral scenes — cows, cottages, and green pastures — along the way. Once you arrive in Bath, you can either walk to your destination or call an Uber; taxis are also readily available at the train station. 

Bath is best explored by foot, although its hills and cobblestones aren’t for the faint of heart. Be sure to bring your best walking shoes and familiarize yourself with the city’s layout and points of interest prior to arrival. If you plan on venturing out of the city center and into the smaller towns and villages surrounding Bath, you’ll want to rent a car; you can either pick up a rental in Bath or take an Uber to nearby Bristol. In my experience, the latter option can be more cost-effective, depending on the length of your trip.

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21 Best things to do in Bath (2024) – a local’s guide

With hot springs, heritage attractions and honey stone Palladian architecture, Bath in the south west of England has been a magnet for visitors over the centuries. We bring you the best things to do in Bath, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with Roman Baths, elegant Georgian buildings, and many fine museums, parks and restaurants.

If it was good enough for the Romans pilgrims to Aquae Sulis or Georgian high society as depicted by Jane Austen and Bridgerton, there must be plenty to enjoy for any culture lover! Since I live in nearby Bristol, I’ve visited this gorgeous heritage city on numerous occasions, to bring you the latest and most fun things to do in Bath.

This article may contain affiliate links that provide commission on purchases you make at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Table of Contents

Top things to do in Bath

While there’s plenty to keep you busy for a few days, here are the top places to visit in Bath if you’re short of time.

• Visit the Roman Baths and museum that bring alive the city in Roman times.
• Enjoy the waters of the thermal springs during a 2 hour session at the Thermae Bath Spa .
• Visit Bath Abbey , founded in Medieval time and climb the tower for views over the city.
• Dip into Georgian society portrayed in Jane Austen and Bridgerton at No 1 Royal Crescent , the Circus and other locations like the Assembly Rooms , Holburne Museum and Jane Austen Centre .
• Wander over Pulteney Bridge where you can take a boat tour on the River Avon or have a picnic by the river in the Parade Gardens .

1. Roman Baths

The Roman Baths are Bath’s top tourist attraction, combining a re-creation of the original Roman bathing pools, with a museum that covers 2000 years of history.

During Roman times, the baths fed by hot springs were a cross between a public leisure centre and a place of devotion at the temple of the Goddess Sulis Minerva. While the Roman Baths are now enclosed by Bath Abbey and rows of shops, they originally stretched over a much larger area beyond the surrounding buildings.

An audioguide is available to walk you round the baths and museum at your own pace, with explanations for children as well as adults. You’ll see the spring water bubbling up in the original King’s Bath and the Great Baths, which were built in 1897 to show what the Roman Baths would have looked like.

Also on display are the archaeological remains of Roman changing rooms, plunge pools and gym, with video illustrations of what might have happened in each part of the baths.

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The Museum of the Roman Baths

Through the museum displays you can learn about life in the Roman town of Bath at the temple of the Goddess Sulis Minerva, whose golden head is on display. See the models of the temple and bath complex, with its impressive stone pediment and Gorgon’s head.

Walk around the spaces where everyday Romans bathed and threw their prayers to the Goddess into the spring, inscribed on clay tablets. The museum and Roman Baths are presented in an interactive way, with different Roman characters projected onto the walls, and real life re-enactors sitting around to tell you their stories.

This is a world class attraction for all ages and one that you shouldn’t miss on your visit to Bath. At the end of your visit you can drink a cup of the mineral laden spa water, that fashionable Georgian society hoped would cure all their ills. You can also book for lunch or afternoon tea at the elegant Pump Room restaurant, with classical music from a string ensemble.

This is Bath’s most popular attraction, so at holiday times and weekends it’s advisable to book tickets online in advance. This Bath City walking tour includes the option of entry to the Roman Baths, enabling you to skip the line (which can be quite long!).

Read my article: The Roman Baths in Bath – what to see when you visit

Open: Daily all year round. Opening hours: 9am – 6pm (variable with day and season)

Ticket Price: Standard adult ticket from £21.50

Website: Romanbaths.co.uk Address: Abbey Church Yard, Bath, BA1 1LZ

2. Bath Abbey

Bath Abbey, the city’s imposing cathedral, is located right beside the Roman Baths. The courtyard in front of the Abbey and Roman Baths is tourist central, with performances by musicians and street entertainers. There was a monastery on this spot from the 1st century AD, with the Abbey as we see it today being completed in the 15th century.

As one of the leading attractions in Bath, you’ll want to take a look at the beautiful stained glass, vaulted stone ceiling and tombs dating back to the 15th century. You could also join a tour to climb to the top of the tower and see the clock, bell tower and city views.

The Discovery Centre at Bath Abbey

Once you’ve visited the main church, head downstairs to the Discovery Centre, located in the crypt of Bath Abbey. On display are artefacts discovered in the Abbey that bring to life the history of the Medieval monastery. The Discovery Centre is family friendly, with plenty of videos, interactive exhibits and costumes, if you fancy dressing up as a monk.

Open: Daily all year round. Opening hours: 10am – 5.30pm (closed during services and special events)

Ticket Price: Standard adult ticket from £7.50 (includes Abbey and Discovery Centre). You can buy your ticket in advance here .

Website: Bathabbey.org Address: Bath Abbey, Bath, BA1 1LT

Tip: Right beside the Abbey is the Bath World Heritage Centre , which is free to visit for information, city maps and self guided walking tours.

If you are short of time, you may enjoy this 2 hour guided walking tour of Bath , with explanations of the city’s history and major sights.

3. Thermae Bath Spa

This unique spa enables visitors to Bath to bathe in mineral waters fed from the original hot springs, that were considered by the Georgians to have healing properties. The Thermae Bath Spa opened in 2006 after a complex redevelopment that included archaeological investigations, restoration of Georgian listed buildings and the construction of a modern glass spa building.

Highlights of the spa include:

• The Minerva Bath , a curving pool fed by the thermal waters, with whirlpool and jets
• A multi-sensory Wellness suite with ice chamber, infrared room, aroma steam rooms and relaxation areas
• Rooftop pool , with warm mineral waters where you can waft in the fresh air, with views over Bath’s rooftops

Visits to the Thermae Bath Spa are normally for a 2 hour session, with opportunity to book additional treatments if you wish. While the session is timed using your electronic wrist band, there is some extra time allowed for changing, treatments and use of the cafe.

As the spa is very popular, it’s better to book your session online in advance, although some walk in sessions are available each day. There is also a small cafe, open for drinks and light dishes.

The Cross Bath

In a separate location near the Thermae Bath Spa is the Cross Bath. It’s a small enclosed open-air bath that’s also fed from the thermal spring water, and is one of the original Georgian baths.

You can book a session in the Cross Bath on the Thermae Bath Spa website and it is available for exclusive hire by small groups. The Cross Bath is located at the end of Bath Street, where you can glimpse the bath through a glass window.

Hotel Indigo in Bath is a boutique style mid range hotel close to the sights

4. The Royal Crescent and Georgian Bath

Built in the 1770s, the Royal Crescent is a sweeping terrace of Georgian townhouses, overlooking Victoria Park. When first built, these houses would have overlooked parkland, so a haha or concealed ditch was built to keep sheep away from the houses.

The idea behind Bath’s Palladian building style, was that wealthy visitors could rent somewhere just as grand as their own country mansions, while being a practical location to spend a social season in Bath. Most of the houses on Royal Crescent are privately owned, but you may like to visit or even stay at the 5 star Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa at No 15, which offers lunch or afternoon tea in their gardens.

The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa is Bath’s ultimate 5 star luxury stay in the heart of the Georgian Royal Crescent

It’s also worth walking down Brock Street to The Circus , which is a similarly grand ring of Palladian style houses, built around a circle with a large plane tree in the centre. From here, continue your walk to see the nearby Assembly Rooms (open by the National Trust for pre-booked tours), used as a place for balls and parties in Georgian times.

No 1 Royal Crescent

At one end of the Royal Crescent, is a museum designed to show how the wealthy visitor to Bath would have lived. No 1 Royal Crescent is furnished as it might have been at the end of the 18th century, when Bath was the destination for fashionable society. The front of the house is featured in the series Bridgerton , doubling for the London residence of the Featherington family.

Bridgerton fans can also take this tour of all the Bridgerton filming locations in Bath .

As you move around the house on a self guided tour, the rooms are brought to life in an immersive experience, through the voices of a wealthy family who have rented the house for the season.

In each room the pictures and mirrors come to life, as different characters from the family talk about their daily life during a season in Bath. We eavesdrop as they gossip about the balls and parties they plan to attend and their hopes to improve their social standing.

Below stairs, in the kitchen and housekeeper’s rooms, we hear the voices of the household servants, and something of their lives. The final room in the exhibition tells us about the real family on whom the characters we hear from are based.

Open: Tuesday – Sunday (Closed in January) Opening hours: 10am – 5.30pm

Ticket Price: Standard adult ticket from £15.50

Website: No1royalcrescent.org.uk Address: 1 Royal Crescent, Bath, BA1 2LR

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5. Pulteney Bridge

This picturesque stone bridge over the River Avon is one of the most photographed spots in Bath. Pulteney Bridge is unusual for being built with shops on top of the bridge itself, hence it’s often compared to the Ponte Vecchio in Florence.

The bridge was completed in 1774 by William Johnstone Pulteney, a wealthy landowner who wanted to promote the area of Bath on the other side of the river, that he was developing. He commissioned architect Robert Adam to create a grand Palladian design that would encourage high society to cross the river.

Pulteney Bridge leads the visitor up Great Pulteney Street to the Sydney Gardens and Holburne Museum, which in Georgian times was a fashionable hotel. It was in this neighbourhood at 4 Sydney Place, that Jane Austen resided with her family for 3 years between 1801 and 1804.

As you cross the bridge, you can browse or window shop in the small independent shops on either side. There are a couple of cafes on the bridge, where you may be able to bag a coveted window table, overlooking the river.

To take one of the popular river boat tours, you should cross the bridge to the Great Pulteney Street side and then head down the steps, to the river bank at Pulteney Weir.

Tip: In fine weather we can recommend lunch on the terrace of the Thai Weir restaurant. The food is good value and it’s located right under Pulteney Bridge, so you’ll get the best river views.

6. Take a Bath boat trip on the river Avon

With the River Avon flowing through Bath, a boat trip is a chance to relax and see the city from a different angle. These boat trips are especially popular in summer and as well as buying individual tickets, you can arrange a boat trip just for your group of friends.

Pulteney Cruisers – 1 hour trip to Bathampton

This 1 hour boat trip leaves from Pulteney Weir just below Pulteney Bridge and heads upstream to Bathampton. On the way you can relax and look out for wildlife on the River Avon, including swans, herons and kingfishers.

They don’t take pre-bookings, so just turn up and take the next trip, with boats holding up to 70 people on a lower and upper deck. There are normally several sailing a day starting from 10am.

The schedule may change depending on weather conditions and river levels, so check the website or social media in advance for latest information. With adult tickets costing from £12, this is the most affordable way to see the river.

1 hour Sightseeing boat cruise with Prosecco

This 1 hour cruise on a classic wooden pleasure craft is suitable for up to 8 people, including a couple of glasses of Prosecco each. You can book an individual ticket, but if you prefer a private tour for your group, there’s the option to choose from a gin tasting or bottomless Prosecco cruise.

The cruise leaves from close to Bath Spa Railway station and takes you up to the weir below Pulteney Bridge for some nice photos. Book the boat trip here .

Book a private boat trip for your group

If you are arranging a group trip such as a hen party, there are boat tours available from Sir John Knill Boat Trips and Bath City Boat Trips

Kayak and SUP tours in Bath

If you fancy something a bit more adventurous, you can also take a kayak or stand up paddle-board experience on the River Avon at Bath.

Original Wild offer both kayak and SUP tours for groups of 10 + people. These 2 hour tours with an instructor take you from the lower part of the Avon up to Pulteney Bridge and back.

CK SUP & Paddle hire kayaks and SUP for a 2 hour self guided tour from The Boathouse at Newbridge, just outside Bath.

The Griffin Inn in Bath features affordable bedrooms above a comfortable and stylish Georgian pub

7. Take a sightseeing bus tour

Hop-on-hop-off bus tours are ideal for first time visitors to Bath, to get a quick overview of the top things to see. These sightseeing tours are especially valuable for those with limited time, or for those who don’t want to walk a lot.

There are two Hop on Hop off bus companies operating in Bath: Tootbus and City Sightseeing . Both offer similar tours on the same two routes. The City Tour runs around the main sites of interest in Bath city centre, while the Skyline tour covers the countryside areas and attractions just outside Bath.

With both companies, you can use your ticket for both the City and Skyline tour. The tours operate daily, with the exceptions of a couple of public holidays, audioguides are available in multiple languages and tickets can be purchased online in advance or on the bus. Cost is around £24 for a 1 day ticket.

Tip: Before booking check both providers tickets below as they sometimes offer online discounts on their normal rates, making one cheaper than the other.

Buy tickets in advance here

Other benefits: You can download the Tootbus App for live bus times. The app includes 2 Tootwalk audio tours that cover Pride and Promenade: Jane Austen locations or Bath: home of film and TV

More information on Tootbus Website

City Sightseeing

Other benefits: Free booklet with deals and discounts for museums, restaurants, and local attractions

More information on City Sightseeing Website

Stops on the Bath City Tour

There are around 16 stops on the City Tour. The main places stops on this route are: The Roman Baths, Bath Abbey, The Royal Crescent, The Assembly Rooms, The Guildhall, Grand Parade, Pulteney Weir, Parade Gardens, Royal Victoria Park, Jane Austen Centre, Mary Shelley “House of Frankenstein”.

City Tour is ideal for: First time visitors to Bath who want to get an overview of the sights, or those who have mobility issues and want an easy way to get around.

Frequency: Every 15 mins Duration for uninterrupted tour: 50 mins

Stops on the Bath Skyline Tour

There are around 21 stops on the Skyline Tour. The main places to go in Bath on the Skyline tour are: Prior Park and Landscape Gardens, The American Museum, The University of Bath, Rainbow Woods, Holburne Museum, Skyline Walk.

Skyline Tour is ideal for : Visitors who want a car free way to visit some of the sites just outside Bath, or who want to relax and enjoy countryside views.

Frequency: 30 mins Duration for uninterrupted tour: 45 mins

8. Jane Austen Centre

For Jane Austen fans, the Jane Austen Centre is an excellent place to learn more about the celebrated author’s writings and visits to Bath. Your visit starts with a video about Georgian life in Bath and a short talk from one of the costumed characters from Jane’s novels.

Exhibitions continue on the lower ground floors, with more information about the places Jane lived in Bath and costumes that her characters might have worn.

We had fun dressing up as a Regency lady for a photo, in the famous film scene where actor Colin Firth as Mr Darcy, emerges wet from a swim in the lake. Or try your hand at writing with a quill pen in Mr Bennet’s study. There’s a life size wax model on display, that gives the best impression of what Jane Austen might have looked like.

In the small top floor Regency tea room, you can enjoy formal afternoon teas, with menu options named after Jane Austen characters, such as Mr Darcy, Lady Catherine and Miss Dashwood. The centre organises the Jane Austen festival held in September, with Jane Austen themed events, a costumed ball and promenade through the city.

Open: Daily all year round Opening hours: 9.45am – 6pm (Shorter hours in winter)

Ticket Price: Standard adult ticket from £15.75. Buy your Jane Austen Centre ticket in advance here .

Website: Janeausten.co.uk Address: 40 Gay Street, Bath, BA1 2NT

9. Sally Lunn tea house

The picturesque Sally Lunn tea house is home to the famous Sally Lunn bun. The large brioche style roll is served here at lunch or teatime with sweet or savoury toppings. It’s named after a French Huguenot baker, Sally Lunn, who set up a bakery here in the 17th century.

She built a reputation for her Bath buns and the teahouse still bakes to the bakery’s original recipe, which they keep a closely guarded secret. Jane Austen wrote mischievously in a letter about “disordering my stomach with Bath Bunns” , since they were often served at breakfast parties in Georgian Bath.

Sally Lunn’s claims to be one of the oldest houses in Bath and there is evidence of a food premises on this site in Roman times. Perhaps the bakery served visitors to the nearby Temple of Sulis Minerva and Roman baths.

The Sally Lunn tea house has tables on three floors and does not take bookings during the day. It’s a popular visitor spot but although you may have to queue a little in the hall before being seated, there’s normally a table to be found before too long.

In the evenings, bookings are taken and the menu has some more substantial dishes, although a slice of the Sally Lunn Bath bun is included with the meal.

The Sally Lunn Museum

To visit the small Sally Lunn museum, pass by anyone queuing for a table and head straight downstairs to the cellar. Here you’ll find a couple of small rooms, to show how the original bakery would have looked, with its wood fired oven.

On the other side of the cellar is an excavated area, with some sections that show there was a building here in Roman times, as well as a later Medieval monastery complex. The museum can be visited by anyone and is free for anyone who takes refreshments, but otherwise you may be charged 30p. More information on the Sally Lunn website .

10. Bath Guildhall Market

Tucked away between Bath Abbey and Pulteney Bridge, it’s easy to miss Bath Guildhall Market. This covered market has an old fashioned feel and houses around 20 different stalls and cafes. Some of the stalls are craft oriented, others offering refreshingly normal products (think hardware and pet supplies), giving the market a local feel.

This is Bath’s oldest market, with trading taking place on this spot over many centuries, although the current building dates back to the 19th century. The market takes its name from the impressive Guildhall next door and has a pretty ironwork dome at its centre.

Enter from either of the two different entrances, from the Grand Parade opposite Pulteney Bridge or the High Street by the Guildhall.

Our favourite stalls in Bath Guildhall Market

• Guildhall Delicatessen and Nibbles cheese – good places to pick up picnic items to eat in the Parade Gardens overlooking the river.
• Guildhall Market Cafe – a well priced traditional cafe serving English breakfasts, jacket potatoes and a fine cup of tea with home made cake.
• Bath humbug – selling traditional sweets in jars like the ones I used to spend my pocket money on as a child.
• Not Cartiers – affordable vintage costume jewellery, for when you need a bit of bling!
• Bath leather goods – hand made leather belts, journals and bags, made in a local workshop.
• Guillards – an emporium of specialty tea blends, freshly roasted coffee beans and pretty china tea cups and pots.

Tip: Look out for the 18th century market pillar, a stone table known as “The Nail” which is said to have given rise to the saying “to pay on the nail”.

Open: Monday – Saturday Opening hours: 8am – 5.30pm (shops may have their own opening hours) Free entry

Website: Bathguildhallmarket.co.uk Address: 32 High Street, Bath, BA2 4AW

The Z Hotel in Bath is a modern budget hotel with compact rooms but central location

11. Picnic in the Parade Gardens

This small park has a prime position near Bath Abbey and overlooking the river, making it the ideal spot for a picnic lunch in fine weather. The Parade Gardens are run by the local council, who charge a small fee for entry, which is well worth paying for access to this lovely spot.

The pleasure gardens, originally known as St James’s Park, were laid out in 1709 for the use of visitors to Bath. After visiting the nearby pump rooms, Georgian society could come here to promenade and socialise. The colourful bedding displays and floral sculptures are much admired, with a bandstand where concerts and children’s entertainment take place in summer.

Visitors can wander round the well kept paths, admire the herbaceous borders and bedding displays, or sit on the clipped lawns to take in the river views towards Pulteney Bridge. Facilities include a small cafe with open air seating, toilets and wheelchair / pushchair access via a ramp.

Open: Daily, subject to weather conditions Opening hours: 10am – 6pm

Ticket Price: Adults £2.50, Child aged 5-16 £1.50 (under 5 free)

Website: Parade Gardens Address: Grand Parade, Bath, BA2 4DF

12. Shopping in the Lanes

Bath is the ideal place to combine sightseeing with shopping, with a wide range of upscale fashion boutiques and smaller independent shops. It’s great fun exploring some of the narrow lanes, where you can imagine bumping into a Jane Austen or Bridgerton heroine, out shopping to look her best for the social season.

Our favourite lanes to soak up the atmosphere are:

Northumberland Place – this lane is especially atmospheric at the Broad street end, where you’ll find the friendly Rosario’s Italian coffee shop and traditional Coeur de Lyon pub, both good spots for lunch.

The Corridor – running parallel to Northumberland Place, this covered arcade is worth walking through to admire its attractive Victoria glazed roof and traditional shopfronts.

North Parade Passage, Abbey Street, Abbey Green – in the heart of Bath’s Medieval city, this is where you’ll find the Sally Lunn teashop to try their famous Bath Buns. Abbey Green is a charming cobbled square with a plane tree at its centre, used in many Bridgerton scenes, where the characters visit the Modiste dress shop (in real life the Abbey Deli).

Milsom Place – a large complex of independent shops and cafes, set around a series of internal courtyards. You can enter from either Milsom Street or Broad Street. Check out the Milsom Place website for more information.

13. Discover the Bridgerton Film locations

Since the Bridgerton film series is set in a colourful and stylised version of Georgian England, Bath’s elegant architecture makes the ideal backdrop, doubling for scenes that are set in London.

Bridgerton fans might like to take this tour of all the Bridgerton filming locations in Bath . The 1.5 hour tour covers all the places to see in Bath that were used as Bridgerton film locations, using a headset so that you can not only hear the guide’s commentary, but listen to music from the Bridgerton series.

Top Bridgerton locations from Season 1 and 2 include:

• At the end of the Royal Crescent is No 1 Royal Crescent, a Georgian museum that doubles as the London home of the Featherington family in the series.
• The picturesque cobbled square of Abbey Green was used in Bridgerton for several street scenes and the Abbey Deli was transformed into the fashionable Modiste dress shop.
• The Assembly Rooms was used in a Bridgerton ballroom scene, where visitors in Georgian times would gather to dance, play cards and socialise.

• The Holburne Museum features as the grand home of Lady Danbury, society leader and friend of Queen Charlotte.
• The colonnaded Bath Street is the location of the original Georgian Cross Bath, where the Duke of Hastings first arrives on horseback.
• For Bridgerton Season 3, filming took place in Bath in January 2023. More scenes were shot around Great Pulteney Street and Edward Street near the Holburne Museum, as well as at the Royal Crescent.

14. Royal Victoria Park

Bath’s largest public park starts close to the city centre and extends for some 57 acres to the west. The park is named after Princess (later Queen) Victoria, who visited in 1830 to open the park as a child of 11 years old. If you enter the park along Royal Avenue from the Queen’s Square end, here are a few things to look out for.

• On the left is a large area, which is often used for festivals , such as the Bath food festival, Oktoberfest and Bath on Ice at Christmas. Check for events on the Bath Council website .
• Just beyond the festival area is the Victoria Park Crazy golf and tennis courts, which can be booked on the Excel website. Look out for the floral bedding displays on the other side of Royal Avenue, below Brock Street.
• The path opens up past a Victoria bandstand, with views up to the Royal Crescent on the slope above. There’s a grassy area here that is ideal for a picnic, and in summer hot air balloons take off below the Royal Crescent.
• Crossing Marlborough Lane, you’ll pass The Urban Garden , a social enterprise garden centre set in a glasshouse and selling everything you need for your indoor and outdoor garden.
• On the other side of Marlborough Lane, the park continues with a large children’s playground and skatepark that will keep families happy for hours. On the slopes above the playground is a large duckpond.
• Also in this part of Royal Victoria Park are the Botanical Gardens , which are free to visit and include ornamental trees, sculptures and a pond.

No 15 by GuestHouse in Bath is a luxury boutique hotel with spa perfect for romantic getaways

15. Holburne Museum

Without realising it, you may have admired the Holburne Museum featuring as Lady Danbury’s flower covered townhouse in the series of Bridgerton. Fans can take this tour of all the Bridgerton filming locations in Bath .

This elegant Georgian mansion was built in 1799 as the Sydney Hotel, surrounded by the Sydney Gardens, where visitors to Bath could promenade, take refreshments and attend dances in the hotel’s first floor ballroom.

The heart of the museum’s collection came from Sir William Holburne, after whom the museum is named. Living in Bath, he amassed a large collection of objects, artworks and books, which were bequeathed on his death to the City of Bath.

The Museum has reopened after a long renovation, including a modern glass extension at the rear. It’s designed to reflect the surrounding mature garden and houses a ground floor cafe and 1st floor exhibition space.

In the new extension is Sir William’s ‘cabinet of curiosities,’ with a selection of small objects he collected and information about his life. At the front of the mansion is the spacious ballroom, while the top floor is used for temporary exhibitions from contemporary and past artists.

This is one of the most beautiful art galleries in Bath, with elegant portraits hung up the stairs, hosting regular musical and art events.

Tip: The ground floor cafe has a pretty outdoor terrace in the Sydney Gardens, which can be visited independently of the museum.

Open: Daily all year round Opening hours: 10am – 5pm

Ticket Price: Standard adult ticket from £11

Website: Holburne.org Address: Great Pulteney Street, Bath, BA2 4DB

16. Mary Shelley’s House of Frankenstein

Located in a Georgian townhouse, the Mary Shelley’s House of Frankenstein is dedicated to the life of Mary Shelley, author of the novel Frankenstein. The museum’s decor echoes the Frankenstein story’s dark Gothic horror theme.

Mary Shelley wrote her novel in 1816, while resident in Bath, based on ghost stories that she and her friends told each other on a rainy holiday in Switzerland. Each room of the museum is dedicated to a different part of Mary Shelley’s tragic life, with the loss of her young children and the death by drowning of her husband, the poet Percy Shelley.

Mary Shelley’s imaginary creature, who was named after its creator Dr Frankenstein, breathes and moves in an eerie way within the museum’s walls. The attic rooms display memorabilia from stage plays and films, showing the cartoon like monster of Frankenstein that we would recognise from old movie posters.

Take care if you visit the basement, where creatures lurk in the darkness to jump out and make you scream. This part of the museum is an optional extra, but if you scare easily (like me!), just stick to the more traditional museum information and exhibits.

Escape rooms are available in the basement and attic, that can be hired separately for groups of up to 7 people.

Read more in my article on 18 Exciting museums in Bath to visit

Open: Daily all year round. Opening hours: 11am – 5pm (longer opening Saturday and holidays)

Ticket Price: Standard adult ticket from £15.50. Buy your entrance ticket in advance here .

Website: Houseoffrankenstein.com Address: 37 Gay Street, Bath, BA1 2NT

17. Visit the smaller quirky museums

While the bigger museums in Bath get plenty of attention, it’s worth checking out some of the smaller quirky museums if you have time. Here are some of my favourite small museums in Bath that cast a spotlight on some less known aspects of life in Bath.

Herschel Museum of Astronomy

This Georgian house on a quiet street in Bath, was the home of brother and sister, William and Caroline Herschel. They both had a passion for astronomy, and it was here in 1781 that they discovered the previously unknown planet of Uranus.

The Herschel Museum is furnished as it would have been when the Herschels lived there, with a music room and basement workshop where William made astronomical instruments. Telescopes and globes from the period are on display, and the exhibition space tells the story of the Herschels and their discoveries.

Museum of Bath at Work

While many of Bath’s museum celebrate the lives of high society and wealthy collectors, the Museum of Bath at Work offers up the everyday lives of the average man or woman. Here are the packed shelves of the grocer’s shop, tools crammed into a workshops for making and mending, or the typesettings of a printing press from the pre-digital age.

At the core of the museum’s collection is the Bowler engineering and soft drinks factory, with the entire contents of the old factory reconstructed here. There are numerous other displays about Bath’s trade and industry up to the present day.

Museum of East Asian Art

Close to Bath’s Royal Crescent is the Georgian townhouse containing the privately owned Museum of East Asian Art . Its collection consists of 2,000 objects from East and South East Asia, covering jade, bronzes, ceramics and small collectables.

Many objects are from the personal collection of Brian McElney OBE, who was born and resided in Hong Kong for many years. There are many small and exquisite items in the permanent collection, while the ground floor has changing exhibitions that are connected to or inspired by items from the collection.

Museum of Bath Architecture

This museum celebrates the rich architectural history of Bath, as it was transformed from a small medieval town, to a fashionable spa in Georgian times. The museum is housed in a old chapel, built in the Gothic revival style in 1765 for the Countess of Hastings, who was an ardent Methodist.

Following a restoration, the Museum of Bath Architecture now houses a collection of maps, models, building fragments and architectural drawings. They show how 18th century architects and craftsmen turned Bath into an elegant location for Georgian high society. A scale model of Bath, gives a bird’s eye view of how the city developed.

18. Bath Skyline Walk

The Bath Skyline Walk is a 6 mile 3-4 hour circular walk on Bathwick Hill, which gives some lovely views over the city of Bath. This free walking trail is maintained by the National Trust, and you can download a walking map and route description from their website.

The start of the trail at the foot of Bathwick Hill, is around 20 minutes walk from Bath Abbey. Halfway through the walk, you can take a short detour to the American Museum, which has beautiful gardens and a cafe.

There’s also a shorter circular “Walk to the view” over the city of Bath which will take around 1.5 hours if you start at Bath Abbey. This 3 mile version of the walk takes you over Pulteney Bridge, past the Holburne Museum and Sydney Gardens and along the canal, before you climb the Bathwick Hill to the viewpoint and return via the Parade Gardens.

Read about more walks from Bath: Walking on the Cotswold Way from Bath to Wotton-under-edge

19. Prior Park Landscape Gardens

Set on the hill above Bath is Prior Park Landscape Garden, a beautiful 18th century Landscape Garden, with lake and famous Palladian bridge. The mansion to which the garden belongs is a school (Prior Park College) and not open to the public, although you can get a view of it from the gardens.

Prior Park Landscape Garden sits in a steep wooded valley above Bath, offering magnificent views over the city. Both the mansion and gardens were built in 1734 by a wealthy local businessman Ralph Allen, in the style made popular by famous landscape gardener “Capability Brown”.

Don’t expect colourful flower borders in this garden, which is all about the hillside paths, woodland walks, cascades and vistas over the lakes and towards Bath. The garden epitomises the English landscape style which was popular in the 18th century, creating an idealised version of natural parkland.

How to get to Prior Park

There is no on site parking at Prior Park, so it is best reached by No 2 bus from the city centre, or by walking a mile uphill from the station. The hop on hop off bus Skyline Route also stops at Prior Park.

If you’re taking the Bath Skyline Walk, it passes close by Prior Park which can be visited with a short detour.

Open: All year round at weekend, daily from Easter to end October. Opening hours: 10am – 5pm

Ticket Price: Standard adult ticket from £10 (free for National Trust Members).

Website: National Trust Prior Park Landscape Garden Address: Ralph Allen Drive, Bath, BA2 5AH

20. American Museum & Gardens

Located in a beautiful Georgian manor house just outside Bath, the museum features American decorative arts and temporary exhibitions with links to American culture. The permanent collections tell the stories of America, through quilts, folk art and furnishings, spanning 2000 years of American history.

This Grade II listed house is surrounded by 125 acres of beautifully maintained gardens, with an arboretum, wilderness trails and children’s garden. For coffee or lunch overlooking the gardens, stop by the American Garden deli with its outdoor terrace, serving American inspired food from produce grown in the gardens or sourced from local suppliers.

How to get to the American Museum & Gardens

The American Museum & Gardens can be reached on the U1 or U2 bus from Bath’s bus and railway stations to the University of Bath campus, then walking 15 minutes to the Museum. It’s also a short detour from the Bath Skyline walk, if you wish to combine your visit with the walking trail. If travelling by car, there is free onsite visitor parking.

Open: From mid March – end December Tuesday – Sunday Opening hours: 10am – 5pm

Ticket Price: Standard adult ticket from £16.50

Website: Americanmuseum.org Address: Claverton Manor, Bath, BA2 7BD

21. Bath Christmas Market

The Bath Christmas Market is one of the largest and prettiest in the UK, with over 200 market stalls set in the squares and cobbled streets around Bath Abbey. For from end of November to mid December each year, the city is taken over by local artisans, festive foods, twinkling lights and Christmas music.

The heart of the market is the square beside Bath Abbey, where you’ll find stalls from local makers selling handmade gifts and foodie treats. In front of the Abbey stands an enormous Christmas tree, where street musicians perform to get you in the Christmas spirit.

The market extends into nearby Abbey Green, surrounded by old Georgian houses and a little tucked away in the oldest quarter of Bath. In the cobbled square, the stalls make a circle around the central plane tree, which is lit up with gently changing colours. You may catch one of the choirs singing carols in the square, creating a festive atmosphere.

Check the Bath Christmas Market website for details of stalls and entertainment during the Christmas market period.

Read more in my article: Christmas in Bath – Christmas markets and more!

Free things to do in Bath

If you’re on a budget and want to know what you can do for free in Bath, here are a few suggestions, some of which are also mentioned above.

Bath World Heritage Centre – This visitor centre about Bath’s Heritage attractions is free to visit. You can pick up a leaflet or download the app, to make a self guided tour.

Art Galleries – The Victoria Art Gallery’s upstairs space (closed for renovations until Autumn 2024) housing the permanent collection is free to visit, although there is a charge for special exhibitions.

Free Museum entry – The Holburne Museum has free entry to their main collections after 3pm every Wednesday. The Sally Lunn Tea Rooms have a nominal 30p charge to visit the small basement museum, although free for seniors, children and anyone taking refreshments at the tea shop.

Free walking tours – The Mayor of Bath’s Honorary Guides give a free daily tours of Bath . No need to book, you can just turn up. Unlike most “free” tours, no tips are sought, so these tours are genuinely free, delivered by passionate volunteers.

Self guided audio tours of Bath – Also try the free audio walking tours available on the Bath World Heritage App and the free self guided Jane Austen walking tour offered by Visit Bath

Parks and gardens – there are many parks, gardens and green spaces in Bath, notably Victoria Park, Sydney Gardens and Henrietta Park.

Walk the Bath skyline – try the “Walk to the view” covering some of Bath’s sights as well as the views from Bathwick Hill, or the longer Skyline walk passing the American Museum and Prior Park.

Take a day trip from Bath

There are many more places to visit near Bath, that can be reached in under an hour and often easy to get to by train.

One of my favourites as I live there! Larger and more lively than Bath, there’s so much to see in Bristol, from the buzzing Harbourside to the village atmosphere and suspension bridge in Clifton. Regular direct trains take you there from Bath in around 20 minutes.

Read my article: 25 fun things to do in Bristol with your friends

Bradford-on-Avon

Closest of the things to do near Bath is the pretty small town of Bradford-on-Avon, with its Medieval stone bridge crossing the River Avon. Regular direct trains take you there from Bath in around 15 minutes.

The picturesque Medieval village and Augustinian abbey are managed by the National Trust, featuring in many films from Downton Abbey to Harry Potter. Lacock is around 45 minutes from Bath by car, or you can get there by bus with a change at Chippenham. For an easy day out, take this day tour to Lacock that also incudes Stonehenge and Castle Combe.

Cheddar Gorge

Cheddar village is set in a steep sided gorge and is the home to the famous Cheddar cheese. Visit the Cheddar caves and take an easy cliff top walk around the edge of the gorge. Cheddar is around an hour’s drive from Bath

Ilford Manor Gardens

These romantic 19th century gardens are close to Bradford-upon-Avon, and can be reached on the No 54 bus from Bath.

Castle Combe

This honey stone Cotswold Village is often used as a film location. Nearby is Castle Combe race circuit, a car racing track set on an old airfield. Castle Combe is 45 minutes by car from Bath, or visit on this day tour that also includes Stonehenge and Lacock.

The ancient stone circle was created 4000 years ago, with a visitor centre to tell you about its history and legends. It’s around 1 hour by car or take this day tour to Stonehenge from Bath .

Recommended hotels in Bath

Here are some of our recommended hotels in Bath, with something for all budgets. I’ve ordered them from the affordable but stylish to the spoil-yourself luxurious.

The Griffin Inn in Bath features asffordable bedrooms above a comfortable and stylish Georgian pub

How to get to Bath

Bath is easy to reach by train, and this is probably faster than either coach or car. Bath Spa is on the mainline from London Paddington to Bristol Temple Mead. You can also access Bath from many other UK locations by changing at Swindon or Bristol. The train from London to Bath takes around 1hr 20 mins, making it easily feasible as a day trip.

There is good access to Bath by coach from Bristol, London, Cardiff and many other major cities. Check out coach providers National Express and Flixbus for routes and timetables.

The central part of Bath has restricted car access and limited parking. It is better to leave your car at one of the three main Park & Ride car parks at Lansdown (if coming from the M4 and north), Newbridge (if coming from Bristol and the west) or Odd Down (if coming from the south). You park for free but pay for the return bus ride into town.

If you prefer to park closer to the Bath city centre, there is a large car park at Charlotte Street Car Park which is close to Victoria Park and the Royal Crescent, as well as a few smaller car parks around the city perimeter.

If you need to rent a car, compare the best deals on Rentalcars – we recommend always checking the ratings and reviews before you book.

The closest airport to Bath is Bristol Airport, which is around 30km away and takes about 45 minutes by car or 1 hour by bus. You can take the frequent Airport Flyer bus from the airport to Bristol Temple Mead Station and from there take one of the regular trains between Bristol and Bath. Direct buses also operate between Bristol Airport and Bath city centre.

The alternative airports for Bath are Exeter, Cardiff or London Heathrow.

For more about Bath read my article on the 18 Best Museums in Bath

Plan your trip

For more information on what to do in Bath, check out the Visit Bath official tourism website

Some of the experiences in Bath were hosted* by Visit Bath

* More info on my policies page

This article is originally published at Heatheronhertravels.com

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Wednesday 1st of May 2024

The Royal Crescent is my dream of a perfect terrace of Georgian townhouses (1770s), symmetrical, sweeping, gracious on the outside and facing a lovely park. But they must have cost a fortune at the time, and my family never had any money. So the Queensberry Hotel is the closest I got to seeing an interior.

Heather Cowper

Thursday 2nd of May 2024

@Hels Bath is quite unique in having so much Georgian architecture, with hotels that allow us to glimpse behind the facade and live the dream for a day or two.

• 1.1 History
• 1.2 Orientation
• 1.4 Visitor information
• 2.1.1 Regional airports
• 2.1.2 London airports
• 2.2 By train
• 2.3 By bike
• 3.1 By foot
• 3.2 By public bus
• 3.3 By tourist bus
• 3.4 By taxi
• 4.1 Landmarks
• 4.3.1 Art and fashion museums
• 5.2 Theatre
• 5.3 Football
• 5.5 Concerts
• 5.7 Cricket
• 5.8 Walking
• 5.10 Get wet
• 5.11 Read a detective novel set in Bath
• 9.2.1 International
• 9.3 Splurge
• 10.1 Country pubs near Bath
• 10.2 Nightclubs
• 11.1 Budget
• 11.2 Mid-range
• 11.3 Splurge
• 12 Stay safe

Bath is a historic Roman and Georgian spa city. It is famous for its hot springs , Roman period baths, Medieval heritage and stately Georgian architecture. Bath has been double UNESCO -listed as a World Heritage Site, both in its own right (in 1987) and as one of 11 "Great Spa Towns of Europe" (in 2021). Set in the rolling Somerset countryside on the southern edge of the Cotswolds, Bath (with a population around 90,000) offers a diverse range of attractions for its 4.4 million visitors each year: restaurants, theatres, cinemas, pubs and nightclubs, along with interesting museums, and a wide range of guided tours. It is also a university city.

Understand [ edit ]

History [ edit ].

Bath is among the oldest of England’s principal tourist destinations and has been welcoming visitors for centuries. The three hot springs within the city were sacred to the Celtic goddess Sulis, whom the Romans later identified with the goddess Minerva. Bath first achieved its status as a sacred spa site with the growth of the Roman settlement Aquae Sulis around the thermal springs. The Roman period saw a vast complex of baths constructed - the remains of these were re-discovered in the 18th century and helped fuel Bath's modern revival as a luxury resort.

Bath was a prosperous city in the Medieval period, the site of an Abbey and Cathedral (under the Bishop of Bath and Wells). The Reformation under Henry VIII created uncertainty for Bath's, although during the reign of Elizabeth I, the town was revived as a spa resort. It was during the Georgian period, however, that Bath came again into its own. Exceedingly fashionable, Bath was laid out in stately avenues, streets and crescents, encrusted with Neo-Classical public buildings.

Bath suffered a significant amount of damage during air raids in World War II. The prestigious crescents and terraces were relatively unscathed and restored where necessary, but some of the more minor Georgian and Victorian streets were demolished both after the war and during a later ill-conceived phase of development known now as the "Sack of Bath". Consequently some modern buildings pop up in unexpected places, and the locals are generally very opposed to any major building developments that are put forward. Those works are substantially complete, and a new shopping centre near the railway station has opened.

Orientation [ edit ]

Bath is 160 km (100 miles) west of London and 18 km (11 miles) south-east of the nearest big city, Bristol . It lies in the valley of the Avon River, upstream of Bristol.

Read [ edit ]

Jane Austen's Northanger Abbey is traditional reading before a visit to Bath. Austen spent some time there, and her novel is a satire of the social life of the city at the time. Many of the sites she mentioned are still able to be visited in the city today.

Visitor information [ edit ]

• Visit Bath website

Get in [ edit ]

By plane [ edit ], regional airports [ edit ].

These smaller airports provide a much more sedate experience than the London ones. Check in queues are shorter, there are fewer people about, and it's much clearer where you have to go and what you have to do. Less stress and fewer delays than the London ones.

Bristol Airport ( BRS  IATA ) is 35 km (22 mi) from Bath and boasts scheduled flights from many major European cities, including Amsterdam Schiphol , Barcelona El Prat , Berlin , Brussels , Copenhagen , Edinburgh , Glasgow , Paris and Prague (but not London ). By public transportation there are three main options for reaching Bath.

• Catch the Flyer bus service from the airport to Bristol Temple Meads station, then the train from there to Bath; expect the journey to take about one hour, and longer between 4PM and 6PM when Bristol's roads are congested.
• Air Decker direct bus from the airport to Bath railway station. Every thirty minutes from early until late. Journey time is about 55 minutes. Single ticket £16.50, return £22.00.
• Taxi (about £40) and get to Bath in about 40 minutes.

Southampton Airport ( SOU  IATA ) is under 2 hours from Bath by train, and connections are good.

Cardiff Airport ( CWL  IATA ), Exeter Airport ( EXT  IATA ), and Bournemouth Airport ( BOH  IATA ) are also served by low-cost airlines and are within a couple of hours driving distance of the city.

London airports [ edit ]

The alternative is to use one of the London airports and travel on to Bath by train, car or bus. The most convenient are:

• Heathrow Airport is about two hours drive straight down the M4 ( westbound ) motorway. Alternatively, the RailAir express bus service (running every 20 minutes) connects with the main London to Bath rail service at Reading rail station; expect the total journey to take slightly over two hours. Or take the train the entire way, hop on the Heathrow Express to Paddington Station and then take a train from there to Bath Spa railway station, the journey takes a little under two hours. Alternatively, the National Express coach company run direct buses from Heathrow to Bath bus station.
• Gatwick Airport is about three hours drive away via the M23 ( northbound ), M25 ( clockwise ) and M4 ( westbound ) motorways. Alternatively, a half-hourly rail service from Gatwick connects with the main London to Bath rail service at Reading rail station; expect the total journey to take slightly over two hours.
• Stansted Airport is about three hours drive away via the M11 ( southbound ), M25 ( anti-clockwise ) and M4 ( westbound ) motorways. By train, you will need to catch a Stanstead Express train to London Liverpool Street station, the tube to London Paddington station, then follow the directions below; expect the total journey to take around 3½ hours.
• Luton Airport is about a 3-hour train ride. The Thameslink rail connects the airport to central London where you can catch a train to Bath Spa.

By train [ edit ]

Wikivoyage has a guide to Rail travel in Great Britain

Train times (from any location) can be found on the National Rail Planner or by calling +44 8457 484950 from anywhere in the UK. There is a taxi rank outside the station, and the bus station is adjacent.

The station is staffed M-Sa 6M-8PM, Su 7:45AM-8PM, however the ticket office will only sell advance tickets between 8AM and 6PM (ignore the times on the National Rail website: they are wrong) There are no luggage lockers in the station; Bath Backpacker's Hostel in Pierrepont Street, which is a few hundred feet from the station, will look after left luggage for the day for £3.00.

By bike [ edit ]

The Bristol-Bath Railway Path is part of the National Cycle Network (R4) and provides a cycle corridor between the city centres of Bath and Bristol . Travel time is about 90 minutes. The path is relatively flat, and has only 2 road crossings, making it very safe. In the morning and evening it is a busy commute route, so it may be advisable to avoid these peak hours.

By car [ edit ]

Get off the M4 at Junction 18, follow signs for about 10 miles (16 km). Use the Park-and-Ride facilities!

It is very easy to get lost in Bath, as a lot of it is one-way and there's a traffic system that prevents you driving from one side of the city to the other. You have to go out on an unofficial ring road and re-enter the city. Furthermore, the high population density, the lack of a city bypass and the low capacity of the old narrow streets means that congestion is often horrendous. In particular, on Saturdays the car parks will all be full, and the roads will be blocked by people queueing to get into these car parks, a problem made worse since the opening of the new Southgate car park. At peak times, it can be quicker to walk from the edge of Bath to town, rather than driving and finding somewhere to park. The short answer - don't drive in Bath.

Parking in central Bath is better than it used to be as there's a big new underground multi story under the Southgate Shopping Centre. Most of the smaller long stay car parks will be full by 8:30AM during the working week so you have to get in early. Major central multi-storey car parks are based underneath the Southgate Shopping Centre, Walcot Street, Manvers Street (near the train stations) and Charlotte Street (off Queens Square). Average 2010 rates are around £3 an hour - or the more prohibitive pay and display in central bath at £1.30p per 30 minutes in the most convenient street locations. Many parking bays are "residents parking only" so check before leaving your car. Traffic wardens are very efficient so don't even think of parking on a yellow line or going over your time limit. On Sundays and between 7PM and 8AM other days most parking is free, however check machines for exact details.

The best way to drive into town is to use the park and ride facilities when travelling into Bath for the day. You can park for free and then take a bus for £2.20 per adult return (round-trip, discounts exist) right into the city. The only downside to this is that the last bus leaves at 8:30PM, so you can't use this service if you're staying in Bath late.

By bus [ edit ]

51.37793 -2.35964 3 Bath's bus station is close to the railway station and buses to most destinations outside the city leave and arrive at this location. It is served by:

• National Express . Coaches to Bristol, London Victoria and London Heathrow.  
• First West England .   operates buses locally and from bath to Bristol, Lawrence Hill, Hengrove, Weston-super-Mare, Wells and points in between in West England.

Get around [ edit ]

Most locations in Bath are easily walkable from the city centre and stations. Avoid using a car in town centr.

By foot [ edit ]

Some of Bath's shopping streets feel like pedestrian-only areas - but aren't. Have a quick look round before you follow everyone else out into the road and, if you're driving, expect pedestrians to walk out in front of you.

By public bus [ edit ]

Typically for British public transport, public buses are at best adequate. A popular 'Park and Ride' bus system operates from a ring of car parks around the outskirts of the city (Newbridge, Lansdown, Claverton Down and Odd Down). They will take you to the city centre, or to a number of the cities schools. Bath's buses are often quite expensive, compared with other cities. If you are going to be taking more than 1 return journey or 1 single journey in a day, it is recommended to ask the driver for a day pass instead which gives unlimited travel on that bus company's buses in Bath. This costs around £3.70 per day. There are several bus companies operating, such as WessexConnect and FareSaver, but the most useful for tourists will be buses operated by First.

By tourist bus [ edit ]

Tour buses complete an enjoyable circuit of main attractions; they can be picked up en route or at the main bay at 'Bog Island' (for the Skyline tour) or next to the fountain near Bath Abbey (for the city centre tour). When you see something you like just hop off at the next stop, have a look round, and hop back on the next one that comes along. Attractions en route include the historic Royal Crescent, The Circus - and some tour bus companies include a route up the winding Ralph Allen Drive past the impressive Prior Park Gardens. Tickets cost £11.50 for the 40-minute Skyline tour of the 45-minute City Centre, hop-on, hop-off service.

By taxi [ edit ]

There are taxi ranks outside the train station and the Abbey, and Kingsmead square. Taxi firms are well advertised locally. The drivers know the city well and will entertain you with (often cranky) stories.

See [ edit ]

Landmarks [ edit ].

Come out of the Roman Baths and you will see:

Come out of the main Abbey door, turn right and follow the pavement round the corner past the statue of "The Lady With The Pitcher". Pass some bookshops and a shop selling Bath Aqua Glass and cross the road to the entrance to Parade Gardens. Then follow the road to the left to see:

Cross Pulteney Bridge to see:

Go back in the direction of the Parade Gardens to catch a Hop On Hop Off Tourist bus to take you to:

• Bath's other crescents . Georgian architecture at its best can be seen at Bath's handful of crescent shaped, residential streets, offering superb views over the city. The Royal Crescent is the most famous, but Camden Crescent offers the best views, Cavendish Crescent is the most petite. Lansdown Crescent and Widcombe Crescent are also fine examples.  

• 51.38074 -2.35829 7 Sally Lunn's Refreshment House & Museum , 4 North Parade Passage, BA1 1NX , ☏ +44 1225 461634 . City centre shrine to the original Bath Bun — claims to be the oldest house in Bath, and it very nearly is — the simple but enjoyable museum in cellars is free if guests take refreshment. See below under Eat.  
• 51.3865 -2.3595 8 Walcot Street . Bath's 'Camden Town' bohemia with "bargain" antiques and weekend markets.  
• 51.385283 -2.364781 11 Georgian garden , ☏ +44 1225 394041 . 9AM–5PM daily . Dating back to 1761, this small garden has been through multiple transformations over the years. It has now been restored to a Georgian style (c. 1770–1836), with gravel, a stone path, and simple topiaries, and is open to the public. If you're near the Royal Crescent, the garden is worth a visit to step back into the Georgian era for a few minutes. Free . ( updated Nov 2021 )
• Other attractions include Solsbury Hill, the Kennet and Avon Canal, River Avon, and St. Catherine's Court (unsure if you can visit, but you can stay there for £6500/weekend!).

Parks [ edit ]

Bath's parks are ideal for a summer picnic although local by-laws prevent the drinking of alcohol outdoors. Topless bathing used to be frowned upon but is becoming the norm as the regenerating city becomes more cosmopolitan. The Council maintains all parks to a high standard.

• 51.38141 -2.35656 12 Parade Gardens . In the heart of town overlooking the river, this is where the locals come to laze away the afternoon. Small entrance charge for visitors but free to residents. This park normally has a topical floral display and has a bandstand for music in the summer months.  
• Alexandra Park . A free park to the south of the city centre with fantastic views overlooking Bath.
• Prior Park Landscape Garden . Eighteenth-century landscaped garden with lakes and winding wooded paths and the famous Palladian Bridge, one of only three bridges of its kind in the UK.

Museums and galleries [ edit ]

Art and fashion museums [ edit ].

Do [ edit ]

• What's on? Read Bath Chronicle (published Thursday), or Venue Magazine (Wednesday).

Tours [ edit ]

There are many guided tours, walking tours, and audio tours of the city available. Options range for historical tours to ghost tours to pub crawls; you will find leaflets for these in most hotels, bars, and restaurants.

• Mayor of Bath Honorary Guide tour . Every day of the week . A fantastic for a free, pleasant two-hour walk around the famous Georgian city of Bath with the Mayor of Bath's Corps of Honorary Guides. This has been going since the 1930s, and visits many famous historic and architectural places within the city, delivered by enthusiastic Bathonians.  
• 51.38279 -2.35704 1 Upper Avon boat tour , Spring Gardens Road . Boat tour to 51.40061 -2.32619 1 Bathampton and back, turning at the 17th-century Bathampton Weir and Mill. The entire tour takes about 1 hour. A single journey is £5, and return trip can be taken any time. Return ticket is £10. ( updated Jul 2019 )

Bath also makes a great base for day trips to the surrounding countryside. There are also tours that go to Stonehenge and places like Avebury, the village of Lacock, Castlecombe, and other surrounding villages throughout the Cotswolds. Go to Tourist Information next to the Abbey for brochures or to book a tour.

Theatre [ edit ]

Football [ edit ], cinema [ edit ].

• The Odeon . is the biggest cinema for the biggest and newest films. It opened in 2006.  
• The Little Theatre . shows arthouse and foreign films alongside the newest releases in an intimate environment.  
• Tivoli Cinema . cafe bar and cinema.  

Concerts [ edit ]

Not many of these. Bath hasn't really got a suitable venue. Bands sometimes play at the Pavilion, or the Rugby Ground but it's a poor show from the city that once held the Bath Festival of Blues and Progressive Music . Some major classical events are held in Victoria Park but they're far from frequent.

Jazz music every Thursday and other live music occasionally at St James' Wine Vaults in the north of town near the Royal Crescent. The Bell Inn on Walcot Street has live music on Monday and Wednesday evenings and Sunday lunchtime, always free and busy.

The city is pretty good for local and up-and-coming bands, though, as well as street musicians.

• Moles . A live music club. ( updated Apr 2016 )

Golf [ edit ]

• Bath Golf Club . Excellent, free draining hilltop course. Not overly long but a good challenge for the mid-handicapper. Always in great condition. Located at Sham Castle, near Bath University.  
• Tracey Park Golf Club . Appealing 27-hole parkland course between Bath and Wick (Bristol). The Crown course is superior to the Cromwell course, which has some newish holes. Nice clubhouse.  
• Lansdown Golf Club . Narrow fairways are a feature of this hilltop course next to Bath racecourse: can get windy.  
• Entry Hill . Municipal, nine-hole learners course. Not bad now that the trees have grown up. Superb views over Bath.  

Cricket [ edit ]

Visitors to Bath wanting to enjoy a summer afternoon watching cricket have some lovely grounds that welcome spectators for Saturday and Sunday fixtures:

Walking [ edit ]

• Bath Skyline Walk provides excellent views of the city.
• Follow the canal for 40 minutes to the George Inn at Bathampton for good food in a delightful setting.
• Two Tunnels Greenway is a four-mile paved path south to Midford.

Riding [ edit ]

Bath is a small city surrounded by lovely countryside for a horse ride.

• 51.323017 -2.366495 5 Wellow Trekking Centre , Little Horse Croft Farm, Ford Rd, Wellow ( 15-minute drive out of town ), ☏ +44 1225 834376 . This is one of the best experiences you can have as the countryside and horses are wonderful, they have 50 more than horses and can cater for all ages. Prices are extremely reasonable. ( updated Apr 2016 )

Get wet [ edit ]

Bath is the only place in Britain where you can bathe in hot natural waters. You can't leap into the Roman Baths but you can pamper yourself at the Thermae Bath Spa across the road. The "Thermae Bath Spa" is a modern spa in the heart of Bath one block over from the original Roman Baths. It is a four-storey day spa, that uses the "healing waters" to sooth and relax. The waters are filtered but remain warm in the indoor and outdoor roof pool. A great way to spend an afternoon or evening relaxing in the warm waters looking out over the city architecture. They offer everything from massages to a "kraken stove" steam bath but just spending a couple of hours soaking in the indoor pool, steam baths and roof deck outdoor pool is great fun.

Read a detective novel set in Bath [ edit ]

Two authors have written a series of detective novels set in the city: Christopher Lee's started with The Killing of Sally Keemer and Peter Lovesey's first was The Last Detective . You can buy them in 51.38355 -2.36178 1 Waterstone's bookshop at the top of Milsom Street.

Learn [ edit ]

Bath is home to the University of Bath , a very well respected institution that focuses on the sciences, engineering and social sciences. Bath University has world-class sports facilities used by British Olympic athletes. It is located at the top of Bathwick hill, about one mile east of the city centre.

Bath acquired its second university, called Bath Spa University, in 2005. The main campus is in a rural setting at Newton Park to the west of the city.

As with most tourism-heavy cities in the United Kingdom, Bath has a selection of language schools, and colleges for international students. Some of these institutions include International House [dead link] and Bath Academy .

Work [ edit ]

The Ministry of Defence was a major local employer until 2012. The city has a large technology, finance, and property sector. Outside that Bathonians are generally employed in lower paid tourist, retail and dining industries. The universities and hospital are also large employers. Future Publishing, a large magazine and media company, has many offices in Bath.

Buy [ edit ]

The 2010 Southgate Shopping Centre is constructed in a mock Georgian style and features a selection of mid-to-upper range clothing chains plus some pretty good places to eat. It is opposite the railway and bus station but offers little of interest for the tourist as it provides predominantly mainstream retailers available in many high streets in Britain. This was a historic area up until the 1960s when it was demolished due to persistent flooding problems.

Boutique shopping can be found in the North part of the centre, notable for its art and antique showrooms. Head up Milsom Street to George Street and beyond. Bath claims to have one of the highest percentages of independent shops in any British high-street.

Walcot Street to the north-east of the centre has been designated the "artisan quarter" by the Council and has a number of independent stores.

• 51.383561 -2.362248 2 Mr B's Emporium of Reading Delights , 14-15 John St , ☏ +44 1225 331155 , [email protected] . M–Sa 9:30AM–5:30PM, Su 11AM–5PM . Slightly quirky indie bookshop with a particularly interesting selection. Don't forget to go upstairs to see the sections on the first floor. ( updated Oct 2021 )

Eat [ edit ]

For its size, Bath has an excellent choice of eateries for any budget and taste. Mainstream restaurant chains are present as well as many independents. Within the city centre there are Italian, French, Thai, Nepali, Indian, Spanish, Turkish, Japanese and fusion restaurants. There are also specialist fish, steak, and gourmet restaurants. Most pubs sell food at lunchtime and in the evening.

Budget [ edit ]

Head to Kingsmead Square for burgers, kebabs, etc..

• 51.380729 -2.358241 1 Sally Lunn's Refreshment House & Museum , 4 North Parade Passage , ☏ +44 1225 461634 . Taste the original Sally Lunn Bun made without sugar, not to be confused with the more famous Bath Bun, a small round bun containing sugar and currants. Good lunch time fare - and very popular so you may have to queue at peak times. ( updated Feb 2023 )
• 51.38146 -2.36302 2 Boston Tea Party , 19 Kingsmead Square, BA1 2AE , ☏ +44 1225 313901 . Bustling little cafe with great sandwiches and what is possibly the best coffee in Bath. It can be difficult to get somewhere to sit. ( updated Feb 2023 )
• 51.381618 -2.362295 3 Schwartz Bros , 4 Saw Cl . Excellent veggie burgers. Highly recommended. Take away only- eat on the benches in Kingsmead Square. They also have an outlet in Walcot Street. ( updated Feb 2023 )
• 51.38149 -2.36341 4 Seafoods , 38 Kingsmead St, BA1 2AA . M-Sa 11:30AM-11PM, Su noon-8PM . Has been serving traditional fish and chips for over 50 years. Eat in or take-away- seats 60. ( updated Feb 2023 )
• 51.38367 -2.369959 5 Mr. D's , 8, St George's place . A small McDonald's-like burger stand, whose burgers and shakes are quite like how they used to taste in the 1960s. ( updated Feb 2023 )
• 51.38138 -2.36026 6 La Baguette , 3 Stall St, BA1 1QL ( This tiny shop can often be identified by the queue trailing out of the door. ). A popular sandwich shop on Stall Street, a minute walk from the Abbey. Sandwiches are handmade using crunchy baguettes usually for cheaper than a convenience store sandwich. ( updated Feb 2023 )
• 51.382708 -2.360194 7 The Whole Bagel , Upper Borough Walls ( just off the High Street ). An excellent place to get a quick lunchtime snack. They have a large variety of bagels which are 'freshly baked everyday' filled with fresh local ingredients. ( updated Feb 2023 )
• 51.381239 -2.363622 8 Mission Burrito , 4 New St . 10AM-10PM . Based on a Californian franchise, it offers much more flavour than the usual foreign attempts at Mexican. ( updated Feb 2023 )
• 51.384275 -2.360042 9 Taka Taka , 34 Broad St, BA1 5LP , ☏ +44 1225 470088 . Daily 11AM-3AM . Greek fast food serving great souvlaki with chips and mixed vegetables, along with a variety of other Greek specialties in large portions. No indoor seating available. £4.50 (July 2019) . ( updated Feb 2023 )

Mid-range [ edit ]

• 51.38236 -2.36204 10 Raphael , Upper Borough Walls, Kingsmead, BA1 1RN , ☏ +44 1225 480042 . Open M-Sa 11AM-11PM, Su noon-10:30PM . Reinvented as a classy nouveau French restaurant. Situated near Theatre Royal. ( updated Feb 2023 )
• 51.380229 -2.357226 11 Yak Yeti Yak , 12 Pierrepont St , ☏ +44 1225 442299 . Open for lunch noon-2PM Sa Su, dinner Tu-Su 5PM–10PM . A unique family-run Nepalese restaurant in an ornately decked out basement. Reasonably priced and delicious. In keeping with the atmosphere the service can be rather laid back (or some have said, inconsistent). They offer an extensive vegetarian/vegan selection. Book in advance for a Friday or Saturday dinner. £20-30 . ( updated Feb 2023 )
• 51.38191 -2.358142 12 Browns , Orange Grove ( over the road from Bath Abbey ), ☏ +44 1225 461199 . One of a reliable chain of middle-market restaurants with branches in many of the most attractive towns in southern England including Bristol , Cambridge , Oxford , and Windsor . £20-35 . ( updated Feb 2023 )
• 51.380199 -2.356331 13 The Elder , 2-8 S Parade . W-Su 12:30-2:30PM, 6-9PM . Opened in 2021, is British cooking especially game. ( updated Feb 2023 )
• 51.380588 -2.357028 14 The Green Rocket , 1 Pierrepont St , ☏ +44 1225 420084 . M Tu 9AM–4:30PM, W–Sa 9AM–4:30PM and 6–9:30PM, Su 10AM–4:30PM . Large vegan cafe serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. £14-25 . ( updated Feb 2023 )

International [ edit ]

Bath is well served in this department.

• 51.383276 -2.361618 15 The Eastern Eye , 8A Quiet St , ☏ +44 1225 422323 . 8A Quiet Street, City centre restaurant set in a huge Georgian room. Excellent food and service. Highly recommended. Book ahead unless you're going very early evening. Service charge (tip) is included in the bill. £20-30 . ( updated Feb 2023 )
• 51.386265 -2.359476 16 Thai Basil Restaurant , 90a Walcot St , ☏ +44 1225 462463 . Authentic Thai food in pleasant surroundings and at a reasonable price. ( updated Feb 2023 )

Splurge [ edit ]

• 51.38924 -2.35872 17 Hudson Bar & Grill , 14 London St, BA1 5BU , ☏ +44 1225 332323 . Great steak and seafood in stylish surroundings. ( updated Feb 2023 )

Sweet [ edit ]

Local specialities are:

• Bath Buns are buttery buns with large bits of sugar and raisins on top and can be bought at any bakers.
• Sally Lunn's Buns are bigger, with no sugar and raisins, and can be enjoyed at Sally Lunn's Refreshment House with sweet or savoury fillings
• Bath Oliver Biscuits are available worldwide from supermarkets and delis.
• 51.38141 2.36 19 Fudge Kitchen , 110 Abbey Churchyard, BA1 1LY , ☏ +44 1225 462277 . Some of the best fudge you'll eat, and a discount for school children. Watch the different fudge flavours being made and then try a piece before you buy. You certainly won't regret going in there. The shop also caters for special occasions like weddings and offers a range of gifts. ( updated Nov 2020 )
• 51.38204 -2.36009 20 Ben's Cookies , 21 Union Passage, BA1 1RD , ☏ +44 1225 460 983 . Popular with young locals, not exactly cheap but definitely worth it for a wide selection of melt-in-the-mouth cookies. ( updated Nov 2020 )
• 51.381444 -2.358002 21 The Mad Hatter's Tea Party , 5 Orange Grove, Bath BA1 1LP ( Near the Roman Baths ), ☏ +441225571314 . 10AM-6PM . Popular local tea room, with afternoon high tea available. Fairly busy so recommendations are recommended, even in the dead of winter. ( updated Jan 2024 )

Drink [ edit ]

Bath, has a huge array of pubs and bars to choose from, ranging from the very traditional pubs serving real ale to the typical trendy bars:

The most notable pubs :

Other notable pubs are:

• Gascoyne Place , 1 Saw Close . Serves food and has a wide selection of quality European and UK Beers. Has live Jazz on Sunday Evenings.  
• 51.38383 -2.35976 9 Saracen's Head , 42 Broad St, BA1 5LP , ☏ +44 1225 426 518 . Bath's oldest pub can be found in Broad Street. Legend/misconception has it that Charles Dickens stayed here. A large commercial pub, with little atmosphere compared with Baths other pubs.  

Notable bars are:

• RSVP , George St ( opposite Revolution ). Overpriced Bar with huge, intimidating steroid junkie bouncers. Popular with large parties before they head off to a local nightclub.  
• Grappa Bar . A bit of class on the road towards Lansdown. Intimate, metro-style bar - quite romantic.  
• 51.38084 -2.36363 14 The Trinity , James St W, BA1 2DA , ☏ +44 1225 469 456 . Friendly, 'real' pub situated in the city centre. Welcoming and inexpensive.  

Country pubs near Bath [ edit ]

There are many great pubs in the countryside around Bath. The following have been selected based on a real sense of history and/or a great place to sit outside in the summer months:

• 51.30145 -2.32542 18 The George , High St, Norton St Philip, BA2 7LH , ☏ +44 1373 834 224 . With 700 years of hospitality, the George is positively oozing with history, with flagstone floors and antique furniture you'll be transported back in time. If you go in winter you'll be glad of the open fire to keep you warm.  
• 51.382 -2.394 20 Locksbrook Inn , 103 Locksbrook Rd, Bath BA1 3EN , ☏ +44 1225 427119 . Daily 8:30AM-11PM . Charming old pub by the river locks, gets great reviews for its Sunday lunch. Dog-friendly. ( updated Nov 2021 )

Nightclubs [ edit ]

Considering the size of this small city there are a reasonable number of nightclubs to be found, in no small part helped by the city's substantial student population. Most club nights cater to mainstream tastes, while serious clubbers tend to travel further afield to the larger cities of Bristol and London. Posters and fliers advertising more specialist nights can be found in locations such as the walls inside the town's independent fast food outlets. A unique aspect (for better or for worse) of Bath's nightclubs is that many of them are located in the cellars of old Georgian buildings and can weave through the ground like mazes.

• 51.37895 -2.35722 21 The Second Bridge , 10 Manvers St, BA1 1JQ ( Bottom of town near the police station ), ☏ +44 1225 464 449 . One of the city's most popular destinations after pre-drinking around town. Popular with students.  
• 51.38067 -2.35565 22 OPA , 14 North Parade ( near Parade Gardens next to Crossover Bridge ), ☏ +44 1225 317 900 . A classy bar perfect for chilled drinks, it does have a small dance floor. Opa has Bath's only Spanish Night on a Wednesday and a Gay night on Thursdays.  
• Po Na Na , 8/9 North Parade, BA2 4AL , ☏ +44 2034 751 603 . Wednesday night hosts Discord, the city's most famous rock night. Thursday is also very popular. Very young crowd.  
• Club XL . To the north of the town centre on Walcot Street. Popular with students.  
• The Weir Lounge ( Below Pultney Bridge, by the Weir. ).  
• 51.384878 -2.36315 23 Moles , 14 George St, BA1 2EN , ☏ +44 1225 437 537 . Famous club on George St, hosting gigs and club nights. Friendly crowd and reasonably priced drinks. Locals generally head for a drink in The Porter (next door) before heading to Moles later in the evening. Tuesday's 'The Big Cheese' (known as 'cheesy Tuesdays') is Bath's longest running club night.  

Water [ edit ]

You can drink the hot Bath mineral water in the Roman Baths, towards the end of the exhibition, and it is included in the cost of admission. Otherwise, one can purchase a sip of the mineral water from the Pump Rooms in the Abbey Churchyard, served from a fountain in the restaurant area for about 50p. Both water sources are filtered. The experience is unforgettable: it has a unique taste due to the minerals that the Romans believed had health benefits for the drinker.

Sleep [ edit ]

Accommodation in and around Bath ranges from budget hostels and smart, comfortable self-catering homes, through elegant bed and breakfast and guest houses, hospitable farms and inns, to top-of-the-range hotels.

• Bath Backpackers , 13 Pierrepont St, BA1 1LA , ☏ +44 1225 446787 , [email protected] . Multi-bed dorm rooms available. £12-16/dorm bed .  
• St Christopher’s Bath Hostel ( Bath Hostel ), 9 Green Street, BA1 2JY , ☏ +44 1225 481444 , fax : +44 20 7247 7114 , [email protected] . Check-in: 2PM , check-out: 11AM . A well known youth hostel located in the centre of the city. Part of the St Christopher's hostel chain. £9.50 with breakfast included .  
• 51.384962 -2.360166 1 Bath YMCA , International House, Broad St Pl , ☏ +44 1225 325900 . Check-in: 2PM , check-out: 10AM . Ordinary, well-maintained hostel. WiFI is iffy and doesn't reach the rooms. Breakfast is available for an extra charge. If travelling by yourself, try to book the "leader's room" (intended for the chaperone when a school group stays at the hostel); it gives you the privacy of a private room at roughly the price of a dorm bed. £29/single, £45-47/twin, £49-65/double, £16-25/dorm bed . ( updated Oct 2021 )
• YHA Bath , Bathwick Hill, BA2 6JZ , ☏ +44 870 770 5688 . Decent youth hostel accommodation from £12.95 a night in an Italianate mansion on the outskirts of the city. Frequent bus service serves between the Youth Hostel and city centre.  
• Travelodges . There are 2 in Bath- One relatively near the station ( Bath Waterside ) and one on George Street ( Bath Central ). Both give excellent rates (between £19-59) if you book far enough in advance. Walk-in rates tend to be extremely high (~£80) due to being in Bath! Waterside tends to be cheaper than Central. Beware if booking Bath Central- there is a nightclub beneath the hotel. Ask for a room on the top floor if you want a good night's sleep!  
• Express by Holiday Inn , Lower Bristol Rd , ☏ +44 1225 303000 . About 1 mile from city center. From £59 for a double room with basic breakfast.  
• University of Bath , Claverton Down , ☏ +44 1225 386622 . The university has 30 double rooms available year round (prices from £60 per night) and fromn June to September has 2,300 rooms available to suit all budgets.  
• DoubleTree by Hilton Bath ( formerly Hilton Bath City ), Walcot St ( city centre ), ☏ +44 1225 463411 , fax : +44 1225 464393 , [email protected] . Check-in: 4PM , check-out: 11AM . The rooms are small, but with comfortable beds, work station, 32-inch HDTV and WiFi. ( updated Sep 2020 )
• 51.380645 -2.357726 2 The Abbey Hotel , North Parade , ☏ +44 1225 807161 , fax : +44 1225 447758 , [email protected] . Comfortable and relaxed atmosphere, well-equipped rooms, great breakfasts, reasonable rates.  
• Three Abbey Green , 3 Abbey Green BA1 1NW , ☏ +44 1225 428558 . Closed for refurbishment until 2021. Stylish B&B with 10 rooms in knock-through of two Georgian town houses. No dogs. ( updated Aug 2020 )
• Harington's Hotel , 8 Queen St BA1 1HE , ☏ +44 1225 461728 . Hotel with original Georgian character - that means no lift to the upper floors. Assistance dogs only. B&B double £80 . ( updated Aug 2020 )
• Pratt's Hotel , South Parade, BA2 4AB , ☏ +44 1225 460441 . Check-in: 2PM , check-out: 11AM . From £45 .  
• Royal Hotel Bath , Manvers St , ☏ +44 844 544 9246 . Located in the heart of the city, the hotel was designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel and was opened over 150 years ago.  
• Bailbrook Lodge , 35-37 London Road West , ☏ +44 844 544 4997 . Bailbrook Lodge is a splendid Georgian Mansion designed by the famous architect John Everleigh  
• Purbeck Holiday Lets ( Bath Self Catering ), Purbeck House, Bridge Place Road, Camerton, Bath, BA2 0PD , ☏ +44 1761 471358 , [email protected] . Purbeck Holiday lets is the perfect location and setting if you are visit the beautiful Roman city of Bath, whether on family holiday, romantic break for two or enjoying the company of friend and colleagues.  
• Tasburgh House , Warminster Rd, BA2 6SH , ☏ +44 1225 425096 , [email protected] . Check-in: 2PM , check-out: 11AM . A stunning boutique hotel where luxury is affordable (and the views are free). As seen on The Hotel Inspector (Channel Five, 2006), Sue Keeling daughter Toni provide a relaxing and enjoyable stay. 130 .  
• 51.375 -2.37 3 Gray's , 9 Upper Oldfield Park BA2 3JX , ☏ +44 1225 403020 . Opulent B&B in a Victorian villa. No children under 12 or dogs. B&B double £120 . ( updated Aug 2020 )
• 51.387 -2.363 4 The Queensberry , 4 Russell Street BA1 2QF , ☏ +44 1225 447928 . Georgian townhouses with modern decor. Their Olive Tree restaurant gets great reviews but is only F-Su. Assistance dogs only. B&B double from £130 . ( updated Jul 2020 )
• 51.384 -2.355 5 No 15 Great Pulteney , 15 Great Pulteney St BA2 4BR , ☏ +44 1225 807015 . Quirky hotel and spa in a Georgian terrace, full of antiques and curios. Stylish and comfy. B&B double from £120 . ( updated Jul 2020 )
• 51.388 -2.396 6 Apsley House , 141 Newbridge Hill BA1 3PT , ☏ +44 1225 336966 . Comfortable stylish Georgian manor, 30 min walk to town, buses pass the door. Assistance dogs only. B&B double from £100 . ( updated Jul 2020 )
• 51.387444 -2.368069 7 The Royal Crescent Hotel , 16 Royal Crescent BA1 2LS , ☏ +44 1225 823333 . Grand but not intimidating, this top-rank elegant hotel and spa forms the keystone of Royal Crescent, all Grade I listed. Pricey, but it earns great reviews for comfort, service, facilities and cuisine. B&B double £330 . ( updated Jul 2020 )
• 51.385868 -2.344539 8 Macdonald Bath Spa Hotel , Sydney Rd , ☏ +44 870 400 8222 , fax : +44 1225 444006 , [email protected] . One of Bath's flagship hotels - 5-star luxury with fine decor and amenities. Bath Spa Hotel is the celebrity's favorite: Joan Collins and Felicity Kendall have been spotted there. A nice grotto is a feature of the large front lawn. Adjacent to the attractive Sydney Gardens - a great starting point for the mile-long canal walk to Bathampton village. ( updated Mar 2016 )
• 51.386 -2.357 9 Roseate Villa , Henrietta Rd BA2 6LX , ☏ +44 1225 466329 . Comfy B&B in Victorian villa by Henrietta Park. B&B double £150 . ( updated Aug 2020 )
• 51.355 -2.507 10 Pig near Bath , Hunstrete House, Pensford BS39 4NS ( off A368 ), ☏ +44 1761 490490 . Exceptional country hotel in Georgian country manor, gets rave reviews for comfort, service, decor and dining. Assistance dogs only. B&B double from £170 . ( updated Jun 2020 )

Stay safe [ edit ]

Overall Bath is a very safe city to visit; the large number of tourists and university students generates a friendly and vigorous feel to the city. Bath city centre is lively and bustling until late on Friday and Saturday evenings, although things get rougher around kicking out time late at night. Women would be well advised to avoid wandering around alone at night. The common problem for tourists is the occasional groups of homeless beggars around the parks and abbey - you may see them drinking lager and shouting abuse, which can surprise many first-time visitors. However, they're not pushy when asking for money, and argue amongst themselves rather than getting passers-by involved. Accept it as a byproduct of a city that attracts tourism (and therefore money), and it's no problem.

The river between Pultney Bridge and the weir looks good for a spot of swimming when you're young and fit. It is actually very dangerous, and every year people die doing it. Warleigh weir is good if you're looking for a swim - about 3 miles along the canal.

If you're a keen cyclist, there's a wonderful Bath-to-Bristol cycle path at your disposal. However, please be aware that there have been robberies and attacks on this stretch of cycle path in 2008. Police have made arrests, but it's something you should consider if planning to make the journey.

Connect [ edit ]

As of April 2022, Bath has 5G from EE and Three, and 4G from O2 and Vodafone. Wifi is widely available in public places.

Bath Library (in the Podium Shopping Centre) offers Internet access at £3.60 an hour for non members.

Go next [ edit ]

• Bradford on Avon — a beautiful, picture-postcard small town near Bath; it's accessible by rail and there's a lovely 30-minute walk along the canal to Avoncliff where the Cross Guns pub provides good food in an excellent riverside setting - and you can catch the train back to Bath from there. Trains between Bath Spa and Bradford on Avon take 15-20 minutes and run 2-3 times an hour.
• Bristol — with its many attractions situated around the floating harbour and Avon Gorge, is 12 miles drive or 15 minutes train journey away, and makes an excellent day trip from Bath.
• Swindon — known for its history as the heart of the Great Western Railway, 20 minutes on the train, or an hour by car on A46 and M4 motorway.

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Home » Europe » United Kingdom » England » Bath

11 BEST Places to Visit in Bath (2024)

One of the most stunning cities in the United Kingdom, Bath is steeped in history and is a famous Unesco World Heritage Site. Dating back to Roman times, you’ll find incredible Roman architecture as well as modern-day beauties. It’s not just the buildings that makes this such a cool place to visit, there are plenty of great spots to wine and dine, or simply just hang out in cool hipster bars! That is of course, if you can drag yourself away from dipping in the therapeutic waters of the Thermae Bath Spa.

In this post, we’ll take a look at the best places to visit in Bath. From the Roman Baths to museums and landscaped gardens, you’ll know exactly where to head in city to bask in Bath’s history as well as shopping, eating and drinking.

Let’s get into it!

NEED A PLACE QUICK? HERE’S THE BEST NEIGHBORHOOD IN BATH:

These are the best places to visit in bath, faq on the best places to visit in bath.

City Centre

The centre of Bath is where you’ll find the vast majority of the city’s major historic and cultural tourist attractions. One of the oldest districts in town, Bath City Centre is famous for its striking Georgian architecture, impressive and innovative buildings, and its enchanting atmosphere.

• Walk across and admire the architecturally exquisite 18th century Pulteney Bridge
• Browse 20th century works of art by British and International artists at the Adam Gallery
• Shop painting by local contemporary artists at the Fine Sight Fine Art gallery

Knowing where to stay in Bath is the start of any good plan. The majority of these places to visit are in the centre of the city, with lots of accommodations nearby. However, there are so many incredible areas to stay, you don’t want to miss out!

Bus networks are extensive across Bath. You can easily get from one spot to another on public transportation without breaking the bank – and you will get incredible views out the windows! Cheers Drive!

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#1 – The Roman Baths – The Most Important Place to Visit in Bath

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• Finest Roman architecture in Britain
• Attracts over a million visitors each year
• One of the top landmarks in Bath

Why it’s awesome: Voted the most romantic buildings in the UK, no trip to Bath is complete without visiting its namesake. Dating all the way back to 75BC, the baths were also intended as a temple to the Goddess Minerva, and built around the largest of the city’s three hot springs.

The Great Bath is the highlight, but there’s more to this cool place than that. In the attached museum, you’ll see artefacts found in and around the area during archaeological digs. Some that go all the way back to Roman times!

What to do there: The hot springs are no longer actively used. However, if you want to relax in some baths, keep on reading!

Exploring the Roman Baths and Temple will take a couple of hours, and you can spot some fascinating finds at the museum. This part of Bath is often incorporated in tours, so you’re unlikely to miss them!

#2 – Bath Abbey – Stunning Gothic Architecture

• Another example of magnificent architecture
• Dates back to the 7th century
• Often holds concerts and public lectures

Why it’s awesome: If you love architecture, you’ve come to the right place – Bath Abbey is stunning! The Gothic façade’s design came in a dream to the Bishop at the time, Oliver King. He thought that he could see angels climbing up and down from heaven, and you can see an interpretation of this dream in stone on the west side of the building.

What to do there: You might think that it’s just a church, and doesn’t require much time to look around, but you’d be wrong!

Want to get a great view of the city skyline and surrounding countryside? Of course you do! Climb the 212 steps for stunning views and don’t forget to bring your camera! There are even after-dark tower visits for a bit of romance. Check out the events calendar on the abbey’s website, there are regular events such as concerts and lectures here.

We suggest joining a walking tour of Bath Abbey to get amazing local insight and the extensive history.

#3 – Pulteney Bridge- A Must-See!

• One of the most iconic bridges in the world
• Lined with shops and restaurants

Why it’s awesome: You might recognise Pulteney Bridge from Les Miserables! If not, you’ll be suitably impressed by this beautiful arched bridge, one of the few remaining in the world that is still topped with buildings.

Like the Golden Gate in California and the Bridge of Sighs in Venice, Pulteney Bridge is considered one of the most iconic in the world, let alone of the coolest landmarks in Bath. Great Pulteney Street, which the bridge opens out onto, is very pretty too!

This is an easy stop-by on your way to another spot, or the start to a River Avon cruise .

What to do there: If you’re planning on going kayaking, punting, or even just taking a tour on the River Avon, then the chances are you’ll be starting off from Pulteney Bridge. Arrive a little before your tour and take in the beauty construction and quaint local shops.

Insider tip: The cosy restaurants on the bridge are some of the best places to eat in Bath. Pulteney Kitchen sits in the middle with beautiful views of the river.

#4 – Bath Skyline Walk – A Hidden Gem

• Panoramic views of the city
• Hike through valleys and woodlands
• 6 mile long walk

Why it’s awesome: Sometimes you might want to escape the hordes of tourists, and enjoy some countryside air – introducing the Bath Skyline Walk. This 6-mile loop is just a short distance from the city centre, but you’ll feel like it’s taken you far, far away! You’ll pass through green meadows, peaceful valleys, and wonderful woodlands.

Make sure you take a camera to capture some images of the area’s flora and fauna!

What to do there: This option is a dream for both hikers and photographers. You will get jaw-dropping shots of the city, and natural landscapes that surround it! You can do the walk in half a day, but we recommend taking a picnic and spending the entire day out in the fresh air of the Somerset countryside – bliss.

#5 – Thermae Bath Spa – Time to Relax!

• Relax and unwind in natural hot springs
• Enjoy stunning rooftop views
• A Bath must do!

Why it’s awesome: Just because you can’t take a bath in the Roman Baths, doesn’t mean that you can’t enjoy the warm and cleansing waters of the city’s hot springs. The Thermae Bath Spa is a spa complex with a thoroughly unique take on relaxation. If you’re travelling with your other half, or just want a moment of self-care, this is a must-do!

What to do there: There’s more to do than just soak in the water at this incredible spa. You can enjoy the steam rooms, saunas, massage options, and even a rooftop pool! Come away feeling totally relaxed, de-stressed, and revived – its healing water after all.

Insider tip: Secure the twilight package for a magnificent, romantic evening with views out over the city from the rooftop pool. Their onsite restaurant is delicious too!

#6 – Herschel Museum of Astronomy – This Place is Out of this World!

• Learn about the man who discovered Uranus
• Check out the Georgian gardens
• One of the most famous spots in Bath

Why it’s awesome: The Herschel Museum of Astronomy is dedicated to the German-British astronomer Frederick William Herschel, who discovered Uranus back in the 18 th century. It was with a telescope that he had designed, and built in this very building, that is now the museum!

He was also a musician, and there are plenty of artefacts throughout the museum from Herschel’s lifetime. There’s also a beautiful Georgian garden which is a lovely place to walk around.

What to do there: You can take a self-guided audio tour of the museum. You won’t miss a single fact, and come out full of new knowledge! Check the events programme in advance as the museum also offers a lot of fun and educational workshops – these would be great for a travelling family looking for something unique and unusual to keep the kids entertained!

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#7 – Jane Austen Centre – Step Back in History

• Home of one of the UK’s greatest authors
• High-tea experience in the museum tea room
• A Bath must-see for literature lovers

Why it’s awesome: The city had a vibrant social scene in the late 18 th century, which was one of the things that led Jane Austen to holiday here. In 1801, she relocated and lived in Bath for 5 years, and her former home is now one a must-see for any lover of literature!

The museum is packed with displays relating to Jane Austen’s life in Bath. There’s even a waxwork which is meant to look like her. Pretty tricky though, as there are no images of her in existence to work from!

What to do there: Be led around the centre by a guide in period costume and soak in the history and romance of her life.

If you’re a super fan, head to Bath in September for the 10 day Jane Austen festival. Thousands of visitors and fans descend on the city from all over the world, most of them dressed in said period costumes. You can get involved in one of the more unusual things to do in Bath . If dressing up isn’t for you, just enjoy high tea in the museum’s café.

#8 – Prior Park Landscape Garden – A Quiet Place to Visit in Bath

• 2 miles southeast of Bath
• Picturesque rural landscape
• 18 th century garden
• A bridge, Serpentine lake, and temple

Why it’s awesome: If you’re looking for a quiet, park day out within walking distance of the city centre, put this place on your Bath itinerary.

The National Trust operated Prior Park Landscape Garden is absolutely beautiful, and dates back to the early 18 th century. The featured Palladian bridge is a unique style, with only 4 of its kind around the world. It’s a true Bath landmark!

The gardens were designed by famous architect Capability Brown, and poet Alexander Pope.

What to do there: Depending on the time of year you visit, there are a number of seasonal events and walks through the gardens.

If you want to combine a visit to the gardens with the Bath Skyline Walk, the trail passes nearby, so you can easily hop in. However, if you want to just relax in the gardens, visit the Tea Shed Café for a traditional pot of English tea!

#9 – The Holbourne Museum – For the Art Lovers

• Huge collection of British art
• UK’s only surviving 18th-century pleasure gardens

Why it’s awesome: For the art lovers among us, The Holbourne Museum has one of the best collections in all of Britain. As well as paintings by famous artists such as Stubbs, Reynolds, and Gainsborough, there are examples of Wedgwood porcelain, early period furniture, and 18th-century silver.

The museum used to be the Sydney Hotel, and has the only surviving 18th-century pleasure gardens in the UK.

What to do there: Even if you’re not an art connoisseur, you will still be impressed at the collection in this incredible museum.

However, there’s more on offer than just art. The Holbourne Museum regularly holds events, including educational programs, classical music concerts, and informative lectures. Check out the events programme to see if there’s anything of interest during your Bath visit. Another cool thing to do is visit the museum’s ‘after hours’ programme, where you can explore after dark!

#10 – The Royal Crescent – Most Lavish Spot in Bath

• Best place in Bath for admiring architecture
• 18 th century houses arranged around a lush park

Why it’s awesome: These Grade-I listed buildings are one of the best examples of Georgian architecture found anywhere in the UK. Dating back to the 18 th century, the homes are now mostly privately owned, but there is a five-star luxury hotel here!

Obviously, private living quarters are off-limits to the public, but you can do a tour of one of the houses to learn more about The Royal Crescent and its rich history!

There is a huge park surrounding the impressive buildings where you can relax with a picnic – weather permitting – or you can explore the area to find the spots used in movies and TV shows (including Bridgerton !)

What to do there: Number 1 Royal Crescent is open to tours and included in many Bath tours . You can see what life was like for the wealthy in the 18 th century, and the servants too. Who doesn’t love a look into luxury?

#11 – Museum of East Asian Art

• Take a trip to the Far East without leaving Bath
• More than 2,000 items throughout the museum
• On-site shop with cool Asian products

Why it’s awesome: There are 2,000+ items in the Museum of East Asian Art, some dating back more than 7,000 years! This impressive collection has artefacts from China, Japan, Korea, and Southeast Asian history, all within a gorgeous Georgian townhouse. It’s refreshing to find something that isn’t antique British furniture or art inside!

What to do there: The museum has an impressive permanent collection, but there are a number of temporary exhibits that come through too. Make sure you check out what’s on when you’re in town as there’s bound to be something cool and interesting! Stop by the gift shop to see loads of cool Asian products!

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Find out what people want to know about the best places to visit in Bath

What should I do in Bath for a day?

If you only have a day, you should definitely visit The Roman Baths, Bath Abbey, Pulteney Bridge and The Royal Crescent.

What are free places to visit in Bath?

Luckily, some of Bath’s historical sites are free such as The Royal Crescent and Pulteney Bridge. You can also take a stroll around Bath Skyline Walk.

What places should I avoid in Bath?

While Bath is a relatively safe city, you should avoid Manvers Street which is said to be the hotspot for crime .

What are the 7 hills of Bath?

Bath is built on seven hills, they are Combe Down, Lansdowne, Odd Down, Claverton Down, Bathwick Hill, Bathampton Down, and Salisbury Hill.

Final Thoughts

That concludes the list of the best places to visit in Bath. We hope that you’ve found it useful, as well as giving you plenty of Bath holiday ideas.

You’ll find everything you could want from a British city break when you travel to Bath – fascinating culture, intricate architecture, and a great food and drink scene!

Keep our must-see spots on hand to make sure you don’t miss out on anything!

Want to visit some more places in the region? Have a look at where to stay in the Cotswolds if you decide to head to this beautiful area close to Bath.

Sophie Steinebach

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Bath Itinerary – How to plan the perfect Bath day trip (includes map)

By: Author Tracy Collins

Posted on Last updated: April 19, 2024

Are you looking for the best one-day itinerary for the English city of Bath? In this article, you will find the perfect Bath day trip itinerary with all the information you need to plan your visit.

If you’re looking for day trip ideas from London, consider travelling to Bath. It’s only 100 miles to the west of London and is a charming city that can be easily experienced in a single day.

In 1987, Bath was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site, making it the only UK city with that prestigious distinction. The honour was not surprising, given Bath’s richly unique history and culture.

Visiting Bath – an overview

First stop — the roman baths, second stop — bath abbey, third stop — sally lunn’s eating house, fourth stop — the pulteney bridge, fifth stop —the circus and assembly rooms.

• BATH TRAVEL RESOURCES

Sixth Stop — The Royal Crescent

Decision time, seventh stop —the jane austen centre, eighth stop — the pump room, best tickets and tours in bath, one day in bath itinerary map, how to get to bath from london, where to stay in bath.

For the last 2,000 years, its natural thermal springs, which give the city its name, have attracted people looking to take advantage of the water’s medicinal properties. The Romans and Celts might have been the first to make the pilgrimage to Bath but they certainly weren’t the last.

Consequently, Bath is home to various historical attractions like the Roman Baths. It is also home to some of the most impressive Georgian architectural triumphs in the entire UK.

Lucky for visitors, Bath is a walking city, meaning its main attractions are all relatively close to one another and is therefore small enough to explore on foot.

What follows is a quintessential Bath day trip itinerary for a leisurely self-guided walking tour that will allow you to see all of the most popular sights.

Follow along, and we can help you make the most of your time in this fascinating and remarkable city. At the end of the article, there is also a handy map of this Bath itinerary.

Tip – If you prefer to take a tour we recommend this 2-hour tour which covers the Roman Baths, the best of Bath’s Georgian architecture, and its ancient heritage & vibrant modern culture. Or this hop on hop off sightseeing tour where you will learn all about Bath from the audio commentary aboard.

Bath itinerary – how to see the best of Bath in one day

The best place to begin your tour of Bath is in the city centre, where you will find perhaps its most famous attraction: the Roman Baths.

Dating all the way back to 70AD, the Roman Baths were a multi-building complex built on top of the region’s thermal springs. They were a popular place to gather not only for bathing but for socialising as well. Back in the day, if there was gossip to be discussed, it would likely be overheard within the walls of the Roman Baths.

Though today some of the Roman baths complex is in ruins, other sections are amazingly well preserved and can provide insight into how people lived and socialised. Walk along the 2,000-year-old pavements as you explore the changing rooms and plunge pools from days gone by.

There is also an interactive museum on-site appropriate for all ages which details the Baths’ fascinating history. There will even be a chance for you to sample the springs’ mineral-rich water if you are so inclined.

As it’s your first stop on the tour, it is crucial that you arrive at the Baths right as it opens, as it tends to get very busy as the day goes on.

On weekdays, they open at 10:00 a.m. but on weekends they open an hour earlier at 9:00 a.m.

Check online , as their hours will change on and around any holidays.

Just an easy, one-minute walk from the Roman Baths, is the 7th-century Bath Abbey, the parish Church of England. For at least 1,000 years, it has been a sight of Christian worship, having been ruined, rebuilt, reimagined and expanded many times in its history.

Today, it is a breathtaking structure with multi-story stained glass windows and soaring architecture that is truly a sight to behold. Though it is a working church, visitors can venture inside and admire its inspiring high ceilings and wide-open spaces. There are information placards throughout that explain the surroundings and detail the history.

If you’re up for it, climb the 200 plus steps up to the tower to see stunning views of the city and countryside beyond. Don’t forget to take plenty of pictures!

Though visiting the Abbey is free, a £5 per person donation is suggested upon entry.

If your legs are tired from that climb up and down the Bath Abbey tower, perhaps you’re ready for a little respite. Just a two-minute walk from Bath Abbey is Sally Lunn’s — a must-visit for any Bath one-day itinerary.

Relax for a while over some tea, cakes or maybe even one of their world-famous Bath buns — the light and airy local delicacy born right at this very teahouse.

At Sally Lunn’s, you’ll be able to soak in a little bit of the local history. The building itself is historic — its fireplaces and chimneys have been dated as far back as 1482 when it may have served as a dormitory for monks.

Eventually, the building became a bakery and in 1680, Sally Lunn herself appeared there looking for work. She was a Huguenot refugee from France and impressed everyone by baking her famous brioche-style buns that were destined to become famous.

When you’re finished enjoying yours, you can actually descend into the building’s basement and see the medieval oven used so long ago. It is part of a tiny kitchen museum that is well worth visiting, especially for those interested in culinary history.

Admission to the museum is free as long as you’ve eaten in the restaurant. Now that you’ve had your fill and are fully recharged, it is time to carry on to the next stop.

From Sally Lunn’s, stroll by the edge of the Parade Gardens and along the River Avon. In less than four minutes, you will have arrived at one of the most photographed bridges in the UK.

Built in 1769, it is a remarkable stone bridge that has built-in shops lining either side, one of the only bridges in the world with that feature. It is named for Frances Pulteney, the wife of an 18th-century landowner, William Johnstone Pulteney, who was at one time the wealthiest man in Great Britain.

Take your time exploring the bridge and poke around in all the quaint shops. When you are feeling like it’s time to get off of your feet, why not jump on a boat?

From the bridge, you can embark on a scenic, one-hour boat ride down the River Avon. The cruise glides along the Avon Valley toward the village of Bathhampton and then travels back again.

On the way you’ll see charming scenery, including local wildlife like kingfishers, herons and swans. These boat trips make quite the impression on most visitors. When you get home, if anyone asks you what to do in Bath, you’ll surely tell them that they should take a cruise!

If you prefer to have a guided tour around Bath it is possible to combine a walking tour with a cruise. Click here for more information.

Now that you’ve arrived back on dry land, it is time to make your way toward the Royal Crescent to see some quintessentially Georgian architecture.

Before you get there, however, and while you’re in an architectural frame of mind, it’s only a 10-minute walk to the Circus. The circus, like with elephants and acrobats? No! It’s a ring of identical Georgian townhouses designed by John Wood the Elder.

He started building them in 1754 but due to his untimely death, the project had to be finished by his son John Wood the Younger several years later.

These magnificent buildings are a monument to man’s ingenuity and are simply marvellous to admire, especially from the shaded park in their middle. While you’re there, consider taking a peek at the Assembly Rooms, which are only steps away.

They were designed by John Wood the Younger in 1769 as a venue for gala civic events like balls or concerts. They’ve been used for a variety of purposes throughout the years, including as a movie house in the 1930s. Today, they have been restored and are open for visitors.

The Assembly Rooms also house the Fashion Museum which contains a collection of historic fashion assembled and donated by Doris Langley Moore in 1963. For those fashion-minded individuals, the museum is well worth visiting.

B ATH TRAVEL RESOURCES

Book your accommodation – Booking.com or VRBO

Book tours & tickets in Bath – Get Your Guide or Viator

Car Hire – Discover Car Hire

UK Travel Itinerary Planners Ebook – Buy here

After you’ve had your fill of the Circus and the Assembly Rooms, it’s only a five-minute walk to the Royal Crescent.

Originally called “The Crescent,” this Georgian architectural marvel gained its “royal” title in the late 1700s when Prince Frederick, Duke of York and Albany, visited the property and briefly stayed there. It probably also looked like a building fit for royalty, what with its 114 Ionic columns.

Today’s visitors will see 30 identical luxury townhouses that were built for the elite aristocracy of Bath. Over the years, their interiors have been refurbished and repurposed but their Palladian facades have remained unchanged.

They form a gracefully curving 500-foot structure that surrounds a lovely green park, making a dramatically large crescent shape.

For those curious about 18th-century living, why not venture into No. 1 Royal Crescent, a museum dedicated to capturing what it would have been like to live and work in one of these buildings back in the 1700s.

As the first townhouse completed, No. 1 Royal Crescent remains decorated, both upstairs and downstairs, exactly as it would have been back in the day, complete with furnishings and household objects.

Here’s where your “Bath in a day itinerary” gives you a choice. If by this point you are feeling exhausted, then by all means consider catching the sightseeing hop-off hop-on bus while at the Royal Crescent and heading back toward the Royal Baths where your tour began.

On the other hand, if you are up for even more sightseeing, then on your walk back you could squeeze in two more stops. The following two stops are for those who just can’t get enough.

A mere seven-minute walk from the Royal Crescent is the Jane Austen Centre, a Georgian townhouse dedicated to Bath’s most famous one-time resident.

The English novelist called Bath home from 1801 through 1806 when her father moved their family there. Apparently, she wasn’t all that happy about it initially, having felt on previous visits that Bath was a frivolous place overly concerned with socializing. Her feelings changed over time, of course, but it is easy to understand why the city gave her that first impression.

When she lived there, Bath was in its heyday of being a prestigious spa resort and social centre — offering countless balls and assemblies for those who could afford it.

Her time in Bath proved influential enough on the author that she set two of her novels there, Persuasion and Northanger Abbey .

At the Jane Austen Centre, visitors can learn about everything from the food, the fashion and the society during Jane Austen’s time. There are a variety of exhibitions about her writing and what Bath was like over 200 years ago.

You can wander the museum at your own pace but there are plenty of well-informed staff members who would be delighted to answer any questions.

Click here for tickets to the Jane Austen centre

You’ve now indulged in almost every aspect of your “One day in Bath itinerary” but haven’t had an opportunity for a little luxury. That must be remedied at once. The eighth and final stop on your tour is only a six-minute walk away at the Pump Rooms, very near the Roman Baths where your tour began.

The Pump Rooms have the distinction of being one of the most elegant venues in the city. Built in the 17th century for those elites who flocked to the area to enjoy the soothing mineral waters, today the Pump Room Restaurant is proud to offer the most delightful late afternoon tea in Bath.

Tickets to their Festive Afternoon Tea with Fizz are £34.50 per person, but haven’t you earned it after such a long walk?

Begin by toasting yourself with a glass of champagne and then take a good long look at the sumptuous spread offered by Searcy’s, renowned British caterers.

Shall it be the salmon tart, cucumber and mint finger sandwiches or maybe something sweet like the homemade buttermilk scones with jam and clotted cream? Maybe after the champagne, you’d prefer a bit of coffee or tea to wake you up after your long journey.

Regardless, a relaxing afternoon tea is a perfect end to a charming day spent enjoying everything that Bath has to offer.

Spending two days in Bath, a long weekend in Bath or looking for more ideas for your Bath itinerary? Find out even more of what Bath has to offer in my complete guide to places to visit in Bath!

Practical information to help plan your Bath day trip

The fastest and easiest way from London to Bath is by train. Leaving from the London Paddington Station, the shortest route will take a mere 1 hour 35 minutes to Bath Spa Station.

Other routes may require a change at Swindon or Westbury and thus may take a bit longer.

Prices begin at £12.60 but will be more expensive if you travel during off-peak times. Click here for train times and tickets to Bath.

Click here for my complete guide to travelling the UK by train

T ravel by Car

Driving your own car may take a little bit longer but it does offer you a great deal more flexibility when you visit Bath.

The trip from London will take approximately 2 hours 30 minutes depending on traffic. If you travel during rush hour, it could take significantly longer.

The fastest route is via Windsor but if you’re a pre-history buff, you could also travel via Stonehenge and spend a few hours exploring the mysteries of that ancient and popular site.

Be ready for a few tolls along the way. Also, keep in mind, parking within the city of Bath can be expensive.

The most economical way to get to Bath from London is by bus. Prices start at £5 one-way and it will usually take around 3 hours to get there.

All you need to do is go to Victoria Coach Station in central London and board the National Express which will arrive at the Bath Spa Bus Station.

Taking a Tour

If you prefer a more structured approach to your sightseeing, you could always book a tour. A tour may be more limited than the self-guided approach but that may be exactly what you are looking for.

Below is my selection of the best day tours to Bath from London (and one 2 day tour!)

Read more – How to visit Bath from London

• Stonehenge and Bath Full-Day Tour from London

Skip the long lines at Stonehenge and tour the Georgian city of Bath at leisure on this guided full-day tour from London.

• Full-Day Windsor Castle, Bath, & Stonehenge Tour

During this 11 hour tour, you are able to visit 3 major attractions in southern England including Windsor Castle , Stonehenge and the wonderful city of Bath.

• Stonehenge, Bath, Cotswolds, & Avebury Small Group Tour

Experience the Georgian splendour of Bath and the mystery of Stonehenge, as well as the picturesque village of Lacock (as seen in Pride and Prejudice and the Harry Potter movies ) during this full-day tour.

• Cotswolds, Bath, and Oxford: 2-Day Tour from London

This 2-day excursion takes you through the scenic Cotswolds and includes visits to the ancient stones of Avebury as well as the cities of Bath and Oxford.

If after reading this itinerary you think you would prefer to spend 2 days in Bath to really soak in the city sights and atmosphere you will need to find some accommodation.

There is a myriad of options in Bath to suit all travel styles and budgets including boutique hotels, luxury spa hotels, and B&Bs.

Some recommended hotels are:

• Best luxury spa hotel in Bath – The Gainsborough Bath Spa is a luxury 5* hotel and the only UK hotel to have access to naturally heated thermal waters within its Spa Village.
• Best mid-range hotel in Bath – Eight is a small independent boutique hotel in the centre of Bath
• Best budget option in Bath – Grays is a boutique B&B situated in an imposing semi-detached Victorian villa located 15 minutes from the centre of Bath.

Find more accommodation options in my Bath Accommodation Guide .

Read more about visiting Bath

You can find more information to help you plan your visit to Bath in my Bath Travel Guide .

Whether you plan to spend one day in Bath, a weekend in Bath (add the thermae bath spa to your Bath itinerary and enjoy the natural hot springs) or base yourself in the city and explore the surrounding areas you will find everything you need to know to make the most of your trip in my detailed guide to the city.

For more information about what to see and do in the South West of England my guide to the region includes lots of ideas and inspiration.

Find more inspiration for your travels in my England Travel Guide which includes information about what to see, where to stay, how to get around, travel tips, recommended reading and more to make the most of your trip.

Nomadic Matt's Travel Site

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Bath Travel Guide

Last Updated: August 31, 2023

Thanks to the area’s hot springs, Bath has been attracting visitors for thousands of years. The Romans started visiting around 70 CE, laying the groundwork for the baths that they continually used and expanded upon until the 5th century.

The city became popular as a spa town during the Georgian era (1714-1830), leading to a proliferation of beautiful Georgian architecture that characterizes the city today.

Though it’s known as a luxury vacation spot, there are many free things to do in Bath that make it worth spending a day or two visiting if you’re on a budget. With stunning architecture, a beautiful cathedral, historic baths, and the home of famous 18th- and 19th-century writer Jane Austen, Bath has plenty to keep you entertained during your visit.

This travel guide to Bath can help you have fun, save money, and make the most of your visit!

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Bath

Top 5 Things to See and Do in Bath

1. Learn about the Roman Baths

The Baths were one of the great religious spas of the ancient world. The Romans used the area as a retreat and worshiped the goddess Sulis Minerva here, as she was seen as a life-giving and nourishing deity. The natural thermal springs that supplied the baths actually still flow with hot water today. You can visit the ruins of the old bathhouses, walk on original Roman pavements (sidewalks), see thousands of archaeological finds from pre-Roman and Roman Britain, marvel at Roman construction and engineering, and listen to a great audio tour by author Bill Bryson. Admission is 17.50-28 GBP depending on the season and day of the week.

2. Stroll around Royal Victoria Park

Bath’s largest park dates to 1830. Spanning almost 60 acres, it was opened by Queen Victoria (then just an 11-year-old princess). Originally an arboretum, it is designed like traditional English gardens (e.g. lots of roses and lavender), making it a very scenic spot to wander. Bath’s iconic Royal Crescent of terraced homes overlooks the park, so it’s the perfect spot for a picnic with a view. You can also play tennis here and there’s an 18-hole mini golf course. For the horticulturalists among you, you can also visit the Botanical Gardens. From November to January, there’s also an ice rink set up here.

3. Explore Bath Abbey

Built in 1499, this medieval church is famous for its unique Gothic architecture (it’s shaped as a cruciform and its ceiling uses fan vaulting). The church is well-preserved and you can tour the tower to learn more about its history, which stretches back over 1,300 years and includes three different churches and the coronation of King Edgar in 973 CE. Admission is by donation and tours cost 8-10 GBP.

4. Experience history at No. 1 Royal Crescent

This collection of homes was completed in 1774 and is an excellent example of Georgian architecture. While the exteriors of the homes are admirable, you can also tour the interior of a townhouse museum to see what domestic life was like in the 18th century (it has been decorated and furnished as it might have been during the period 1776-1796). Admission is 11 GBP in off-peak season and 13 GBP in peak season. Pre-booking your tickets is recommended.

5. Admire Pulteney Bridge

Designed in 1769 by Robert Adam, Pulteney Bridge is one of the most beautiful and romantic bridges in England. It’s a postcard-perfect spot for views of the town and the Avon River. Designed in a Palladian style with pediments, pilasters, and tiny leaded domes at either end, there are shops and restaurants that line both sides of the bridge. Pulteney Cruises runs boat trips from here. There’s no need to book and tickets cost 11 GBP.

Other Things to See and Do in Bath

1. take a free walking tour.

One of the first things I do in a new destination is to take a free walking tour. It’s the best budget-friendly way to see the main sights and connect with a local guide who can answer all your questions. Footprints Tours hosts two-hour tours that can show you all the highlights. Just be sure to tip your guide at the end!

Additionally, you can go with the Mayor of Bath Honorary Guides . Their free tours are a complimentary service offered by the city led by knowledgeable locals. Tours are hosted twice daily (once on Saturdays) and last two hours. There’s no need to book in advance, just show up at the Roman Baths meeting point (look for the Free Walking Tours sign).

2. Visit the Victoria Art Gallery

This public museum boasts a collection of over 15,000 British paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts dating back over 600 years. Highlights include landscape and portrait oil paintings by Thomas Gainsborough, an 18th-century English Romantic artist who lived in Bath. The upper gallery has quirky decorative art, including over 400 delicate Georgian drinking glasses and a huge collection of pottery dogs. Admission is 7 GBP.

3. Enjoy the Jane Austen Centre

Bath has a permanent collection of Jane Austen memorabilia as Austen lived in Bath for most of her life and used the city as a setting in many of her novels. Visit the Centre to join talks, activities, and see contemporary exhibits on her life and works. Guides in period dress wandering the center complete the atmosphere and you can extend your visit by enjoying an afternoon tea at the center’s Regency Tea Room. Die-hard Jane Austen fans may want to attend the annual Jane Austen Festival, which takes place in September of each year. Admission costs 13.25 GBP.

4. Shop on Walcot Street

Known as the “Artisan Quarter,” Walcot Street is Bath’s hipster district, the equivalent to London’s Camden Town. Bath’s oldest commercial street, today Walcot is lined with unique shops, including artisanal cheese shops, independent cafes, and vintage antique stores. On the weekends, there’s an open-air market where you can browse funky and bohemian souvenirs.

5. Study astronomy at Herschel Museum of Astronomy

If you’re interested in the history and science of astronomy, this is an awesome museum. William Herschel discovered the planet Uranus in 1781 in the garden of the preserved townhouse in which the museum is housed. Exhibitions include what was once the world’s most powerful telescope, Herschel’s travel diary, pocket globes, and other astronomical instruments. You can also wander the Georgian garden in which Herschel made his discovery. Admission is 9.50-11.50 GBP depending on the season.

6. Experience the world of fashion

Founded in the 1960s, the Fashion Museum contains over 30,000 pieces of clothing items and accessories that date back to the 18th century. The collection was started by Doris Langley Moore, a designer, collector, writer, and scholar who lived in England and was an early female fashion historian. The main collection, A History of Fashion in 100 Objects , includes many costume pieces throughout history (such as a pair of decorated gloves from the time of Shakespeare). The Dress of The Year is an annual exhibition that changes each year to showcase contemporary fashion highlights from the previous year. Note: the museum is temporarily closed while it moves locations.

7. Learn about Bath’s working history

The Museum of Bath at Work takes a unique look at the working history of the city to the present day. The museum recreates the workshops of several types of local businesses throughout history, all on display in a former eighteenth-century indoor tennis court. Opened in 1978, the original collection at the museum started with the remnants from a mineral water bottle business based in Bath. If you’re interested in social history or the rise of industrialization, this place is worth a visit. Admission is 10 GBP. The museum is closed in December and January.

8. Enjoy Bath’s iconic Georgian architecture

Bath is generally regarded as one of the prettiest English towns, thanks to its 18th-century Georgian-era architecture. In fact, the entire city center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the only such city in the UK. Be sure to walk down Great Pulteney Street, a long thoroughfare with expansive Georgian buildings on either side. Another spot to take in the Georgian architecture is at the Royal Crescent, a sweeping arc of Georgian townhouses.

9. Shop in a bustling open-air market

Green Park Station was a former railway station that has found new life as one of Bath’s most unique shopping attractions. The open-air market has numerous independent shops, restaurants, and cafés. Visit on specific days of the week for special markets: a farmer’s market on Saturday mornings (9am-1:30pm), a general market on Saturdays (10am-4pm), and an antique market on the last Sunday of every month.

10.Walk the Bath Skyline

For panoramic views of the city, stroll the Bath Skyline path, a tranquil and mostly flat path that leaves straight from the city center. There are 6-mile (10-kilometer) and 3-mile (5-kilometer) loops, with a breakdown of each route on the National Trust website. Plenty of benches dot the path should you need to take a break.

11. Relax at Thermae Bath Spa

This is the only city in the UK where you can bathe in natural thermal waters. This award-winning spa is a four-story day spa with various thermal baths, as well as a rooftop pool offering incredible views over the city. A two-hour spa session costs 40-45 GBP. This is a very popular thing to do in Bath, so if you’d like to partake, book in advance.

12. Visit Mary Shelley’s House of Frankenstein

In 1816, Mary Shelley wrote the world’s first sci-fi novel: Frankenstein. This interactive museum takes you into her dark world through four rooms housed in a Grade 2 building (a building of such special interest that is protected and preserved). There’s information about her life, an 8-foot recreation of Frankenstein, and a bunch of unusual artifacts and vintage memorabilia. Tickets cost 15.50 GBP. They also have an escape room which costs 64 GBP for two people (price includes house entry).

For more information on other cities in England, check out these guides:

• Brighton Travel Guide
• Bristol Travel Guide
• Cambridge Travel Guide
• Liverpool Travel Guide
• London Travel Guide
• Manchester Travel Guide
• Oxford Travel Guide

Bath Travel Costs

Hostel prices – A bed in a dorm with 4-8 beds costs 20-25 GBP per night, while a 10-12-bed dorm costs 15-20 GBP. A private double room with a shared bathroom costs 55-75 GBP. Free Wi-Fi is standard though most hostels do not have self-catering facilities. Prices are only a little higher in peak season.

For those traveling with a tent, camping is available outside the city center in nearby Somerset. A basic plot for a small tent costs from 10 GBP per night.

Budget hotel prices – A budget hotel room starts at 80 GBP per night in the low season but in peak season it’s more like 120 GBP per night. Bath isn’t exactly a budget destination, so don’t expect a lot of great deals. On the plus side, many budget hotels include free breakfast.

There are lots of Airbnb options in Bath. A private room costs 60-75 GBP per night while an entire home/apartment averages 100-120 GBP per night. Expect to pay considerably more in summer and if you don’t book early.

Food – While British cuisine has evolved in leaps and bounds due to immigration (and colonialism), it’s still very much a meat and potatoes country. Fish and chips remain a popular staple for both lunch and dinner while roasted and stewed meats, sausages, meat pies, and the quintessential Yorkshire pudding are all common options as well. Curry (and other Indian dishes, such as tikka masala), are super popular too. A local specialty to try are Bath buns, a sweet roll topped with crushed sugar and raisins.

You can eat cheap in Bath if you stick to basic pub meals and cheap take-out like falafel, sandwiches, and fish and chips, as they cost as little as 6-10 GBP. There are also many Indian and Thai restaurants offering mains from 8 GBP.

For a meal at an inexpensive restaurant, expect to pay 14-20 GBP. A pint of beer costs 5 GBP while a glass of wine costs around 7 GBP. Restaurants here are very expensive, so expect to spend about 35 GBP or more for a nice sit-down meal with appetizers and a drink.

Fast food (think McDonald’s) costs around 6.50 GBP for a combo meal while pizza costs 8-12 GBP. A latte or cappuccino is around 3 GBP while bottled water costs about 1.20 GBP.

If you plan to cook your own food, a week’s worth of groceries costs 40-60 GBP. This gets you basic staples like pasta, rice, veggies, and some meat.

Backpacking Bath Suggested Budgets

If you’re backpacking Bath, expect to spend about 60 GBP per day. This budget covers a hostel dorm, taking public transit and walking everywhere, cooking your own meals, limiting your drinking, and doing mostly free activities like enjoying the parks and taking a free walking tour. If you plan on drinking, add 5-10 GBP to your daily budget.

A mid-range budget of about 160 GBP covers staying in a private Airbnb room or private hostel room, eating out for most of your meals, taking the occasional taxi, having a couple of drinks, and doing more paid activities such as visiting the baths and touring the abbey.

On a “luxury” budget of 285 GBP or more per day, you can stay in a budget hotel, eat out for all your meals, drink as much as you want, rent a car or take more taxis, and do as many tours and activities as you want. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!

You can use the chart below to get some idea of how much you need to budget daily, depending on your travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages — some days you spend more, some days you spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in GBP.

Bath Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Bath isn’t a budget-friendly destination, which is why many travelers choose to visit on a day trip. However, there are quite a few ways to enjoy the city without spending too much. Here are some tips to help you save money during your visit:

• Visit the parks and gardens – There are a handful of large parks and gardens throughout Bath. Pack a picnic, bring a book, and spend an afternoon relaxing.
• Eat at the pubs – Bath has some delicious but expensive restaurants, so eat cheaper meals at the pubs and taverns where you can experience the local flavor. If you’re on a tight budget, skip the pubs and cook for yourself. It saves you a ton!
• Walk everywhere – Bath isn’t a big city, so you can save yourself a few pounds by walking everywhere.
• Take a free walking tour – If you want to get a better feel for the city, be sure to take a free walking tour. They last a couple of hours and are a great way to learn about the city’s history on a budget. Footprints Tours and Mayor of Bath Honorary Guides both run daily tours. Just make sure to tip at the end!
• Check out Visit Bath – There’s no official tourist pass for Bath like many other cities have but Visit Bath has a selection of discounts available on its website including for selected tours and restaurants.
• Stay with a local – If you’re on a budget, use Couchsurfing to stay with a local. It’s an easy and enjoyable way to cut costs while connecting to the local scene and getting insider tips.
• Bring a water bottle – The tap water here is safe to drink so bring a reusable water bottle to save money and reduce your plastic use. LifeStraw is my go-to brand as their bottles have built-in filters to ensure your water is always clean and safe.

Where to Stay in Bath

Bath has several hostels that are fun, affordable, and social. Here are my suggested places to stay in Bath:

• Bath Backpackers
• St Christopher’s Inn

How to Get Around Bath

Public transportation – If you’re staying within the city limits, it’s best to walk or take the bus to get around. A single ticket is 2.20 GBP on the bus (2 GBP if bought using the First Pass mticket app) and a day pass costs 5.60 GBP (on the bus or in the app).

The bus covers all the main sights, however, since the city is so small, you can easily walk everywhere to save money.

Bicycle – A single-day rental costs 20-30 GBP for a regular bike and 45 GBP for an e-bike. You can rent bikes from Green Park Bike Station, Bath Narrowboats, or Julian House Bike Workshop (Bath Narrowboats is by far the cheapest at 20 GBP for the day).

Taxi – Taxis are readily available, with prices starting at 2.80 GBP and going up around 2.25 GBP per mile. Given how expensive they are, I wouldn’t take one unless absolutely necessary.

Ridesharing – Uber is available in Bath and is a little cheaper than taking a taxi. However, walking and cycling are the easiest (and cheapest) ways to get around this compact city.

Car rental – You don’t need a car to explore Bath, however, it might be helpful if you want to explore the region at large. Car rentals can be found for as little as 25 GBP per day for a multi-day rental. Keep in mind driving is on the left and that most cars have a manual transmission. Drivers need to be at least 21 to rent a car as well.

When to Go to Bath

Spring (late March to June) is the peak tourism season as that’s when the flowers are in bloom, though it can get pretty wet and rainy during this time. In May, during the annual Bath Festival, the city really comes to life. It’s an open-air celebration of music and literature which takes over the city for nearly two weeks. The weather is warm enough and the city is lively. It’s the best time to visit.

Summer is the warmest season but temperatures are rarely ever above 22°C (72°F). Expect many street festivals and public events in the late spring and early summer.

For fans of the city’s most famous writer and resident, the annual Jane Austen Festival takes place every September. Expect street theater, literary walking tours, and even a costumed ball. Book your accommodation early as the city fills up.

During autumn, temperatures are mild and, outside the festivals, the city is a bit quieter.

Winter lasts from December to February and tourism crowds thin out dramatically during this time. Temperatures dip below freezing and prices are slightly lower. The Bath Christmas Market starts at the end of November and sees the streets of Bath’s city center filled with seasonal decorations, Christmas lights, and many local makers and designers selling artisan gifts and typical Christmas market foods.

How to Stay Safe in Bath

Bath is a safe destination and the risk of violent crime here is low. That said, petty crime such as pickpocketing or theft can occur so keep your valuables out of sight just to be safe. Pickpockets tend to work in teams, so stay alert and be aware of your surroundings. Always keep your valuables secure and out of sight when at the bar or in crowded areas and you should be fine.

Solo female travelers should generally feel safe here, however, the standard precautions apply (never leave your drink unattended at the bar, never walk home alone intoxicated, etc.).

Scams here are rare, however, you can read about common travel scams to avoid if you want to learn more.

If you experience an emergency, dial 999 for assistance.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance protects you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

Bath Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• HostelPass – This new card gives you up to 20% off hostels throughout Europe. It’s a great way to save money. They’re constantly adding new hostels too. I’ve always wanted something like this and glad it finallt exists.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• The Man in Seat 61 – This website is the ultimate guide to train travel anywhere in the world. They have the most comprehensive information on routes, times, prices, and train conditions. If you are planning a long train journey or some epic train trip, consult this site.
• Rome2Rio – This website allows you to see how to get from point A to point B the best and cheapest way possible. It will give you all the bus, train, plane, or boat routes that can get you there as well as how much they cost.
• FlixBus – Flixbus has routes between 20 European countries with prices starting as low 5 EUR! Their buses include WiFi, electrical outlets, a free checked bag.
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!
• BlaBlaCar – BlaBlaCar is a ridesharing website that lets you share rides with vetted local drivers by pitching in for gas. You simply request a seat, they approve, and off you go! It’s a cheaper and more interesting way to travel than by bus or train!

Bath Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on backpacking/traveling England and continue planning your trip:

The 14 Best Things to Do in Bristol

Where to Stay in London: The Best Neighborhoods for Your Visit

The 8 Best Hostels in London

How to Spend a Week in London

The 9 Best Walking Tour Companies in London

70+ Free Things to Do in London

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Best Ways to Visit Bath from London and beyond!

Lillian Cespedes Gonzalez Last Updated: May 14, 2024

Over 6 million people come to visit Bath every year as part of their UK trips. Need some tips to get you through yours? Don’t worry, we got you covered! In this guide, we will give you a run down of all the information you need to have the best visit to Bath . This includ es information about tours and key sights you don’t want to miss.

The Best Ways To Visit Bath

• Book tickets for attractions in advance to secure your spot and avoid scheduling issues.
• Explore Bath’s iconic spots with a guided tour for an unforgettable experience. Here are our top tours for the area .
• Plan at least 2 hours to wander around the city center and soak up its must-see sights and allocate 5 to 6 hours for a full exploration of Bath’s tourist attractions.
• Dive into Bath’s rich history by reading up on Georgian architecture, Jane Austen, and the Roman baths before your visit.
• Bookmark this guide for easy access during your trip to Bath.

Not ready to book a tour? Check out our  best London tours to take and why .

How Long To Spend in Bath?

Short answer : For a quick visit, spend 2 hours exploring the city center, but plan for 5 to 6 hours for a thorough exploration.

Well, it all boils down to your schedule and how much time you’ve got to spare on your travels. If you’re just passing through or on a tight schedule, you can soak up the city’s charm and main attractions in a speedy 2-hour.

While you could spend ages exploring every corner of Bath (and who could blame you?), a single full day should be plenty. Shoot for around 6 to 8 hours of solid exploring, with breaks for snacks and a breather, of course.

How To Get To Bath

Getting to Bath is relatively easy since its on one of the main motorways that connects the south of England, and has good connections via trains and buses. However, don’t underestimate the travel time—it’s a busy route, especially during peak hours, with frequent commuter traffic. If you’re relying on public transport, expect potential changes between trains or buses.

Getting to Bath from London

For those opting for a bus journey, hop on the 403 National Express coach departing from London Victoria Coach Station bound for Bath Spa Station. If you fly into London, it takes around 3 to 3.5 hours to drive to Bath via the M25. A train journey from London typically takes over 2 hours, departing from either St Pancras or Paddington Stations with Great Western Rail, and arriving at Bath Spa.

Navigating the UK’s left-side driving can be a bit of a brain-bender. That’s why we’re here to save the day with our fabulous bus tours from London! Let us take the wheel while you relax and enjoy the journey hassle-free. Trust us, it’s the right (or should we say left?) move to make your UK adventure a breeze!

Getting to Bath from Southampton and Bristol

If you’re arriving in the UK on one of the many cruise ships docking on the south coast, the top ports connecting with Bath are Southampton (about 2 hours away) and Bristol (30 minutes by car or 15 by train!).

Not ready to book a tour? Check out our other day trips from London.

10 Things Not to Miss in Bath

• The Roman Baths are the most visited attraction and the main reason the town exist, so this is a must stop.
• Walk around the Royal Crescen t to take in the traditional architecture of the city.
• The J ane Austen Centre will tell you everything you need to know about one of the cities most famous residents.
• Admire the fan vaulting at Bath Abbey, and see the views of the city from the top of the tower.
• Get sucked in the world of Victorian Gothic literature in the immersive experience at Mary Shelley’s House of Frankenstein.
• Explore the designs of John Wood the Elder at the Circus.
• Get the most picturesque pictures at the Pulteney Bridge.
• Stretch your legs in the greenery of the Royal Victoria Park.
• Settle the sweet tooth score by visiting the Sally Lunn’s Historic Eating House & Museum   – just remember to also try a bath Bun in any of the traditional bakeries!
• See what takes your fancy around the Green Park Station area; great for shopping and eating, vintage, antiques and much more.

Bath Tour Options

Small group day tour of bath, windsor castle, and stonehenge from london.

Ready to experience the most sought-after historic sites in England in just one unforgettable day? This tour covers it all, taking you from the mesmerizing Stone Circle of Stonehenge to the pristine UNESCO World Heritage city of Bath, then on to marvel at the jaw-dropping majesty of Windsor Castle! If you’re looking for a tour that helps you maximize your time in London, you’ll love this history-driven experience!

See tour photos, itinerary, price, and description

Full-Day Stonehenge and Bath Tour from London

Is a day trip to Stonehenge from London on your list? How about Bath? If so, did you know you can combine the two on one incredible trip from London? On this full-day tour, you’ll unravel the mysteries of ancient Neolithic stone circles and admire Georgian architecture and historic baths. Our knowledgeable guides will ensure your time is filled with intriguing insights so you can return to London with a bucket list adventure ticked off, superb photos and memories to match.

Windsor, Stonehenge, & Bath Full-Day Tour with Lacock Pub Lunch from London

Windsor Castle, Stonehenge, and Bath are all must-see destinations while visiting London, but, did you know you can tour all three during one fantastic day out? Leave the planning to the experts on this full-day tour, which whisks you between a royal castle, ancient Roman baths, and magnificent stones shrouded in mystery. Plus, with entry tickets and lunch at a 14th-century pub included, all you have to do is sit back, relax, and enjoy the region’s beauty.

5 Things You Didn’t Know About Bath

• Bath’s rise to fame began with its Roman settlement, Aquae Sulis, and the legendary Roman baths that turned it into a hot spot for thermal and spa resorts over the centuries.
• Despite Bath not being a prime military target, it endured heavy bombing during World War II because its cultural significance made it a symbolic target for destruction, leading to extensive restoration efforts.
• Bath is renowned for its Georgian architecture, with iconic buildings crafted from the distinctive Bath stone, lending the city its creamy aesthetic.
• Did you know that Ethiopian Emperor Haile Selassie found refuge in Bath at Fairfield House during his exile from 1936 to 1940? Talk about unexpected royal connections!
• Bath has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1987!

Where To Eat in Bath

There are plenty of great places to eat in this town! Check out the list below for some great choices.

The Circus Restaurant :  £££ | Modern Cuisine —If you want to eat in one of the top 20 rated restaurants in the whole country, with beautiful architecture, this is your place.

The Green Rocket: ££  | Plant-based Cafe — an award winning cafe which specialises in vegetarian and vegan food.

The Oven :  ££ | Pizzeria — you can never go wrong with pizza, and this independent, award winning, Neapolitan, wood fire pizzeria has a slice for everyone.

The Mad Hatter’s Tea Party :  ££ | Afternoon tea —if you’re dying to live your best Jane Austen or Bridgerton fantasy, you must stop for afternoon tea at this charming Alice in Wonderland themed tea room.

Find the best places to stay

Where To Stay in London

Deciding where to stay at a great hotel in London can take some effort since it’s a massive city. Make your decision easier with our list of the best neighborhoods and hotels in London.

About Lillian Cespedes Gonzalez

Dr. Lillian Cespedes Gonzalez is a historian and published author. She specialises in medievalism, the Vikings, popular culture, and cultural identity. She is an educator and has worked at the University of Winchester teaching the Golden Age of Spain as well as working on different research projects.

Her academic work has also taken her to the world of publishing and editorial work. She used to be the director for Revista Medieval and the image editor at the Royal Studies Journal and has contributed to other publications as an ad hoc copyeditor.

She is also de CEO at Travelusion Tours, a tour guiding company that specialises in affordable and accessible guided tours in the UK and Europe. The tours are virtual or face to face.

She is also the host of several podcasts (Nu History, ManaBurnt & Tour Guide Central). Some examples of her published work are:

"Motherhood in Vikings", Vikings and The Vikings: essays on Television's History Channel Series, 2019

"Jessica Jones: Gender and the Marvel Phenomenon", Jessica Jones, Scarred Superhero: Essays on gender, Trauma and Addiction in the Netflix Series, 2018

"Some Reflections on Danes in Wessex Today, pp. 250-262", Danes in Wessex The Scandinavian Impact on Southern England, c.800–c.1100, 2016

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Visiting the Ancient Roman Baths in England

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Last summer, Abby and I had the opportunity to spend two days in Bath and visit the ancient Roman Baths in England. It was incredible! At that point, we had been traveling in Europe for almost two weeks. Matt and Jake had just headed home, and Abby and I flew to Bristol to spend an extra week in England. 

The combination of a smaller travel group and Bath’s charm makes it feel magical! We stayed at the Gainsborough Bath Spa Hotel and spent our days eating out and exploring the picturesque European community.

Visiting the Ancient Roman Baths in Bath

Today, I want to share all about our visit to the Roman Baths in  Bath, England . In future posts, I’ll share more about the hotel and our Bath itinerary. 

Honestly, the ancient Roman Baths in England fascinated me! I came home and did even more research that I hope you find interesting when reading this post. It was even more special to share it with Abby. Some of my proudest mom moments are when we find ourselves front and center in places kids usually only hear about in their history books! 

RELATED POST:  How To Plan A Trip To Europe With Kids

Planning Your Trip To The Roman Baths In England

Everything in Bath is centrally located, and this small community is very walkable. The ancient Roman Baths and the Bath Abbey are adjacent in the town center at the bend of the River Avon. 

There are many great hotel options near the ancient Roman Baths in England. We loved the  Gainsborough Bath Spa Hotel  for just the two of us, as it felt luxurious. However, if traveling as a family of four, we would likely end up at the  Hotel Indigo Bath . It has a two-double-bed room that sleeps four. I like to use Booking.com to find hotels or rentals best suited for our family.  

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This map shows you many of the hotel options in Bath, England. I recommend staying anywhere in between where the river bends for maximum walkability, especially if arriving by train. 

Roman Bath Tickets and Tours

Basic ticket prices for the Roman Baths vary depending on when you visit and whether it’s a weekend or a weekday. It is best to  check pricing here  for the month in which you will be visiting Bath, UK. Buying your tickets in advance is encouraged during peak travel months and holidays. These tickets are nonrefundable, so choose wisely and then build your Bath itinerary around this reservation.

Click here to buy your tickets to the ancient Roman Baths !

You also can buy a separate group or private guided walking tour of Bath that includes an optional add-on ticket to the Roman Baths, like  this Bath tour on Get Your Guide .

I also highly suggest stopping into the  Bath World Heritage Center  nearby. It was small but very well done, and it truly helped us get a visual of the area and a better understanding of how the hot springs work. They also have a paper map of Bath that came in really handy for us.

Next, I want to dive deep into the history of the ancient Roman Baths. I’ll include fun facts and some things to look for on your trip to the Roman Baths. Knowing the history and story behind a place like this makes your visit so much more impactful!

The Roman Baths In England 

The ancient Roman Baths in England are a fascinating archeological complex consisting of numerous structures. The original Roman buildings are now below surface level and can only be viewed in the museum.  

The “Great Bath” was the original Roman pool built by the Romans in the first century. The “Kings Bath” was added in the 12th century, and the “Queens Bath” was added in the 16th century. The remaining buildings and promenades were built in the 18th and 19th centuries.  

Beneath the complex is the Temple of Sulis-Minerva, the original temple built by the Romans and dedicated to the goddess Minerva. The ancient Roman baths consist of four main sites: the Sacred Spring, the Temple of Minerva, the Roman Bath House, and a museum that houses artifacts from the archeological site.  

In the 18th century, another building, the Great Pump Room, was constructed. Originally a neoclassical saloon, the Pump Room is now a fine-dining restaurant. Together, the Roman Bath complex attracts more than a million visitors annually. Today, you can visit the Pump Room and enjoy afternoon tea and dining. Just make sure to make a  reservation for the Pump Room ! 

The Roman Baths Museum

The museum beneath the site is impressive and has many artifacts and relics from Roman use of the baths. We spent a lot of time wandering through it, and Abby really enjoyed the free audio guide.  

The Roman Baths Museum provides insight into the construction of the Bath and the design of the Temple of Sulis-Minerva. Some of the more famous artifacts include the male head of a gorgon etched into the pediment of the ancient temple. You can see Minerva’s Head, a beautiful gold-covered bronze sculpture of the head of the goddess Minerva.  

The museum collection includes over a hundred little lead tablets called Curse Tablets, upon which Romans wrote curses for people they disliked. In the museum, you can see how the baths were structured in three separate stages: a frigidarium (cold room), a tepidarium (tepid room), and a caldarium (hot room).  

Why Are The Roman Baths Hot?

You can see steam rising off the water nearest the center of the hot spring. But why are they hot and not a cold spring like we have here in the southeastern United States?

Geothermal heat is the reason the baths are so warm. Bath, England, sits at the base of the Mendip Hills. Rainwater from the hills flows underground and sinks deep into the earth’s crust. This percolated water works its way down into aquifers to a depth of between 8,900 and 14,100 feet.  

The earth’s geothermal activity heats the water here to 156.2 to 204.8 °F. The pressure of being so deep, combined with the heat, forces the water up to the surface through a geologic fault (the Pennyquick Fault), creating warm water pools on the surface. The water cools slightly during this trip but reaches the surface at around 114.8 °F.  

This geothermal cycle pushes 257,364 gallons of fresh water into the baths daily. The spring water is rich in various minerals, including calcium, sodium, magnesium, and potassium. In 1982, a new bore hole was dug to access a clean water supply for the Pump Room.

History Of The Roman Baths In England

It felt surreal to be in a place of such unique historical significance! The Roman Baths have a fascinating long history that spans many generations over thousands of years. Many different peoples have used the natural hot springs, and the area has witnessed numerous cycles of revival, followed by relative obscurity. 

Pre-Roman Use of The Baths

Little information is available about the baths’ use before Roman occupation. It is believed indigenous people used the spring for thousands of years, and archeological evidence of ancient temples on the site pre-dates the Roman Baths.  

A Celtic Iron Age tribe called the Dobunni lived in the area that is now Bath, and they are likely responsible for constructing the first temple to their goddess, Sulis. The practical benefits of hot springs would have made the area a valuable outpost for numerous civilizations from the dawn of time.  

Construction of The Roman Baths

The Roman Empire rapidly expanded across the known world. Once they set their sights on the British Iles, there was no stopping their advance. Julies Ceaser had made initial forays into the area around 55 BC, and 90 years later, the Romans launched a full-scale invasion of Britain. They established major garrisons at Londinium (London), Camulodonum (Colchester), and Verulamium (St. Albans). This occupation began the era of Roman Britain. 

The Roman Temple at Bath was constructed in 70 AD, and the bathing complex was slowly developed over the next three centuries. The Romans had a pattern of assimilating the gods of conquered peoples and co-opting their use in language, construction, and culture. Because Sullis had originally been venerated here, they named the town Aquae Sulis (“the waters of Sulis”). The new Roman temple was named the Temple of Sulis-Minerva, after the local Celtic god Sulis and the Roman goddess of wisdom, Minerva. 

Roman engineers were familiar with bathhouse construction because baths were prevalent in Rome, and the Roman people were serious about bathing and cleanliness. They were masters in designing water transport, plumbing, sewage disposal, and hydraulic systems. 

The Great Pool

Roman engineers created the Great Pool by driving massive oak piles into the earth to build a solid foundation. They made a lead-lined stone pool that collected the hot spring waters atop the foundation. The spring itself was known as the “Fons Sulis.” The lead-lined pool measured 24 metres by 12 metres and was 1.6 metres deep. The pool was enclosed by an arcade with marble pavement and benches for bathers.  

Many enhancements were made to the bath in the second century. The Bath was enclosed in a large building and covered by a wooden barrel-vaulted ceiling. The frigidarium (cold room), tepidarium (tepid room), and caldarium (hot room) were also built in this building. Excavations have uncovered a complex hypocaust system of pipes and steam that heated the floors. These pipes were raised on brick pillars beneath the bathing spaces.

It’s believed that the bath complex fell into despair after the Romans withdrew from Britain in the early 5th century. Probable silting, flooding, and lack of maintenance to the roof and buildings would have quickly ruined the bathhouse and temple structures. The Anglo-Saxon Chronicles, a 9th-century collection of English history, suggest the Roman Baths were destroyed in the 6th century.  

An elegy called “The Ruin of the Empire,” written in the 8th or 9th century and contained in the Exeter Book, a collection of old-English poems, books, and riddles, is widely believed to be about the decaying state of the Roman Bath. The opening line reads: “Wondrous are these wall-stones, broken by fortune, the citadels crumbled, the work of giants ruined.”

Medieval Use Of The Roman Baths

Despite the ruin of the Roman bath complex, the hot spring waters remained known to the local people, and the area never completely fell out of use.  

In the 12th century, the baths enjoyed a new life and became popular again. John of Tours, a priest and doctor, is believed to have organized the construction of a new pool called the “Kings Pool.” It is still a prominent part of the bath complex today. Visitors once again flocked to the city, and legends grew about the healing abilities of the natural hot spring waters. People believed bathing in the pool could cure diseases like leprosy, gout, skin rashes, rheumatism, and other disorders.  

In the 16th century, the bath was expanded again when the city built another pool called the “Queen’s Bath,” located south of the spring. Anne of Denmark, Queen of Scotland, bathed there and made two trips to the area in 1613 and 1615. The inscription in the Queen’s Bath in her honor reads “Anna Regnum Sacrum.”

Revival of the Roman Baths In The 18th and 19th Centuries

The Roman Baths’ modern renaissance began in 1727 when workers uncovered the gilt-bronze head of Sulis Minerva. This was the site’s first major archeological find, fueling new interest and excitement in the area.  

Beau Nash, a hard-partying fashion icon and aristocratic dandy, became the master of ceremonies in Bath in 1705. He helped establish the city as a rediscovered meca of British wealth and sophistication. From 1705 to his death in 1761, Beau was a fixture in the town. His larger-than-life persona helped establish Bath as a bastion of refined nobility and a playground for the wealthy.  

The Pump Room was built in 1789. Its opulent decorum with elegant tiles, beautiful paintings, and massive chandeliers became a haven for high-society clientele. It further established Bath as a retreat for the rich and famous of Regency-era England.  

From 1801 to 1806, the famous author 

Jane Austen lived in Bath . While she was there, the city was a thriving spa resort and retreat popular with fashionable society. Two of her novels, “Persuasion” and “Northanger Abbey,” are partly set in Bath. In Northanger Abby, she said,  “I really believe I shall always be talking of Bath when I am at home again–I do like it so very much…. Oh! Who can ever be tired of Bath?”

In 1878, Major Charles Davis, the city surveyor, discovered the Roman remains of the baths. The ruins were uncovered over several years, and the site was opened to the public in 1897.  

The Roman Baths In England Today

Today, Bath, England, and its renowned hot Baths are a destination for visitors worldwide. Bath is the only city in England to receive a UNESCO World Heritage Site designation for the entire city. UNESCO denoted that Bath’s universal value and cultural importance are tied to its preserved Roman ruins, hot springs, 18th-century architecture and town planning, and social and landscape significance.  

In 2021, UNESCO awarded Bath a second listing as part of the Great Spa Towns of Europe. This is quite the feat!

Make Plans To Visit Bath

Reflecting on such a place is even more powerful when you’ve had the opportunity to see and experience it in person. For this reason, Bath is my favorite day trip from London. It’s somewhere that can be easily added to your England itinerary, especially with the train station! Abby and I easily hopped on the GWR train from Bath to England for the next part of our adventure. 

More Family Travel Inspiration

If you enjoyed this post, you’ll love our other European travel blog posts! In the past two years, our family has traveled to France, Belgium, the  Netherlands , Greece, and England.  

• 4 Days in Paris
• Day Trip to Bruges
• Canal Cruises in Amsterdam
• The Ancient Agora of Athens
• Is The Louvre Worth It?
• Top Tours in Rio de Janeiro

And follow  @ourlittlelifestyleblog on Instagram  as we head out on another three-week European summer adventure. This time are traveling to France and Italy, including Antibes, Camogli, Cinque Terre, Rome, and Venice! 

Happy travels!

More From Forbes

How gainsborough bath spa captures the spirit of bath.

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“The hotel is one of the most unique properties in the whole of the UK, “ says Gainsborough Bath Spa ’s general manager, Marc Mac Closkey. The Dublin-born hotel manager is a natural raconteur, but he’s not putting a PR spin on what are the charms of the hotel, carved out of two Grade II listed buildings in the heart of Bath—it is genuinely one-of-a-kind.

The hotel is steeped in Bath's unique heritage.

The only hotel in the city of Bath—if not the UK—to harness the power of the city’s natural, thermal spring waters, Gainsborough Bath Spa has revived the ancient practice of social bathing for modern-day guests. The city’s ancient waters were first utilised by the Romans, who created the original bath houses surrounding the city’s springs, a practice which can now be tapped into at the hotel, with guests following a specially-devised one hour water circuit in its spa.

“Under the hotel, sits an ‘engine room’—our nerve centre—from where we drill down for the natural spring water and then purify it and cool it before pumping it into the spa,” says Marc. These waters are then celebrated across a series of pools found at the hotel’s Spa Village Bath–a modern replica of the Roman bath houses of old.

The Spa Village Bath.

“The water actually comes up from the earth at 120°F,” says Marc. “It’s too hot, so we also have to reduce it to 92°F to be used in the therapeutic pools.”

It’s a seductive place and easy to lose hours in the facilities, which feature two small balneo pools to relax in, and a main floating pool, found under a Victorian-style glass atrium, as well as traditional and infrared saunas, a steam room and ice chamber to while away the time.

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Omorovicza treatments.

New for this year, the hotel has collaborated with cult Hungarian skincare brand, Omorovicza , with five new mineral cure rituals added to its treatment menu.

“It’s the perfect fit,” says Marc. “Omorovicza uses the healing minerals of Budapest’s thermal waters within its products and therapies, and it is a nice link to our own thermal springs found in the city.”

The Omorovicza treatments on offer include a Hungarian Mud Detox, a Mineral Mud Scrub and special facials and body treatments that use the properties of gold to reduce inflammation. All therapies also lock in the healing properties of thermal water, which helps with detoxifying the body and hydrataing the skin. A highlight is the Bespoke Mineral Revitalising Facial, which includes a mask made of Moor Mud, to decongest and refine the skin’s surface, and Omorovicza’s signature facial massage to leave skin firmer and lifted

The lobby is modern and sleek.

The hotel, which opened its doors to great acclaim in 2015, is the first in the UK by YTL Hotels, the Malaysian hotel brand, renowned for its hotels, boutique experiences and spa villages found across Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia and Japan. Paying homage to these roots, the hotel has also introduced another update with a newly launched ‘Far East Meets West’ menu in the hotel’s main restaurant, the Gainsborough Brasserie.

Including dishes from the brand's sister restaurants in Malaysia and Japan, the fusion menu aims to showcase the best of Bath’s local produce while giving a nod to the cuisine of the East. Starters include the signature Dancing Prawns, coated in a citrusy aioli emulsion, and chargrilled Satay Skewers , cooked fresh over a coal fire and coated in a spicy chunky peanut sauce. For mains, there is Roti Cani with Lentil Curry , a fluffy, grilled flatbread served with a spiced lentil curry or the Free-range Chicken Rendang , a fragrant turmeric and chilli coconut dish.

The central staircase links the past and present interior design.

Named after the artist, Sir Thomas Gainsborough, the hotel dates back to the 1820s, and actually started life as a hospital. It was later reimagined as part of Bath’s art college. History oozes from its walls—from the honey-hued façade to the display of Roman coins in the lobby, part of the ‘Beau Street Hoard’—a cache of 17.500 Roman coins that were found in 2007 in the foundations of the hotel (the full collection is on display at the city’s Roman Baths).

YTL’s signature design style is slick and modern and this aesthetic works well against the Georgian elegance that is the skeleton of the hotel. New York based interior designers, Champalimaud Design, have given the interiors a vibrant sheen of gloss with polished floors offset against Georgian colours, think: china-blue, chocolate brown and golden yellow. Rooms have thoughtful touches, such as padded headboards covered in joie de toile fabric (the pastoral scenes are a nod to Gainsborough), modern four-posters in the suites and opulent drapes. There are complimentary minibars, Roberts radios and views over the rooftops of Bath, or across to the grand Thermae Bath Spa , which sits opposite the hotel.

Nods to the Georgian roots of the building can be seen in the suites.

Located in the centre of the city, the hotel puts guests within walking distance of Bath’s many exceptional sights and architectural wonders. Like the hotel, the city is multilayered in history, and has long attracted visitors due to its thermal waters and standout Georgian and Roman architecture. From the Royal Crescent, a semi-circular terrace of 30 houses overlooking Royal Victoria Park, to the Roman Baths (now a museum), wandering around the streets of Bath is like being in a living museum. In fact, it is the only complete city in the UK designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site , along with its unique second inscription as part of UNESCO's Great Spa Towns of Europe.

Soon hitting our screens is the third series of Bridgerton , which famously and accurately portrayed the city as a much-loved resort town and the summer destination of choice for the well-to-do London set. It’s clear that not much has changed.

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