A day trip to Bath, from London, is the best way to experience English Culture and Roman History. Our itinerary includes all the main highlights that you can see on a Bath day trip, with a walking route that is easy to follow and tips for making the most of the day. In Northanger Abbey, Jane Austen wrote of aristocrats negotiating a day trip to Bath ‘to see and be seen’.
Little has changed today. Bath is a refined, classy town that attracts people with its honey-coloured streets and independent shops. It also has a stunning Georgian architecture. We’ve included some hidden gems that are full of Britishness and the main highlights you shouldn’t skip. You’ll also discover tips on where to dine and a map that will help you navigate.
Four things not to miss in the Bathroom
Mark and myself, as Londoners who love the English charm of Bath, go there whenever we need a break from the city. Here are four things that we think you shouldn’t miss when taking a day trip from London.
1. ROMAN BATHS
Roman Baths is one of the best preserved Roman ruins outside of the Mediterranean. The complex was built in 70 CE around the spring Aquae Sulis. Its healing powers have drawn visitors for over two millennia. You can walk over a Roman Pavement while viewing archaeological finds dating back to pre-Roman times.
2. BATH ABBEY
Bath Abbey is a gothic opulent structure with a fan-vaulted roof. The towering stained-glass windows at the end the nave are a stunning combination between engineering and art.
3. GEORGIIAN ARCHITECTURE
Bath is a city that is dominated by the Roman Baths, Abbey and Georgian architecture. The Royal Crescent and Circus are two of the best examples, and you can see them on our itinerary.
4. TEA & BUNS
Sally Lunn, a baker, created a brioche bun similar to the traditional French festival breads. She then named it the Bath Bun. As a baker she created a brioche bread similar to the French festival breads and created the Bath Bun.
How to get to Bath from London
Bath is easily accessible from London by rail, which makes it easy to visit on a single day trip. Bath is easily accessible by train but there are other options, including bus and tours.
- TRAIN
The rail service from London Paddington Station to Bath Spa Train Station takes around 1 hour and twenty minutes. The train station, located in the middle of town, is within walking distance of many sights. This is by far and away the most convenient way to travel to Bath from London.
- BUS
Buses are much slower, but cheaper. National Express Coaches run from London Victoria Coach Station taking 2 hours and 45 minutes. The bus station is located in the middle of Bath, but it is very difficult to get there and back during the day.
- DRIVE
There are a few car parks in Bath’s city centre. However, parking for the whole day can be expensive. There are three Park & Ride locations on the edge of the city. It’s free to park for up to 18 hours in the Park & Ride; the bus ride to the centre is £3.50 per adult.It takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes to drive from central London to Bath.
Organised Tour
You can also take a tour from London to Bath. Most tours last between 10 and 12 hours, and include stops at Stonehenge or Windsor Castle.
- COFFEE & BREAKFAST
The Columbian Company is the perfect place to start your morning with a cup of coffee. They make a great brew and serve some tasty cakes. The Society Cafe, located on the High Street, is another good option.
- ROMAN BATHS
After coffee, go straight to the Roman Baths. The Roman era remains can be seen in the Sacred Spring and Roman Temple, as well as the Roman Bath House and many artifacts (including Gorgon Head). The original spring is surrounded today by a terrace built in the 18th Century. It is best to book tickets well in advance, especially during weekends and summer holidays. You can book a standard ticket with an audio guide, or a guided tour lasting one hour. Allocate 90 minutes to your visit.
- BATH ABBEY
Bath Abbey is just next to the Roman Baths. It’s free to admire the abbey, but you should go inside. The fan-vaulted roof was restored between 1864-1874. The 52 towering stained-glass windows which make up 80% of the interior wall space, are some of the most impressive in the country.Tickets (£7.50 + £3.50 for audio guide) can be purchased at the Welcome Desk on arrival. The 212 steps up to the top the bell tower are a great way to get a view of Bath.
- LUNCH
After the baths, it’s time to have lunch. Here are a few suggestions that are unique to Bath.Sally Lunn’s Historic Eating House – Set in the oldest house in Bath dating back to 1482, Sally Lunn’s Historic Eating House serves sweet and savoury Bath Buns, High and Cream Teas, and set lunches. Lunch can be a little busy, but the queue moves quickly. The Pump Room – Built as part of the Roman Baths, the Pump Room is a grand neo-classical restaurant. This is a classic venue, with a resident piano player. It’s ideal for special occasions. They serve afternoon tea (12 pm or 2 pm) or brunch (10 am or 10:15 am). It’s advisable to book in advance.The Courtyard Cafe – Tucked into historic Lilliput Court, the Courtyard Café has been independently owned for 30 years. They specialise in quick bites and moreish cakes.Charlotte Brunswick Chocolates – If you have room for something sweet after lunch, Charlotte Brunswick Chocolates has an excellent selection of handmade, gourmet chocolates.
- PULTENEY BRIDGÉ
After lunch it’s time for you to explore the Georgian Architecture that helped Bath to become the only UNESCO World Heritage city in the UK. Begin at Parade Gardens, where you can admire the River Avon. Next, head to Pulteney, which is a great example of Georgian Architecture and one of just four bridges around the world with shops on either side of its full span.
- THE CIRCUS
Then head to the Circus. This historic ring of large townhouses is divided into three segments rather than the usual four, so whichever entrance is taken a clean façade is presented opposite.The interiors are a little plain (and we suggest you skip them), but if you want to explore book a tour at the National Trust-run Assembly Rooms right next to the Circus.
- ROYAL CRESCENT
The Royal Crescent is an impressive sweep of Georgian Architecture and some of England’s most impressive residences. It’s been renovated several times over the years, but the original stone façade remains from the 18th-century construction.The centre of the arc is the Royal Crescent Hotel, a luxurious 5-star spa hotel. The terrace at the Royal Crescent Hotel is open to all guests and is a beautiful place to drink. Royal Crescent is a restored 18th-century town-house museum. Tickets are £15.50 which you can pick up at the door.
- JANE AUSTEN CENTRE
Along the way, you’ll see the Jane Austen Centre. The interactive tours may be fun or a little cheesy based on your perspective. The centre offers costumed guides and waxwork mannequins. You can also dress up in period costumes.
City Centre
Bath is a little different from other UK cities because it has a lot of independent shops. Bath is a city that is dominated by chain stores. Independent retailers have been able to survive, providing a more interesting shopping experience. The best streets to explore include Milsom Street Union Street and Stall Street.
- Evening
It might be time to get back on the train to London but if you plan on extending your time in Bath into the late afternoon and evening here are some ideas:Thermae Spa // Thermae Bath Spa is the only place in Britain you can bathe in naturally warm mineral-rich waters. It’s not cheap but it is a great way to relax after a long day of walking around town. Bring your swimming suit. Towels are included in the price.
- Dinner (option 1) // Set in an old bakery, Walcot House is a lively restaurant and bar with live music. Choose between swing and jazz in one room or disco, soul and R&B in another.
- Dinner (option 2) // For something more sedate, head to the cosy but classy Circus Restaurant, where Mark and I have had a number of great meals.
- Dinner (option 3) // If you’d like to try traditional English Fish & Chips while visiting the country, Scallop Shell is the place to try it. They do all the classics, plus plenty of other great options.
- English Gin & Tonic // It’s not just the thermal waters that run freely in Bath. The Bath Gin Bar, part of the Bath Gin Distillery, has an inspiring list of gin-based cocktails we could easily work our way through.
- Late Night // For a late-night cocktail, Opium Bar is a richly decorated hangout that hits the quirky/vintage stylings just right.
Where to stay in Bath?
Bath has plenty to offer for a second visit. Bath can be a good base for exploring Castle Combe or the Cotswolds.
- EIGHT
Eight is a stylish, affordable hotel in grey tones. Breakfast is great, and staff are friendly and helpful.
- HENRIETTA HOUSE
This beautiful Georgian Townhouse in the center of Bath features individually designed bedrooms, quirky artwork, and deluxe bathroom. The vegetarian breakfast is a nice touch.
Best time to visit the Bath
The best time to visit Bath is from June to the end of September when the weather will be pleasant, and the city will look beautiful.However, the peak tourist season is also July and August when things will be busy, so book ahead if you plan to visit over this time.From March to May the weather is starting to pick up from the winter cold but tourism is still relatively slow. Bath is at its best from June to the end of September when the weather will be pleasant and the city will look beautiful. However, July and August are also busy times.
