Discover the city where Georgian aristocracy meets contemporary lifestyle. Bath, Somerset, England, has designer boutiques and historic museums, as well as some of the most impressive Roman remains in Britain.
Bath is one of Britain’s most beautiful destinations, as it was back in the 18th Century when aristocrats were drawn to the natural springs. Bath is a romantic and fascinating city in the UK, where you can easily imagine the life of Bridgerton.
BATH, SOMMERSET – THINGS YOU CAN DO
1. ROMAN BATHS
Around 70 BCE a Roman temple was built on top of the natural spring that still flows today, at the site of the Roman Baths.
Bath England is home to this world-famous attraction, which will not disappoint. The Great Bath is a huge pool filled with hot water. The centrepiece is the Great Bath, a massive pool surrounded by niches in which Romans would have mingled.
You can also visit the Sacred Spring and the Roman Temple, where worshippers gathered for the goddess Sulis. The museum also has archaeological finds from Roman Britain and pre-roman Britain.
2. BATH ABBEY
Bath Abbey, a gothic opulent structure built between 12th and 16th century using local stone, has a distinctive golden Bath colour.
The 161-foot tower dominates most of the city’s skyline. Bath is beautiful from the outside, but it’s worth going inside for a few reasons.
The fan-vaulted ceiling, which was restored from 1864 to 1874, is extraordinary. The stained-glass windows that cover 80% the wall area are some of most impressive in the nation. There are also war memorials, monuments to locals and other notables in the form wall and floor plaques.
3. PULTENEY BRIDGÉ
The Pulteney bridge is a photogenic icon that spans the River Avon. The bridge is one of four in the world that has shops on both sides.
If this fact wasn’t impressive enough, the gorgeous Georgian architecture is sure to do it. The bridge was used in the Les Misérables movie when Russel Crowe’s character, Javert, takes his own life by jumping into the river.
4. THE ROYAL CRESCENT
The Royal Crescent is an impressive sweep of Georgian residences, and may be the most admired Georgian architectural style in England.
The original 18th century construction is still visible in the stone facade, elegant columns and the building’s overall design. This prestigious address has been home to many notable figures in Bath society and it was used in numerous TV and film productions. Most recently, Bridgerton.
If you’re in the area, be sure to visit the No.1 Royal Crescent Museum, which is furnished in the style of the 18th century. The large park out the front is the perfect location to admire this incredible architecture from unless you want to treat yourself to a stay in the Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa.
5. BATH CIRCUS & ASSEMBLY ROOMS
The Bath Circus, a circular formation made up of Georgian townhouses in three curved segments near the Royal Crescent.
John Wood was fascinated by Druids, who built many stone circles in prehistoric times. Influences you can see at the Bath Circus include masonic symbols such as serpents and acorns built into the façade.
The Assembly Rooms at Bath Circus were built in the 18th century as a high-society hangout for music and dance. The small formal garden is located in the middle of the Tea Room, Ball Rooms, Card Rooms and Great Octagon.
6. MR B’S EMPORIUM OF READING DELIGHTS
Mr B’s Emporium of Reading Delights, a whimsical bookshop in the heart of Bath, is a delightful place to browse. This magical bookshop is the best independent one in the UK.
In the old house, you’ll find books on any subject you can imagine. The staff are always friendly, helpful and willing to offer advice on how to find the perfect book.
Mr B’s makes a great place to shop for a gift. They offer a variety of subscriptions and vouchers, as well as a Reading Spa in which you can chat with them about your reading preferences over coffee and cakes before they present you with a tower filled books.
7. THERMAE SPA
Enjoy Britain’s only natural thermal spa just as the Celts and Romans did 2,000 years ago – but a bit plusher.
Come in for a treatment or book just a 2-hour session with Thermae Spa, which includes access to the mineral pool and rooftop pool. Bath’s natural heated pool is a great way to relax as the sun begins to set.
8. ROYAL VICTORIA PARKS
Victoria Park is an expansive green parkland that is just a short walk from the centre of the city.
Bath Botanical Gardens is spread over 57 acres and has many interesting things to see, such as a Roman Temple replica, a rock-garden and pool, and lovely walkways that follow babbling creeks and stonebridges.
The kids will also be entertained by the crazy golf course and children’s playground. The Great Dell Arial Walkway is located in the north of this park.
9. JANE AUSTEN CENTRE
The Jane Austen Centre provides an interactive, immersive experience that focuses primarily on the life of Jane Austen.
The tour is located in a Georgian townhouse. After a brief welcome, you are free to explore the house at your own pace.
You can dress in period clothing, eat Regency food, and enjoy a traditional Afternoon Tea. The museum also offers walking tours of Bath, which highlight aspects of her life.
10. TRY A BATH BUN
The Bath Bun consists of a sweet milk bun with crushed sugar topped. Bath Buns are something you won’t find in other parts England. If you’re visiting Bath from abroad, you’ll want to try them.
Bath Bun Tea Shoppe or Sally Lunn’s Historic Eating House are the best places to sample them.
11. VICTORIA S. ART GALLERY
The Victoria Art Gallery was opened in 1900 as a tribute to Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee. The Victoria Art Gallery is housed in a beautiful Grade II-listed building and contains over 1,500 treasures by British painters.
The permanent collection, which includes works by famous painters such as Thomas Gainsborough, Thomas Baker and others from the 15th through the 20th centuries, is open to all. Bath has a number of interesting temporary exhibitions.
12. CRUISE AVON RIVER
Bath is a great place to admire the majestic architecture of the city from the River Avon. Enjoy a cruise down the river on a traditional river cruiser from the 1960s. You will hear a commentary as you pass historic sites in Bath.
The boat tour will show you many of the interesting landmarks that are only visible from the water. These include the entrance to the Avon Canal, which connects London and Bristol via water, and the historic Halfpenny Bridge.
Free Bath Walking Tour
Bath is easy to navigate, but a free walking guide is a good way to get oriented.
The City of Bath runs free walking tours every single day, focusing on all the main attractions as well as the Royal Crescent.
The tours last two hours and you will meet your guides at the entrance of the Roman Baths. They will be positioned next to a large sign that reads “Free Walking Tours start here.” Booking is not required. Tours begin at the following time:
- Sunday to Friday – 10:30 am and 2 pm.
- Saturday – 10:30 am
There is an additional tour at 6 pm on Tuesday & Sunday between May 1 and August 31.
This 90-minute walking tour with a professional guide is ideal for those who need more flexibility in their start time or would like to join a smaller, more intimate group.
Where to eat in Bath?
Bath is one of the best food destinations in England. There are many great restaurants that still dominate over the large chains.
Some of the favourites are:
- Circus Restaurant is an elegant, cosy restaurant with a great seasonal menu.
- The Scallop Shell serves up delicious fish and chips, as well as a variety of other options.
- Noya’s Kitchen was originally a Vietnamese supperclub, which has become so popular that it is now a restaurant.
Where can I get a drink at the bath?
Bath is not only famous for its thermal waters, but also for the many great places where you can grab a drink.
- Bath Gin Bar is part of Bath Gin Distillery and has a list of gin based cocktails that we could easily work through.
- Opium Bar is a late-night hangout decorated in a vintage style that’s quirky.
- Walcot House, a lively bar and restaurant in an old baker’s shop, features live music. Choose between swing and jazz in one room or disco, soul and R&B in another.
- The Star Inn, a traditional pub without music or fancy food, is the perfect place to spend an evening.
How to get to the BATH?
Bath is a fantastic day trip for Londoners and others in the UK.
BY TRAIN
Bath is easily accessible by train, with direct services available from all over the country.
Bath Spa Train Station is served by direct lines from Bristol (1 minute), Reading (1 hour), Oxford (1h), Cardiff (1h), and London (1h15).
BY CAR
Bath is located on the Cotswolds in South West England, around 40 minutes from Bristol and 2 hours and 40 minutes from London.
If you’re driving into Bath, the best places to park are the Southgate Shopping Car Park and the Podium Car Park.
Both are very close to the city centre. However, to avoid driving into the centre of town, there are three Park & Ride services located around the outskirts of the city.
BEST TIME OF DAY TO VISIT BATHROOM?
Bath is at its most beautiful between June and the end of September. The weather is pleasant and the city looks stunning.
Booking ahead is recommended if you are planning to visit during this period.
From March to May, the weather starts to warm up after the winter cold. However, tourism is still slow. This is the perfect time to visit Bath, and grab a bargain.
FESTIVALS IN BATH
Bath is also a great place to visit if you want to catch one of its many festivals.
- Bath Festival, in the summer, celebrates the very best of music and books from all over the world.
- It coincides with Bath Fringe Festival, which features a mix of stand-up, cabarets, physical theatre, folk music, and circus.
- The Jane Austen Festival in Bath is an homage to Bath’s most famous literary product.
- In October, you can eat your way around the city with the Great Bath Feast.
Day Trips from Bath
If you decide to extend the Bath day trip by staying overnight, you can take advantage of many of the day trips available from Bath.
CASTLE COMBE & THE COTSWOLDS
It is easy to imagine why Castle Combe, the Cotswolds, and Bath are a great daytrip. You can find more information in our guide on the best Cotswolds Weekends.
LACOCK
Lacock is a village that is owned and managed exclusively by the National Trust. The village is full of charm and character with its half-timber and half-stone cottages.
This is one of Cotswolds’ coolest spots.
STONEHENGE
Stonehenge can be reached in about an hour by car from Bath. There aren’t any good public transport options from Bath to Stonehenge. But Scarper Tours provides a direct tour.
AVEBURY
Avebury’s huge stone circles are another marvel of prehistoric Britain. You can drive to them and the charming village they surround from Bath in less than an hour. Rabbies offers Averby and Lacock Tours from Bath if you do not have a vehicle.
WELLS & CHEDDAR GORGE
Visit the home of the cheddar cheese and the limestone canyon where Britain’s oldest human skeleton has been found. Cheddar gorge is about 50 minutes away from Bath by car. Bath Insider organizes day trips to Cheddar.
