bath tour guide

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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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The Bath Tour Guide - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

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Bath is one of Britain's most appealing cities. Exquisite Roman and Georgian architecture, hipster hang-outs and swish spas make it hard to resist.

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Sydney Gardens

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24 Hours In Bath, England: The Ultimate Travel Guide

Planning to spend one day in Bath, England? Find out the top things to do, best restaurants, hotels and info in this Bath travel blog.

And they were right. The ‘ they ’ in question were the lovely people at Visit Bath who spotted I was a lover of UK travel (Hello Hastings , Amersham , Oxford , London to name but a few recent stops!) and wanted to see how their beloved Bath shaped up.

Bath isn’t a hard sell. With bundles of history (including the Roman Baths, amazing architecture and Jane Austen connections) the city’s famous Bath stone, and a trendy forward-thinking city taking pride in producing great food, entertainment and more, it’s one of the most popular day trips from London for tourists visiting the UK. I know this, because I saw a lot of them! Big tours, families, and couples from all over the world hopped on the same train as me from Paddington!

One hour and 38 minutes later we emerged in beautiful Bath, and dispersed through the city’s streets. I was ready to enjoy one day in Bath!

This year is a particularly big one for the city. The Royal Crescent is 250 years old, and it’s the 200 th anniversary of Jane Austen’s death . She set some of Northanger Abbey and Persuasion in the city, and lived there from 1801 to 1806. In Northanger Abbey, Catherine says…

“I really believe I shall always be talking of Bath – I do like it so very much… Oh, who can ever be tired of Bath!”

I agree! Who can ever be tired of a city this pretty? So with all of this in mind, let me kit you out with all you need to know for your trip to Bath, including what to do, how to get there and a few of my top foodie picks!

Best Time To Visit Bath, England

Bath is a city that’s got plenty to do all year round, but as I visited on a particularly hot, sunny week in July I would definitely recommend a summer trip. It’s a very walkable city, and along with all the pretty streets, there are also lovely parks and the River Avon to enjoy.

The long days lend themselves to outdoor eating and drinking too, of which there are plenty of great options. Plus, for any camera addicts, it’s hard to beat the views of the green water of the Roman Baths against a bright blue sunshiny sky!

Meanwhile, in winter time you can expect Christmas markets, ice rinks and some great stores to pick up your Christmas gifts!

Top Things To Do In Bath

While I’d say Bath has a big reputation for history, architecture and literature – there’s more to it than that. There are gorgeous views, plenty of great foodie spots, cool boutiques and plenty more. Plus, to be honest, it’s a great city just to wander around! With 24 hours in Bath here are a few of the top things to do.

Book your trip to Bath from London

Free Walking Tours Of Bath

A really great (AND FREE!) way to familiarise yourself with a city and find out the best places to visit in Bath! The free walking tours of Bath are informative and show all the key sights. They run twice a day and even more in peak summer.  

Comedy Walking Tour Of Bath

Bizarre Bath’s comedy walks in the city are legendary! Several people tweeted me about this tour and while sadly I didn’t get the chance to squeeze it into my trip this time, it’s top of my list for when I return.  

Jane Austen Centre, Bath

As mentioned, it’s a particularly big year for Jane Austen fans, and Bath played a huge part in Jane’s life and the storylines of several of her most popular books. At this interactive museum I enjoyed a talk by one of the Georgian ladies, which gave a great overview to Jane’s time in Bath, before engrossing myself in interesting pictures, excerpts from her novels and facts. A highlight was the opportunity to dress up in character and proposition Mr Darcy! He said he’s thinking about my offer, but wasn’t convinced by my footwear.

Explore Walcot Street, Bath

This is the cooler, less commercial area, with tonnes of independent stores, restaurants and galleries. From the vintage clothes in Yellow Shop to beautiful stationary in Meticulous Ink and popular eatery Sam’s Kitchen , it’s a nice contrast to the big name stores in the city. I even spotted this great photo op just along there!

No.1 Royal Crescent, Bath

There’s a real wow moment when you stand in front of the Royal Crescent and take in the unique arched shape of the buildings. While most are private residences, No.1 is open to the public, and dressed as it would have been in the late 1700s. In the rooms are guides in traditional attire who really bring the history to life!

Roman Baths

 The reason Bath is called Bath? Hmm I think you get it! The roman baths are one of the top things to see in Bath. If you only pay for one attraction in the city, let it be this! The waters were known for their healing properties, but over the years became a real focal point for the city’s development. There’s more than the large Roman bath, there are fascinating ruins hidden underground, ancient artefacts and a great modern retelling of Bath’s ancient story. There’s even a chance to try the pump water for yourself.  

Thermae Bath Spa

After exhausting yourself exploring the city on foot, book in for a soak in the natural thermal springs in Bath. The water contains over 42 different minerals, and while the temperature is naturally over 40 degrees, the water is cooled to the optimum bathing temperature of 33.5°C. There are two huge bath areas (big swimming pools) – one indoors with a lazy river and jacuzzi section and a truly spectacular rooftop bath with views over the city. There’s also a great new wellness area with different showers, saunas, steam rooms and a bizarre intergalactic room which was strangely relaxing! I felt like I floated out of the spa and felt so refreshed by the ancient healing waters!

Shop ‘Til You Drop In Bath

While I know you probably wouldn’t go on a big day trip to shop at stores you can find anywhere in the UK, there are some unique boutiques mixed in with the likes of Debenhams, Topshop and Primark! A few of my favourites included Vinegar Hill (a gift/homeware store), Spotty Herbert’s (a kids shop), Instant Vintage and Flock Bath (both vintage stores). There’s also Bath Guildhall Market – a collection of 20 small stores selling everything from wool to handbags and sweets!  

Climb the tower at Bath Abbey

Ok this is where you pray your visit falls during a time of good weather. For £6 you can climb the tower on a special ‘tower tour’. Trained guides give you all the info you could need, while you do the hard bit climbing 212 steps to the top. After reaching the bell ringing area, it’s along the roof of the cathedral to start the second climb. The views from the top really were magnificent. I was so happy to see Bath from a different angle!

Hop On A Boat In Bath

Catch the city from yet another angle on board a board with Bath City Boat Trips or Pulteney Cruisers . You’ll be treated to a thorough history of the city, while taking in great views of Pulteney Bridge and the Weir.

Where To Eat And Drink In Bath

Along with every chain you’re used to seeing, Bath has a thriving foodie scene. Some of the top picks in the city include Acorn Vegetarian kitchen (where I’ve heard the vege food is SO good you won’t miss meat!), Sam’s Kitchen Deli (popular for its menu of small plates), Clayton’s Kitchen (run by twice Michelin-starred chef Rob Clayton) and Sotto Sotto (a top Italian option). With just a few days there, I only had time to sample a few places…  

Sally Lunn’s Historic Eating House

Bath’s oldest house! Yes this place dates back to 1482, and is the place to try Bath’s famous buns. The name? Legend has it a girl called Solange Luyo fled France in the 1600s and as her name was difficult to say, became known as Sally Lunn. Her brioche style buns were popular, and these days you can have them sweet (with cinnamon butter, lemon curd or chocolate) or savoury (with toppings such as bacon, salmon, cheese, mushrooms and more!) If it’s around lunchtime, be prepared to wait – this place is on everybody’s hit lists!

I loved this relaxed café, which shares its space with The Loft (homeware store and boutique). I stopped for lunch and enjoyed homemade quiche with two inventive and delicious salads – one with butternut squash and goats cheese, the other with courgette, pomegranate and feta.  

Society Café

A cute hipster-esque café, complete with a bike on the wall, excellent coffee, and a queue of regulars! There are two branches in the city.

King William Pub

If you’re a total foodie, I’d recommend this pub. Far more gourmet than your average gastropub, the cuisine is a huge draw with a creative menu incorporating plenty of local produce. I started with balsamic watermelon, goats cheese mousse and pine nuts, which was intriguing to the eye and deliciously summery.

The roast rump of lamb with warm potato salad was succulent and I just loved the crunch from the shallots on top. Although feeling full, I decided I had to squeeze in dessert, and the chocolate and raspberry mousse definitely rounded off the meal in style! It was so rich and indulgent. Staff were really attentive and friendly, offering up recommendations and chatting with regulars.

How To Get To Bath  

Don’t have a car? The easiest way to get to Bath is by catching a train from London Paddington to Bath Spa with GWR Trains . If you book in advance you can sometimes find tickets as cheap as £10 each way.

Or if you want to take the stress out of organising a visit, check out these  day tours to Bath.

Where To Stay In Bath    

There are plenty of accommodation options in Bath, depending on your budget.

For those wanting space to spread out, I can’t recommend Mr Darcy’s Abode enough! The stunning townhouse has super-cool décor including lots of fun Mr Darcy references (I loved the lights!) The huge kitchen area would be amazing for a group party or hen do, as would the lounge area downstairs. I stayed there during my visit and absolutely fell in love with the place!

Booking.com has plenty of great places to stay in Bath . If you’re looking for a special Bath hotel, I’d recommend the Gainsborough Bath Spa or the Abbey Hotel . They’re both very central too.

On a budget? There are lots of hostels in Bath City Centre including Bath Backpackers Hostel , St Christopher’s Inn Bath , YHA Bath and even some cheap rooms at certain times of year at Bath University .

Thanks to Visit Bath for inviting me to write this Bath travel blog and explore this beautiful part of England. As always, opinions are my own! I hope you enjoy your 24 hours in Bath as much as I did! 

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Chloe Gunning

With a passion for food, fun and adventure, Chloe is the content creator behind one of the UK's top travel blogs Wanderlust Chloe. From volcano boarding in Nicaragua, to sailing around Sicily and eating her way around Japan, her travels have taken her to some of the coolest spots on the planet. Named Travel Influencer of the Year in 2022, Chloe regularly works with a number of tourism boards, producing inspirational travel content across multiple platforms. Find out more about Chloe here.

12 thoughts on “24 Hours In Bath, England: The Ultimate Travel Guide”

Ah, it looks like you had such an amazing time in Bath! Really makes me want to go back and visit myself, and it looks like you uncovered some fantastic restaurants too!

It was a lovely trip. You can see and do so much in 36 hours. Definitely one for you to return to at some point!

Amazing post Chloe! Bath is one of my favourite cities in the UK and you’ve captured it really well. Love that spa. I went in winter and it’s amazing to sit in the rooftop pool while it’s freezing cold outside. Love the Jane Austen centre too. Oh my god I want to go back to Bath right now haha

Thanks Emily! I hadn’t been since I was about 15! Still as pretty as I remembered it being. I’d love to go in winter too. I heard they have Christmas markets and ice rinks!

Really enjoyed your informative post Chloe, it’s years since I have visited Bath and I’m very tempted to go back again. I’ll make sure to take a wander along Walcot Street, sounds intriguing.

Thank you so much for reading! Walcot is a must visit – so different from the rest of the city!

It’s gorgeous Angie! And yes so many great reasons to visit this year in particular!

I just love Bath so, so much!

Me too! It’s such a gorgeous spot.

I adore Bath, I’d love to live there – well, if I’d live anywhere, anyway. And though I’ve been more than once, I cannot believe that I’ve yet to make it into #1 Royal Crescent. Well, hoping to get there again this fall, and will definitely see it then. I stay at the YMCA hostel in Bath, and like it a lot.

My favorite attraction in Bath is the Assembly Rooms, with the Fashion Museum in the basement. You can dress up there, as well, and there is a great backdrop for a photo op. The kids in our group loved it.

You know what else is so cool about Bath, that a lot of people don’t realize? In less time than it takes to get back to London, you can take a train to Cardiff and see the Dr. Who Experience. The YHA hostel there is fabulous, particularly the inexpensive food available on the ground floor. I don’t know about the dorm rooms, but I’d bet they are just fine. The private room we got because of the kids was as good as any mid-class hotels I’ve been in – generously sized, with a great private bath.

Definitely looking forward to another visit. And, as usual, you’ve listed some more great places to try. Thanks so much!

Wow I didn’t know it was that quick to Cardiff too. I’ll have to combine the two next time! Thank you 🙂

Bath is just super cute right?! I love all your literary references, I’m a big Jane Austen Fan!

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ENGLAND , EUROPE , UNITED KINGDOM · May 19, 2020 Last Updated on March 13, 2024

ULTIMATE CITY GUIDE TO BATH, ENGLAND

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Bath has been firmly stamped in the minds of the British public, and nowadays across the globe, as being one of the most important cities marking Britain’s cultural identity. Visitors to Bath can experience quintessential British culture, face Britain’s history head-on, and delight in a wonderful culinary scene, in addition to relaxing in the famous thermal baths that give the city its name.

Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about visiting the magical town of Bath, England!

History Of Bath

“I really believe I shall always be talking of Bath” – Jane Austen in her novel Northanger Abbey.

Austen couldn’t have been more accurate! Indeed, ever since Bladud, legendary king of the Britons supposedly cured his pigs of leprosy in a hot spring and subsequently founded this city in 863BCE, people have travelled from all over to relax and recuperate in the waters.

From the Romans to the Georgian elite, Bath became the place to see and be seen. Elite society, of whom Austen mingled, waltzed nights away at The Assembly Rooms, paraded The Pump Room in search of eligible husbands while strolling in pleasure gardens like The Sydney Gardens.

Bath is rich in historical facts like these, and they seem more like wild fantasies than attainable reality. However, to this day millions of travellers desire such wild pleasures.

The timeless beauty of the honey-hued Georgian architecture, romantic cobblestone streets to the survival of the Roman Baths, the Assembly Rooms, and much more means that these images of the past are accessible. 

Best Time Of Year To Visit Bath  

From a local’s perspective, the best time to visit Bath is  between September and October .

The summer months are often inundated with thousands of tourists and a plethora of large tourist busses. The streets are full, there are queues into top sites running for miles and it is almost impossible to relax.

If you head over in September, the weather is still mild, streets are deserted (better chance of capturing that Instagram photo), it is easier to gain quick access into all the best places, and eating out is a breeze.

How To Get Around Bath

The most convenient way to reach Bath is by train , especially if you’re coming from down south from places like Cornwall or London . This way you’ll get a direct train journey for affordable prices or catch a National Express coach that travels into Bath every day.

If, however, you’re driving to Bath there are several car parks around the city, all of which are affordable and easy to get to.

When in the city, walking is the most convenient form of transport, as busses and cars cannot drive up the highstreets and everything is within walking distance. However, if you’re coming into town from one of the many hills in Bath, there are local busses that run every 20-minutes into the city centre.

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Top Things To Do In Bath

1) bath abbey.

Proudly located in the centre of Bath city is Bath Abbey .

Steeped in history with staggering architecture, the church imposingly dominates the scene and hypnotises thousands of people to visit daily. To enter is free, although they do welcome donations (usually £2) and the Tower Tours cost a small fee and only run between 10 am-4 pm.

Climbing the 212 steps up to the top of the tower is a must as it offers a visit to the bell chamber, the chance to sit behind the clock face and to witness unrivalled rooftop views of the city.

Inside the Abbey, one can see extraordinary examples of Norman Perpendicular Gothic architecture and architectural evidence dating back to the Anglo-Saxon.

The Abbey is still a place of worship and therefore might be closed for service. If this is the case, check the door times or Abbey’s website for when it will reopen.

2) The Roman Baths 

Quite possibly the ‘it’ attraction in Bath, the Roman Baths shouldn’t be missed.

As one of the best-preserved Roman remains in the world, you’ll find an interactive museum filled with artifacts and videos of Romans as well as archaeological excavations of the original baths. With a pinch of imagination, you’ll be transported back in time and will experience Roman life for yourself.

Tickets start from £14 but with them, you get an audio guide, an optional guided tour and the opportunity to try the natural spa water.

3) The Pump Room

To enjoy Bath like an 18 th century English Lady, you’ll need to head to the Pump Room to try their wonderfully delicious afternoon tea. Its opulent interior design speaks volumes of the aristocracy who once socialised here.

If you’re a fan of Jane Austen, then you’ll be delighted to know this was the building she, and other elite members of society, met, enjoyed lavish entertainments and gathered to drink the therapeutic waters.

4) The Assembly Room & The Fashion Museum

The Assembly Rooms was another centre of Georgian social life. The two-tiered chandeliers and stunning pillared balconies provide a glimpse into the place where many attended grand balls and sought eligible husbands.

On the lower ground of the Assembly Room is the Fashion Museum and it holds a display of contemporary and historic dress, tracing Bath’s history through objects and clothing.

Open every day of the week, tickets start at £8.55 for adults and £6.53 for children.

5) The Crescent & The Circus

If you’re looking for a little bit of celebrity head to the Crescent and the Circus .

These are probably the most iconic landmarks in Bath and are a row of terraced houses laid out in a crescent shape. Its exterior has remained unchanged since it was built in the 1700s and has been home to many celebrities, including Nicolas Cage and Johnny Depp!

If you’re looking for a little history, you can visit No1 Royal Crescent . Now a museum, it has been remodelled to resemble a Georgian Town House and the interior gives a sense of how the wealthy lived.

6) Milsom Street & Pulteney Bridge

Bath city has some of the quaintest and quirkiest independent shops in the United Kingdom. Head to Milsom Street for some of the more expensive shops while Pulteney Bridge has more unique shops lined on both sides.

This is significant because it is one of only four bridges in the world to have shops on it, with one of the others being in Florence. Bath has everything from designer outlets, craft shops to unique bookshops. A perfect location for a little retail therapy.

7) The Holburne Museum Sydney Gardens  

While in Bath it is imperative you visit The Holburne Museum . It was originally a Georgian villa-style hotel, but now houses a collection of 17 th -18 th century paintings.

From Thomas Hoare to Sir William Holburne, The Holburne Museum is your gateway into British art. It’s free to enter but they again welcome donations.

Right behind the museum is Sydney Gardens . Here you can walk around a garden paradise, take in the lovely river and see where the elite once went for entertainment, public breakfasts, orchestras and fireworks.

8) Prior Park

Prior Park is one of Bath’s best-kept secrets. Hidden among many houses, this 18 th -century landscape garden is bewitching.

Situated slightly on a hill, Prior Park Garden offers exceptional views of rolling hills, winding woodlands and Bath’s Georgian rooftops.

Here, you’ll see an exquisite Palladian Bridge and a grand mansion that is set against an idyllic pastoral landscape. It was originally designed by Ralph Allen in 1734 to show off his wealth and the famous Bath Stone; the golden-hued stone that now builds every house in Bath.

9) Thermae Bath Spa

The healing waters in Bath have been famous for centuries. While it is no longer possible to bathe in the Roman Bath’s healing waters, the Thermae Bath Spa offers similar relaxing ways to improve your health.

For a reasonable price, you can enjoy the rooftop thermal pool, panoramic city views or unwind in their wellness suite, featuring steam rooms, a relaxation room and an ice chamber. You can also enjoy dinner in your robe in the Spa’s on site restaurant for a unique experience.

Day Trips From Bath

While there is so much to see and experience in Bath city centre, it is really worthwhile heading out to the surrounding areas and explore the true English countryside.  

Under 40 miles away from Bath, Stonehenge is one of, if not the most famous prehistoric monument in the world. It should not be missed during your visit to Bath.

The stone circle at Stonehenge has a history reaching back 4,500 years and is a spellbinding piece of architecture. Here, you’ll also see Neolithic Houses and discover the tools and objects of everyday Neolithic life.

To get to Stonehenge, you can take the train or bus from Bath Spa train station to Salisbury, but you will need to take a bus from Salisbury to Stonehenge. You can also buy admission tickets in advance.

The easiest way to get to Stonehenge is to drive from Bath directly to Stonehenge or hop on a bus tour guide .

Stratford Upon Avon

Just a few hours by train or car is the birthplace of the legend William Shakespeare. No mention of England, or the United Kingdom, would be complete without some reference to Shakespeare.

He is considered the best British writer of all time and has given us sonnets, plays to read, performances to watch and films to devour. Without him, Britain wouldn’t be in Britain. That being said, a trip to Stratford-upon-Avon will be time well spent.

Start your day at Shakespeare’s Birthplace , a beautifully restored 16 th -century half-timbered house. Continuing on the journey of Shakespeare’s life, head to Shakespeare’s New Place ; his home in retirement.

Here, you’ll find statues from his well-known plays, such as Hamlet pondering life with his skull. Then head to the Church of Holy Trinity where you can visit Shakespeare’s grave.

While at Stratford make sure to check out Anne Hathaway’s Cottage (this is the former home of Shakespeare’s wife), Shakespeare’s Schoolroom and Guildhall, and the Royal Shakespeare Company.

If you’re lucky enough you might get to see one of the best productions of Shakespeare’s plays at the Royal Shakespeare Company and if not, check out their exquisite shop and café.

Getting to Bristol is the easiest day trip from Bath. Head over to Bath Spa Train Station, get on a train to Bristol Temple Meads and you’ll be in the city centre in under 20 minutes.

Being a university city, Bristol is a vibrant and electrifying place to visit. For things of historical importance head to Bristol Museum and Art Gallery (entry is free), and here you’ll find geology, Eastern art, Bristol’s history, natural history and famous, as well as modern, paintings.

For more art, you can go on a Banksy street art walking tour with a guide around the city. 

Bristol Cathedral should definitely be on your list. Founded in 1140 and consecrated in 1148, it was originally St. Augustine’s Abbey but later became the seat of The Bishop of Bristol.

For more historical sites head to Brunel’s SS Great Britain Ship, Cabot Tower, Tyntesfield (a serious must) or for something more modern, Bristol Zoo or one of the many quirky book shops.

For other day trips, be sure to read our full article on 10 Places To Not Miss In Southwest England !

Salisbury & Salisbury Cathedral

Much like Bristol, Salisbury is really easy to get to by car, bus and train. Besides shopping and eating in one of the many renowned restaurants there is so much to see and do in Salisbury.

The obvious choice would be to visit Salisbury Cathedral . Considered to be one of the leading examples of Early English architecture, the cathedral is exquisite and awe-inspiring in itself, but it is also home to the four original copies of the Magna Carta and the oldest working clock in the world.

Right next to Salisbury Cathedral is Mompesson House; an 18 th -century house which was originally home to Sir Thomas Mompesson, MP for Salisbury. The Salisbury Museum and Arundells (former home to Prime Minister, Edward Heath from 1985 to 2005) are also great to visit.

Where To Stay In Bath

Bath’s city centre is littered with quaint B&B’s, quirky hostels and elegantly preserved manor hotels.

Macdonald Bath Spa Hotel

Set in sweeping and beautiful gardens of which include fountains, ponds and a terrace, the Macdonald Hotel offers guests celebrity treatment with world-class service and an award-winning restaurant. The spa features a swimming pool, outdoor hot tub, and a fitness centre.

It is a 10-minute walk from Bath Abbey (city centre) which means the hotel makes for the perfect city-country experience. Spending your day surrounded by nature and tranquillity, then spending your night under the neon lights of Bath’s energetic nightlife.

BOOK YOUR STAY

Lansdown Park Hotel

The hotel itself is a magnificently preserved Georgian mansion and was designed in collaboration with the Country Living Magazine.

With the country lifestyle in play, everything was designed with comfort in mind and all the 55 rooms have comfy sofas and cosy beds. The restaurant overlooks the garden and serves fresh local produce in the à la carte breakfast menu and the classic dinner dishes while the bar is open all day and has an extensive drinks menu.

The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa

If the Bath hotel scene had to be known for anything, it would be its Royal Crescent .

While slightly more expensive, guests can stay in one of the Crescent’s elegant houses.A 5-star hotel, with a history that spans more than 250 years, staying here is certainly a luxurious experience.

With a fully equipped gym, a truly relaxing spa and a secluded landscaped garden, the hotel offers guests the closest thing to time travel. The bedrooms are decorated in an 18 th -century style while modern comforts, such as WIFI and TV, make you feel even more pampered.

Anabelle’s Guest House

For the best B&B in the city, head Anabelle’s Guest House .

Located near the Roman Baths, the B&B is a quick walk to the Bath Abbey, Pulteney Bridge and The Circus. The rooms are clean and kitted out with a wardrobe, TV and free toiletries. If you’d like a continental breakfast it is an additional £4 per person.

YHA Bath Hostel

For those backpackers or travellers on a budget, YHA Hostel is perfect for you.

The building itself is a visually striking Italian-style mansion with private gardens, laundry facilities and a restaurant. Each morning there is an option for a hearty breakfast and in the evenings a home-cooked meal.

Guests also have the option of using the large shared kitchen facilities. There is a TV lounge overlooking the garden with comfortable sofas while the bar serves a variety of drinks and the WIFI is available in public areas.

Where To Eat In Bath

Bath’s fame and close association with the British elite has given rise to an exquisite array of cuisine. From local delicacies to exotic Asian dishes, visitors experience not only a taste of history but are transported around the globe, with a promise of returning home.

Some local dishes to look out for are Bath Buns (sweet dough covered in sugar and currants), Bath Oliver Biscuits (which compliment cheese perfectly), Bath Chaps (pork tongue wrapped in pork cheek, marinated in brine and herbs, then rolled in breadcrumbs), and the Bath Soft Cheese.

Sally Lunn’s Eating House

This eating house has its roots deep in history. According to legend, Sally Lynn, a Huguenot refugee arrived in Bath in 1680. Here she worked in a bakery and produced the now-famous Sally Lunn Bun; a light, brioche-style bun.

Not only does this restaurant serve this local favourite but the building itself is one of the oldest houses in Bath, featuring a kitchen museum in the basement that shows the original kitchen used by Sally Lunn.

Open for Breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, and dinner, the menus serve local and authentic dishes. Perfect for a quintessentially English experience.

For an exotic flavour head to Koh Thai restaurant. Not known to many tourists, but a popular choice among locals, Koh’s is a place where the irresistibly rich flavours of Thailand are brought to the tiny streets of Bath.

Located on Broad Street and open Monday-Sunday, the menu includes mouth-watering curries, seafood platters, well-known delicacies such as Chicken Satays and Spring Rolls to unique desserts and fiery cocktails.

Regency Tea Room

For those of you searching for a little history or a quintessentially British afternoon tea experience, the Regency Team Rooms is perfect.

Located on the top floor of The Jane Austen Centre, the tea rooms have a lovely period atmosphere where the staff are decked out in regency fashion while the menu serves cakes, sandwiches, scones and toasties named after Austen’s characters.

Especially popular are the ‘Tea with Mr Darcy’, ‘Lady’s Afternoon Tea’ and ‘Crawford’s crumpets’.

Hall and Woodhouse

If you’re looking for a restaurant that allows four-legged furry friends, then Hall and Woodhouse is your place.

Built-in the 1960s and originally designed as an auction house, this restaurant has a stunning bar with alcohol bottles vibrantly on display. The rustic, brown décor and open space make for a charming and relaxing atmosphere, perfect for a quick lunch, celebratory dinner, or just a few drinks.

The normal, vegetarian and vegan menus also make this the ideal inclusive dining experience.

Evening Hangouts and Bars

There are a number of places to explore during the evening if you’re looking for somewhere to hang out or a bar to enjoy the night away.

Among the best places to go to is The Hideout , with its wood interior and walls decked out with whiskey, cocktails, draught beers and a range of spirits.

Speaking of cocktails, Sub 13 is Bath’s premier cocktail bar with leather booths – perfect for a girls night out – while the Opium Bar has a vintage feel and speakeasy décor.

Bath Wrap Up

With so much history, culture and culinary delights, Bath is an intoxicating, exciting and unique city to visit. There is an abundance of quintessential English experiences to be had, a plethora of hangouts to enjoy a drink and several day trips to the most famous landmarks in the United Kingdom.

We hope that this article has helped inspire you to visit Bath, England. If you have any questions about the destination or have your own travel tips to share please leave these in the comments below.

Want to share your own travel tips by guest writing for We Are Travel Girls? Go to our Contribute page for guidelines and to submit your article.

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Read More About England

• A Guide To Adventurous Activities In Cornwall
• A Complete Guide To Hiking Mount Snowdon
• Hiking The Pap Of Glencoe In The Scottish Highlands
• The Seven Sisters Day Trip From London
• 72 Hours In Ireland

We Are Travel Girls Contributor Jade Braham JadeBrahamsOdyssey.com Connect with Jade  Instagram  | Facebook  | Pinterest  | Twitter

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

By: Author Tracy Collins

Posted on Last updated: August 9, 2023

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 that Bath is home to such a 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, 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.

• BATH TRAVEL RESOURCES

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 a wide variety of 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 to make the very most of your time in this fascinating and remarkable city. There is also a handy map of this Bath itinerary at the end of the article.

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 at the city’s centre and perhaps the most famous of its attractions — 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.

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.

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

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.

The booking form is temporarily being updated. To book or enquire about a tour please contact me on +44 777 203 8233 or send me an email at: [email protected]

PRIVATE TOURS WITH A GUIDE BORN AND BRED IN BATH

Hi, my name is Daniel, the founder of Bath Insider Tours. I am a local guide who was born and grew up in the beautiful UNESCO World Heritage City of Bath. I offer a number of private tours and experiences to give you some wonderful memories during your visit to Bath.

As your private guide I will show you around the city where I was born. I can also take you on sightseeing tours to some of my favourite places in the West Country, all within one hour's drive from Bath, for example: Stonehenge, Castle Combe, Avebury, Cheddar and Wells.

As a seasoned traveller I know how difficult it can be to choose a tour guide or company so please do check out my reviews on TripAdvisor.  My aim is to deliver great experiences and in 2022 I won the "Experience of the Year" category in the regional 2021/22 tourism awards.

To view and book my tours please use the buttons below or the menus at the top of the page. Due to it's popularity I have listed my Stonehenge tours under its own page. I have also included a short introduction video to Bath and Bath Insider Tours below along with some tips.

Treat your loved ones to a tour of Bath or one of the many wonderful attractions in the area with a Bath Insider Tours e-gift card. The card can be used as payment towards any of the tours offered by Bath Insider Tours.

Click on the Gift Card button to select the amount and purchase.

Is it your first visit to Bath?

For a great introduction to Bath I recommend my Bath City Tour . This 3 hour tour will show you all the famous landmarks in Bath and tell you about the interesting stories behind them, the city and past residents.

Are you travelling with a family or looking for a unique experience?

I recommend my Bath Tour & Fly a Hawk Experience . In addition to having a tour of Bath you will have the unique experience of flying a hawk in the countryside which is an incredible experience! See my Stonehenge section below for a unique experience at Stonehenge!

Are you interested in a Stonehenge tour during your visit?

Stonehenge is just 50 minutes drive from Bath. My Private Tour of Stonehenge is a great way to visit the famous stone circle on a half-day tour from Bath. If you have a full day why not do my Bath and Stonehenge Private Tour which combines a tour of Stonehenge with a tour of Bath. Alternatively you could combine a Stonehenge tour with a visit to other pre-historic sites . For a unique tour of Stonehenge - why not see if there is availability for an Inner Circle Tour when the site is closed to the main public! You can also include Stonehenge on a sightseeing transfer to Bath - contact me for details.

Are you interested in seeing some of the beautiful villages around Bath?

My Lacock and Castle Combe Afternoon Tour explores two famous and beautiful villages near Bath. These charming villages have changed little over the centuries. If you have a full day free check out my South Cotswolds Tour which explores picturesque villages in the southern part of the Cotswolds - an area that has been designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty!

Do let me know if you have any questions or would like a customized tour. I look forward to meeting you and showing you around Bath and the beautiful West Country!

Bath Insider Tours won the Experience of the Year category in the local 2021/22 Tourism Awards and a Bronze Award in the South West England Tourism Awards. Please click here for more information.

For an interesting perspective on Bath, please click on the video below that was created by the Bath Tourist Office.

A weekend in Bath: travel guide and best things to do

Everything you need to know for a break in one of Britain’s ‘loveliest little cities’

• Newsletter sign up Newsletter

1. Why you should visit Bath

2. top attractions: things to see and do, 3. jane austen and bridgerton, 4. hotels: where to stay, 5. where to eat and drink, 6. transport: how to get there.

Famous for its Roman baths, Georgian architecture and World Heritage status, Bath is one of Britain’s “loveliest little cities”, said The Times . The “only downside” to a place this pretty “is its popularity”. Visit outside of the “hectic” summer months and you’ll be able to see “Bath at its best”.

A weekend in St Ives, Cornwall: travel guide, attractions and things to do A weekend in Llandudno, north Wales: : travel guide, attractions and things to do A weekend in Manchester: travel guide, attractions and things to do

The UK’s “most beautiful city”, Bath is “agelessly elegant” and “damn near impossible to take a bad photo of”, said Anna Galbraith in The Gentlemen’s Journal . “Even in the October rain.” While there is “pomp and grandeur aplenty”, for “every tier of afternoon tea sandwiches”, there is an “experimental chef cooking up a storm”.

Home to English writer Jane Austen between 1801 and 1806, two of her novels, Northanger Abbey and Persuasion , were set in Bath, said Meehika Barua in Elle . In fact, this ancient Somerset city is pretty much the “go-to location” for many period films and series, including hit TV drama Bridgerton .

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Roman Baths

The largely intact Roman bath complex is the “most popular of Bath’s attractions”, said Anna Kaminski on Culture Trip . The Roman Baths are fed by mineral-rich hot springs and date back more than 2,000 years.

Thermae Bath Spa

Bathing is off-limits at the Roman Baths, but visitors can relax in the warm waters of the Thermae Bath Spa , said The Times. The UK’s only natural thermal spa, this “flashy” and “striking” steel-and-glass spa has saunas, steam rooms and an “amazing” open-air rooftop pool. “Book well in advance.”

Landmarks and buildings

Designated as the only city in the UK to be a World Heritage Site in its entirety, thousands of visitors flock to Bath every day to admire the “many historic landmarks that it boasts”, said Patricia Bech on A Luxury Travel Blog . Must-see landmarks include the Royal Crescent, a “spectacular” semi-circle row of terraced houses considered to be one of the “greatest examples of Georgian architecture”; the Bath Abbey, which is “striking from outside and within”; and the Pulteney Bridge, “one of the most photographed sites in the city”.

Bath Skyline walk

Devised by the National Trust, the Bath Skyline walk is a popular six-mile circular route which starts just a short stroll from the city centre and goes through meadows, ancient woodlands and secluded valleys. The view at the end is spectacular.

Shopping and markets

There’s plenty of places to get a shopping fix in Bath , with high street brands and independent outlets found across the city. A real attraction for shoppers are the many markets that are held throughout the year. Every Saturday you can visit the Bath Farmers’ Market at Green Park Station or the Walcot Antique and Flea Market . Green Park Station also hosts the Bath Vintage & Antique Market on the last Sunday of the month. The oldest shopping venue is the Bath Guildhall Market , which is home to around 20 stallholders.

Jane Austen Centre, festival and tours

Celebrating Bath’s most famous resident and offering a snapshot of life during Regency times, the Jane Austen Centre is a place “any Jane-ite should visit at least once”, said An Historian About Town . The guides, who are dressed in Regency costume, are “more than just regular employees” – they “truly love what they do”. Every year there’s a Jane Austen Festival held in Bath and in 2023 it will be from 8-17 September. Strictly Jane Austen Tours also offers visitors the chance to walk in the novelist’s footsteps.

Bridgerton in Bath

With much of Bridgerton ’s filming taking place in the city, Bath played a “starring role” in the Netflix drama series, said the Visit Bath tourism board. Fans can explore filming locations with walking tours from BritMovieTours and Bath Adventures . Or you could plan a Bridgerton -inspired stay .

With a 9/10 expert rating, guests staying at The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa can expect “elegant and individual bedrooms, first-rate food and an enticing spa”, said The Telegraph . No.15 by GuestHouse, The Queensberry Hotel, and The Gainsborough Bath Spa also got 9/10s in the paper’s round-up of the best hotels in Bath.

Just a 20-minute drive from the city, The Pig Near Bath is an out-of-town retreat located in the “rolling calm of the Mendip Hills”, said Condé Nast Traveller . It’s “a joy to sleep here”, with 29 pretty bedrooms turning a former family country house into a boutique hotel.

Restaurants

The Olive Tree, located at The Queensberry Hotel, is the only Michelin-starred restaurant in the city of Bath. Talented head chef Chris Cleghorn brings an “innovative, personalised approach to the cooking” with colours, textures and flavours “used to full effect”, said the Michelin Guide .

There’s a “bumper crop” of independent places to eat and drink, said Olive Magazine . For vegetarian dishes head to OAK; for “upmarket fish and chips” The Scallop Shell; and for wild game and sophisticated Sunday roasts The Elder. According to The Telegraph , other restaurants to add to your must-visit foodie list include Clayton’s Kitchen, Cafe Lucca and Comptoir+Cuisine.

Aside from being a “gorgeous city with irresistible charms”, the best restaurants in Bath prove that it is “a foodie heaven as well”, said Rosemary Waugh in Time Out . The “go-to location” for afternoon tea is The Pump Room Restaurant, a perfect spot for “Austen-inspired daydreaming”.

Pubs and wine bars

There may be “more beautiful pubs” in Bath, but the “slightly scruffy” Pulteney Arms is a favourite with locals, said BBC Good Food . The Pulteney Arms has a wide range of real ales on tap and even has its own gin, Old Tom Cat Gin.

The Boater, a “cosy and intimate” pub, celebrates “the splendour of a well poured pint”, said Total Guide to Bath . Other must-visit boozers include The Grapes, a public house since 1792; The Raven, which specialises in real ales, fine wines and delicious pies; and The Canon, one of Bath’s most popular pubs.

Offering casual dining and cheap eats, cosy wine bar Corkage is a “great place” to try interesting wines, said BBC Good Food. Beckford Bottle Shop, a “trendy wine shop-cum-bistro”, offers food that is “designed to accompany the wines” rather than, as usual, “the other way round”, The Telegraph added.

Bath Bun or Sally Lunn?

If you’re keen to get “stuck in to all things local”, then why not try a Bath Bun or Sally Lunn – two of the city’s “best known sweet treats”, said Lorna Doran in the Bath Chronicle . The Bath Bun is “small and sweet and is laced with sugar and fruit”, while the Sally Lunn is “a lot bigger” than a Bath Bun and more like a plain French brioche or French festival bread. “It is baked to a secret recipe.”

Sally Lunn’s Historic Eating House

To try one of Bath’s delicacies, head to Sally Lunn’s Historic Eating House . Open for breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and pre-theatre meals, Sally Lunn’s building is one of the oldest houses in Bath and also features a museum.

With parking at a premium in the city, the best way to travel to Bath is by train. Located at the south of the centre, Bath Spa Station is on the Great Western Main Line, just 12 minutes from Bristol Temple Meads and 1hr 20mins from London Paddington.

If you are driving to Bath for a day trip, then it’s wise to use the park and ride facilities at either Lansdown, Newbridge or Odd Down. The bus journey from all three sites is approximately ten minutes to the centre and adult return tickets cost between £3.10 and £3.60. Parking is free if you use the bus.

For visitors flying into the West Country, the nearest airport to Bath is Bristol Airport , a 45-minute drive away by car or around an hour by bus . London Heathrow airport is about two hours away from Bath by car.

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Mike Starling is the digital features editor at The Week, where he writes content and edits the Arts & Life and Sport website sections and the Food & Drink and Travel newsletters. He started his career in 2001 in Gloucestershire as a sports reporter and sub-editor and has held various roles as a writer and editor at news, travel and B2B publications. He has spoken at a number of sports business conferences and also worked as a consultant creating sports travel content for tourism boards. International experience includes spells living and working in Dubai, UAE; Brisbane, Australia; and Beirut, Lebanon. 

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• 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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City Of Bath Guides

walking bath tour

Detailed information.

A Brief Description

Duration: 90 - 120 mins, real time availability.

Experience Bath with a seasoned guide and learn about this city’s treasured history. Explore the key landmarks of the city such as the Roman baths, the Pulteney Bridge, Guildhall Market, the Royal Crescent, and more. Listen to engaging commentary from your guide about the history of Bath, which stretches as far back as the Roman Empire.

Some CUSTOMER Experiences

Gallery activities.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Most frequent questions and answers.

Exceptional Bath tour guide making your visit splendidly memorable. price starts from £20.

Exceptional Bath tour guide making your visit splendidly memorable. cancellation policy: For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

Exceptional Bath tour guide making your visit splendidly memorable. is hosted by PAUL ELLIOTT. Read reviews, discover additonal experiences or contact  PAUL ELLIOTT  on Tripadvisor. 

2hrs of gentle tour with many stops.

Discover the Soothing Secrets of Bath:

Join our guided walking tour.

Bath travel guide

Bath tourism | bath guide, you're going to love bath.

Bath is an ancient city named after its famous Roman Baths that were built almost 2,000 years ago. The Romans named the city Aquae Sulis and were residents for almost 400 years when the baths were flooded by the River Avon. It was not until 1881 that the underground Great Bath was rediscovered. Today, it is impeccably restored to its former glory and represents a fascinating glimpse at ancient life in the region.

Narrow winding streets retain the city's charm, while modernization has become entwined with the old beautifully. Honey-colored limestone buildings from the Georgian era are most common in Bath. Wander around the city center and look up beyond the modern storefronts to take in the intricate designs.

Bath is surrounded by nature, from the winding River Avon to the many parks and the countryside beyond. Take a boat tour, wander through Parade Gardens, or visit Dyrham Park for a look at stunning beauty in the area.

Top 5 Reasons to Visit Bath

1. see the iconic roman baths.

The 2,000 year old baths were built around one of the UK's few natural hot springs. Beautifully preserved, the baths are now part of a museum but still retain an air of serenity. The Great Bath is set below ground level and is overlooked by statues on the Terrace by the Great Abbey.

2. Visit the Jane Austen Centre

Bath was an important city for the world-famous author; she lived in the city for several years and also set two of her novels here. The center is located in a Georgian townhouse and is home to the Regency Tea Rooms, as well as information on Austen, recreated rooms, and costumes.

3. Admire This UNESCO World Heritage City

Bath is the first city in England to have been named a UNESCO World Heritage site. The prestigious title is usually given to individual buildings, bridges, or wonders of nature. The entire city of Bath has been deemed important enough for this honor, due to the plethora of architectural sights available to explore.

4. Experience Relaxation

Bath embraces its history as a center of relaxation with a plethora of modern spas. Taking inspiration from the Romans, spas, such as Thermae Bath Spa use hot water for their relaxing treatments.

5. Amazing Dining Options

Bath is home to three Michelin-starred restaurants: the Bath Priory, the Bybrook, and the Park Restaurant. The city also offers a selection of cuisines from British to French and Italian, from Nepalese to Caribbean and more.

What to do in Bath

1. roman baths: most romantic.

Unsurprisingly, the city of Bath has long been known for its delightful thermal culture, and these baths are some of the finest around. Dating back thousands of years and renovated at the turn of the 20th century, the site now attracts upwards of one million visitors each year to bask in the romantic architecture. History is at your fingertips with a tour through these ancient halls, and the bubbling, naturally heated water brings a certain mysticism to the experience as well.

2. Royal Crescent: A Trip down Memory Lane

In a city of gorgeous buildings, Bath's architectural highlight is the Royal Crescent. These terraced houses are the epitome of 18th century Georgian design and are considered the greatest example in the United Kingdom. Arranged to look upon a vast open field, the facade is largely unchanged and bears plaques in commemoration of significant residents. Visit the little museum for even more context, or relax at the more contemporary Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa.

3. Holburne Museum: Through the Ages

This delightful museum is filled with fine art, and cannot be overlooked on a trip to Bath. Walk through the grand Sydney Gardens as they set the tone for the epic art collection inside. The building itself is a gem of architecture, much like those found in the rest of the city, and the interior does not disappoint either. March through the regal front door and go looking for gems of British painting, masterpieces from the Renaissance, and other unique European treasures.

4. Pulteney Bridge: Timeless Elegance

Considered one of the most romantic bridges in the world, Pulteney draws spectators from far and wide as they appreciate its 18th century magic. The bridge crosses the River Avon with heavy footprints sinking into the water, which support a broad and heavy road. Shops were built along each side of the bridge, making it particularly unique and sister to the equally elegant Ponte Vecchio in Florence.

5. Bath Assembly Rooms: High Society

To continue the epic saga of gorgeous Georgian architecture in the city of Bath, the Assembly Rooms stand out with majestic importance. The peak of fashionable society in Bath is resurrected with a walk through these elegant halls - from the foyer to the glorious ballroom, you will be transported to another time. The Fashion Museum is appropriately housed in the basement section of the historical building, and offers even more context to let your imagination run wild.

Where to Eat in Bath

Restaurants in Bath serve a wide variety of cuisine from around Europe and the rest of the world. Sotto Sotto is an Italian restaurant set in a basement near the Roman Baths, while Raphael Restaurant focuses on modern French food. A three-course meal will generally cost around £40 per person. For a cheaper meal, try a classic British cafe, such as Wild Cafe, for a meal for less than £10.

When to visit Bath

Summer is the best time to visit Bath for warm days and pleasant evenings. July, August and even into September are the warmest months with little-to-no rain.

How to Get to Bath

The nearest airport is Bristol Airport (BRS), which is just under 20 miles from the city center. The onward journey into Bath takes approximately 45 minutes by road. A taxi will cost around £40 and an Air Decker bus ticket will cost £14 one-way or £20 for a return ticket.

Trains arrive at Bath Spa Railway Station from London stations and around the country. Tickets from London start at around £30, the journey takes approximately 1.5 hours.

Bath is 117 miles from London, and the journey by car takes around 2.5 hours. The route is very simple, just head west on the M4 and then take the A46 into Bath.

Private bus companies, such as Megabus and National Express, run regular services into the city. Buses stop at Bath Spa Railway Station. The route from London takes up to three hours and tickets start at £15.

Airports near Bath

Airlines serving bath, where to stay in bath.

Bath is a small city, therefore the majority of hotels are in the city center. Many are located on the banks of the River Avon, such as Hilton Bath City and the Royal Hotel Bath at the high end of the scale, while mid-range options include Holiday Inn Express Bath and the Travelodge Bath Waterside.

Popular Neighborhoods in Bath

City Center - right in the heart of the city where everything is within walking distance. Wander the streets and take in the beautiful architecture of the Royal Crescent and Bath Abbey.

Riverside - the River Avon meanders through Bath offering picturesque views and idyllic routes for walking. Pulteney Bridge is lined with quaint stores and restaurants. It is one of only a few of its kind in the world.

North Bath - to the north of the city are extensive gardens and parks, including Royal Victoria Park, which has Botanical Gardens and a replica of a Roman Temple.

Where to stay in popular areas of Bath

Most booked hotels in bath, how to get around bath, public transportation.

An open-top double decker tourist bus offers a 'hop on, hop off' service that allows you to go wherever you want, whenever you want. A single adult ticket starts at £2.20. The City Sightseeing Bus Tour is another way to get around town; tickets cost £14.50 for adults and £9.00 for children aged 5-15.

Traveling within Bath by taxi should cost no more than £10 per journey. Taxis are available from stands at the train station, the Abbey, and several other locations.

A rental car from Hertz and Europcar will typically cost upwards of £75 per day. Driving is not needed in Bath as it is a small city with transport options. The small, twisting roads often become congested, and there is very little parking available in the city. Park and ride services offer free parking at various locations on the outskirts of the city. The 10-minute bus ride into the center costs around £3.00 for a return ticket; children 15 and under go free.

The Cost of Living in Bath

Shopping streets.

Shopping in Bath offers brand-name, high street stores, as well as independent boutiques selling jewelry, souvenirs and clothes. Prices are generally higher than in the US, but there are bargains to be found starting from £1. The London Road area and Walcott Village are known as the Artisan Quarter, famous for vintage clothes and antiques. Milsom Street is home to designer boutiques, such as Robert Welch Designs and Chanii B.

Groceries and Other

Larger grocery stores tend to be located on the outskirts of the city center, however, there are several smaller stores in the center, such as Sainsbury's, Tesco Express, and Co-op. Prices in the UK tend to be slightly higher than in the US: expect to spend around £1.50 for a loaf of bread, £2 for eggs, and £1 for milk.

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Complete Guide to Historic Bath, NC

B ath, North Carolina is a town steeped in history. As the oldest town in NC , Bath carries with it a legacy of early American settlement and maritime lore. Here, amidst the tranquil waters of the Inner Banks, Blackbeard, the infamous pirate, found his final home. So, join me as we explore the top things to do in Bath, NC .

Hit the Highlights

I’ve got lots of detail on the best things to do in Bath NC below, but if you’re short on time and can only see a few things, here are the must-see attractions :

• Take a guided tour of the Palmer-Marsh House , the oldest standing home in Bath.
• Take a guided tour of the Bonner House .
• Peek in St. Thomas Episcopal Church , the oldest standing church in North Carolina.

Keep reading for specific details on these highlights and lots more info on Bath NC (Blackbeard and beyond.)

Where is Bath NC?

Nestled along the picturesque shores of the Pamlico River in the eastern part of the state (where I live!), Bath, North Carolina, resides in Beaufort County, approximately 20 minutes from Washington NC , and about 45 minutes from Greenville NC ..

More Fun in the Region:

• Washington NC – Hidden Gem of the Inner Banks
• Washington Waterfront Underground Railroad Museum
• Turnage Theatre – Why You Need to Visit This Historic Theatre in Washington NC
• PirateFest Greenville NC – A Swashbuckler’s Paradise

What’s the Bath NC Blackbeard Connection?

Blackbeard (Edward Teach) lived in Bath near the end of his life when Governor Eden offered him a pardon for his piracy. Local legend suggests he might have resided on the peninsula, yet all homes from that era have disappeared, leaving the truth unknown. Regrettably, he reverted to piracy, meeting his demise just a few months later in Ocracoke.

Fascinated with Blackbeard? One of the best information sources on Blackbeard is the book General History of the Robberies & Murders of the Most Notorious Pirates , so if you love pirate lore, pick up a copy of the book!

Things to Do in Bath NC

Bath, NC, founded in 1705, is a tiny little town with just over 250 residents. The town’s historical significance, including ties to Blackbeard, the Pirate, can be explored by touring its well-preserved homes and structures.

This guide is designed to give you an overview of the historic sites in Bath , allowing you to decide how you’d like to immerse yourself in its rich history, be it through guided or self-guided exploration . (I did a little of both!)

Map of Bath NC Historic District

As you can see on the map, historic Bath, North Carolina is a very small, walkable area—just over 1 square mile—encompassing the original town limits. You can easily see everything in a half day , making it a great day trip!

Parking is available next to the Van Der Veer House and across from the historic Bath School (where the NEW visitor center is.)

Start at the Visitor and Exhibit Center (Tickets for Guided Tours Are Here)

Historic Bath School

Corner of King and Carteret Streets

Hours: Tues-Sat 9-5, except holidays

Restrooms available.

Inside the visitor center, guests may watch a short 2-minute introductory film, visit the exhibits, pick up a map and walking tour brochure , and sign up for guided tours of the Palmer-Marsh House and the Bonner House. ($2 per person, per house + tax.)

Note: A guided tour is the only way to see inside the Palmer-Marsh House and the Bonner House . I highly recommend it. Tours are offered Tuesday-Saturday at 10:30 am, 1 pm and 3 pm. If you want to tour both houses—yes, you do!—you’ll walk to the Palmer-Marsh House and then ride in a golf cart to and from the Bonner House.

Be sure to allow enough time before or after your tour to explore the exhibit center where you’ll uncover Bath’s history. Its past is woven with tales of political corruption, yellow fever epidemics, piracy (Blackbeard!), and wars with Native Americans.

The visitor center used to play a looping 15-minute overview film. It’s still available to view on YouTube if you’d like more of Bath’s history. Fair warning: it’s very dated and… well, I’ll leave it at that.

Palmer-Marsh House

South Main Street

(Guided tours are available through the visitor center.)

Although named the Palmer-Marsh House, Captain Michael Coutanch, whose grave rests in the cemetery behind the home, was its actual builder. The tour commences in the cemetery, where our guide unravels the stories of Captain Coutanch, Robert Palmer, and Jonathan Marsh, the most notable homeowners. Subsequently, we are led to the house itself, meticulously arranged to reflect the time period of Robert Palmer.

The most interesting architectural feature of the Palmer-Marsh House is the massive double chimney . The two windows lead to small external closets, and the house is painted in its original Spanish brown color.

Captain Coutanch constructed the home north-south to capture the breezes and maintain a cool interior and utilized the main central hallway for business and political meetings.

Captain Coutanch likely built the large room facing Main Street as a storefront, although it’s currently set up as a parlor. He brought in goods on his schooner and sold them here. The unusually large fireplace, more common in taverns and public houses, is another indicator of this.

After viewing the first floor, we went upstairs to see the bed chambers and the home’s private spaces. The Palmers had three children but also entertained high-ranking officials including William Tryon.

Finally, our tour took us down into the cellar kitchen. There’s very little light in the cellar, so the walls were whitewashed to help reflect whatever artificial light they used. The lime in the whitewash also helped prevent bugs from getting in.

The Bonner House

Front Street

Following our tour of the Palmer-Marsh House, we hopped on a golf cart for a ride to the Bonner House. Our tour guide shared information about other historic locations along the way including the waterfront area of Bonner Point.

Early settlers chose Bath as the first port city in North Carolina because of its access to water for trade. However, due to its limitations as a shallow port, Bath remained small and did not experience the growth seen by other major port cities at the time.

John Lawson was among the first Europeans to travel extensively through North and South Carolina. He founded two settlements in North Carolina, New Bern and Bath; he built his home in Bath.

At the onset of the Tuscarora War, John Lawson met his demise, leaving the house to his wife. Subsequently, she passed it on to their daughter, Isabella. When Isabella leaves town, the house changes hands several times, eventually falling into ruins. The Bonners purchased the lot in the 1830s and built the current home.

On our way inside, the tour guide pointed out the chimney foundation from the original Lawson house. That’s all that remains!

The Bonner House strategically aligns north-south, capitalizing on coastal breezes for ventilation. The tour predominantly showcases its period furnishings and artifacts, highlighting some particularly intriguing items.

When you enter the house, turn around and look at the window panes by the front door. The Bonner family etched their names into the glass. (I tried to take photos, but capturing the engravings proved to be impossible.)

An interesting cane backrest in the parlor was designed to “air condition” seated guests by allowing airflow through the sides. I’ve never seen anything like that before! OUr guide also pointed out the portable writing desk which he jokingly referred to as an 1800s laptop.

In the dining room, the artwork was especially interesting. The piece over the fireplace is part painting and part embroidery. Be sure to look at it up close! Also, check out the Tree of Virtue and Tree of Vices paintings on the wall. Guess which one has more fruit!

We also toured the upstairs bed chambers. There were several interesting features in the main bedroom.

• Woodgrain painting on the door and dresser mimics the appearance of exotic wood, with the dresser also featuring intricate stamping.
• Pickle painting – Notice the peeling paint along the chair rail, door, and window frames. That was intentional! It was a fad in the 1800s.
• Baseboard – Compare the difference in the striped marbling from one side of the room to the other. Either they got better as they moved around the room or got lazier. Just a fun thing to notice!

Finally, we went out to the reproduction kitchen . It’s set up to illustrate how both enslaved quarters and a working-class home would have looked like at the time.

St. Thomas Church

Craven Street

Usually open during the day to visitors.

Built in 1734, St. Thomas Episcopal Church is the oldest church in North Carolina and is still active. The “St. Thomas parish in Pamplico”, pre-dating Bath Town’s incorporation, possessed a valuable library of 1,050 books acquired by Dr. Thomas Bray. The books were a source for worship services and the only connection to the established church for years. When Reverend John Garzia agreed to become the rector, he initiated the construction of the brick church.

One-Mile Historic Walking Tour of Bath

Pick up a Historic Bath Walking Tour map at the visitor center and enjoy a leisurely one-mile stroll past 24 historically significant locations. The brochure provides brief info about each of the tour stops. You’ll also see several historical markers along the way that aren’t on the printed map, so keep your eyes open!

We walked the entire route, but you could certainly drive it if you wanted. I took pictures of everything on the tour, but I’ll include just a handful of them below as an idea of what you can see.

James Adams Floating Theatre

In the early 1900s, the James Adams Floating Theatre, founded by James Adams and his wife Gertrude, cruised the Chesapeake Bay, bringing live performances to towns from Maryland to North Carolina. Edna Ferber even hopped on board in Bath, NC, to write her 1926 novel that inspired the Broadway hit Show Boat .

Traveling from venue to venue, the showboat provided entertainment for isolated communities, staying six nights in one spot before moving on. Despite a decline in the 1930s, the theater persisted until 1941 when it tragically burned while being towed to Savannah, Georgia for repairs.

Williams (Glebe) House

Built for Joseph Bonner’s business partner, Samuel Lucas, the home now serves as the glebe/rectory for St. Thomas Church.

Carrow House

The Carrow House is a good example of the modest one-story residences that once peppered the town of Bath. It was very common for local fishermen and their families in the late 19th century.

Van Der Veer House

South Harding Street

Open for self-guided tours Tues-Sat 9 am-4:30 pm.

This home is a museum for the Bath State Historic Site and features exhibits about Historic Bath.

Bath AME Zion Church Site and Cemetery

This site was where the Bath African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church once stood. The AME Zion denomination, officially established in New York City in 1801, traces its roots back to the 1790s when African-American Christians, facing discrimination, found it necessary to establish their own churches. The cast iron bell is the only remaining artifact from the church. A memorial marker in the adjacent cemetery lists the parishioners buried there.

Lawson’s Walk

This charming pathway, named for John Lawson, shaded by a canopy of trees, marks the northern edge of the Bath Historic District. Along this route, you’ll encounter informative panels and recreational stations. Lawson’s Walk is perfect for a relaxing stroll or bike ride.

Where to Stay in Historic Bath, North Carolina

For the ultimate Bath experience, stay in the midst of the historic district at The Inn on Bath Creek . Choose one of four ensuite rooms and enjoy a full home-cooked breakfast each morning. Check Rates and Dates .

More Eastern NC Travel Ideas

• Unforgettable Things to Do in Beaufort NC (and Along the Crystal Coast)
• 19 Fun Things to Do in Goldsboro NC (and Wayne County)
• Taking a Shrimping Excursion with Reel Livin’ Fishing Charters in Onslow County NC
• Shopping in Edenton NC – What Makes it a Must-Shop Destination
• Things to Do in Jacksonville NC Near Camp Lejeune

The post Complete Guide to Historic Bath, NC appeared first on Get Lost In The USA .

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In this article

Hair and styling tools, bath and body, beauty tools.

It’s that time of year when Beauty Insiders everywhere get the chance to score big during the Sephora Savings Event . And I, for one, have been waiting for weeks to snap up some of my favorite rarely on-sale products from brands like Rare Beauty , Summer Fridays , Ilia , and even Dyson .

Before you start shopping, here’s a reminder of how the event works: Starting today, the sale is open to all membership tiers, with Rouge members (those spending upward of $1,000 per year) receiving 20 percent off their entire purchase. VIB members (those who’ve spent at least $350) and Insider members (all other members) will earn 15 percent and 10 percent off, respectively. And finally,  everyone  can save 30 percent on  Sephora Collection  products until April 15 — no account necessary.

To unlock your discount, use the code YAYSAVE at checkout (there’s no limit to how many purchases you can make using the code throughout the sale). As you scroll on, you’ll notice that I’ve applied the 20 percent Rouge discount to all of the items here. I’ve rounded up the very best deals I’ve spotted — just beware that prices and availability can change rapidly. And for even  more  Strategist-approved sales, don’t forget to sign up for our  email newsletter .

Our beauty columnist Rio Viera-Newton swears by this  Banana Bright+ Eye Cream  to banish dark under-eye circles. (She also loves to use it to help  under-eye concealer  stay put for longer.)

Those on skin-care TikTok will know that Glow Recipe is still having a moment — and this serum is one of their formulas I always see on my FYP. It contains niacinamide and anti-inflammatory watermelon extract to minimize the appearance of pores and soothe skin. (It’s also been recommended to us by drag queen  Farrah Moan .)

Our top face wash for oily, acne-prone skin is Youth to the People’s gel cleanser , which dermatologists love because it contains organic antioxidants — including kale, spinach, and green tea — to boost moisture without leaving skin dry or tight.

For a new daytime moisturizer that’ll melt into skin, I recommend this lightweight formula from Dieux. It’s ideal for sensitive to  oily  (and acne-prone) skin and contains barrier-restoring ingredients like glycerin, squalane, urea, and amino acids.

Speaking of creams, here’s one of our favorite night creams that’s paraben-free and noncomedogenic, meaning it’s safe for sensitive skin and acne-prone skin.

This mask from Summer Fridays is still one of the brand’s most beloved products — and for good reason. It drenches skin with a blend of glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and antioxidants to soothe and renew your complexion. (Many folks swear by it for in-flight hydration, but it can also be used as a daily moisturizer.)

Last month, Eadem launched Cashmere Peel, a gentle milky toner that’s designed to slough away dead skin cells, unclog pores, and smooth uneven texture. If you’ve been wanting to try it, now’s your chance.

My skin starts to get shinier than usual during this time of year, so Supergoop’s lightweight, primerlike sunscreen is essential. It dries completely clear and blends seamlessly into my makeup routine.

Deemed our best self-tanner for the face , this lotion from Tan-Luxe is “basically skin care with a tanner in it,” says spray-tan expert Sabrina Johnson, who cites the formula’s moisturizing ingredients, including raspberry-seed oil, vitamin E, and aloe vera.

Beloved by Rio (and Strategist readers), this radiance-boosting moisturizer from Tatcha instantly makes skin look “plumper, brighter, and intensely nourished.”

There’s no better time to trade your old mascara for a tubing formula such as Merit’s Clean Lash. It won’t smudge or flake, and our writer Kitty Guo says it’s her pick for an everyday “your lashes but better” look.

And for a  no-makeup makeup  look, Guo recommends a few swipes of Glossier’s Lash Slick, which makes her eyes appear brighter and more awake but doesn’t overdo it.

If you’re already a fan of the vanilla lip balm from Summer Fridays, try this tinted (and equally moisturizing) “brown sugar” shade.

Strategist contributor Cheryl Kramer Kaye struggled to find a highlighter for her mature skin until she discovered this Iconic London formula, which she now mixes into her moisturizer for a “glorious glow” that melts into the skin.

When I don’t want to wear foundation, this Ilia skin tint is my go-to. The formula offers a light, glowy finish, plus it contains SPF protection and plenty of nourishing skin-care ingredients like squalane, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide.

We found Rare Beauty’s liquid blush to be the most buildable in our roundup of the best in the category. It’s available in two finishes (matte and radiant) and ten shades, which can even be applied as an eyeshadow or lip tint.

When we spoke to Sephora employees about what TikTok-recommended products are actually worth it, they told us about this dupe for Tarte’s Shape Tape. And when our writer Arielle Avila tried it for herself, she reported that it’s actually better: “It’s long-lasting and buildable, and it keeps my under eyes hydrated and glowing,” she says.

Multi-sticks have become super popular in the last year, and Ilia’s three-fer formula — which combines a blush, highlighter, and lip tint — is one of the most in demand right now, according to our writer Ambar Pardilla .

After testing over 20 cream blushes to find one that actually lasts, Rio crowned this formula the winner. She says the high pigment, in conjunction with the soft, powdery finish, is what makes this Danessa Myricks blush really stick to the skin.

Last year, Avila swapped her old aerosol dry shampoo for Crown Affair’s talc-free formula and never looked back. “I’m able to go days after washing my hair without an oily or irritated scalp,” she says.

K18’s powerful treatment mask  is a must-have for anyone with color-treated hair . It’s extremely hydrating and works to repair the breakage I often notice after lightening my roots.

I’ve heard great things about Color Wow’s Dream Coat spray, which works to keep hair from getting puffy and frizzy even on humid days.

I’ve also got my eye on Shark’s powerful blow-dryer brush . It’s half the price of Dyson’s Airwrap (even cheaper right now) and utilizes the same high-speed airflow technology and variety of attachments.

Briogeo’s brush is one of Rio’s all-time favorite hair products because it leaves her strands “looking smoother, silkier, and with no knots or flyaways.” (It even replaced her more expensive Mason Pearson hairbrush.)

In my new roundup of  the best body scrubs , I crowned this my top choice for treating  keratosis pilaris . It contains tiny pumice buffing beads that work to brush away dead skin cells, so it also works for clearing up buttne ( butt acne ) and loosening ingrown hairs.

If you’re dealing with skin dullness, another body scrub I like is this one from Skinfix. It contains both physical and chemical exfoliants that work to smooth skin texture and improve  discoloration .

If your post-winter hands are feeling dry and scaly, our writer and resident beauty expert Tembe Denton-Hurst says nothing compares to Nécessaire’s “practically perfect” cream . It’s deeply moisturizing, and leaves her hands with a “subtle sheen without going greasy.”

Or treat yourself to this coconut-rich mask that’ll leave your feet silky smooth for sandal season.

I own our best overall humidifier from Canopy and don’t go a day without using it. It’s compact, easy to clean, and keeps my complexion super hydrated.

And finally, here’s Shiseido’s “classic curler,” which features a very wide base, so fewer lashes will escape uncurled.

The Strategist is designed to surface the most useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Some of our latest conquests include the best acne treatments , rolling luggage , pillows for side sleepers , natural anxiety remedies , and bath towels . We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change.

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Every product is independently selected by (obsessive) editors. Things you buy through our links may earn us a commission.

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