Bath, England: Best Things to Do – Top Picks

Did you know Bath’s Roman Baths have flowed with natural thermal water for over 2,000 years – and it’s still 46°C (115°F) today? This remarkable fact is just the beginning of what makes Bath one of Britain’s most captivating destinations. As the only UK city designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in its entirety, Bath blends ancient Roman history with elegant Georgian architecture in a compact, walkable center that invites exploration.

Getting There & Planning Your Journey

Bath is conveniently located just 156 km (97 miles) west of London, making it an ideal destination for both extended stays and day trips. Most international travelers arrive via London’s airports before continuing to Bath.

From London to Bath

• By Train: The fastest and most scenic option. Direct trains from London Paddington reach Bath Spa station in approximately 1.5 hours. Advance tickets start from £15 one-way.
• By Bus: National Express and Megabus offer services from London Victoria Coach Station to Bath Bus Station, taking around 3-3.5 hours. More economical but less comfortable than the train.
• By Car: The journey takes approximately 2.5 hours via the M4 motorway. Consider using Bath’s Park & Ride facilities, as city center parking is limited and expensive.

Best Time to Visit & Weather Tips

Bath enjoys a temperate climate with distinct seasons, each offering a different experience for visitors.

Best Time to Visit Bath

Getting Around Bath

Bath’s compact city center makes it ideal for exploration on foot, with most major attractions within a 15-minute walk of each other. However, there are several transportation options for those who prefer not to walk or want to explore further afield.

Transportation Options

• Walking: The most enjoyable way to experience Bath’s historic center. The city is relatively flat around the main shopping and Roman Bath areas, though there are hills toward the Royal Crescent and northern parts.
• Hop-on Hop-off Bus: Bath’s sightseeing buses offer 24-hour tickets with commentary, stopping at all major attractions. Tickets cost around £17 for adults.
• Local Buses: First Bus operates frequent services throughout Bath and to surrounding villages. A day pass costs approximately £4.50.
• Taxis: Readily available at the train station and throughout the city center. Most journeys within Bath cost between £5-10.
• Rental Cars: Useful if you plan to explore the countryside around Bath, including the Cotswolds or nearby villages like Castle Combe and Lacock.

Where to Stay in Bath

Bath offers accommodation options for every budget, from luxury hotels housed in Georgian townhouses to cozy B&Bs and budget-friendly hostels. Most visitors prefer staying in the city center to be within walking distance of the main attractions.

Recommended Areas to Stay

Accommodation Options

Top Attractions in Bath

Bath’s UNESCO World Heritage status recognizes its remarkable collection of Roman, Medieval, and Georgian treasures. Here are the must-see attractions that should be on every visitor’s itinerary.

1. The Roman Baths

The city’s most famous attraction offers a fascinating glimpse into Roman life nearly 2,000 years ago. The complex includes the Great Bath, the Sacred Spring, the Roman Temple, and a museum housing artifacts discovered on site. Audio guides are available in multiple languages, and costumed characters bring the history to life. Don’t miss the opportunity to taste the mineral-rich spa water in the Pump Room (though be warned – the flavor is quite distinctive!).

Opening Hours: 9:00-17:00 (longer in summer) | Admission: £25 for adults, discounts available for children, seniors, and families

2. Bath Abbey

This magnificent Gothic church has been a place of worship for over 1,000 years. Look up to admire the spectacular fan-vaulted ceiling and climb the 212 steps of the tower tour for panoramic views across Bath. The Abbey’s stained glass windows tell biblical stories and the history of Bath, while the floor is covered with memorial stones dating back centuries.

Opening Hours: 10:00-17:30 Monday-Saturday, 12:30-17:30 Sunday | Admission: Free (donations welcomed), Tower Tours £10

3. Royal Crescent & The Circus

These iconic examples of Georgian architecture represent Bath at its most elegant. The Royal Crescent, a sweeping arc of 30 terraced houses, offers the quintessential Bath photo opportunity. Visit No. 1 Royal Crescent museum to see how wealthy residents lived in the 18th century. Nearby, The Circus forms a perfect circle of townhouses, inspired by the Colosseum in Rome but turned inside out.

Royal Crescent: Exterior viewing free anytime | No. 1 Royal Crescent Museum: 10:00-17:00, £12.50 admission

Thermal Spas & Wellbeing

Bath’s natural hot springs have attracted visitors seeking healing and relaxation since Roman times. Today, you can experience these thermal waters in modern spa facilities that combine historic settings with contemporary luxury.

Thermae Bath Spa

The only natural thermal spa in Britain where you can bathe in the same mineral-rich waters that attracted the Romans. The highlight is the rooftop pool, where you can soak in the warm waters while enjoying panoramic views of Bath’s skyline. The spa also features the Minerva Bath, a variety of steam rooms, and treatment facilities.

Opening Hours: 9:00-21:30 daily | Admission: From £38 for a 2-hour session (includes access to all pools and steam rooms)

The Cross Bath

For a more intimate experience, this historic bathing pool offers an open-air thermal bath in a separate building belonging to Thermae Bath Spa. The Cross Bath can be booked for private sessions, making it perfect for couples or small groups celebrating special occasions.

Opening Hours: 10:00-20:00 daily | Admission: From £20 per person

Spa Hotels

Several luxury hotels in Bath offer their own spa facilities, some using the thermal waters. The Gainsborough Bath Spa is the only hotel with direct access to the natural thermal waters, featuring its “Spa Village” with three therapeutic pools.

Museums, Cultural Spots & Festivals

Beyond its famous Roman and Georgian attractions, Bath offers a wealth of museums and cultural experiences that cater to diverse interests.

Literary Bath

• Jane Austen Centre: Celebrating Bath’s most famous literary resident, this museum explores Austen’s time in the city and how it influenced novels like “Northanger Abbey” and “Persuasion.” Costumed guides, period rooms, and a Regency tea room complete the experience.
• Mary Shelley’s House of Frankenstein: A newer addition to Bath’s museum scene, this atmospheric attraction delves into the life of Mary Shelley, who conceived the idea for “Frankenstein” while visiting Bath.

Art & History Museums

• Holburne Museum: Housed in a beautiful Georgian building, this art museum displays fine and decorative arts, including paintings by Gainsborough and Stubbs.
• Victoria Art Gallery: A free public art gallery with collections ranging from Renaissance treasures to modern British art.
• Fashion Museum: Temporarily closed for relocation, but worth checking if reopened during your visit. It houses a world-class collection of historic and contemporary fashion.
• Museum of Bath Architecture: Learn how Bath was transformed from a medieval town to an elegant Georgian city.

Annual Festivals & Events

Dining & Local Cuisine

Bath’s food scene blends traditional British fare with international influences, offering options for every taste and budget. The compact city center means you’re never far from excellent dining choices.

Must-Try Local Specialties

• Sally Lunn Bun: A large, brioche-type bread that has been baked in Bath since the 1680s. Visit Sally Lunn’s Historic Eating House to try the original recipe served with sweet or savory toppings.
• Bath Buns: Sweet, doughy buns topped with crushed sugar and currants. Different from Sally Lunn buns but equally historic.
• Bath Soft Cheese: A local artisan cheese with a rich history dating back to the 1790s. The farm shop is located just outside Bath.
• Bath Gin: Locally distilled gin that makes for a perfect souvenir or gift.

Dining Experiences

Sports, Nature & Outdoor Experiences

While Bath is renowned for its history and architecture, the city and its surroundings offer plenty of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors and active pursuits.

Parks & Gardens

• Prior Park Landscape Garden: Created in the 18th century, this National Trust garden features one of only four Palladian bridges in the world and offers spectacular views over Bath.
• Royal Victoria Park: A 57-acre park opened by Princess Victoria in 1830, featuring a botanical garden, great lawn, and children’s play area. Perfect for picnics in summer.
• Parade Gardens: Beautifully maintained gardens beside the River Avon with views of Pulteney Bridge. Small entrance fee applies during summer.
• Sydney Gardens: Jane Austen’s favorite park, recently restored to its Georgian splendor. Features tree-lined promenades and the Kennet & Avon Canal running through it.

Walking & Hiking

• Bath Skyline Walk: A 10 km (6-mile) circular route offering stunning views over the city. Managed by the National Trust, it takes you through woodlands, meadows, and an Iron Age hill fort.
• Kennet & Avon Canal Path: Follow the towpath east or west from Bath for a flat, scenic walk or cycle along this historic waterway.
• Cotswold Way: This 164 km (102-mile) National Trail begins in Bath and heads north through the Cotswolds. Even walking just the first section offers beautiful countryside views.

Other Outdoor Activities

• Boat Trips: Cruise the River Avon on a traditional passenger boat, or rent a narrowboat or canoe to explore at your own pace.
• Cycling: Bath is surrounded by cycle routes, including the traffic-free Bristol & Bath Railway Path and the Two Tunnels Greenway, which passes through Britain’s longest cycling tunnel.
• Hot Air Ballooning: See Bath from above with a dawn or dusk hot air balloon flight, offering unparalleled views of the city and surrounding countryside.
• Golf: Bath Golf Club, established in 1880, offers one of England’s oldest and finest inland courses with spectacular views over the city.

Day Trips from Bath

Bath’s location makes it an excellent base for exploring the surrounding countryside and nearby attractions. All of these destinations can be visited as day trips, either by public transport, organized tour, or rental car.

Nearby Attractions

Practical Travel Tips

Safety & Etiquette

• Safety: Bath is generally very safe for visitors. Take normal precautions with valuables, especially in crowded areas like the Roman Baths and Abbey Square.
• Tipping: In restaurants, a 10-15% tip is customary for good service, though many places add a service charge automatically. Check your bill before adding extra.
• Queuing: The British take their queuing (standing in line) seriously. Respect the queue and wait your turn, especially at popular attractions.
• Photography: Photography is not permitted in some areas of the Roman Baths and certain museums. Always check for signs or ask staff.

Money-Saving Tips

• Bath Saver Tickets: Purchase combined tickets for multiple attractions to save money. The Roman Baths + Fashion Museum + Victoria Art Gallery combination offers good value.
• Free Walking Tours: The Mayor of Bath’s Honorary Guides offer free walking tours of the city (no tips expected). Tours depart from outside the Pump Room.
• Eating: Many restaurants offer pre-theater menus or early bird specials. Lunch menus are typically cheaper than dinner for similar dishes.
• Shopping: Visit the Guildhall Market for local products at better prices than the more tourist-oriented shops.

Visitor Comments About Bath

Ready to Experience Bath?

Bath isn’t just a destination – it’s a plunge into history, elegance, and natural wonder. From the ancient wisdom of the Romans who first harnessed its thermal waters to the refined vision of Georgian architects who created one of Europe’s most beautiful cities, Bath offers a journey through time that feels both educational and indulgent.

Whether you’re soaking in the rooftop pool at Thermae Bath Spa, admiring the perfect symmetry of the Royal Crescent, or simply enjoying a Sally Lunn bun in a café that’s been serving them since the 17th century, Bath rewards visitors with experiences that engage all the senses.

So pack your comfortable walking shoes, bring your camera, and prepare to be charmed by this compact city where history flows as freely as its famous hot springs. Your Bath adventure awaits!