Bath is a stunning and historic city in England. Steeped in history dating back over two-thousand years, you will be spoiled with options for things to do. Less than a 1.5 hour train journey from London Paddington Station, it is a very easy day trip. We recently did this at the end of our visit to England and absolutely loved it. Next time we go though, we plan to spend more time. There is so much to see and do!
Bath is a very walkable city….everything is packed into a very small area. You do not really need a hop-on, hop-off bus from a logistical sense, but there is a tour option that offers a Bath skyline tour outside the city of Bath and the city itself. Click on image for a link to book.
The Roman Baths are one of the top attractions and is the reason why Bath (as a city) was established. Over 2,000 years ago, the Romans discovered they could harness the geothermally heated waters that came up from underground. The temple was constructed in 60–70 AD and the bathing complex was gradually built up over the next 300 years. For hundreds of years, the Romans used these baths for public bathing. Today, you can visit the Sacred Spring, Roman Temple and the Roman Baths. https://www.romanbaths.co.uk
While it is not possible to use the historic Roman baths themselves, you can still enjoy the same natural hot spring water at Thermae Bath Spa. This one-of-a-kind complex brings the spa into the twenty-first century, with lovely treatments, relaxation spaces and a spectacular rooftop pool offering 360-degree views of the city. This is one of the best things to do in Bath, if time allows.
After visiting the Roman Baths, there is so much more to explore. Be sure to visit the iconic Royal Crescent and the majestic Circus. Bath’s stunning honey colored Georgian architecture is straight from a Jane Austen novel. Bath has many museums and galleries (far too many to list here). Dive into Bath’s culture at The Holburne Museum or relive the Georgian era at No.1 Royal Crescent. Here you will see how life was lived during the late 1700’s. Immerse yourself in the dark world of Mary Shelley and her famous gothic creation at House of Frankenstein. Visit Victoria Art Gallery for classic and contemporary art in a splendid Victorian setting, or learn about the life of Bath-based astronomer and musician William Herschel at the Herschel Museum, which also hosts regular astronomy session.
If you are a lover of Jane Austen novels, be sure to visit the Jane Austen Center. It is located on the same street where she last lived in Bath. The Georgian building offers a glimpse into how it would have looked in her day. The novelist spent several years living and writing in Bath. In fact, two of her novels are set in the city – Northanger Abbey and Persuasion.
The Jane Austen Center in Bath focuses on the life and works of Jane Austen, as well as the Regency period in which she lived. It is a constantly evolving attraction and aims to inform and entertain visitors.
The attraction is interactive and the experience is immersive. Actor guides are dressed in Regency costume, there are period decorations throughout and the exhibits bring visitors closer to Jane Austen. This is a family friendly activity. The Center also organizes another one of the top things to do in Bath, the Jane Austen Festival. You can read more about the festival on their Festival page. https://janeausten.co.uk
Visit the Bath Abbey https://www.bathabbey.org. You can also take the Bath Abbey Tower Tour to see the different, working side of this iconic landmark. Walk up the 212 steps to the top, you will climb past the ringing chamber to the bell chamber, have the chance to stand above Bath Abbey’s vaulted ceiling and sit behind the clock face. Once you reach the roof, you’ll be rewarded with amazing views over the city and surrounding countryside.
Pulteney Bridge is one of only four bridges lined with shops in the world. It was designed in 1769 by Robert Adam and crosses the River Avon. The bridge is named after Frances Pulteney, the wife of William Johnstone Pulteney. William was an important man in Georgian Bath, owning a lot of land in the surrounding area. He had grand plans to create a ‘new town’ to rival that of John Wood’s on the west side of the city.
His grand scheme needed a new bridge and he didn’t want just any old bridge, he wanted a spectacular bridge, one which everyone would talk about. The architecture is Palladian, with pediments, pilasters and tiny leaded domes at either end.
The shops are small and the roadway is not wide, but when the bridge opened in 1770, it was a revelation. Today it is one of the world’s most beautiful and romantic bridges.
Walk across the bridge and explore the tea shops, restaurants and small stores.
Of course, you will want to eat while visiting and have drink or two. What food and drink is Bath known for?
Many pubs serve a traditional pie (meat or vegetarian). The Raven is famous for their “pie and a pint”. It is a traditional old English pub that offers good hearty pies and sausages complemented by an ever-changing selection of real ales, ciders or wine. https://www.theravenofbath.co.uk
Bath is well known for two types of buns….the Bath bun and the Sally Lunn bun. The Bath bun is a sweet roll sprinkled with fruit and crushed sugar. It was one of Jane Austin’s favorites. The Sally Lunn bun is a light brioche-like creation only made at Sally Lunn’s house in Bath. These two rivals have battled it out for centuries, but which one is best? You’ll have to try them both and decide for yourself.
There are also many fine dining options available throughout the city. Several worth mentioning are the Circus Restaurant (voted best restaurant in Bath overall), The Salamander, The Scallop Shell, The Pulteney Arms and The Pump Room. The Pump Room is arguably the best restaurant in Bath with a view, as it overlooks the historic Roman baths. The restaurant won the 2019 Diners Choice Awards and this gorgeous Georgian eatery has been visited by the likes of Jane Austin and Charles Dickens as patrons. It is also famous for afternoon tea.
Abbey Ales was founded in 1997 and is the first and only brewery in the historic City of Bath for over fifty years. The flagship ale Bellringer was successfully launched at the Bath CAMRA beer festival in October 1997 and is now the top selling cask bitter in the World Heritage City of Bath and is as popular with the many visitors to the Georgian City as it is with Bathonians. Interesting fact, Bath MP Don Foster was so impressed with Bellringer he arranged for it to be sold as a guest beer at the Houses of Parliament!
Are you a gin drinker? Bath Gin is unique in a country enthralled with gin. Go to The Bath Distillery to sample (and purchase) some truly unique alcohol. Immerse yourself in the heart of The Bath Distillery with the Distillery Tour Experience. Once greeted at The Bath Distillery Gin Bar with a Bath Gin & tonic, you will begin to learn about the history of gin and how they became the first distillery within Bath in over 250 years. https://www.thebathgincompany.co.uk
If you plan to do more than a day trip, there are many accommodation options. Accommodation comes in all shapes and sizes…from cosy bed and breakfasts and grand guesthouses, to five-star hotels praised for their supreme comfort and style. If you want to be in the heart of the city, you will find a range of hotels in and around the city centre, with everything from chic boutiques hotels and budget stays to high-end hotels with their very own onsite spas.
During our short visit, we stopped into The Windsor Townhouse. It is a charming guesthouse just across the Pulteney Bridge. The owner was lovely and was happy to show us around. We will definitely be staying there next time we are in Bath. The dining room was charming and welcoming and the menu was enticing. We felt like we were in a friend’s home. https://www.bathwindsorguesthouse.com
Be sure to include Bath in your plans for England. There is so much to see and do. Whether you make it a day trip or a longer visit, you will not be disappointed!
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