As you might expect from a place called Bath, this city is famous for its water.
The spa-tacular success of its naturally hot spring water made it a firm favourite with the Romans, who built, of course, some baths.
The Georgians also tapped into its popularity as a spa town, and their creative vision means Bath is renowned for the beauty of its 18th century architecture, as well as being the backdrop to some of Jane Austen’s famous novels of the time.
This legacy led Bath to become a World Heritage Site, making it one of the most popular places in the country to visit, whether it’s for a holiday, weekend break or day trip.
Here’s our round up of 17 things to do in Bath, no matter how long your stay.
I. Did we mention it’s a World Heritage Site?
Yes that’s right, the whole area – making Bath pretty unique in the UK (although Edinburgh runs it fairly close). The City of Bath World Heritage Site was granted this prestigious status in 1987 for its Roman Remains, 18th century architecture, 18th century town planning, social setting, hot springs and landscape setting.
II. When in Bath, do as the Romans did
Roman Baths, Bath. Via visitbath.co.uk (c) Bath Tourism Plus / Colin Hawkins
The well-preserved Roman Baths have been one of the most visited places in Britain for more than 2,000 years.
The magnificent Great Bath remains the centrepiece, but you can also see the Roman Temple and taste the spa water, which contains 43 minerals, from a specially-installed water fountain.
The Beau Street Hoard is also on display. Discovered in 2007 under the new Gainsborough Hotel, this treasure trove, secreted in eight money bags, gave up 17, 577 Roman coins (dated between 32BC – 274AD).
While you can’t take a dip in the Great Bath, you can visit the atmospheric Thermae Bath Spa rooftop pool for a soak with a view or book into a hotel for a spa experience of your own.
Thermae Bath Spa, Bath. Credit: visitbath.co.uk (c) Bath Tourism Plus / Colin Hawkins
III. Admire Bath’s beautiful buildings and landmarks
Bath Abbey was founded in the 7th Century and the present building has undergone significant rebuilding over the years, however it still remains an example of great craftsmanship, with stunning stonework.
DID YOU KNOW? The last memorial to be put in the Abbey was for Sir Isaac Pitman, the inventor of shorthand in 1958.
Sit outside the Abbey in the plaza if its a nice day, or take the Tower Tour for great views of Bath.
Pulteney Bridge. Via visitbath.co.uk (c) Bath Tourism Plus / Colin Hawkins
One of the most romantic bridges in the world can be found in Bath, and the Grade I listed Pulteney Bridge (1774) is rare in that it has shops, cafes and restaurants on the bridge itself (there are only four others in the world like it).
The Dundas Aqueduct is rather bigger, and can be found just outside Bath.
Built by John Rennie in 1805, it carries the Kennet and Avon Canal over the River Avon and you can take a boat trip across it or just spot the wildlife and views.
Royal Crescent, Bath. Credit: visitbath.co.uk (c) Bath Tourism Plus / Colin Hawkins
Bath is probably most famous for its Georgian crescents, with the Royal Crescent (finished in 1775) being a particular highlight. This row of Grade I listed townhouses is familiar from many period dramas and has wonderful views over Royal Victoria Park.
Farleigh Hungerford Castle. Credit: visitbath.co.uk (c) Bath Tourism Plus
The ruins of Farleigh Hungerford Castle are cared for by English Heritage, and lie nine miles south east of Bath.
There’s a crypt, chapel and tombs to tour, with some delightfully rare, and creepy, coffins to see.
IV. Discover more in Bath’s museums
Holburne Museum, Bath. Credit: visitbath.co.uk (c) Bath Tourism Plus / Colin Hawkins
Named after the collection’s founder, The Holburne Museum was Bath’s first public gallery and it has one of the finest locations in they city – in Sydney Gardens looking up Great Pulteney Street.
Free to visit, you’ll find a collection of fine and decorative art, with paintings by Gainsborough and Stubbs among the highlights.
The city also has a Fashion Museum with more than 100,000 pieces of clothing and footwear, and an area where you can dress up like a Victorian.
You can also visit the Georgian Assembly Rooms (1771) as part of your Fashion Museum ticket – the entertainment centre of its time where you could dance, drink tea, play cards or just “be seen”.
Assembly Rooms Ballroom, Bath. Credit: visitbath.co.uk (c) Bath Tourism Plus
The American Museum in Bath an interesting visit – it’s the only dedicated museum to American folk and decorative art outside the USA.
The Bath Preservation Trust, a charity which takes care of the city’s heritage, also looks after four museums.
Known as the best address in Bath – No.1 Royal Crescent – it was built from the finest Bath Stone in the 18th Century. The historic Georgian Townhouse was opened as a museum in 2013.
You can see the Bath Model, a representation of the Georgian city at the Museum of Bath Architectures, when it opens between February and November annually. The exhibits are held in the classically-designed Countess of Huntingdon’s Chapel.
Enjoy one of the best views of Bath by climbing the spiral staircase in Beckford’s Tower.
You can see even further at The Herschel Museum of Astronomy – into space. The museum’s garden is where William Herschel first spotted the planet Uranus.
The Museum of Bath at Work takes you behind the scenes of 2000 years of residents earning a crust in the city – including Bathonians bartering with the Romans, how the famous Bath Stone was mined to visiting a working Victorian soft drinks factory.
Finally the Bath Postal Museum is a small, independent museum, looking at everything from post boxes to stamps.
V. See some more art
Victoria Art Gallery, Bath – Credit: visitbath.co.uk. (c) Bath Tourism Plus
The Victoria Art Gallery has a wonderful collection of paintings, including a fine range of portraits by the likes of Thomas Gainsborough, for which Bath was famous for in the 18th Century.
The Museum of East Asian Art, located in a restored Georgian townhouse, has a large jade collection along with hundreds of objects showcasing the arts and cultures of East and Southeast Asia.
VI. Experience a play or show
Theatre Royal, Bath (c) Freia Turland / Theatre Royal
The award-winning Theatre Royal Bath is the place to see top-class productions with star names. Their production arm has produced more than 120 West End plays.
If you are visiting with children, see what’s on in The Egg, their theatre aimed directly at young people.
They also own a local pub, The Garrick’s Head, which does pre and post-theatre dining, or you can dine downstairs in The Vaults Restaurant at the theatre.
The Old Theatre Royal started off as a theatre, became both a Masonic Lodge and Temple and a Catholic Chapel before reverting back to being a theatre. While the outside of the building, which is in a cobbled backstreet, is uninspiring, the extravagant interior is well worth visiting and you can take a guided tour.
For something a little different, book into a magic show at Krowd Keepers, who perform in the upstairs room at the Ale House Pub in Bath Spa. It’s only got 35 seats, so this is a great chance to see some sleight of hand up close.
At Bath Aqua Glass you can see the intricate art of glass blowing and even have a go at making your own colourful creation.
VII. So you must of heard of Jane Austen…
(c) Jane Austen Festival
Bath and Austen are inextricably linked – she lived there and immortalised the 18th century social scene in the city in her novels.
In September there’s a ten-day event, the Jane Austen Festival, and she also has her own visitor centre where you can play with the centre’s dressing up box and pretend you’re appearing in an episode of Northanger Abbey (the book which mentions Bath the most).
Its preserved buildings have also made it a hugely popular period film location, with Vanity Fair, The Duchess and Dracula among the productions.
VIII. Visit Bath’s parks and gardens
Prior Park, Bath Credit: visitbath.co.uk (c) Bath Tourism Plus
The National Trust owned Prior Park has lovely landscaped gardens along with some of the best views of Bath. Make sure you walk across the Palladian bridge (one of only 4 of this design in the world) and if you’re feeling fit take the Bath Skyline stroll,which takes in woods, meadows, forts, follies and brilliant Bath views in its six mile route.
The Royal Victoria Park was opened in 1830 by an 11-year-old Queen Victoria. It still has beautiful botanical gardens and formal beds, as well as a massive, modern children’s play area, skate park, crazy golf and model boating pond.
The Edwardian Alexandra Park on Beechen Cliff also has wooded views across the city, boule, Petanque, playgrounds and picnic areas.
IX. Get up close to some animals
The Goats get a great view of Baaa-th at Bath City Farm
Bath City Farm has been the site of farming since before the Doomsday Book was written in the 11th Century – and since 1995 it has been run as a charitable project (free to visit but donations are very welcome).
Among the animals you can visit at any time are sheep, goats, chickens, ducks and pigs- and they also have a pony you can groom. They have special events and family activities – so just visit the website to see what’s going on and when.
Falconry flying is a fun way to spend a few hours, and you can visit the West of England Falconry centre in the Midford Valley to have a go with a hawk yourself.
X. See the sights on foot
There are plenty of walking tours around Bath: begin with The Mayor of Bath’s Corps of Honorary Guides, who offer free daily walking tours of the city.
They have 65 volunteer guides (with distinctive badges), who’ll take you round the city, whatever the weather. They were granted The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service in June 2014, and don’t accept tips – they just do it for the city.
You can also see Bath and learn how to take some brilliant pictures on a photography tour. The Bath Photographer, Tony McNicol, has tours designed for whatever level you’re at – whether you just have a smartphone or are armed with the latest DSLR.
XI. Take a Bath boat tour
Sydney Gardens, Bath. Credit: visitbath.co.uk (c) Bath Tourism Plus
The River Avon flows through the centre of Bath, and Bath City Boat Trips have 55 minute tours, including full commentary, along the river.
You can also charter a party boat from them and cruise down the river for up to four hours with your own music (and karaoke if you wish). They’ll sort the food for you – or you can bring your own.
The historic Kennet and Avon Canal is a picturesque place to barge down or even walk along – and you can hire boats by the day or for longer periods.
If you fancy letting someone else do the hardwork, try the Lady Lena, an electric river launch. They do champagne and afternoon tea cruises along the canal.
XII. Get a birds eye view in a balloon
You can fly over the city, as well as reach the Mendips or Cotswolds, by taking a balloon flight.
Obviously this is a weather dependent activity – so check out Bath Balloons for booking details.
Aerial View of the Royal Crescent and the Circus, Bath Credit: visitbath.co.uk (c) Bath Tourism Plus
XIII. Bath has shopping sorted
VisitBath has put together a map of the shopping neighbourhoods, but we recommend a visit to Milsom Street, one of the oldest in the city and home to dozens of historic buildings. This is scenic independent shopping at its best.
Milsom Place, just off the street, also has more stores and restaurants under cover.
Milsom Place, Bath. Credit: visitbath.co.uk (c) Bath Tourism Plus / Colin Hawkins
Another historic thoroughfare is Bartlett Street, where you’ll find the Bartlett Street Antiques Centre, full of collectables and specialist dealers.
Bath Street is also full of listed buildings, and you can visit the shops and admire the architecture while you wander.
The Fine Cheese Shop in Walcot Street has an extensive array of cheeses behind the counter, as well as a serving street food from the shop.
While you’re there – make sure you look up at the Stone Faces in the street – there are more than 30 grotesques handcarved in a Great Wall of faces.
Mr B’s Emporium of Reading Delights has won awards for its independent book offering.
XIV. Browse the markets
The Bath Street Food market, based at SouthGate, happens twice monthly (except in the height of the summer season and at Christmas), where you can pick up mouthwatering meals from local traders.
On the first, third and last Sunday of each month, you’ll find the BathVA Markets setting out their retro stalls at Green Park Station covered market – on the Sunday it isn’t there, the Bath Artisan Market takes over.
The venue also has a Farmer’s Market every Saturday
If you’re looking for a Christmas Market destination, Bath Abbey has established an atmospheric offering in their grounds, with more that 150 chalets selling festive goods throughout December.
Bath Christmas Market
XV. Get something to eat and drink
For fine dining, visit the Bath Priory Hotel, Restaurant and Spa. The restaurant, run by Executive Chef Sam Moody, has been awarded a Michelin star for its exceptional British menu, featuring local, seasonal ingredients.
Contemporary British cooking is also on the menu at the Olive Tree, this fine dining restaurant can be found underneath The Queensberry Hotel.
Round the corner from the Royal Crescent is The Marlborough Tavern, a great gastro pub which also has a large beer garden.
For curry, visit the award-winning The Eastern Eye, their Bengali cuisine gets rave reviews.
You’ll have to try a Bath Bun – this sweet brioche-style roll is a famous delicacy – and many of the establishments claim to have invented a version of it.
One of the most famous tea houses is Sally Lunn’s, which is also in one of the oldest buildings in city. Part tea room, restaurant, shop and museum, you might want to book as there can be big queues.
If you want to try some local beer, Abbey Ales Brewery is the only brewer operating in Bath – their most popular cask beer is the Bellringer.
They have four pubs under their banner, including the Coeur de Lion, Bath’s smallest pub.
For cocktails try Circo Bar & Lounge or the Opium Bar – both take bookings if you are planning on visiting on a weekend.
XVI. Find out more about their festivals
The charity Bath Festivals organises two of the city’s major events: Bath International Music Festival and the Independent Bath Literature Festival (along with its sister children’s literature festival).
The music festival usually takes place in May and June, and focusses on classical music, as well as jazz, world and folk.
There is also a separate Bath Fringe Festival, supporting the arts, which runs at the same time.
Book lovers should travel to Bath in the early spring to meet famous authors and attend talks at the literature event that has now been running for more than 20 years.
(c) Jane Austen Festival
September sees the whole city travel back to the Georgian period for the Jane Austen Festival – expect bonnets, fans and breeches to be sported around the city centre.
The Great Bath Feast is the city’s culinary celebration, and takes place in October – featuring big name chefs alongside local producers – and you can visit food markets, watch demonstrations and enjoy plenty of tastings.
The Bath Beer Festival, has been running for 40 years, or if you really want to spice things up, try the Bath Chilli Festival.
XVII. They’ve got plenty of sports stuff going on
Rugby Union is the hottest ticket in town, as The Rec is home to one of the oldest sports clubs in England.
Bath Rugby Club, who play in blue, black and white, were particularly successful in the 1980s and 90s and are still one of the most recognised teams in rugby – with their ground only five minutes walk from the Roman Baths.
Bath Racecourse has had meets since 1811 and there are 20 fixtures on the flat to enjoy between April and October.
Several of Britain’s top swimmers are based at the National Training Centre in Bath – and you can also have a go in the pool that has produced current Olympians, Michael Jamieson (Silver Medalist at London 2012), Lizzie Simmonds and Siobhan-Marie O’Connor.
View of Bath. Credit: visitbath.co.uk (c) Bath Tourism Plus
Staying there
If you’re feeling inspired to make your trip a longer one, we have plenty of hotels in Bath and the surrounding area.
The port city of Bristol is only 20 miles away from Bath, or if you fancy a trip to the seaside then Weston-super-Mare has a lovely beach.
Don’t forget, you’re also within an hours drive to one of the country’s most popular heritage sights – Stonehenge.
There’s also other weekend break destinations to discover nearby if you want to visit more of the Great British outdoors.
Getting there
It takes just under an hour and a half to get to Bath from London on a fast train via Great Western Railway.
If you’re driving, it’s around two and a half hours (depending on traffic). There’s plenty of parking in Bath, and as the city centre isn’t too big, you should be close to the major attractions.
Visit Bath Car Parks website to see live updates on the parking so you don’t have to drive round aimlessly.
Do you have any Bath tips?
If you live in Bath or are maybe a frequent visitor, then we’d love to hear what you think the best Bath bits are.
Tell us your favourite things to do in Bath by leaving a comment below.
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