April 6, 2026
The city of Bath is renowned around the world for its Georgian splendor and is the only UK city to be designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With its grand Georgian buildings, natural thermal springs, Jane Austen connections, and irresistible cream teas, it’s easy to see why Bath welcomes hundreds of thousands of visitors every year.
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Underneath its historical splendor, the picturesque spa town also harbours a fantastic cultural scene. Bursting at the seams with top-notch restaurants, independent cafes, and shops, as well as a vibrant theatre, music, comedy and art scene. There is something for everyone in this breathtaking West Country city. Whether you’re planning a day trip (only 2 hours on a train from London) or a longer stay, this ultimate guide to Bath will give you the full lowdown.
Best Places to Visit In Bath
Best Time to Visit Bath
Each season offers visitors a different glimpse of the city, so there isn’t really a bad time to visit. When planning make sure you check Visit Bath’s festival and events calendar.
Winter
A visit during the winter season can be magical as you wander the streets illuminated with Christmas lights. The Bath Christmas Markets are also open from late November to early December. Bath Abbey is surrounded by 200 wooden chalets, selling locally made artisan products. Enjoy shopping whilst listening to carol singers and drinking hot cups of mulled wine. It’s also the season for the Bath Film Festival and the annual Mozartfest.
Spring
Expect temperatures to be in the low to mid-teens in spring with a guaranteed couple of rainy days. This time of year also brings many festivals, including the Bath Literature Festival, the Bath Comedy Festival and the Annual Flower Show at Royal Victoria Park.
Summer
In the summer months, the streets are full of tourists. Even though it will be the busiest and most expensive time to visit, it’s when you’re more likely to enjoy warmer, sunnier days.
Autumn
Autumn can be a great time to visit as the summer rush is over. Temperatures can obviously be quite cool but on the plus hotel prices are also lower. Once the leaves start turning from green to ochre and dark crimson, the surrounding countryside becomes even more stunning.
Read Next: Best Day Trips from Bath
The Best Things to do in Bath
Admire Gothic Architecture at Bath Abbey
Not a place you can really miss on a visit to Bath. Grade I listed Bath Abbey is a captivating sight with its magnificent gothic turrets, fan-vaulted ceiling, and stained glass windows inside. It’s free to enter but donations are welcome. Fully guided Tower Tours are also offered at £8, lasting 45-50 minutes. Climb 212 steps up to the top of the bell tower, sit behind the clock face, and enjoy spectacular panoramic views of the city from the abbey roof.
N.B. Tours are currently suspended during Covid-19. However private and romantic tours are still running. For more details visit the website.
Bath Abbey | Bath | BA1 1LT
Marvel at the Roman Baths
Probably THE place not to miss off your Bath itinerary. The Roman Baths are one of the world’s best-preserved ancient Roman spas. It was where people went to wash, unwind and socialise in 70AD. The bathhouse complex also housed a temple dedicated to the healing goddess Sulis Minerva. Today, over a million litres of hot spring water still fills the bathing site every day.
There is also a fascinating museum that takes visitors below street level to the Roman Sacred Spring, the Temple of Minerva, and the original foundations of the bathhouse. The many artifacts on display are from the amazing finds from around the spring. Like some of the 12,000 coins thrown into the spring as an offering to the goddess, a Roman skeleton, and a bronze head of Minerva.
Book Now: 1.5-Hour City Walking Tour with Roman Baths Entry
Roman Baths | Abbey Churchyard | Bath | BA1 1LZ
See Pulteney Bridge and Weir
Pulteney Bridge is no ordinary bridge. Built-in the 18th century it was the place to promenade in the time of Jane Austen. To this day Pulteney Bridge is a unique and beautiful place to walk, shop and sightsee. It is one of only four bridges in the world to have shops built across its full span on both sides, similar to Ponte Vecchio in Florence.
The stunning horseshoe weir cascading beneath the Georgian bridge was built to prevent Bath from flooding. It famously features as the River Seine where Inspector Javert played by Russell Crowe jumps from in the 2012 musical film Les Misérables.
Book Now: Sightseeing Boat Cruise with Prosecco
Pulteney Bridge | Bridge St | Bath | BA2 4AT
Unwind at the Thermae Bath Spa
Since you can no longer enjoy the ancient Roman Baths, indulge in the city’s natural hot springs at the Thermae Bath Spa for a similar experience. Relax in the wellness suite with its steam rooms and ice chamber. Soak in the mineral-rich waters of the rooftop pool enjoying views across the city as you swim.
Book Now: Entry to Thermae Bath Spa
Thermae Bath Spa | The Hetling Pump Room | Hot Bath St | Bath | BA1 1SJ
Wander Royal Cresent and The Circus
The Georgians built most of the city we see today, creating the elegant, magnificent honey-coloured buildings synonymous with Bath. It’s a must to stroll along Royal Crescent through Brock Street onto the Circus. The curved row of thirty terraced houses facing a beautifully manicured lawn was constructed in the 1770s. It’s one of the greatest examples of Georgian architecture in the UK with no change to the facade over 250 years. For a glimpse of life during the Georgian period visit No. 1 Royal Crescent. The townhouse now a museum is decorated and furnished in 18th-century splendor.
Book Now: Entry to No.1 Royal Crescent
No. 1 Royal Crescent | Bath | BA1 2LR
Boat Ride on River Avon
A great way to see Bath is from the water, it’s surrounded by beautiful waterways waiting to be explored. Hire a boat from a charming Victorian boating house and enjoy a leisurely day on the River Avon. Or hop on a river cruise and visit nearby Bathampton popping in on the numerous waterside pubs
Bath Boating Station | Forrester Roar | Bath | BA2 6QE | Website
Walking Tour of Bath
Bath is so easy to explore on foot, making a walking tour the perfect way to explore everything the city has to offer. Visitors are spoilt for choice with the number of specialist tours from Jane Austen to ghost walks and the now ever-popular Netflix series Bridgerton tours.
Bath Adventures has a relaxed short 50 minutes tour that gives an overview of Bath’s rich history and covers all the main sights like the Roman Baths, The Abbey, Guildhall, Ancient City Wall, Theatre Royal, and Queens Square. The guides will also leave you with insight into where the best places to eat, drink, and shop. If you prefer short tours or if you’re travelling with family this is a great option.
Places to Eat in Bath
Afternoon Tea at The Pump Room
The Pump Room is found in the same building at the Roman Baths. It’s where Georgian high society used to meet for healing waters they believed would ease their pain and illnesses. The practice of drinking the thermal waters began in the 17th century, with many historical figures visiting like Jane Austen and Charles Dickens.
The natural spring water is still available at the Pump Room and it’s also home to the Pump Room restaurant. A popular venue serving breakfast, lunch, and its famous afternoon tea in a grand setting. Book a table in the stunning surroundings under the glittering chandelier, listening to live salon music whilst enjoying high tea.
Book Now: Afternoon Tea at The Pump Room
The Pump Room | Stall St | Bath | BA1 1LZ
Sally Lunn’s Eating House
Another historical refreshment stop is Sally Lunn’s Eating House, one of the oldest houses in Bath from around 1482. Head here to try one of the famous local delicacies, a Sally Lunn bun. The story goes that French Huguenot refugee Sally Lunn arrived in 1680 and produced the first Bath Bunn.
The famous bun is still baked to a secret recipe and diners can enjoy breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner from an authentic English menu. There is even a kitchen museum in the basement that shows the original kitchen used by the young baker. This is one place not to miss.
Sally Lunn’s Eating House | 4 N Parade Passage | Bath | BA1 1NX | Website
The Scallop Shell
The Scallop Shell is well known in Bath for serving the best fish and chips. With a daily changing menu depending on the catch they also fly the flag for sustainable fish displayed proudly in a roll-top bath filled with ice. Spread across two floors the restaurant has a weather-beaten industrial feel with nautical touches. Vegetarians are also not forgotten – try the roasted portobello mushroom scotch egg.
The Scallop Shell | 22 Monmouth Place | Bath | BA1 2AY | Website
Places to Stay in Bath
There’s a myriad of accommodation options in the Roman city for all travel scenarios and budgets. Below are some top picks:
Luxury Bridgerton vibes
Royal Crescent Hotel and Spa
Minutes from the historic centre, the Royal Crescent Hotel and Spa is an incredible 5-star hotel. Stay on the famous Royal Crescent in one of the 45 bedrooms and suites each kitted out in 18th-century period touches and paintings from period artists such as Gainsborough. Dine in the award-winning Dower House Restaurant and relax in the Montagu sipping on champagne and cocktails. The stunning Bath House Spa which leads out to landscaped gardens offers a relaxation pool, sauna, steam room and indulgent treatments.
Check reviews, availability and book Royal Crescent Hotel and Spa
The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa | 16 Royal Crescent | Bath | BA1 2LS
Artistic Touch
No.15 Great Pulteney
This quirky boutique hotel is a series of three Grade I listed Georgian townhouses converted into 40 unique rooms. The playful interior design entertains the eye with custom-made furniture, murals from local artists and an eclectic mix of textiles. On a stay, indulge in the onsite spa with treatments and enjoy the complimentary larder full of drinks and snacks.
Check reviews, availability and book No.15 Great Pulteney
No. 15 Great Pulteney St | Bathwick | Bath | BA2 4BS
Georgian Self-Catering Chic
Rose & Slate
Your own home in the centre of a historical Roman city – well for a few days anyway. Rose & Slate is an elegant Georgian property with all the modern indulgences. It sleeps four with two bedrooms and three bathrooms, children are welcome and it’s pet-friendly. The characterful house has huge windows, wood-panelled walls, grand cornices and an original fireplace. A black and gold kitchen has everything you need to cook up a storm or visit the many restaurants on your doorstep.
Check availability and book Rose & Slate
Rose & Slate | Nr Monmouth St | Bath
Countryside Retreat
Homewood
This stylish ivy-clad countryside retreat is only 20 minutes from Bath. Part of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World collection it’s surrounded by 10 acres of landscaped gardens with views over the Avon valley. Homewood is a grand eclectic Georgian house filled with unique artworks and fun, modern touches (look out for the giant giraffe in the gardens and monkey sanitiser holder at the entrance). The hotel’s Olio restaurant serves a menu of Somerset ingredients with a Mediterranean twist. On a sunny day, the outdoor terrace gives off all the holiday vibes. The spa area is a real haven with views over the valley from the heated outdoor swimming pool and hot tub.
Check reviews, availability and book Homewood
Homewood | Abbey Lane | Freshford | Bath | BA2 7TB
Budget Mansion
YHA Bath
For travellers on a budget, whether it’s families couples or backpackers this is a perfect option. The Italian-style mansion mixes stunning architecture with homey interiors. Located on Bathwick Hill it comes with private gardens, laundry facilities and a restaurant. Dorms and private rooms are available as well as a self-catering kitchen available too, for those who want to cook up their own feast.
Check availability and book YHA Bath
YHA Bath | Bathwick Hil | Bathwick | Bath | BA2 6LA
How to Get to Bath
By Rail
Bath is very accessible by train, especially if you’re travelling from the South. Direct and affordable, regular high-speed services run from London Paddington taking just 80 minutes. Bath Spa railway station is also conveniently located a short walk from all the city’s attractions.
Check availability and book train tickets
By Bus
National Express runs bus travel throughout England. Regular services run from Bath to all major towns and cities. There are also great connections between from London Victoria coach station, London Heathrow Airport and London Gatwick Airport to Bath bus station
Check availability and book coach tickets
BY Road
Bath has excellent motorway links, easy to travel from London on the M4 or a short drive from Wales on the same motorway. Devon and Cornwall are also very well connected via the M5. Once in the city, there are several car parks which are affordable and easy to find.
Check Prices and Book a Hire car
By Tours
Day trips from London to Bath are very popular. Below are some of the best picks:
Stonehenge & Bath: Full-Day Coach Tour from London
Private Full-Day Tour of Stonehenge and Bath from London
Stonehenge, Windsor Castle, Bath and Lacock Day Tour
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