Bath is a picturesque small town located in Somerset, England. While the Roman Baths and their contemporary Therema Bath Spa are the main draw to the area, the city has a lot more to offer than ancient hot springs. Beautiful architecture, rich heritage, vibrant culinary scene, and its many, many museums make Bath an easy choice for a relaxing weekend getaway.
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This trip was partially hosted by Visit Bath who did not review or approve this story.
Travel tip: A scenic train ride from London will take you directly into the heart of Bath in just over an hour. Book your train journey with GWR or GWR National Rail, £47.50+ one way. Pay attention to the duration of the trip, some trains are faster than others.
What to see & Do in Bath, England
Take time wandering the streets
Some time in 60 AD, the Romans found hot springs in this region, and so they stayed and built baths and a temple. Naturally, many different people and cultures resided in the region since, eventually turning the area into a popular spa destination during the Georgian era. The extensive development made during this period is definitive of what Bath looks like today. It is no surprise that quite a few scenes in Bridgerton were filmed in Bath.
Bath is a very walkable city. With intertwining streets connected by passages, it is easy to get slightly lost, but within that diversion, you will more than likely discover something new to admire. Bath Guildhall Market is one of those connecting passages, packed with over twenty boutique shops and cafes. Make sure to take a stroll through Green Street where independent shops, grocers, and pubs are door to door, setting a vibrant neigbourhood vibe.
Walking from the train station, you will come across, and likely pass through, the infamous Pulteney Bridge. Built by Robert Adam in 1769, it is the only bridge in the world with shops on both sides, making it feel more like a regular city street than a transportation necessity. During the day, walk along the main road to take in the bridge in its full glory from a distance.
One of the most notable structures in the city is the Bath Abbey, or The Abbey Church of Saint Peter and Saint Paul. First built in the 7th century, the Abbey has been rebuilt in the 12th and 16th centuries. Both inside and out, this is a beautiful example of Anglo-Saxon architecture. The main hall is frequently open for live music performances, acoustics there are ideal for classical instruments. Bath Abbey’s Tower, 212 steps above ground, is where one goes for the best view of the city.
Bath Abbey | Map link
Admission: £9.00 adult, £7.50 student, £5.00 child, infants are free.
Tower admission: £18 adult, £15 student, £12.00 child.
Tower Tour tickets include a guided tour of the tower, access to the Abbey floor, and the Discovery Museum.
Take the longer walk to the Royal Crescent to witness this phenomenal circular architectural wonder. The structure is 500 feet long and contains 30 terraced houses, overlooking a pristine park. Built in 1767, The Royal Crescent is a UNESCO-recognised iconic structure. The uniformity of the building was enforced on its residents by the Bath City Council. Miss Wellesley-Colley famously defied the rules by painting her front door and windows primrose yellow and even had to defend her colour choice at a public inquiry. While you are there, stop by the No. 1 Royal Crescent Bath for a taste of local history and seasonal immersive exhibitions.
No. 1 Royal Crescent Bath | Map link
Admission: £16 adult, £14.50 student and seniors, children under 18 are free. The ticket is good for multiple visits.
As an important heritage city, Bath hosts a lot of walking tours. Explore your options on TripAdvisor, GetYourGuide, or Expedia. Free tours are offered by the Mayor of Bath’s Honorary Guides.
Bath Abbey interior. The image in the centre includes a special art piece set up for Remembrance Day. Images by Kateryna Topol.
Roman Baths & Baths to bathe in
Learn about the intricate history of the region at The Roman Baths as you wander through this ancient structure. Before the Romans, the springs were dedicate a goddess named Sulis, locally identified with Minerva. Many myths and legends are tied to these waters. The journey through the Baths is one way, leading you along the water pools and into the museum. The museum contains a beautiful collection of artefacts, some of which were thrown into the spring as offerings to Sulis.
One of the best preserved Roman Sites in the world, this historic centre is a treasure chest of ancient innovation. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987, the Roman Baths still fill with over 1,170,000 litres of natural hot spring water daily.
Roman Baths | Map link
Admission: £23.50 adult, £22.50 student and senior, £16.50 child. Add £3 to each fare for weekend visits. Late evening openings will be back for the summer. Guided tours are available.
Celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, Thermae Bath Spa is what makes Bath a wellness destination today. The four-story spa complex takes advantage of the mineral-rich waters just as the Romans did thousands of years ago. On the lower level is a large thermal pool, while higher up, guests will find steam rooms and other relaxation areas. The main attraction is, of course, the rooftop pool with a view of the Abbey. Thermae also has a cafe with a terrace, and the best spa package includes wine and charcuterie.
Thermae Bath Spa | Map link
Admission: Starts at £44 and has a 2-hour limit. Minimum age for the baths is 16.
Explore Bath’s museums & Galleries
The majority of museums in Bath are quite small, you can check them off your list casually over the course of two days. Famous authors, like Jane Austin and Mary Shelley, have both lived in Bath, so naturally, there are museums dedicated to them. The Jane Austen Centre visit includes a small theatrical introduction and a self-guided tour. The Mary Shelley’s House of Frankenstein is located just next door and is a stark dark contrast to the romantic world of Austen. In the basement of this building, is a room that comes with a warning. An escape room experience, of course, is also available.
The Jane Austen Centre | Map link
Admission: £17 adult, £15.50 students and seniors, £9.50 child.
Mary Shelley’s House of Frankenstein | Map link
Admission: £16.75 adult, £14 students and seniors, £12.50 child.
Nearby, you will also find the Herschel Museum of Astronomy, Bath World Heritage Centre, Bath Royal Literary and Scientific Institution, Bath Medical Museum, and a few others.
Make sure to make time for The Victoria Art Gallery, set at the top of the Pulteney Bridge. The gallery opened in 1900 to commemorate the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Victoria and houses over 1,500 objects and paintings from classical and modern British artists. The Bath Society of Artists’ 121st Open Exhibition is on till November 2026. The exhibition is an impressively large showcase of work from amateur and professional artists across the country.
The Victoria Art Gallery | Map link
Admission: Parts of the art gallery are free.
Special exhibitions are £9 adult, £8.50 students and seniors, £4 child.
Breakfast at The Roseate Villa Bath. Images by Kateryna Topol.
Where to eat & Drink in Bath
If you find yourself in Bath in March, make sure to look at the Bath Restaurant Week. One of the main events this week is the Waiter’s Race at the Royal Crescent, a surely comedic annual celebration that many local businesses take part in.
Restaurants, pubs & Cocktail bars
Michelin Guide recently named Bath one of the top 10 destinations in the world for food. Walking around the city, it is hard to miss the many restaurants, cafes, bakeries, and pubs. Michelin Guide includes restaurants across Somerset, from Bath to Bristol, but a few of these notable stops are here in the city. Olive Tree Restaurant holds a star, while Beckford Bottle Shop and The Chequers have a Bib Gourmand. Stars aside, Bath’s culinary range spans many cuisines, from tapas at Pintxo de Bath to Italian at Solina Pasta. And you can always find uniquely local seasonal dishes at Emberwood. New this year, Somerset-based pizza restaurant Pizzarova will open a restaurant in Bath.
Classic English pub fare can be found across the city. The Raven, for example, is a traditional English pub with a maze of rooms and corners serving hearty and delicious pies and stews served with seasonal vegetables and taro chips. Here you will also find a dress cask ale selection, great service and good vibes. The Old Green Tree and Bath Cider House are close local favourites.
In the city centre, you will also find The Dark Horse, a classic cocktail bar. Open late nightly, this is a great spot for expertly made craft cocktails served in a cosy, yet vibrant environment. The beverage team offers in-house creations and classics made with local spirits and ingredients sourced within 15 miles of the bar. Opium Bar, tucked away in the vaults below Grove Street, also came highly recommended.
If you are limited on time, consider joining a guided food tour, like Local Pubs & Historic Sights, British Wine and Cheese, or one of the multiple tours offered by Savouring Bath. Add an extra day to your itinerary with a day trip to Wells for a Cheddar Cheese and Cheddar Gorge tour.
Left: The Raven pub. Right: Cocktail and one of the seating areas at the Dark Horse cocktail bar. Images by Kateryna Topol.
Don’t skip the classic Afternoon Tea
Afternoon tea while in Bath is a must. The most notable location for this classic afair is, of course, the Pump Room Restaurant, set near the Abbey in the Roman Baths building. The restaurant offers Morning Bakery and Brunch and Jane Austen Afternoon Tea. Reservations are strongly recommended for both. Hotels like The Roseate Villa Bath and The Royal Crescent also open their doors for the traditional feast, offering two to three-course meals and a glass of bubbly.
Events & Entertainment in Bath
A wide range of festivals takes place in Bath throughout the year. Some of those include the Bath Literature Festival, Curious Minds, Queer Bath annual festival, Bath Comedy Festival, The Jane Austen Festival, Film Bath, and Bath Christmas Market.
Bath International Music Festival focuses on classical music across a series of five concerts, some held at Bath Abbey. Other local music festivals include Bath Bachfest in February and Bath Mozartfest in November. New this May is the Bath Festival Of Choirs, free to the public.
Regular programming includes shows at The Theatre Royal Bath, with performances across all genres in a beautiful theatre setting. Fever, a global entertainment company, hosts live performances and the Candelight concert series at the Abbey.
Where to stay in Bath, England
While larger hotels are often located outside of the city center The Roseate Villa Bath is a short walk across Pulteney Bridge. This beautiful boutique hotel, set in a historic building, can be a destination on its own. The outdoor terrace is great for relaxation, while the on-site restaurant serves delicious, filling breakfast, afternoon tea, and a wonderful nightly dinner.
For a taste of luxury, consider The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa. Set behind the Roya Crescent half-moon building, this two-Michelin-Key hotel has a private garden and a full-service spa with a steam room, sauna, and hot tub. The on-premises restaurant has a garden terrace, casual bar, afternoon team room, and a beautiful dining room.
Roseate Villa Bath
Rooms starting at £165 / $285 CAD for a classic double
Henrietta Rd, Bathwick, Bath BA2 6LX, United Kingdom
Book directly on roseatehotels.com to take advantage of special offers. Compare rate to: Expedia | Booking.com |TripAdvisor
The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa
Rooms starting at £408 / $760 CAD for a classic double
16 Royal Cres, Bath BA1 2LS, United Kingdom
Book directly on royalcrescent.co.uk or with your favourite booking site Expedia | Booking.com | TripAdvisor
Roseate Villa Bath hotel. Images by Kateryna Topol.
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