Things to Do in Bath, United Kingdom

Bath is one of England's most elegant and architecturally stunning cities, renowned for its honey-colored Georgian limestone buildings and UNESCO World Heritage status. This Somerset city has been drawing visitors for over 2,000 years, first as a Roman spa town called Aquae Sulis, and later as a fashionable Georgian resort that attracted high society in the 18th century. The city's compact size makes it perfect for walking, with its graceful crescents, squares, and terraces creating one of Europe's most harmonious urban landscapes. Today, Bath seamlessly blends its rich historical heritage with modern attractions, world-class museums, and a thriving cultural scene. Visitors can still bathe in the naturally heated thermal waters that made the city famous, explore Jane Austen's former home, and admire architectural masterpieces like the Royal Crescent and Circus. The city's pedestrian-friendly center is packed with independent shops, cozy pubs, and excellent restaurants, while the surrounding countryside offers beautiful walks and charming villages to explore.

Top Things to Do in Bath

Roman Baths and Pump Room

Explore one of the finest historic sites in Northern Europe, where you can walk on ancient Roman pavements and see the Sacred Spring, Roman Temple, and the Great Bath. The museum features fascinating artifacts and interactive displays that bring Roman life to vivid detail. Don't miss tasting the mineral-rich spa water in the elegant Pump Room, a Georgian gathering place that still serves traditional afternoon tea.

Booking Tip: Book online in advance for discounts (around £25 for adults). Visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds. Audio guides are included and highly recommended. Combined tickets with Fashion Museum offer good value.

Royal Crescent and Georgian Architecture Tour

Marvel at Bath's most iconic architectural achievement, the Royal Crescent, a sweeping curve of 30 Georgian townhouses that epitomizes 18th-century elegance. Visit No. 1 Royal Crescent, a museum house that recreates Georgian domestic life with authentic period furnishings and décor. The nearby Circus, with its unique circular design inspired by the Roman Colosseum, is equally impressive and photogenic.

Booking Tip: No. 1 Royal Crescent costs around £12 for adults. Free walking tours of the exterior architecture run daily from the city center. Best photographed in golden hour light. Consider guided architecture tours for deeper historical context.

Thermae Bath Spa

Relax in Britain's only natural thermal spa, where you can bathe in the same naturally heated waters that the Romans enjoyed 2,000 years ago. The modern spa complex features indoor pools, steam rooms, and a spectacular rooftop pool with panoramic views over the city's Georgian skyline. The mineral-rich waters are believed to have therapeutic properties and maintain a constant temperature of 33-35°C year-round.

Booking Tip: Sessions cost around £42 for 2 hours. Book well in advance, especially weekends. Twilight sessions offer magical city views. Bring flip-flops and consider spa treatments for full relaxation experience.

Jane Austen Centre and Literary Bath

Discover Bath's connection to one of England's most beloved authors at the Jane Austen Centre, located near her former residence on Gay Street. The exhibition explores how Bath influenced Austen's writing, particularly in Persuasion and Northanger Abbey, with period costumes, interactive displays, and knowledgeable guides in Regency dress. Follow the Jane Austen trail through locations featured in her novels and adaptations.

Booking Tip: Admission costs around £12 for adults. Costumed guides provide excellent insights. Visit during the annual Jane Austen Festival in September for special events. Combined tickets available with Mr. B's Emporium bookshop.

Bath Abbey and Tower Climb

Visit Bath's magnificent medieval abbey, known for its stunning fan vaulting, beautiful stained glass windows, and the famous Jacob's Ladder carved angels climbing up and down the west front. Climb the 212 steps to the abbey tower for breathtaking views over the city and surrounding countryside. The abbey also houses fascinating historical exhibits and regularly hosts concerts in its acoustically superb interior.

Booking Tip: Abbey entry is free but donations appreciated. Tower tours cost around £8 and must be booked in advance. Not suitable for those with mobility issues. Evening concerts offer magical experiences in this sacred space.

Getting There

Bath is excellently connected to London and other major UK cities by rail, with direct trains from London Paddington taking just 1 hour 25 minutes (book advance tickets for fares from £25). The city is also easily accessible by car via the M4 motorway (about 2 hours from London), though parking in the historic center is limited and expensive. National Express coaches provide budget-friendly connections from major cities, while Bath Spa railway station is just a 5-minute walk from the city center, making train travel the most convenient option for most visitors.

Getting Around

Bath's compact city center is best explored on foot, with most major attractions within easy walking distance of each other along well-maintained Georgian streets and pedestrianized areas. The city operates an efficient bus network including the Park & Ride services from four locations around Bath's perimeter, which is the most cost-effective way to reach the center by car (around £3.50 per day). For those preferring not to walk Bath's hills, the hop-on-hop-off City Sightseeing bus connects all major attractions, while taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available for longer journeys or evening transportation.

Where to Stay

City Center near Bath Abbey

Royal Crescent and Upper Town

Pulteney Bridge and Great Pulteney Street

Walcot Quarter

Bear Flat

Widcombe

Food & Dining

Bath's dining scene perfectly balances traditional British cuisine with international flavors, housed in everything from Georgian townhouses to converted medieval buildings. The city is famous for its traditional afternoon tea venues, particularly in the historic Pump Room and elegant hotel lounges, while Sally Lunn's Historic Eating House claims to serve the original Bath Bun in England's oldest house. For fine dining, Bath boasts several award-winning restaurants showcasing local Somerset produce, artisanal cheeses, and West Country specialties, while the vibrant food market, independent cafés around Walcot, and cozy gastropubs offer excellent casual dining options to suit every budget and taste.

When to Visit

Bath is a year-round destination, but late spring through early autumn (May to September) offers the most pleasant weather for walking the city's streets and enjoying outdoor attractions like the rooftop pool at Thermae Bath Spa. Summer brings longer daylight hours perfect for photography and outdoor dining, though it's also the busiest and most expensive time to visit. Winter has its own charm with festive Christmas markets, fewer crowds, and cozy pub atmospheres, plus the thermal spa is particularly appealing in cooler weather, though some outdoor attractions may have limited hours.

Insider Tips

Visit the free Mr. B's Emporium bookshop reading room for literary recommendations and author events in this award-winning independent bookstore

Take the scenic walk along the Kennet and Avon Canal towpath to nearby Bathampton for countryside views and excellent pub dining away from tourist crowds

Book restaurant reservations well in advance, especially for weekend evenings, as Bath's compact size means popular venues fill up quickly

Things to Do in Bath