The written history of Bath starts almost 2,000 years ago with the arrival of the Romans, but many artifacts have been found near the hot springs that show the presence of people back to about 5,500 BC in Bath and in the surrounding countryside. In more recent history during the first half of the 18th century, the spas became popular again with their claims of healing water. This, along with the Georgian style of architecture taking centre stage, really brought Bath to the forefront of the English social scene making it THE place to see and be seen for the wealthy of British society.
Today modern Bath still attracts countless visitor each year to who come see and experience all these things, and more! From history lovers to Jane Austen fans to those who are looking for a relaxing, romantic weekend away, Bath delivers it all. It is an easy and enjoyable city to visit, with many of the top attractions all within the compact city centre near the pretty Avon River.
Bath is yours for the wandering and exploring, but there are so many things to experience it can be hard to decide what to do first! We, along with some fellow travellers, are here to help you. We have rounded up 21 of the best things to see and do (and eat!) in Bath to help you plan your own visit to this lovely, English city. We recommend you pick the things that interest you most and then leave yourself plenty of time to just take a stroll along the river and savour the history and culture of the city.
A map showing the location of everything can be found at the end of the post.
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WALK ALONG THE RIVER AND WEIR AT PULTENEY BRIDGE
Most people walk over Pultney Bridge but may not notice that on the side of the bridge between the shops are some narrow steps. These lead down to the riverside path and the weir. From here it is possible to see behind the shop fronts of the bridge and see the beautiful Georgian architecture that is hidden from view. The bridge was finished in 1774 and is unique as it has shops on both sides of the road above the river.
There is a lovely calm walk along the side of the river where a second bridge crosses and allows you a view of the bridge and weir from the Parade Gardens close to Bath Abbey and the Roman Baths. This short walk takes you away from the bustle of the city and allows you to see the river that is hidden from view behind the car parks and hotels that have evolved over time.
Recommended by Suzanne of Meandering Wild
Reviews of Pulteney Bridge | Bridge Street, Bath, BA1 1EE, England
APPRECIATE THE PRETTY GEORGIAN ARCHITECTURE
Bath just wouldn’t be Bath without its distinctive 18th-century Georgian architecture, much of which was conceived by John Wood the Elder. He saw Bath as a city destined for greatness (and in our opinion he was right!) and in his search for an architectural style to design the city around, he decided the Palladian style was the most suitable.
The Palladian style is known for its symmetry with the plain facades of buildings decorated with columns, pilasters, and pediments over doors and windows. All around the harmoniously designed city, Wood built graceful terraces, crescents, and villas in this style all in the same pretty, honey-coloured local limestone.
In addition to the historic walking tour that we’ve recommended on this list, in which the guides do a wonderful job of pointing out examples of Georgian architecture and explaining its design, the Museum of Bath Architecture is the place to visit to learn more about the design and construction of the Georgian buildings.
This small museum illustrates the evolution of Bath with an interactive model that traces expansion from the 17th-century forward, highlighting town sights along the way. It also includes examples of everything from window design and wrought-iron railings to marbling and other interior decorations. This is certainly an essential stop in Bath for fans of Georgian architecture.
Recommended by Us
Reviews of Museum of Bath Architecture | The Countess of Huntingdon’s Chapel, The Vineyards, Bath BA1 5NA England
READ MORE: Weekend Guide to Bath: 48-Hour Itinerary
FIND YOUR NEXT BOOK AT MR. B’S EMPORIUM
Bath is a city with countless literary links so it should come as no real surprise to know that it also boasts some amazing independent bookshops. One of the most notable Bath bookshops is the award-winning Mr B’s Emporium located right by the Jane Austen Centre. This is no ordinary bookshop – it has themed rooms, books spilling out of a bathtub, a tropical reading booth and even free refreshments!
This bookshop is fairly large and stocks every genre from thrillers to classics to children’s books. If you can’t decide what to pick up, there are staff recommendations on post-it notes dotted all over the shop so you can be guided in your choices.
And if that’s not enough, you could book yourself one of Mr B’s “Reading Spa” experiences where you sit down with cake and one of their expert bibliotherapists to discuss your reading tastes and pick out some new books. Their staff really know their stuff. Mr B’s Emporium has been named independent bookshop of the year two times already so it’s not one to miss for book lovers in Bath.
Recommended by Laura of What’s Hot
Reviews of Mr B’s Book Emporium | 14-15 John Street, Bath BA1 2JL England
LUNCH AT THE ACORN RESTAURANT
The historic and quaint town of Bath is really quite beautiful, renowned for its baths, hot springs, medieval heritage and Georgian architecture. What one might not expect to experience while visiting this picturesque city, is possibly the best vegan restaurant in all of the UK. It is so good in fact, that Acorn Restaurant is the UK’s first vegan restaurant to be recognised by Michelin Guide 2019, under the guidance of owner and head chef Richard Buckley.
Located next door to Sally Lunn’s Historic Eating House and Museum, Acorn offers an incredibly delicious tasting menu, where £50 will buy you six sensational courses that are both exciting and inspiring. An additional £34 will buy wine pairing, which comes highly recommended!
The ingredients they create their plates with are all farmed properly, with an emphasis on soil health over yields. Along with being 100% plant-based, Acorn is proud to buy locally and not purchase from companies that send unnecessary plastic packaging.
They have successfully created a tasting menu that both vegans and non-vegans could love, with an admirable ethos, serving food that is ‘Good for You. Good for Others. Good for the Planet’ – and that makes three good reasons why you should visit for lunch when next in Bath!
Recommended by Sarah of Dukes Avenue
Reviews of Acorn Restaurant | 2 North Parade Passage off Abbey Green, Bath BA1 1NX England
VISIT THE JANE AUSTEN CENTRE
Bath has a love of books and book shops. Perhaps that stems from some of its famous residents? Jane Austen, the author of many classic stories including Pride and Prejudice, resided in Bath for around six years. Her time in Bath is said to have inspired her book, Persuasion.
The Jane Austen Centre is set within a period property in the heart of Bath. The scene is set as soon as you enter. A striking Regency-era gentleman will greet you. This dashing fellow will be ready to act as your guide, taking you through the small yet full, museum. Your visit takes you on a journey through Jane’s carefree life in Bath. There are plenty of interesting items to look at, including letters from Jane to her much loved sister. I loved reading those as they gave you a real sense of who Jane was.
Towards the end of the tour, Jane herself, (well, a lifesize waxwork of her), will watch over you as you try your hand at writing with a quill. The top floor is where you can have a very English afternoon tea…watched over by Mr Darcy. A must for any Austen fans.
Recommended by Kerry of Kerry Live and Loves
Reviews of the Jane Austen Centre | 40 Gay Street, Bath BA1 2NT England
ENJOY ROYAL VICTORIA PARK
Royal Victoria Park was our last sight for the day on our day trip to Bath. Surprisingly, it was also one of our highlights among all the other day trips from London that we have made. We were so impressed by how massive it was and how much we could do there with our one-year-old baby.
It is only a 15-minutes’ walk from the Romans Baths. On the way, you will be walking through the pedestrian lane full of little souvenir shops, cafes, and restaurants. So, if you didn’t take anything to have a picnic in the park, make a stop for a quick lunch sounds like a good idea.
The first place you will face reaching the Royal Victoria Park is the No 1 Royal Crescent – a Georgian home and heritage museum. Built in 1774, it is the only museum that has been decorated and furnished just as it was back in the days revealing the historical and cultural part of Bath’s locals’ lifestyle. The admission ticket costs £10.90 for an adult. Children have a free entrance before six years of age, after that, you should pay £5.40 per child.
You can spend hours walking in Royal Victoria Park, enjoying stunning views of Bath, and exploring the Botanical Gardens. But the best part we have discovered was the place called Victoria Falls Adventure Golf. It is located on your right side from the Royal Crescent featuring an amazing park and mini-golf area. No doubt, it was our best activity in Bath and a lot of fun for our baby too!
Recommended by Ana of Parenthood 4 Ever
Reviews of Royal Victoria Park | Marlborough Lane, Bath BA1 2NQ, England
READ MORE: Guide to Visiting No 1 Royal Crescent
BROWSE (AND SHOP!) THE CHRISTMAS MARKETS
Every December, the center of Bath fills with more than 150 chalets selling gifts, decorations, and seasonal foods at the city’s famous Christmas market. There are so many vendors, visitors, and entertainers that it feels like the entire historic area becomes part of the market.
The thing that sets the Christmas market in Bath apart from other markets is just how unique it is. You won’t find lots of mass-produced, cookie-cutter merchandise here. Instead, nearly 90 percent of the items sold are from the city and the surrounding region. Nearly everything is local and distinctive.
Alongside items like handmade jewellery and painted ceramics, you’ll find local cheeses, mince pies, and plenty of mulled gin to warm you up as you browse. When you’re done shopping or need a break, you can head to the ice-skating rink at Royal Victoria Park or pop into Bath Abbey for ‘Shoppers’ Carols’, an informal 20-minute service with traditional carols.
Recommended by Laura of Travel Addicts
Reviews of Bath Christmas Market | 2 Terrace Walk, Bath BA1 1LN, England
VISIT BATH ABBEY
Bath Abbey is a grand church located in the heart of the city of Bath with stunning stained-glass windows, Gothic-style fan vaulting in the ceiling, and a crucifix-shaped layout. The church has been a special place of worship in the city for over 1200 years and is today, both a place for Christian services and a destination sought out by travellers.
Visitors to Bath Abbey are able to explore the church and its grounds including the ‘Ladder of Angels’ and the heritage museum in the cellars, and even have the chance to go up into the bell tower to discover the clock face and ringing chamber. The entrance to the Abbey itself is free but Tower Tours cost £8 Adults / £4 Child (5-15 years).
If you visit at lunchtime, you may also be able to witness an organ recital performed on the 4,000 pipes of the Bath Abbey Klais organ!
Recommended by Chrysoula of Historic European Castles
Reviews of Bath Abbey | Abbey Courtyard, Bath BA1 1LT England
RELAX AT THE THERMAE BATH SPA
Photo by profernity / CC BY 2.0
Bath Thermae Spa is situated in the heart of Bath and combines the historic Roman heritage with modern spa facilities and is perfect for winding down after an exciting day of sightseeing in Bath.
Thermae Spa is the only spa in the UK with a naturally warm water source that is rich with beneficial minerals. The main area called Minerva Bath boasts a large thermal bath, massage jet, lazy river, different saunas, ice chamber and relaxation room. The spa also offers a vast selection of 50 different treatments if you need a little extra to relax.
But, the best way to enjoy the spa is to book a ‘Twilight Package’ and watch the sun going down from the heated pool on the rooftop that has an epic view of the city skyline!
Recommended by Mal of Raw Mal Roams
Reviews of Thermae Bath Spa | Hetling Pump Room, Hot Bath Street, Bath BA1 1SJ England
READ MORE: Weekend Guide to Bath: 48-Hour Itinerary
EXPLORE THE FASHION MUSEUM
The Fashion Museum, within walking distance of the more popular Roman Baths, is small but interesting and definitely worth visiting as a half-day adventure. The museum showcases several collections of historic and modern clothes, with both permanent and rotating exhibits. Grab a free audio tour and listen to details about some of the most interesting pieces on display in the ‘A History of Fashion in 100 Objects’ hallway!
Kids and adults will both enjoy the “dress-up” area where everyone can try on period costumes and look at themselves in the mirror. Kids will also enjoy the creative coloring sheets after seeing so many different styles of clothes (see more tips for taking kids to art museums here).
Visitors should know that the audio guide is available in 30 different languages and the building is wheelchair accessible. There is a small gift shop with books and souvenirs, and while no food is allowed in the museum, and there is a public cafe in the larger building that houses the museum.
Recommended by Stephanie of Explore More Clean Less
Reviews of Fashion Museum | Bennett Street Assembly Rooms, Bath BA1 2QH England
SPEND SOME TIME ON THE CANALS
Having lived in Bath for four years my absolute favourite thing to do is to spend time by the canals. Bath is crisscrossed by canals as part of the Kennet & Avon Canal system and these are a peaceful antidote to the busy city centre.
Long walks are a wonderful way to enjoy these historic waterways in every season but in summer they come into their own when you can take boat trips along them. Hire paddle boats or kayaks from the centre or best of all take a canal boat for a few days retreat from the city. See the historic architecture as you drift under bridges and see the Georgian splendour from this unique vantage point.
If you’re visiting Bath with kids this can be a lovely way to spend time around the main attractions and can provide accommodation for the night too.
Recommended by Nichola of Globalmouse Travels
Reviews of Bath Canal Boats | Various – See Individual Operator
AFTERNOON TEA AT THE PUMP ROOM
Photo by Matthew Hartley / CC BY-SA 2.0
For more than 200 years, the Pump Room in the elegant Georgian Hall just above the Roman Baths has been at the heart of Bath’s social scene.
In the 18th century, the wealthy residents of the city would come here to dance, listen to classical music, and engage in conversation. Today this stylish dining venue welcomes everyone to come in and dine and listen to the soft music provided by the famous ‘Pump Room Trio’.
During your stay in Bath, perhaps after your visit to the Roman Baths, why not stop for an English afternoon tea, or enjoy a ‘Bath Bun’? There is also a beautiful fountain where you can get a drink of the famous natural spring water if you’d like to have a sample.
Recommended by Us
Reviews of the Pump Room | Pump Room Stall Street, Bath BA1 1LZ England
LOOK TO THE STARS AT THE HERSCHEL MUSEUM
Sir William Herschel discovered Uranus from the garden of his home in Bath that is now the location of the Herschel Museum of Astronomy. Uranus has the distinction of being the first planet to classified as such with the aid of a telescope, an achievement made even more remarkable given that Herschel was an amateur astronomer.
The museum is dedicated to the achievements of the Herschel’s, both astronomical and musical. Some of the items on display include some of Herschel’s famous telescopes. Built with Octagonal bodies and some of the finest instruments of their time he kept increasing their size in order to see further out into the universe. This culminated in his forty-foot telescope which was the largest in the world for over 50 years.
Visitors to the museum can also go and sit in the very garden that Herschel observed Uranus from using his homemade telescope. Visit Herschel’s workshop where he would cast the mirrors for his telescopes from moulds made of horse dung or explore the music room where Herschel taught students, his musical teachings providing funding for his astronomy.
Recommended by Us
Reviews of Herschel Museum of Astronomy | 19 New King Street, Bath BA1 2BL England
VISIT THE POSTAL MUSEUM
The Postal Museum is one of the smaller museums in Bath but that doesn’t mean it’s any less interesting or informative than some of the bigger, more well-known ones.
The museum tells the story of the United Kingdom’s postal system which contributed to the importance of Bath within the UK. Two men, in particular, are showcased – Ralph Allen and John Palmer – both of whom were influential local figures in addition to being central to the development of the postal service.
On your visit, you can learn about what life was like on a Victorian Mail Coach, the history of postboxes, how mail has been delivered over the centuries, and how the first adhesive stamp (the Penny Black) was posted on Broad Street in Bath on May 2, 1840.
The museum’s exhibits include stamp collections and postboxes from various decades, including a replica of an early Victorian postbox. You can also learn about the history of writing letters and see a display of paper, quills, and ink. There is so much to see and learn here!
Recommended by Us
Reviews of the Bath Postal Museum | 27 Northgate Street, Bath BA1 1AJ England
READ MORE: Interested in learning more about the UK Postal service? Check out the Postal Museum and Mail Rail in London!
VISIT THE ROMAN BATHS
In the first century, the Romans built baths and a temple dedicated to the goddess Sulis Minerva around the spring and medieval monks of Bath Abbey also exploited the spring’s properties. However, it wasn’t until Queen Anne visited in 1702 that Bath became THE place to go for the hot spring waters of the Roman Baths.
Today you aren’t able to get in the mineral-rich waters of the baths, but you can explore the Roman spa complex which is really interesting. With the help of a great multi-language audio guide (included in the admission price), you can learn all about the open-air Great Bath that stands at the heart of the spa, the Sacred Spring where Sulis Minerva was worshipped, the excavated ancient foundations, Roman artefacts, and the actual mouth of the hot spring.
In addition to the informative audio guide, the displays are well-documented so you could easily spend a couple of hours exploring the Roman Baths. We did our own “highlights” tour in about an hour and still felt like we had a great visit. At the end of your tour, be sure to try a cup of the famous spa water which contains 43 minerals and has been attracting visitors to Bath for centuries.
Recommended by Us
Reviews of the Roman Baths | Abbey Church Yard, Bath BA1 1LZ England
READ MORE: Guide to Visiting the Roman Baths
CLIMB BECKFORD’S TOWER
Beckford’s Tower is an imposing folly that was built in 1827 by Bath architect Henry Edmund Goodridge for the well-known William Beckford who was a novelist, art collector, and politician. It was Beckford’s study, library and private art gallery, just a short distance down the avenue called “Beckford’s Ride” from his home on Lansdown Hill.
Built to a height of 47 metres in Neo-classical design, the tower has wonderful sweeping views of the Bath countryside from the ornately gilded Belvedere at the top. Visitors can still climb the 154 steps up the staircase that looks like a nautilus shell spiralling upwards to see similar views as Beckford did himself. At the foot of the tower, what was once Beckford’s garden is now a Victorian cemetery where he is buried.
Today the folly is a museum with Beckford’s extensive collection of paintings, books, and other works of art. It is only open Saturdays, Sundays, and Bank Holiday Mondays for part of the year so it is best to check in advance of your visit to see if it will be open.
Recommended by Us
Reviews of Beckford’s Tower | Lansdown near the Park and Ride Carpark, Bath BA1 9BH England
DO A LITTLE SHOPPING
While out strolling the pretty streets of Bath, you may want to add a little shopping to your visit. Well, you are in luck in Bath because the city has several shopping areas to choose from (or to visit them all!).
The Milsom Quarter which is made up of Milsom Street, Broad Street, and other smaller streets in the area is a great place to find big-name shops, like WH Smith and M&S, along with fashion labels and speciality shops.
The Artisan Quarter is found in the little lanes around London Street and has an eclectic mix of shops and a flea market on Saturdays.
Or stop by the Guildhall Market, the small old-fashioned shopping area across from the Pulteney Bridge. Full of artisan stalls, it is open every day and includes the Market Café which is a great place to pop in for a bite to eat.
From the latest fashions, beautiful ceramics and glassware, works of art, new and used books, to handmade jewellery and more – Bath really does have something for everyone. Personally, when I purchase things on our travels I like to pick up decorative items for our home like small dishes, photos, or paintings all of which remind us of our wonderful memories in each destination and any of these things can be found in Bath.
Recommended by Us
JOIN A HISTORIC WALKING TOUR
If, like us, you love a good walking tour to get acquainted with a new city, you are in for a treat in Bath! Established over 80 years ago when the mayor of Bath took a group on a guided tour, the Mayor of Bath’s Corps of Honorary Guides continue to lead free (they won’t accept tips either) guided tours by volunteers who just want to share their love of Bath with guests to their city.
These dedicated guides turn up every day, sometimes twice a day, to lead a group around the city pouring out all their entertaining stories about the city’s Georgian social scene. The groups meet in the courtyard in front of the Roman Baths and for two hours are recounted the history of Bath from way, way back in Roman times all the way up to the present day. You’ll see all the top sites of the city, along with some lesser-known and tucked away places.
Because the tours are such a great way to get your bearings for your further strolls through the city, we’d recommend taking the tour as early as possible during your stay in the Bath.
Recommended by Us
Reviews of Bath Walking Tours | Varies By Tour
READ MORE: Guide to the Historic Walking Tour of Bath
VISIT THE ASSEMBLY ROOMS
Another building in Bath designed by John Wood the Younger, the Assembly Rooms were built in 1769 and then, unfortunately, were gutted in World War II by bombs. They have now been returned to their 18th-century splendour but only the stunning chandeliers are original.
During the 18th century they were regarded as Bath’s most fashionable meeting place and the elegant rooms were used by the aristocracy and other wealthy members of society for playing cards, glittering balls, and drinking tea. They were also known for their “atmosphere of gossip and flirtation” as described by Jane Austen in her novel Northanger Abbey.
Recommended by Us
Reviews of the Assembly Rooms | Bennett Street, Bath BA1 2QH England
START YOUR DAY WITH A SALLY LUNN BUN
Housed in the oldest building in Bath dating from 1483, is the delightful little historic eating house called Sally Lunn’s which is famous for the Sally Lunn Buns.
The restaurant is also a three-storey living museum that celebrates the life of baker Solange Luyon, known as Sally Lunn. Here she invented her delicious brioche-style bun which she sold to the people of Bath back in the 1700s. As part of the museum, you can see the original kitchen and an exhibition that tells Sally’s story.
In the restaurant, which is open from breakfast, through lunch and afternoon tea, and into dinner, you can try one of the authentic English historic dishes, or just pop in for a bun and a cup of tea to refuel while exploring Bath on your weekend getaway.
Recommended by Us
Reviews of Sally Lunn’s Historic Eating House and Museum | 4 North Parade Passage, Bath BA1 1NX England
HOLBURNE MUSEUM
Located at the end of Great Pulteney Street, the Holburne Museum is one of Bath’s gems. The building was originally the Sydney Hotel where guests of high society stayed but also visited simply for a stroll in the pleasure gardens which still lie behind it. One frequent and well-known visitor was Jane Austen whose main residence was just a short distance from the museum.
Today the elegant 18th-century building, that was the city’s first public art gallery, houses a superb collection of 17th and 18th-century decorative arts, ceramics, silverware and paintings from Renaissance treasures to Gainsborough masterpieces. One really fun exhibit is a collection of caricatures of Bath’s fashionable elite.
The grand façade and gardens are also so beautiful they have appeared as a set location in popular movies such as ‘The Duchess’ and ‘Vanity Fair’, along with some BBC TV series.
There is always something to see at the Holburne Museum with its continually changing temporary exhibits and blooms in the pretty gardens.
Recommended by Us
Reviews of Holburne Museum | Great Pulteney Street, Bath BA2 4DB England
READ MORE: Weekend Guide to Bath: 48-Hour Itinerary
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RESOURCES | PLAN YOUR TRIP TO BATH
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