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City in Somerset, England
Photo: MichaelMaggs, CC BY-SA 2.5 via Wikimedia Commons
Bath is a historic Roman and Georgian spa city. It is famous for its hot springs, Roman period baths, Medieval heritage and stately Georgian architecture. Bath has been double UNESCO-listed as a World Heritage Site, both in its own right (in 1987) and as one of 11 "Great Spa Towns of Europe" (in 2021). Set in the rolling Somerset countryside on the southern edge of the Cotswolds, Bath (with a population around 90,000) offers a diverse range of attractions for its 4.4 million visitors each year: restaurants, theatres, cinemas, pubs and nightclubs, along with interesting museums, and a wide range of guided tours. It is also a university city.
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Built by the Romans around 2000 years ago, and rediscovered by the Victorians, the Roman Baths are the must-see tourist attraction in Bath. The baths are fueled by England's only mineral hot springs, outputting over a million litres of hot water each day. You can wander the rooms that made up the baths, including the large open air 'Great Bath', see Roman, medieval, and Georgian architecture, and learn about the history of Bath Spa. The Baths are superbly maintained and the exhibits are filled with eye-popping archaeology. A fountain at the end offers a free taste of the (filtered) thermal water. Don't forget to pick up your free audio guide at the entrance. Reserve a minimum of 2 hours for a complete visit. As the most popular attraction in Bath there are often waiting lines at the entrance because only a limited number of visitors are inside at any time, so make sure to buy a ticket online or come early if possible.
The last Gothic church in England, started in 1499 and built on the ruins of the former Norman cathedral, this impressively large church (of small cathedral proportions) is next to the Roman Baths. A place of Australian pilgrimage: Arthur Philip, first Governor of New South Wales and founder of the city of Sydney has his burial and memorial within the Abbey. A wonderful view of Bath can be had with a trip up the Abbey tower
Designed by Robert Adam and completed in 1773. It is one of only four bridges in the world with shops across the full span on both sides and overlooks the impressive Pulteney Weir. Tourist trips by boat leave from the Weir during summer months.
Quintessential Georgian street on the other side of Pulteney Bridge. Film location for 2005's Vanity Fair (the Reese Witherspoon version). Made for casual strolling past the Laura Place fountain, down to the Holburne Museum, around Sydney Gardens, then back up Great Pulteney Street. Below Great Pulteney Street is the Recreation Ground, home of the Bath rugby union club.
A magnificent semi-elliptical crescent of houses designed by John Wood and completed in 1774. This was the first of Bath's eight crescents, and its shape remains unique. You can visit one of the houses which has been redecorated to resemble what it would have been like at the end of the 18th century. But you don't need to go in to admire the exterior and its view over Bath. There is also a large semi-circular lawn out the front owned by the Royal Crescent residents. It is separated from Victoria Park by a ha-ha (a recessed landscape design element that creates a vertical barrier while preserving an uninterrupted view of the landscape beyond).
Georgian architecture at its best can be seen at Bath's handful of crescent shaped, residential streets, offering superb views over the city. The Royal Crescent is the most famous, but Camden Crescent offers the best views, Cavendish Crescent is the most petite. Lansdown Crescent and Widcombe Crescent are also fine examples.
Wealthy neighbourhood in the upper part of the city that makes for a pleasant stroll. Attractive Bath stone buildings.
City centre shrine to the original Bath Bun — claims to be the oldest house in Bath, and it very nearly is — the simple but enjoyable museum in cellars is free if guests take refreshment. See below under Eat.
Bath's 'Camden Town' bohemia with "bargain" antiques and weekend markets.
The only museum of Americana outside of the United States. A little way outside of Bath in Claverton (accessible by bus), but well-worth a visit. The gardens in particular are of note, being designed by the celebrated landscape architects Oehme van Sweden. There are also extensive map and quilt collections and a programme of changing exhibitions.
A small tower with an interesting history and museum.
Dating back to 1761, this small garden has been through multiple transformations over the years. It has now been restored to a Georgian style (c. 1770–1836), with gravel, a stone path, and simple topiaries, and is open to the public. If you're near the Royal Crescent, the garden is worth a visit to step back into the Georgian era for a few minutes.
The Circus is a striking circular arrangement of Georgian townhouses designed by John Wood the Elder and completed by his son in 1768. Inspired by classical Roman forms, its three curved terraces feature superimposed Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian columns, creating one of Bath’s most distinctive architectural set pieces.
In the heart of town overlooking the river, this is where the locals come to laze away the afternoon. Small entrance charge for visitors but free to residents. This park normally has a topical floral display and has a bandstand for music in the summer months.
Bath's largest park in front of the Royal Crescent. Ideal for ball games or feeding the ducks. The Botanical Gardens in the north-western corner of the park make for a pleasant wander.
A free park that Jane Austen used to visit.
Visitors can see this grand Georgian town house redecorated and furnished to show how it might have appeared in the late 18th century.
One of the most fascinating museums in Bath. It gives an excellent history of the development of the Georgian city, illustrated with cut-away wooden models which give a better insight than any book into the construction and structure of Georgian houses and their furnishings. It also houses a unique collection of 18th-century builder's tools. No queues, off the tourist track - but only a 7-minute walk from the Roman Baths and set in a wonderful Georgian area of the city.
The, Queens Square. This museum is very popular and a fascinating testament to Jane Austen's lasting appeal. As a museum, it is somewhat disappointing as it is in a house where Jane never lived and contains no items with any connection to her (unless you count items from recent films).
An excellent museum if you are interested in the history of science and astronomy music and culture at the time when Bath was at the height of fashion; it is also a perfectly restored Georgian townhouse of the type lived in by people of 'the middling sort' and the Georgian garden is delightful. William Herschel lived here with his sister Caroline, and it was here that he discovered the planet Uranus using what was then the world's most powerful telescope that he had made himself in his workshop. The museum has a gallery for temporary exhibitions.
Housed in an eighteenth-century Real Tennis Court, the museum traces the development of Bath a retailing and manufacturing centre. If you want to see a side of Bath that's not in the guidebooks, like Victorian factories, this museum is well worth a visit.
This was built in 1813: the River Avon powers a 24 ft (7 m) breastshot water wheel, which lifts water 48 ft (15 m) into the canal. It fell into disuse in 1952 but was restored in the 1970s.
Zinc was mined locally from prehistoric times and copper was plentiful in the West Country: put them together and you get brass. The mill was built in 1720, with an annealing furnace to create the alloy and water-powered mills to work it.
Early 19th-century neo-classical manor house that was converted into a museum dedicated to American history and culture. Prior to being a museum, Claverton Manor was notable for being the location of Sir Winston Churchill's first public speech when he was 23 years old. There are many period rooms inside depicting different areas and times within US history, such as Mrs. Conkey's Tavern which has wooden bars to protect the bar from ruffians. There are also exhibitions and the Mount Vernon garden.
Displays the treasures collected by Sir William Holburne: superb English and continental silver, porcelain, maiolica, glass and Renaissance bronzes. The Picture Gallery contains works by Turner, Guardi, Stubbs and others plus portraits of Bath society by Thomas Gainsborough.
A fascinating selection of ceramics, jades, bronzes, and other art from China, Japan, Korea and Southeast Asia.
A world-class collection of contemporary and historical dress.
A fantastic for a free, pleasant two-hour walk around the famous Georgian city of Bath with the Mayor of Bath's Corps of Honorary Guides. This has been going since the 1930s, and visits many famous historic and architectural places within the city, delivered by enthusiastic Bathonians.
Boat tour to Bathampton and back, turning at the 17th-century Bathampton Weir and Mill. The entire tour takes about 1 hour. A single journey is £5, and return trip can be taken any time. Return ticket is £10.
The historic Theatre Royal in the Sawclose, near the city centre, opened in 1805. It offers a rich programme of drama and other entertainment throughout the year, ranging from traditional pantomime at Christmas to Ayckbourn, folk singers, opera and Shakespeare. Programmes in the past few years have included a summer season mounted by the distinguished director Peter Hall. In addition to the main house, the Theatre Royal has two smaller performance spaces — the Ustinov Studio and a theatre for children, the Egg — and three restaurants, The Vaults, the 1805 Rooms and the Egg Café.
Professional Rugby Union club (15 a side) playing in the Gallagher Premiership, England's top tier. Atmospheric city-centre ground on the banks of the River Avon right by Pultney Bridge. Games roughly every other weekend from October–May. Ticket prices for games run between £15-35 depending on seating/standing location. If you're visiting on a weekend, watching a match is very much recommended.
City play soccer way down in the minor leagues, at Twerton Park, capacity 8840.
is the biggest cinema for the biggest and newest films. It opened in 2006.
shows arthouse and foreign films alongside the newest releases in an intimate environment.
cafe bar and cinema.
runs from late October to mid November.
A live music club.
Excellent, free draining hilltop course. Not overly long but a good challenge for the mid-handicapper. Always in great condition. Located at Sham Castle, near Bath University.
Appealing 27-hole parkland course between Bath and Wick (Bristol). The Crown course is superior to the Cromwell course, which has some newish holes. Nice clubhouse.
Narrow fairways are a feature of this hilltop course next to Bath racecourse: can get windy.
Municipal, nine-hole learners course. Not bad now that the trees have grown up. Superb views over Bath.
Nestled in the 'bowl' beside the River Avon, the Bath Cricket Club has an imperious setting. The church on South Parade offers a picture perfect background. Located on North Parade, five minutes walk from the train station. Bath Cricket Club are one of the stronger regional league sides.
Former early 1970s home of Viv Richards, Lansdown Cricket Club is an equally attractive ground at the upper end of Bath. Located at Combe Park, next to the Royal United Hospital (near Weston village). Bus number 14 runs to Weston from Bath town centre).
This is one of the best experiences you can have as the countryside and horses are wonderful, they have 50 more than horses and can cater for all ages. Prices are extremely reasonable.
Taste the original Sally Lunn Bun made without sugar, not to be confused with the more famous Bath Bun, a small round bun containing sugar and currants. Good lunch time fare - and very popular so you may have to queue at peak times.
Bustling little cafe with great sandwiches and what is possibly the best coffee in Bath. It can be difficult to get somewhere to sit.
Excellent veggie burgers. Highly recommended. Take away only- eat on the benches in Kingsmead Square. They also have an outlet in Walcot Street.
Has been serving traditional fish and chips for over 50 years. Eat in or take-away- seats 60.
A small McDonald's-like burger stand, whose burgers and shakes are quite like how they used to taste in the 1960s.
A popular sandwich shop on Stall Street, a minute walk from the Abbey. Sandwiches are handmade using crunchy baguettes usually for cheaper than a convenience store sandwich.
An excellent place to get a quick lunchtime snack. They have a large variety of bagels which are 'freshly baked everyday' filled with fresh local ingredients.
Based on a Californian franchise, it offers much more flavour than the usual foreign attempts at Mexican.
Greek fast food serving great souvlaki with chips and mixed vegetables, along with a variety of other Greek specialties in large portions. No indoor seating available.
Reinvented as a classy nouveau French restaurant. Situated near Theatre Royal.
A unique family-run Nepalese restaurant in an ornately decked out basement. Reasonably priced and delicious. In keeping with the atmosphere the service can be rather laid back (or some have said, inconsistent). They offer an extensive vegetarian/vegan selection. Book in advance for a Friday or Saturday dinner.
One of a reliable chain of middle-market restaurants with branches in many of the most attractive towns in southern England including Bristol, Cambridge, Oxford, and Windsor.
Opened in 2021, is British cooking especially game.
Large vegan cafe serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
8A Quiet Street, City centre restaurant set in a huge Georgian room. Excellent food and service. Highly recommended. Book ahead unless you're going very early evening. Service charge (tip) is included in the bill.
Authentic Thai food in pleasant surroundings and at a reasonable price.
Great steak and seafood in stylish surroundings.
Top notch food, along with top-tier prices.
Some of the best fudge you'll eat, and a discount for school children. Watch the different fudge flavours being made and then try a piece before you buy. You certainly won't regret going in there. The shop also caters for special occasions like weddings and offers a range of gifts.
Popular with young locals, not exactly cheap but definitely worth it for a wide selection of melt-in-the-mouth cookies.
Popular local tea room, with afternoon high tea available. Fairly busy so recommendations are recommended, even in the dead of winter.
A tithe house of Bath Ales.
Friendly pub with a good selection of real ales. Famous for its hearty pies 'n' mash and for having a good selection of less traditional board games (ask at the upstairs bar).
Very small, characterful old pub. Squeeze through the door, elbow your way to the bar and order some real ale or cider.
The heartbeat of Bath's bohemian quarter. With a superb array of real ale, regular live music and a great atmosphere. A large pub garden at the rear.
A tithe house for Abbey Ales. The same now as it was 100 years ago. The small rooms, wooden benches, and old coin games offer a genuine atmosphere. This very much a locals pub, but a very friendly one... just try not to let yourself get hustled at the games!
Just across the river from the centre, this pub's only stand-out feature is the traditional skittles alley at the back of the pub.
A large popular pub, with a less traditional approach and clientèle (mainly students) than those listed above. Space to enjoy your pint outdoors, which is well heated on cold nights.
Notable for having an outdoor area, which is rare in Bath, and good food too.
Serves food and has a wide selection of quality European and UK Beers. Has live Jazz on Sunday Evenings.
Bath's oldest pub can be found in Broad Street. Legend/misconception has it that Charles Dickens stayed here. A large commercial pub, with little atmosphere compared with Baths other pubs.
A large beer garden by the river, which is popular with university students as soon as the sun comes out. Nice in the summer evenings.
Offers a handful of local ales and ciders. Just to the south of the centre of Bath on Widcombe highstreet, a short walk from the train station.
Parade Park
Scooter-themed pub along North Parade (near train station and Parade Gardens).
Overpriced Bar with huge, intimidating steroid junkie bouncers. Popular with large parties before they head off to a local nightclub.
Two-floor vodka bar with live DJ sets on weekends; very busy, magnet for fashion victims and dolly birds.
A bit of class on the road towards Lansdown. Intimate, metro-style bar - quite romantic.
Friendly, 'real' pub situated in the city centre. Welcoming and inexpensive.
Good food and grassy terraces leading down to the river - and overlooked by an aqueduct. Superb in the summer. You can get a train as there is a small station just two minutes walk away, get a taxi or take a very scenic walk along the River Avon (about 8 miles from Bath city centre or 2 miles from the station at Bradford on Avon).
The Wheatsheaf was built in 1576. It became a pub in the 18th century and with its wooden beams and roaring log fire, has retained all its original charm. Good food, large gardens, take a taxi.
This is where Bathonians head to get authentic glow-in-the-dark cider. It's strong stuff served in what feels like someone's living room. Take a taxi.
With 700 years of hospitality, the George is positively oozing with history, with flagstone floors and antique furniture you'll be transported back in time. If you go in winter you'll be glad of the open fire to keep you warm.
Gorgeous little country pub dating to 17th century, had a community makeover in 2018. Great food.
Charming old pub by the river locks, gets great reviews for its Sunday lunch. Dog-friendly.
One of the city's most popular destinations after pre-drinking around town. Popular with students.
A classy bar perfect for chilled drinks, it does have a small dance floor. Opa has Bath's only Spanish Night on a Wednesday and a Gay night on Thursdays.
Wednesday night hosts Discord, the city's most famous rock night. Thursday is also very popular. Very young crowd.
To the north of the town centre on Walcot Street. Popular with students.
Bath Backpackers is a vibrant, community-based, independent hostel for travellers who would like to experience Bath in good company.
Bath Hostel
A well known youth hostel located in the centre of the city. Part of the St Christopher's hostel chain.
Ordinary, well-maintained hostel. WiFI is iffy and doesn't reach the rooms. Breakfast is available for an extra charge. If travelling by yourself, try to book the "leader's room" (intended for the chaperone when a school group stays at the hostel); it gives you the privacy of a private room at roughly the price of a dorm bed.
Decent youth hostel accommodation from £12.95 a night in an Italianate mansion on the outskirts of the city. Frequent bus service serves between the Youth Hostel and city centre.
There are 2 in Bath- One relatively near the station (Bath Waterside) and one on George Street (Bath Central). Both give excellent rates (between £19-59) if you book far enough in advance. Walk-in rates tend to be extremely high (~£80) due to being in Bath! Waterside tends to be cheaper than Central. Beware if booking Bath Central- there is a nightclub beneath the hotel. Ask for a room on the top floor if you want a good night's sleep!
About 1 mile from city center. From £59 for a double room with basic breakfast.
The university has 30 double rooms available year round (prices from £60 per night) and from June to September has 2,300 rooms available to suit all budgets.
formerly Hilton Bath City
The rooms are small, but with comfortable beds, work station, 32-inch HDTV and WiFi.
Comfortable and relaxed atmosphere, well-equipped rooms, great breakfasts, reasonable rates.
Closed for refurbishment until 2021. Stylish B&B with 10 rooms in knock-through of two Georgian town houses. No dogs.
Hotel with original Georgian character - that means no lift to the upper floors. Assistance dogs only.
Located in the heart of the city, the hotel was designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel and was opened over 150 years ago.
Bailbrook Lodge is a splendid Georgian Mansion designed by the famous architect John Everleigh
Bath Self Catering
Purbeck Holiday lets is the perfect location and setting if you are visit the beautiful Roman city of Bath, whether on family holiday, romantic break for two or enjoying the company of friend and colleagues.
A stunning boutique hotel where luxury is affordable (and the views are free). As seen on The Hotel Inspector (Channel Five, 2006), Sue Keeling daughter Toni provide a relaxing and enjoyable stay.
Opulent B&B in a Victorian villa. No children under 12 or dogs.
Georgian townhouses with modern decor. Their Olive Tree restaurant gets great reviews but is only F-Su. Assistance dogs only.
Quirky hotel and spa in a Georgian terrace, full of antiques and curios. Stylish and comfy.
Comfortable stylish Georgian manor, 30 min walk to town, buses pass the door. Assistance dogs only.
Grand but not intimidating, this top-rank elegant hotel and spa forms the keystone of Royal Crescent, all Grade I listed. Pricey, but it earns great reviews for comfort, service, facilities and cuisine.
One of Bath's flagship hotels - 5-star luxury with fine decor and amenities. Bath Spa Hotel is the celebrity's favorite: Joan Collins and Felicity Kendall have been spotted there. A nice grotto is a feature of the large front lawn. Adjacent to the attractive Sydney Gardens - a great starting point for the mile-long canal walk to Bathampton village.
Comfy B&B in Victorian villa by Henrietta Park.
Exceptional country hotel in Georgian country manor, gets rave reviews for comfort, service, decor and dining. Assistance dogs only.
Slightly quirky indie bookshop with a particularly interesting selection. Don't forget to go upstairs to see the sections on the first floor.
By train
Wikivoyage has a guide to Rail travel in Great Britain
By bike
The Bristol-Bath Railway Path is part of the National Cycle Network (R4) and provides a cycle corridor between the city centres of Bath and Bristol. Travel time is about 90 minutes.
By car
Get off the M4 at Junction 18, follow signs for about 10 miles (16 km). Use the Park-and-Ride facilities!
By bus
Bath's bus station is close to the railway station and buses to most destinations outside the city leave and arrive at this location. It is served by:
By foot
Some of Bath's shopping streets feel like pedestrian-only areas - but aren't.
By public bus
Typically for British public transport, public buses are at best adequate.
By tourist bus
Tour buses complete an enjoyable circuit of main attractions; they can be picked up en route or at the main bay at 'Bog Island' (for the Skyline tour) or next to the fountain near Bath Abbey (for the…
By taxi
There are taxi ranks outside the train station and the Abbey, and Kingsmead square. Taxi firms are well advertised locally.
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