Bath, located in the southwest of England, has drawn visitors for centuries thanks to its hot springs, historical sites, and beautiful honey-colored Palladian architecture. Here’s a guide to the top activities in Bath, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It features the iconic Roman Baths, stunning Georgian architecture, and a variety of excellent museums, parks, and dining options.
If it attracted Roman pilgrims traveling to Aquae Sulis or the Georgian upper class as depicted in Jane Austen and Bridgerton, there’s certainly a lot for any culture lover to enjoy!
Bath is an absolutely beautiful city packed with history. You can really sense the past around you, especially in parts that are nearly two thousand years old. If you’re on the hunt for great things to do in Bath, you’re in luck—there’s a ton of amazing activities to pick from. The city has a diverse range of experiences to offer. For this reason i am sharing with you some of the great things to do in Bath – perfect for a day trip or a weekend city break in the UK.
Ten Great Things to do in Bath
Roman Baths
The Roman Baths are the main draw for visitors in Bath. Featuring a reconstruction of the ancient Roman bathing pools alongside a museum that showcases 2000 years of history. The Roman Baths are the exact reason why the city was founded,
They’re probably the most famous Roman baths in England. Over 2,000 years ago, the Romans figured out how to take advantage of the naturally heated waters bubbling up from the ground.
For centuries, these baths served as a public bathing spot. The site included the Roman Bath, a temple, and the Sacred Spring.
An audioguide is available in the baths and museum.
Today, you can still check out the geothermal spa and learn about the Roman temple and the sacred spring that used to be there. While swimming isn’t allowed here, don’t worry—there are other places in Bath where you can take a dip. It’s definitely a must-visit if you’re into history!
You can explore the museum exhibits to discover what life was like in the Roman town of Bath, particularly at the temple dedicated to the Goddess Sulis Minerva, where her golden head is showcased. Check out the models of the temple and bath complex, featuring its stunning stone pediment and the Gorgon’s head.
Pulteney Bridge
Pulteney Bridge was completed in 1774 designed by an architect Robert Adam. The Bridge is in the heart of Bath so you really cannot miss it.
The bridge features a line of little shops built into it, there are also a couple of cafes -try to get a seat with a view. Walking across the bridge and alone the riverside is definitely a highlight of visiting Bath.
There are also river boat tours that you can take along the river, perfect on a sunny day.
Bath Abbey
Bath Abbey, the grand cathedral of the city, sits right next to the Roman Baths. As one of the tallest buildings in Bath, this stunning abbey dates back to the seventh century and is definitely a must-see when you’re exploring the city center.
You’ll notice that both the Abbey and much of the city are made from Bath Stone, known for its distinctive color. This stone has been used in the construction of nearly every building in the area and is now protected. Once you step inside, make sure to admire the beautiful stained-glass windows and the impressive vaults above. It’s truly a breathtaking experience and undoubtedly one of the best ways to connect with the rich history of Bath.
You can also join a tour to ascend to the tower of the abbey. You check out the clock, bell tower and there are some amazing views.
Thermae Bath Spa
If you’ve been eager to dive into one of Bath’s geothermal pools, check out the Thermae Spa. This one-of-a-kind spa allows guests in Bath to soak in mineral waters sourced from the historic hot springs, which the Georgians believed had therapeutic benefits.
The Thermae Bath Spa launched in 2006 following an intricate redevelopment process that involved archaeological digs, the restoration of historic Georgian buildings, and the creation of a sleek, modern glass spa facility.
You can soak in the spa and the outdoor rooftop pool, both warmed by natural geothermal heat. It’s a beautiful experience, and the spa is amazing. If you’re looking to unwind, it’s truly one of the best activities in Bath. Just keep in mind that the busiest times get booked up fast. Booking ahead is advised but they do have a small selection of walk in times too.
Sally Lunn’s
After a bit of exploring, your stomach will surely be hungry! You have to check out Sally Lunn’s, a place that’s been making delicious buns in Bath for centuries. Nowadays, Sally Lunn’s is like a must-see spot—you really can’t overlook it. Just a heads up, it tends to get busy during peak times, so plan your visit accordingly to dodge the crowds.
The Sally Lunn tea house features tables spread across three levels and doesn’t accept reservations during the day. It’s a favorite among visitors, and while you might have to wait a bit in the hallway before getting a seat, you can usually find a table fairly quickly.
The Royal Crescent
Constructed in the 1770s, the Royal Crescent features an impressive row of Georgian townhouses that face Victoria Park. Originally, these homes had a view of open parkland, prompting the creation of a haha, or hidden ditch, to prevent sheep from wandering too close to the houses.
The concept of Bath’s Palladian architecture was to provide affluent guests with a rental option that matched the grandeur of their own country estates, all while offering a convenient spot to enjoy the social season in Bath.
If you’re already in town, checking out the Royal Crescent is super easy and absolutely beautiful to see. It’s also one of the filming spots for the Bridgerton series.
From the Crescent, take a stroll down Brock Street to the Circus, where you’ll find stunning buildings arranged in a circular layout. You can easily spend a lot of time exploring the area and snapping some amazing photos.
Many of the homes on the Royal Crescent are privately owned, but you might want to check out the 5-star Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa at No. 15. They offer lunch and afternoon tea in their lovely gardens, and it could be a great spot to visit or even stay.
No 1 Royal Crescent
At one end of the Royal Crescent, you’ll find a museum that illustrates the lifestyle of affluent visitors to Bath. Number 1 Royal Crescent is set up to reflect how it would have looked in the late 18th century, a time when Bath was the go-to spot for high society. The exterior of the house even appears in the series Bridgerton, standing in for the London home of the Featherington family.
While exploring the house on your own, you’ll find that the rooms come alive with an engaging experience, thanks to the stories shared by a wealthy family who has rented the place for the season.
Open: Tuesday – Sunday (Closed in January) Opening hours: 10am – 5.30pm
Ticket Price: Standard adult ticket from £15.50
Website: No1royalcrescent.org.uk Address: 1 Royal Crescent, Bath, BA1 2LR
Jane Austin Centre
If you’re a fan of Jane Austen, the Jane Austen Centre is a fantastic spot to dive deeper into the life and works of this iconic author, especially her connections to Bath. The only spot in Bath where you can really feel Jane Austen’s presence
It features a small yet fascinating exhibit showcasing how Bath influenced her novels. Particularly since much of Northanger Abbey and Persuasion is set in the city. You’ll see characters in period attire that bring the place to life, along with displays and a short video that paint a picture of early 19th-century Bath.
You can dress up as in costumes and have photos taken. You can also try writing with a quil pen
There’s a life-sized wax figure on show that really captures what Jane Austen might have looked like. Up in the cozy Regency tea room on the top floor, you can indulge in a fancy afternoon tea, featuring menu items inspired by Jane Austen characters like Mr. Darcy, Lady Catherine, and Miss Dashwood.
Take a hop on and off bus tour
Bath has two Hop on Hop off bus services: Tootbus and City Sightseeing. They both provide comparable tours along the same two routes. The City Tour takes you around the key attractions in the city center, whereas the Skyline tour explores the scenic countryside and nearby attractions just outside Bath.
You will find multiple locations where Bath sightseeing buses start their routes. They offer a hop-on/hop-off ticket, allowing you to explore different attractions around Bath. It’s a perfect way to take in the sights, especially on a sunny day when you want to unwind. If you’re interested in a different perspective, consider getting a skyline ticket, which lets you see various locations from above, in addition to the stops in the city center. Just be cautious of any branches if you choose to sit outside. You can purchase a ticket for both options or just one for the city center.
Shopping
Tucked away between Bath Abbey and Pulteney Bridge, Bath Guildhall Market might fly under the radar. This delightful indoor market has a retro feel and is home to around 20 distinct stalls and cafes. The building dates back to the 19th century and has some lovely iron work in the centre of it.
Bath boasts a diverse selection of markets and stalls offering an array of products and goodies for purchase. The Guildhall Market is definitely worth a visit, and you’ll discover numerous vendors close to the Roman Baths as well. Enjoy a leisurely walk through the city and pick up some locally crafted treasures. The lanes are a really good place to shop.
This article only touches on the amazing experiences waiting for you in Bath. Be sure to schedule your visit to this historic city soon! If you’re in London, Bath is just a couple of hours away—it’s even faster by train—and it’s absolutely worth the trip. If you love National Trust properties then the Assembly Rooms in bath might take your interest. What ever you interests – Bath is a must see City to visit,