The marvellous Georgian architecture, art galleries and independent shops only add to its charm, further enhanced by its well-deserved listing as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. History is visible on almost every corner you turn, but the city offers a wide variety of modern leisure activities to get involved with too.
With so much to see and do, it’s only right to devote a few nights here to explore everything on offer, but you can still easily see the city’s main attractions in just one day without feeling rushed. Read on for the best things to do in Bath, from cultural highlights to romantic date ideas to adventures that won’t cost a penny.
Explore Bath Abbey
Located in the heart of Bath, the Abbey is a cornerstone of the city’s culture, thanks to its iconic fan-vaulted ceiling. The Bath Abbey Tower Tour offers a sneak peek behind the landmark to see its working side. Ascend 212 steps, passing the various chambers, to stand above the tower’s vaulted ceiling and clock face to be met by breath-taking views.
Step back in time at the Roman Baths
A trip to Bath is incomplete without visiting its namesake attraction. The award-winning Roman Baths are among the finest examples of Roman architecture remaining in England attracting millions of visitors annually. You can bear witness to the Sacred Spring, marvel at the Roman temple and wander through centuries of history.
Soak up the sights on Bath’s Skyline.
The Bath Skyline Walk showcases the best of the countryside surrounding Bath. The six-mile loop trail takes you through ancient woods, fields and tracks. Owned by the National Trust, there are natural playgrounds to entertain little ones, as well as suggested activities and things to spot along the way.
Be stunned by Bath’s architecture with a Bridgerton themed walking tour
Following the success of Netflix’s Bridgerton, millions of fans have been taking to its streets to live out their aristocratic fantasies. With many scenes shot in the city, this dedicated tour will see you promenade through the cobbled streets to admire the cafes and boutiques.
Float down the Canal
One of the best ways to enjoy the Kennet and Avon canal is onboard the oldest electric river launch in existence, The Lady Lena. You can be picked up from either Bath Top Lock, or Bathampton for a return journey, and float down the nine mile stretch of canal. With a glass of Champagne in hand, sit back and relax.
Spend a delightful afternoon at the Jane Austen Centre
For literary fans, the Jane Austen Centre should be the first port of call. Austen famously resided here from 1801-1806, at a time when it was a gathering place for the country’s upper classes. Highlights of a visit include tours led by a period-costumed guide, an eye-opening collection of displays as well as information of the life and work of this much-loved author.
Head out on a mission with an old-school treasure hunt
Turn a regular day of sightseeing into an adventure with a treasure hunt through the city. Self-guided, you’ll be tasked with solving various clues to discover famous landmarks. Work together to undergo a challenge of mental and physical tests, including strategy, logistics and lateral thinking. Not only is it a great way to discover the city’s hidden gems but it also encourages you to walk down streets you wouldn’t otherwise choose.
Sightsee in style with the a Hop on Hop Off Bus Tour
It can be a challenge to fit all of Bath’s sights into a day. Enter City Sightseeing Bath. Explore the magical city at your own pace with the flexible hop-on hop-off tour. Sit in comfort as spectacular Roman and Georgian architecture rolls past your window, as well as the Roman Baths, Abbey and the Royal Crescent.
Enjoy a day at the races
Considered by many as the South West’s most vibrant racecourse, Landsdowne Hill has been a popular venue for horse fans for over 200 years. The racecourse hosts around 30 fixtures a year, alongside other special events like beer and cider festivals, and is well worth the trip.
Get up close to some animals at Bath City Farm
Sheep, pigs, ponies, chickens...you name it and Bath City Farm will have it. Nestled in a beautiful 37-acre plot, you can spend the day making animal friends. There’s a history and nature trail as well as a jam-packed programme of events. Be sure to make a pit stop at the on-site cafe serving a range of delectable treats. Admission is free but donations are welcome.
Learn about clothing’s history at The Fashion Museum
A must for the fashionistas. Bath’s Fashion Museum is located down in the basement of the majestic Assembly Rooms. Originally opened by designer Doris Langley Moore in the 1960s to showcase her costumes, the museum now tracks how clothing has evolved over the years.
Experience breath-taking panoramic views at Prior Park Landscape Garden
Devised from the creative mind of poet Alexander Pope, the Prior Park Landscape Garden is definitely worth checking out. A walk around this National Trust property takes about 30 minutes and centres around its beautiful Palladian Bridge, one of only four in the world. Expect beautiful woodlands and meadows, an Iron Age hill fort, 18th century follies and spectacular views.
Get creative and make your own perfume
Bath is brimming with creative types and you can join the trend with a workshop designing your own perfume. A consultation with a trained perfume expert will give you a foundation of knowledge before creating your own unique fragrance to put into a 20ml perfume atomiser.
Dine at Bath’s much-loved Sally Lunn
The oldest house in Bath, Sally Lunn’s is more than just your run-of-the-mill tearoom. With its main attraction being a hybrid tea cake that’s part bread bun and part cake, the tea room has earnt a dedicated fan base including actor Nicolas Cage. Dating from 1482 and rebuilt in 1622, the cellar museum showcases how the site has evolved since Roman times.
Stroll Green Street
Shopping enthusiasts, listen up. Bath has plenty of winding streets to get lost in and there are a host of independent shops, ready and waiting for you to discover. Be sure to stop by Rossiters of Bath, an award-winning department store that stocks everything from home accessories to fantastic gifts.
More things to do in Bath
Romantic things to do in Bath
Looking to head on a couples getaway to this charming city? Bath is brimming with romantic things to do which serve as the perfect date. Here are a few of our favourites, ranging from sky-high adventures to the best food-stops. If you’re on a bit of a budget, we’ve even included a list of free activities.
- Have a spa day at the Thermae Spa. A popular destination for spa-seekers, Thermae Bath Spa is the perfect backdrop for your romantic day out together. The atmospheric rooftop pool’s naturally warm, mineral-rich waters are enhanced by air seats, bubbling jets and some of the most spectacular views in the city.
- Head for the heights with Virgin Balloon Flights. Walking’s great but isn’t the more glamorous way to enjoy Bath from above? The best view of the city’s Georgian architecture possible is the one from a hot air balloon. Virgin Balloon Flights enable you to head on an unforgettable adventure together. Breathe in spectacular 360 degree panoramas and uninhibited views for miles.
- Make time for tea. Match Bath’s quintessential nature with the most British dining tradition of afternoon tea. There’s a host of venues guaranteed to cater for whatever you like but we’ve got a particular sweet spot for The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa. A tourist attraction in its own right, afternoon tea in the Grade I listed building offers savoury delicacies and decadent desserts.
- Get a bird’s eye view of Bath with a helicopter tour. If you think Bath looks pretty in pictures, just wait until you see it from above. With a Themed Helicopter Pleasure Flight, the two of you can head out on an unforgettable date hopping aboard a helicopter and climbing gracefully into the air. Sit back and soak up the beautiful views of Bath unfolding beneath you.
- Spend a night or two at The Abbey Hotel. One of Bath’s best-loved boutique hotels, the Abbey Hotel is formed of three Georgian townhouses and just moments from some of the city’s iconic attractions. Their charming standard rooms are equipped with a full set of amenities to guarantee a relaxing night’s break. [VED Product Card].
- Immerse yourselves in a touch of culture at The American Museum. Founded by two antique collectors in 1961, the exhibits at The American Museum include 50 quilts and coverlets from a collection of 200 as well as an arboretum filled with North American trees. Set in 125 acres of outstanding natural beauty, the museum is the only one dedicated to American folk and decorative arts outside of the USA.
- Book tickets to a show at The Rondo Theatre. Situated in the Larkhall area of Bath, the Rondo Theatre’s unique and intimate atmosphere will have you feeling like you’re watching a show in the comfort of your own home. Whatever the pair of you are into, there’s sure to be an event to match.
- Celebrate the flavours of the East with a magnificent feast. Foodie couples, this one’s got your name all over it. The award-winning The Grand Eastern brings a taste of authentic India to Bath, priding itself on being one of the city’s main culinary attractions. Soak up the restaurant’s atmosphere whilst enjoying a menu packed full of flavours, aromas and spices.
- Sip your way through the city’s plethora of independent breweries. For a uniquely romantic gesture perfectly suited to craft beer fans, Bath residents are very fond of their native brew. Abbey Ales is just one example of the type of brewery you’ll find. Located in the heart of the city, the oldest brewery in town’s craft beers focus on full bodied taste crafted with only the finest ingredients.
- Tuck into a picnic at Royal Victoria Park. Romantic breaks don’t have to cost a fortune and a simple thing as organising a picnic in the park is sure to go above and beyond. Pack a hamper with sweet and savoury treats as well as maybe a glass of celebratory bubbles and just let the magnificent backdrop of Royal Victoria Park do the rest.
- Blend your way to the perfect date. All Bar One has been keeping couples busy with their engaging cocktail masterclasses. Shake, stir and muddle your way to being master mixologists with your other half at this High Street Spot. You can learn and get hands-on creating three beverages.
- Enjoy a date night with a difference at The Ivy. Tucked away in the historic Bath spa, The Ivy is just a few steps away from Bath’s many sights. The two of you can expect a varied menu crafted using seasonal and locally produced ingredients as well as a relaxed and laid-back atmosphere.
- Hire a rowboat. There’s nothing more romantic than hiring a rowboat and punting your way down the river, especially if the weather is glorious. Most of the companies offer free lessons to help you nail down the basics and with you as captains, you can decide when and where to take pit stops for a spot of pub lunch.
- Stroll together along Gravel Walk. A short stroll from the Jane Austen Centre, the Gravel Walk path was the setting of the infamous proposal in Austen’s Persuasion and serves as the perfect place for an afternoon together. Wander along the walk past the Georgian gardens through to Victoria Park for a remarkable expedition.
- Head to Little Theatre for a cinema date. For an old fashioned date, head for a movie night at The Little Theatre Cinema. The cosy two-screen cinema regularly shows classic romantic films, a wide range of tasty snacks and is even a wedding venue.
Free things to do in Bath
- Pulteney Bridge. Constructed in 1774 by the Scottish architect Robert Adam, the Palladian Pulteney Bridge is one of the most photographed spots in Bath’s World Heritage centre. The bridge was named after Frances Pulteney, the wife of William who funded this project and offers striking views of the city.
- Royal Crescent. One of Bath’s main attractions, only growing in popularity thanks to its cameo in Bridgerton, the Royal Crescent in a semi-circular row of 30 terraced houses. Designed by John Wood the Younger, it’s widely considered as one of the greatest pieces of Georgian architecture in the UK. The first house was once a meeting place for aristocrats to stay while engaging in the social season but now serves as a museum.
- The Holburne Museum. Sir William Holburne was a navy man who served at the Battle of Trafalgar. The museum houses his extensive collection of arts, including works by Thomas Gainsborough, Johan Zoffany and Francesco Guardi as well as sculptures and porcelain. The piece de resistance is the former ballroom, adorned with portraits, silver and china.
- The Victoria Art Gallery. Opened in 1900 to commemorate Queen Victoria’s diamond jubilee, the world-class art gallery is one of the most-visited museums in the city. Showcasing works by the likes of well-respected artists like Turner and Sickert, there’s something for every art lover as well as plenty of interactive activities for kids to get involved with.
- The Circus. Considered by many as the older sister of the Royal Crescent, the Circus is another masterpiece of the 18th century. Conceived by John Wood and constructed in 1768, the Circus consists of the famous yellow Bath limestone.
- University of Bath and Bath Spa. Although the campus buildings are not examples of Georgian architecture, the two universities have become a respected part of the city and are still stunning places to explore. The main University of Bath building and the campus are easily accessible and you can even see the university’s state-of-the-art sports facilities, used by some of the UK’s top Olympians.
- Kennet and Avon Canal. Explore at your own pace and leisure as you watch the canal boats float under the trees. Along the way, you’ll pass by some of the city’s most notable sights including its Georgian architecture and Pulteney Bridge.
- The Fudge Kitchen. Anyone with a sweet tooth, this one’s for you. The Fudge Kitchen has been hand-crafting their original recipe for over 38 years. Conveniently located opposite the Roman Baths, visitors can get up close and personal to the whole process, seeing every part of the fudge-making process. Not to mention the inside of the shop smells like heaven and the fudge will taste different to any you’ve ever had before.
- Tours by the Mayor of Bath Honorary Guides Led by a knowledgeable expert guide, uncover the amazing story of Bath discovering how the Romans over 2,000 years ago shaped Bath into how it is today. These free walking tours point out various historical and architectural highlights.
- Browse the Bath Artisan Market. If you happen to be in town on the first Saturday of the month, the Bath Artisan Market is the perfect place. Packed with artisan producers and food makers, browse the fantastic stalls on offer and grab a chat with the friendly traders to hear stories about what they’re selling.
FAQs
Is visiting Bath worth it?
Built for pleasure and relaxation, Bath is the only place in the UK to have the whole city labelled a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Whether you want to step back in history to Roman times, immerse yourself in its quintessential architecture or soak up the countryside, Bath truly offers something for everyone.
Is Bath walkable?
The compact nature of the city makes it perfect to explore on foot and be able to fit in all its main attractions in just one day. Incredible Georgian architecture is visible on almost every corner you turn and breath-taking countryside views are just a short walk away from the city centre.
