The 10 best things to do in Bath
If you are looking for the best things to do in Bath, you have landed in the right place. Bath is a World Heritage Site and is considered one of England’s best cities. It is easy to see why there is so much hype around Bath. From the incredible architecture to the history of the Roman Baths, the city is simply a must-visit for anyone travelling to England.
This city will be the perfect place for you if you love history, architecture, and classic literature. If you have previously visited and loved cities like Oxford and Cambridge, Bath will be an obvious next choice! The city oozes with atmosphere and has incredible historic sights such as the Jane Austen Centre, the Roman Baths, and other fantastic Bath attractions. On top of that, it also has many great restaurants and cafés to explore.
Another one of the best things about Bath is how close it is to other notable cities in England. It is an ideal place to explore if you are already road-tripping around the South. Some other beautiful cities and areas nearby include Bristol, the Cotswolds, Cardiff, and Oxford, and it is even reasonably close to London! If you are exploring more cities in the South of England, check out my other England travel guides. I have several about Bristol, London, and more.
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The best things to do in Bath
1. Visit the Roman Baths in Bath
Immerse yourself in Roman history and see one of the most iconic Bath attractions, the Roman Baths! You will be met with fascinating and interactive exhibits in the Roman Baths Museum. Stepping into this museum is unlike any other. This is truly one of the most unique experiences in the world. You can walk through the ancient baths, get up close and personal, and feel like taking a step back in time. Though please remember it is not allowed and unsafe to touch, drink or swim in the water.
Tickets: £26-£28 per adult
Address: Abbey Churchyard, BA1 1LZ
Opening Hours: Varies depending on season – find more information here.
2. Relax at the Thermae Spa
While you cannot take a dip into the Roman Baths, you can take a dip at the Thermae Spa! So if you want somewhere to relax and swim, add the Thermae Spa to your list of best things to do in Bath! It is natural hot spring water and has a variety of treatments as well as an incredible rooftop pool with 360 views of the city! This is the perfect way to take a break from exploring the city.
Bookings: Find more information here.
Address: The Hetling Pump Room, Hot Bath St, BA1 1SJ
3. Climb Bath Abbey Tower
If you are as much of a fan of Gothic architecture as me, you will absolutely love Bath Abbey. It has some incredible details and makes for fantastic photos, and it is one of the best things to do in Bath for photographers! I recommend sticking around for that perfect sunset photo (or go out during the early sunrise hours). Make sure you add this one to your list, as it is one of the most unique Bath attractions.
On top of it being absolutely gorgeous from the outside, it is also a great place to head inside and learn more about the history of the city. You can explore the Abbey as a self-guided tour or take a guided tour. The guided tour will also show the tower and more hidden parts of the Abbey. The tours run from Monday to Saturday, and you can find more booking information below.
Tickets: £6.50 per adult
Address: Abbey Church of Saint Peter and Saint Paul, Bath BA1 1LT
Opening Hours: Varies depending on season, find more information here.
4. Learn about Jane Austen in the Jane Austen Centre
Did you know Jane Austen spent several years living and writing in Bath? Her novels “Persuasion” and “Northanger Abbey” are set in the city! You can visit the Jane Austen Centre to learn more about Jane, her life in the city, and its impact on her work. This is one of the must-visit Bath attractions for any literary lovers, but it is also considered one of the best things to do in Bath in general!
Tickets: £14.75 per adult
Address: 40 Gay St, BA1 2NT
Opening Hours: Mon-Sun: 9:45am-6pm
5. Do the Bath Skyline Walk
If you have a couple of days, or more, in the city, then you must do the Bath Skyline walk. Many tourists skip this one, mainly because it does take you away from the main Bath attractions. However, it is a fantastic way to end your trip, as it gives you incredible city views. This is an excellent spot for photographers or anyone that loves breathtaking city views!
6. See the Pulteney Bridge
Another one of the best things to do in Bath is to see the Pulteney Bridge. It is right in the centre of town. The bridge was built 250 years ago and has some incredible details. This is another excellent spot for photographers and anyone who loves beautiful architecture. The bridge is similar to Ponte Vecchio in Florence as it has shops and cafés around it! You can even sit inside the bridge, in a café, and have a view overlooking the river!
7. Wander along the Circus and Royal Crescent
Another of the best things to do in Bath is wander around the Royal Crescent and the Circus. It is said to be some of the best Georgian buildings in the country. This area was built by John Wood, the Elder, and is almost exactly a copy of the inner circle of the famous druid monument Stonehenge. It is even said that the Circus is supposedly joined to the Royal Crescent by a ley-line, through Brock St. (which is said to be a paranormally active street in the city), and that they represent the sun and the moon.
8. Enjoy the markets in Bath
If you need a break from exploring the incredible historic Bath attractions, wandering through the markets will be ideal! On top of all the many independent shops dotted across the city, you will also find heaps of marketplaces and stalls in the city. All of which have a ton of goodies and treats to choose from. You will find anything from regular markets bringing local produce to vintage and antique markets, artisan delights, and more. There are many different markets, including all outdoor marketplaces and stalls. However, there is also the Guildhall Markets! Take a wander through the markets and enjoy some local goodies.
9. Stroll along Green Street
To experience the city to its fullest, you must walk along the famous Green Street and enjoy all the cute, independent shops. Shopping in the city is among one of the best things to do in Bath, and it is easy to see why! There are so many independent shops to choose from. Anything from bookshops to restaurants to other independent shops and businesses. This is a fantastic place to find a unique souvenir!
10. Dine at the oldest house in Bath, the Sally Lunn’s
Not only is Sally Lunn’s one of the best restaurants in Bath, but it is also a world-famous tea and eating house and one of the most historic buildings in the city. It also has a small museum showcasing the kitchen used by the famous young baker Sally Lunn, who created the first Bath Bunn (an authentic regional specialty). Sally Lunn’s is open for breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, and dinner. They offer historic and authentic dishes, including the original Sally Lunn bun.
Visiting and dining at Sally Lunn’s is one of the must-do Bath attractions. It is a fantastic place to immerse yourself in the history of the city while having a short break from walking and exploring the city.
Address: 4 N Parade Passage, BA1 1NX
Opening Hours: Mon-Sun: 10am-9pm
