Bath is one of the most visited cities in Europe. Renowned for its hot springs, Roman baths and beautiful Georgian stone crescents, walk round its cobbled streets and it’s easy to see why it attracts 4 million visitors every year. How can you visit Bath for less?

Lets have a look at why you should visit Bath.

Bath has been a popular destination for wellness for centuries. Relax on a spa break or just walk around and take in the beautiful buildings with their stunning Georgian architecture. And of course The Roman Baths are the jewels in the Bath crown. If you plan ahead you can do everything in a day but it’s better to spend a bit longer experiencing all that Bath has to offer.

Bath has award winning restaurants, independent shops, museums, galleries, theatres & pubs. And if that’s not enough, you can also visit the stunning surrounding countryside. There really is something to do for everyone. It’s an ideal place for a family holiday, weekend break or packed day trip.

Where is Bath?

  • Bath is in Somerset in the South West of England
  • 20 miles from Bristol Airport with Ryanair
  • 80 mins by train from London Paddington Station to Bath Spa
  • Around 4 hours by coach from London Victoria Coach Station
  • 2 and a half hour drive (115 miles) from London along the M4

5 things you must do in Bath

  • Roman Baths. They are the major tourist attraction in South West England dating back to 60AD and are fascinating for all ages. See the Great Bath, the Temple to Sulis Minerva and don’t miss the audio guide where you’ll retrace the steps of the merchants and stonemasons who used the baths. Check out the ruins and thermal baths and don’t forget the museum where you’ll find amazing Roman artefacts.
  • Thermae Spa Bath. Britain’s original natural thermal spa and a place where you can relax, rejuvenate and invigorate yourself with one of its many spa packages. Relax in the warm water of the rooftop pool next to Bath Abbey which gives you unrivalled panoramic views over the city. Also try the steam rooms, sauna and an ice chamber.
  • Bath Abbey. This Grade 1 listed parish church was built from the famous yellow Bath Stone in the 7th century. It’s free to visit, though you can have a guided tour (£8 for adults, £4 for children) of the Abbey where you will see for yourself its amazing Gothic architecture and richly coloured stained glass windows. The tour also takes you up to the tower where you’ll get a fantastic birds eye view of the city. Comfy shoes recommended for the 212 steps up to the top!
  • Hop -On, Hop-Off Bus. You can take the 17 stop city tour or 22 stop skyline tour. Prices start from around £17 per person and included in the price is a free booklet with discount coupons. Both tours are just under an hour and the buses run every hour from 10am to 17.00 pm. Definitely the best way to see Bath. Hop-on , hop-off at your leisure.
  • Pulteney Bridge. One of only four bridges in the world with shops along both sides Pulteney Bridge is one of Bath’s most iconic sites. Picture perfect postcard is how it’s best described and is one of the most photographed places in Bath.
Iron signs for the Roman Baths in Bath England, United Kingdom, Great Britain. UNESCO heritage site.

5 free things to do in Bath

  • The Royal Crescent. is a row of thirty Georgian houses built in a half moon shape a few minutes walk from the town centre. Its beautiful architecture and iconic columns are a photographic must. Visit the museum at No.1 Royal Crescent and go back in time to see for yourself what it was like for Bath’s fashionable residents in the 18th century. There are several other crescents in Bath. Can you find them all?
  • The Circus. This extraordinary landmark is a striking masterpiece of Georgian architecture.
  • Victoria Park. This scenic park has a boating pond, golf course and a botanical garden. During the summer months you can go up in a hot air balloon and gain a birds eye view of the city and surrounding hills. The park is great for a picnic or just a casual stroll. You can also let your kids play in one of the biggest children’s playgrounds anywhere.
  • Walk the canal. The canal walk runs through Bath with a few pubs along the way where you can quench your thirst . This beautiful walk is Ideal for pedestrians and bike rides. Download a free map.
  • Audio walking tours Download the free audio guides to your mobile, put your headphones on and experience all that Bath has to offer. There are two tours to choose from. The World Heritage Site Audio Tour takes you round the historical sights of Bath with its impressive architecture. Or you can follow In The Footsteps Of Jane Austen, Bath’s most famous resident, where you will hear extracts from two of her novels set in the city of Bath.
Image by falco

5 places to stay in Bath

Image by Hulki Okan Tabak

Where to eat in Bath

With well over 500 restaurants and places to eat in Bath from street food and cafes to restaurants that have made the Michelin guide.

Treat yourself to a Sally Lunn bun Don’t leave Bath without sampling this world famous bun. Try one of Sally’s buns at the award winning Sally Lunn’s Historic Eating House which is the oldest house in Bath serving this famous bun.

For a farm fresh dining experience try The Circus Restaurant situated between The Circus and The Royal Crescent. Excellent reviews and expect to pay around £25 per head. Special diets catered for and a great price pre theatre menu. You can book online with a £10 per head deposit.

The best Italian restaurant in Bath. Sotto Sotto has got excellent reviews, awesome food and great service. Expect to pay around £30 per head and best to book in advance. Voted best Italian restaurant in Bath and awarded the prestigious Certificate of Excellence by Trip Advisor. Go see for yourself.

Award winning Fish and Chips at The Scallop Shell restaurant. Voted #1 seafood restaurant in Bath. Try and get a table on the beautiful alfresco terrace but you might need to wrap up a bit! Mussels and oysters are amazing.

Cheap and awesome Try JC’s Kitchen serves up award winning Filipino street food. The best street food in Bath? You tell us. And The Juno Bar and Kitchen for lunchtime deals like Pizza for £5 and oozing burgers, reminds us of New York.

Extra special restaurant Menu Gordon Jones is in the Michelin guide and is the top rated fine dining restaurant in Bath. Small inside with an open kitchen where you can watch Gordon delicately create your food. Definitely book in advance for an amazing dining experience. One of our favourite meals ever, the food looks like art and tastes divine.

Image by David D 

Things to do near Bath

Bath is known as the gateway to the Cotswolds and there are fabulous day trips from Bath, by car or organised trips.

Stonehenge is the best known prehistoric monument in Europe and is under an hour away by car.

Or take a Tour bus from Bath with a choice of a 4 hour scenic trip or a day trip taking in some other places including Windsor.

Longleat safari Park Visit the UK’s no 1 Safari Park by car and you can drive round and see the animals at close hand (make sure you keep your windows closed!)

Cheddar Gorge Only a 50 minute drive from Bath, Cheddar Gorge is one of England’s most spectacular days out. Formed in the Ice Age – over 9000 years ago, it is the largest gorge in England at almost 400 feet deep and three miles long. You can explore Cheddar Gorge and the amazing stalactite caves by foot, or you can try rock climbing or the cave free fall.

The Cotswolds and the surrounding countryside has many beautiful places from parks & gardens, forests, stately manors, picturesque villages and a whole lot more. Jump in your car and just drive around and take in all that the countryside has to offer.

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Cheddar Gorge by Image by ian kelsall

How to enjoy Bath for less

Call in at the Bath Tourist Information Centre where you will find plenty of information to help you enjoy your stay. The friendly staff are only too happy to help you. Grab all the leaflets you can, go to a coffee shop and read them all.

  • Do your planning, ask your hotel for any deals and offers for attractions
  • Time your meals – enjoy a pre-theatre fixed price menu, you don’t need to be going to the theatre!
  • Wear comfy shoes so you can make the most of walking – there’s so much to see and enjoy, and it’s free.
  • Look for a hotel with free parking or use the park and ride buses.
  • Consider going out of season, maybe a last minute beak on a sunny weeknd.

Need more information about Bath

Here are some links to useful Bath websites

  • Bath Tourist Information Centre Your first stop when you visit Bath.
  • The Visit Bath website has loads of information for you and gives you plenty of ideas in and around Bath.
  • Trip Advisor Bath. Lots of information and honest reviews.
  • The Cotswolds information website
  • Bath Christmas Market With over 150 twinkling chalets spread out across Bath’s picturesque Georgian streets, Bath Christmas Market is the perfect place to wander round and feel all Christmassy. Sadly cancelled for 2020 but keep it in mind for next year.
Image by Hulki Okan Tabak

Frequently asked questions about Bath

  • When’s the best time to visit Bath? March to October is the best time, weather wise. It can get busy at weekends but plan it right and you’ll get to see everything you wanted to see. We still go out of season, Bath is stunning any time of the year and there’s still plenty to do and see.
  • Can you swim in the Roman Baths? No, the quality of the water makes it unsafe to swim in. Head to the Thermae Spa instead.
  • Where can I park in Bath? There are plenty of places to park in Bath. Starts at £1.60 an hour to £15 for 12 hours.
  • Are there any buses in Bath? There are 3 park and ride bus services operating in Bath.
  • Where are the public toilets in Bath? There are half a dozen public toilets around the city centre. Or you can pop into coffee shops or restaurants (shhh we never told you that!)
  • How far is it to walk to the Royal Crescent? It takes around 15 minutes and passes by The Circus, take your time though, it’s stunning.
  • How long does it take to tour the Roman Baths in Bath? Allow a couple of hours, taking it at a leisurely pace and doing the audio tour.
  • What can you do in the Evening in Bath? There’s plenty of things to do at night in Bath from the twilight packages at the Thermae Spa to evening walking tours. There’s theatre, comedy clubs and music venues.
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Image by Ron Porter

Our favourite memories made in Bath

The evening Comedy walking tour of Bath, we were handed a leaflet and joined in. What a fun couple of hours, Taz ended up in the stocks! Comedy, magic and history with a group of strangers – no spoilers – we would do it again, Tracy

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