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With stunning rich history and beautiful architecture, Bath in England is surely a must visit destination. It is surely a great city which can be a perfect day trip in England, it being just 2 hours from London. It is famous from the archaeological attraction based on which it takes its name – the Roman Baths. Bath which was granted World Heritage Site status in 1987 captivates visitors from all around the world & there are variety of popular things to do in Bath which include the many museums, parks & gardens, entertainment venues and other tourist attractions. Here in this article we will highlight some of the best things to in Bath.
We hope you will love it as much as we did while visiting Bath. Many things here on this list can be covered on a day trip in England and also add Cotswolds as part of a longer trip while visiting London.
Table of Contents
- Visit the Historic Roman Baths
- Relax at Thermae Bath Spa
- Tour Bath Abbey and Climb the Tower
- See Royal Crescent & Circus
- Visit Pulteney Bridge
- Visit Jane Austen Centre
- Enjoy the Bath Markets
- Visit the Prior Park Landscape Gardens
- Taste the famous Sally Lunn Bun
- Visit the Iconic Pump Room for Afternoon Tea
- More Things to do in Bath
Visit the Historic Roman Baths
Immerse yourself in the rich 2000 year old Roman and Georgian heritage of this UNESCO World Heritage city as you explore the Roman Baths, one of the most popular attractions not only in Bath but also in the UK. Here you can see the Great Bath, changing rooms, hot springs and the antiquities. The Romans used these baths for public bathing which has geothermally heated waters and the only one in the UK.
Tickets are needed to visit the Roman Baths and are timed and they need to be booked in advance. Do check the opening times and prices from the official site. It is generally open every day except 25 and 26 December.
There are many guided walking tours options which covers the Roman Baths, Bath Abbey, Royal Crescent and many more as you explore the hidden gems, fascinating stories and rich heritage of the city. The tour is specially devised to showcase the very best of Bath.
Duration: Approx. 2hrs
Official site: www.romanbaths.co.uk
Relax at Thermae Bath Spa
You cannot dip in the historic Roman Baths but if you wish to get the same bathing experience, then a visit to Thermae Bath Spa must be on your list. It is the only natural thermal spa in the UK where the same geothermal heated water is drawn to the spa and the outdoor pool for you to relax and pamper yourself. The main bathing area, the New Royal Bath, is a beautiful open-air rooftop pool offers heated water with beautiful panoramic views of the city. Treat yourself to a luxurious spa treatment for the ultimate pampering experience.
Address: The Hetling Pump Room, Hot Bath St, Bath BA1 1SJ
Tour Bath Abbey and Climb the Tower
Standing majestic in this historic city with its magnificent facade and tower, Bath Abbey dominates the city skyline. It has been a place of Christian worship on this site for more than 1200 years. Don’t miss the opportunity to climb the 212 steps to the top of the Bath Abbey tower for panoramic views of the Bath City. Although entry to the Bath Abbey used to be free earlier, now there is a charge to enter the Bath Abbey. There is also an additional charge to climb the tower which includes a tour as well, tickets for which can be purchased from the Welcome desk at the Abbey. The views from the top are surely amazing and completely worth it!
Bath Abbey Ticket Prices:
Adults £7.50
Students £6.00
Children (5 -15) £4.00
Audio Guide £3.50
Address: Bath BA1 1LT
Official site: https://www.bathabbey.org/
See Royal Crescent & Circus
The Georgians used the famous Bath yellow limestones to construct marvelous buildings in the city which includes Circus, the Assembly Rooms, the Pump Rooms and the highlight called the Royal Crescent. It is a set of thirty 18-century terrace houses with a beautiful symmetry crescent. Most of the houses are privately owned and truly one of the best Georgian buildings in the country. It is also a popular site for filing period tv shows and movies like The Bridgerton and The Duchess
Visit Pulteney Bridge
Built around 250 years ago, Pulteney Bridge is right at the centre of the city. It is pretty unique bridge with great architecture with buildings atop it. It is one of the iconic bridges in the world which connects central Bath to the other side of the River Avon. There are many little shops and restaurants along the bridge which can be enjoyed.
Visit Jane Austen Centre
The Jane Austen Centre tells the story of Bath’s famous resident, the author Jane Austen. This permanent exhibition traces back the history of Austen’s story with costumed actors who share all the details about the late author’s life and later part of the exhibition is a self-guided tour. Here you can also enjoy a cup of tea in the Regency Tea Room.
Enjoy the Bath Markets
Explore the bustling artisan markets in Bath comprising of handmade jewellery, pottery and locally made product and gourmet delicacies. You can leisurely explore these market stalls for unique goods. There is a weekly Farmers’ Market as well.
Visit the Prior Park Landscape Gardens
The eighteenth-century beautiful landscape Prior Park, founded by Ralph Allen, it is now maintained by National Trust. The Palladian bridge is one of the most iconic landmarks of Bath. You can enjoy the scenic views of the city from this park and also a tea shed. A round around the whole park takes roughly an hour but prepare yourself for some steep climbing and steps.
Taste the famous Sally Lunn Bun
Visit the city’s oldest house and the house of Sally Lunn, a baker from France who developed her now famous brioche-style bun which is still baked according to her recipe. You can either buy these buns packed in beautiful boxes or you can either have lunch or dinner. Do book ahead as it gets busy. You can also visit a small museum at the basement which recreates the bakery of Sally which is great to visit and surely one of the must things to do in Bath.
Visit the Iconic Pump Room for Afternoon Tea
Afternoon Tea is surely a grand and fancy served at the Pump Room which is attached to the Roman Baths. Here you can sample the mineral water from the underground spring which is believed by some Bathonian’s to have curative properties.
More Things to do in Bath
- Take the Hop-on Hop-off bus to explore all the landmarks of Bath
- Visit the Holbourne Museum
- Mary Shelley’s House of Frankenstein
Where to stay in Bath