Far too often, travelers flock to London and miss out on the beauty and history lying just beyond city in the town of Bath. Bath dates all the way back to the first century, when the Romans discovered the thermal hot springs and built a temple over it. The town of Acqua Sulis began to grow around the temple, and this is now known as the city of Bath! It’s the only city in the UK designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and between the Georgian architecture and Roman baths, it truly does feel like you are stepping back in time. Here is my complete travel guide to Bath, England!
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Getting There and Getting Around
From London, you will take a train from Paddington station to Bath Spa. The journey takes about an hour and a half, and I HIGHLY recommend booking a ticket ahead of time and reserving a seat. I’ve taken this train twice now during different seasons, and both times the train was standing room only if you hadn’t booked a seat ahead of time. Reserve your train tickets with Rail Europe before you go.
Upon arrival in Bath, you’ll find it’s very walkable! You might need a rental car if you are exploring other areas of England, such as the Cotswolds. However, I would wait to rent a car until you are ready to venture out so you aren’t wasting your money paying for a parked rental car. There are a few car rental agencies based in Bath, but I recommend Enterprise! Please note, they are closed on Sundays (as many places in Bath are), and close early at 2pm on Saturdays.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Many places in Bath are closed on Sundays. If you are only visiting as a day trip, I would try planning your visit for a different day!
The Roman baths
You can’t visit Bath without visiting the Roman Baths responsible for the town’s name! These baths date all the way to the first century, when Romans discovered the thermal springs in England. They created the Temple of Sulis Minerva surrounding the springs, the name dedicated to both the Celtic god and Roman goddess of healing. Romans would flock to the site to worship the gods and bathe in the mineral-rich water.
An audio guide is included in your entry ticket, so you can hear all about the history of the site as you are walking through! If you prefer a guided tour, there is an option for this as well. You can purchase tickets directly on site, but might have to wait in a long queue. I recommend booking ahead of time to avoid the line!
Bath Abbey
The Bath Abbey has stood as a place of worship since the 7th century! The Gothic architecture, intricate design, and stained glass windows make both the exterior and interior absolutely stunning. Upon entry, you will be given a brochure highlighting all the best things to see within the abbey, as well as the history of the site. You can purchase tickets online ahead of time, or directly at the front desk upon arrival! Please keep in mind, the abbey is still an active place of worship so visiting is closed during services and special events. You can check here for a list of special event closures – it is updated frequently! Services are offered on Sundays, and are open to the public if you wish to join!
In the evenings, there is often live music in the courtyard right outside the abbey!
Pulteney Bridge
The Pulteney Bridge dates back to 1774 and is one of only four bridges in the world lined with shops on both sides! This was a major architectural innovation during its time. The bridge is beautiful, and I definitely recommend going for a stroll down the street checking out the shops. You’ll also find a few cafés with a great view of the river!
Visit the Gardens
Just down the street from Pulteney Bridge, you’ll find Parade Gardens. There’s a small entry fee (2£ for adults). Inside the gardens, you’ll find a little café to grab a drink, a deckchair, and relax for a bit. It’s a beautiful park with incredible views all around!
the royal crescent + the circus
The famous Royal Crescent was built in the 1700s by John Wood and is one of the most impressive examples of Georgian architecture. The crescent is made up of thirty townhomes, most still belonging to private residents. However, buildings No. 15 and 16 make up the luxury Royal Crescent Hotel and Spa. If you watch Bridgerton, you might recognize the Royal Crescent as it appears a few times in the show!
A similar structure to The Royal Crescent (and created by the same architect) is the Circus, a complete ring of townhomes encircling a small park. The Circus is said to have been inspired by the Colosseum in Rome!
Jane Austen Centre
Any Pride and Prejudice fans reading this post? Jane Austen lived and worked in Bath several years, drawing inspiration for her writing from the city. Visit the Jane Austen Centre for a snapshot into her life and what living in Bath during the Regency was like. After your visit in the Centre, you can visit the Regency Tea Rooms for an authentic afternoon tea experience!
Go for Bath Buns and Afternoon Tea
You can’t visit Bath without trying a famous Bath Bun! These delicious sweet rolls are best served with cream and jam, and of course, some tea. Here’s the best spots:
LANDRACE | A small bakery with some of the best buns in Bath!
SALLY LUNN’S | Not technically a Bath Bun, but Sally Lunn Buns are also famous in Bath! Sally Lunn’s is the oldest eating house in Bath, and has a museum on the ground floor! Their afternoon tea was lovely, and the house is so charming. Lunch and teatime is walk-in only, but if you’re visiting for dinner, I do recommend making a reservation.
THE BATH BUN | A cute tearoom with a lovely afternoon teatime, including bath buns, scones, and savory bites!
THE PUMP ROOM | Adjacent to the Roman baths, you’ll find the Pump Room! Here, you can enjoy brunch, breakfast, or afternoon tea in a stunning setting! Definitely make a reservation here, as it is one of the more popular spots in Bath.
Sally Lunn’s
Wander the Streets
Bath is just simply such a charming city. I loved wandering around the streets, popping into shops and cafés and just getting a little bit lost.
Visit a Little Wine Bar
My favorite meal in Bath was at Corkage, an adorable little wine bar with delicious food, and of course, great wine! It’s fairly small, do I recommend making a reservation! Luckily, I was able to snag a spot at the bar.
I love charming little boutique hotels, and The Yard absolutely fits the bill. At the entrance of the hotel, you will find with an adorable courtyard complete with a café. Each guest room is different, decorated in charming florals and beautiful furnishings. I walked into my room and was immediately greeted by classical music playing on the radio and the window open with a view of the beautiful street outside. Each morning, a breakfast basket is dropped off filled with croissants, yogurt, jams, juice, and granola!
A five star hotel with a luxury spa and an award winning restaurant! The hotel is located in the No. 15 and 16 townhomes of the famous Royal Crescent. The hotel is beautiful and the rooms are stunning! You’ll also find gorgeous gardens where you can enjoy afternoon tea.
If you have a rental car or don’t mind a walk into the city, you have to check out The Bath Priory. The hotel is set in a stunning luxury country house, and is complete with beautiful rooms, a luxurious spa by L’Occitane, and two beautiful restaurants. It’s 1.5 miles from the center of Bath (roughly 2.4km), about 30 minutes on foot and 12 minutes driving.