Bath
Experience Britain's Most Elegant City
Discover Roman history, Georgian splendor, and literary connections
Welcome to Bath
Bath, a UNESCO World Heritage city in southwest England, is renowned for its remarkable blend of Roman, Georgian, and Victorian architecture and its natural hot springs. Founded by the Romans as a thermal spa in the 1st century CE, Bath became an important center for the wool industry in the Middle Ages before transforming into a fashionable spa town during the Georgian era.
The city takes its name from the famous Roman Baths, built around Britain's only natural hot springs. These ancient baths, along with the city's stunning Georgian architecture, including the iconic Royal Crescent and the elegant Circus, make Bath one of Britain's most beautiful and historically significant cities.
Beyond its architectural splendor, Bath has rich literary connections, particularly to Jane Austen, who lived here from 1801 to 1806 and set two of her novels in the city. Today, Bath combines its historical charm with a vibrant contemporary culture, offering visitors an array of museums, galleries, theaters, restaurants, and boutique shops.
Bath Highlights
Must-see attractions and experiences in this historic city
The Roman Baths
Explore one of the finest ancient monuments in Europe. This remarkably preserved bathing complex still flows with natural hot water from Britain's only hot spring. The site includes the Sacred Spring, Roman Temple, Roman Bath House, and a museum with artifacts from Roman Bath.
Bath Abbey
Visit the magnificent medieval abbey church with its fan-vaulted ceiling, stained glass windows, and honey-colored stone columns. Founded in the 7th century and rebuilt in the 12th and 16th centuries, the abbey has been a place of worship for over a thousand years.
Royal Crescent
Admire this masterpiece of Georgian architecture, a sweeping crescent of 30 terraced houses designed by John Wood the Younger and built between 1767 and 1774. Visit No. 1 Royal Crescent, now a museum furnished as it might have been during the period 1776-1796.
Thermae Bath Spa
Experience the city's thermal waters just as the Romans and Georgians did at Britain's only natural thermal spa. The contemporary Thermae Bath Spa features a rooftop pool with panoramic views of the city, a Minerva Bath, and a range of spa treatments.
Jane Austen Centre
Discover Bath's most famous resident at this exhibition that tells the story of Jane Austen's time in Bath and the influence the city had on her books, characters, and personal life. The center includes period costumes, displays, and a Regency Tea Room.
Pulteney Bridge & Artisan Quarter
Stroll across one of only four bridges in the world with shops built into it on both sides. Designed by Robert Adam and completed in 1774, Pulteney Bridge is one of Bath's most photographed attractions. Nearby, explore the artisan quarter with its independent shops and cafes.
Bath Tour Packages
Explore our carefully crafted Bath experiences
Bath Essentials
Perfect for first-time visitors, this day tour covers Bath's highlights including the Roman Baths, Bath Abbey, and the Royal Crescent, with expert commentary on the city's fascinating history.
Jane Austen's Bath
Follow in the footsteps of one of England's greatest novelists with this literary tour. Visit locations associated with Jane Austen, the Jane Austen Centre, and explore the Georgian city that inspired her novels.
Bath & Cotswolds
Combine the elegant city of Bath with the picturesque villages of the Cotswolds on this two-day tour. Explore Bath's Roman and Georgian heritage, then discover the honey-colored stone villages and rolling hills of the Cotswolds.
Bath Districts
Discover the diverse areas within this compact city
The heart of Bath contains its most famous attractions, including the Roman Baths, Bath Abbey, and Pulteney Bridge. This area is characterized by elegant Georgian streets, the main shopping district, and numerous cafes and restaurants. The pedestrianized center makes it easy to explore on foot.
Highlights: Roman Baths, Bath Abbey, Thermae Bath Spa, Pulteney Bridge, Bath Guildhall Market, SouthGate shopping center
The upper part of Bath showcases the city's finest Georgian architecture, with sweeping crescents and grand terraces. This more residential area offers spectacular views over the city and contains some of Bath's most photographed landmarks.
Highlights: Royal Crescent, The Circus, Assembly Rooms, Fashion Museum, Royal Victoria Park, Botanical Gardens
Often described as Bath's bohemian quarter, Walcot Street and the surrounding area is home to independent shops, artisan workshops, and vintage stores. This vibrant district offers a different perspective on Bath, away from the main tourist attractions.
Highlights: Walcot Street Market (Saturdays), St. Swithin's Church (where Jane Austen's parents were married), artisan food shops, vintage and antique stores
South of the city center, this area offers a more relaxed pace with the picturesque Kennet and Avon Canal running through it. Widcombe has a village-like feel despite being just a short walk from the main attractions, with charming pubs and local shops.
Highlights: Kennet and Avon Canal towpath walks, canal boat trips, Prior Park Landscape Garden, Widcombe Parade shops and cafes
Practical Information
Essential tips for your Bath visit
Visiting Information
- Recommended Stay: Bath is compact enough to see the main sights in a day, but a 2-3 day stay allows for a more relaxed experience and time to explore the surrounding area.
- Walking: The city center is relatively small and best explored on foot. Be prepared for some hills, particularly in the upper town area.
- Guided Tours: The Mayor of Bath's Honorary Guides offer free walking tours of the city (no tips accepted). These 2-hour tours run most days and provide excellent historical context.
- Bath Visitor Card: Available from the Visitor Information Centre, this card offers discounts at many attractions, restaurants, and shops.
Getting There & Around
- By Train: Bath Spa station has direct services from London Paddington (journey time approximately 90 minutes), Bristol (15 minutes), and other major cities.
- By Car: Bath is accessible via the M4 motorway (Junction 18) and A4. Parking in the city center is limited and expensive; consider using the Park & Ride services on the outskirts.
- Local Buses: First Bus operates services throughout Bath and to surrounding areas. The central bus station is adjacent to the train station.
- Hop-on Hop-off Bus: A tourist bus service circles the main attractions with commentary, providing a good orientation to the city.
Best Time to Visit
- Seasons: Bath is a year-round destination, but spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds than the peak summer months.
- Christmas Market: Bath hosts one of the UK's best Christmas markets from late November to mid-December, transforming the area around the Abbey into a festive wonderland.
- Festivals: The city hosts numerous events throughout the year, including the Bath Festival (music and literature, May), Bath Fringe Festival (May-June), and Jane Austen Festival (September).
- Weekday Visits: If possible, visit on weekdays rather than weekends, especially during summer and the Christmas market period, when the city can become very crowded.
Food, Drink & Shopping
- Local Specialties: Try a Bath Bun (sweet roll with sugar crystals and currants) or Sally Lunn's Bun (from the historic Sally Lunn's House, one of the oldest buildings in Bath).
- Afternoon Tea: Bath is perfect for the quintessentially English experience of afternoon tea, with options ranging from the elegant Pump Room to cozy teahouses.
- Shopping Areas: Explore Milsom Street for high-end and designer shops, SouthGate for major brands, and Walcot Street for independent and artisan retailers.
- Markets: Bath Guildhall Market is the oldest shopping venue in the city. The Farmers' Market (Saturday mornings at Green Park Station) offers local produce and crafts.
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