Whether you like the sound of kicking back in the spas, stepping into scenes from Bridgerton and Wonka, or immersing yourself in world-class cultural events, there are more reasons than ever to visit Bath in 2024.
We’ve whittled down 24 of the top things to do this year, to help you plan your next Bath break.
1. Time Travel at Bath’s Historic Attractions
The whole city of Bath is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, deemed historically and culturally important largely due to its Roman roots and magnificent eighteenth-century architecture. Don’t leave without digging into some of these layers of local history.
Get a taste of what life was like for Bath’s ancient residents at the iconic Roman Baths, one of the best-preserved Roman remains in the world. Just steps away is Bath Abbey, where a place of worship has stood for 1,200 years. Today it houses incredible stained-glass windows and fan vault ceilings.
For a slice of Georgian Bath, visit No.1 Royal Crescent. Reopening after a winter break on 1 February, the museum is decorated and furnished just as it might have been during the period 1776 to 1796.
Image - Roman Baths
2. Uncover Bath’s Bookish Side
Countless authors have found inspiration in Bath over the centuries, most notably Jane Austen. There are many chances to enter Austen’s world and that of her Regency romances in Bath, including at the dedicated Jane Austen Centre.
If gothic literature is more up your street, don’t miss Mary Shelley’s House of Frankenstein. The atmospheric attraction reveals the author’s complex past as well as the story behind the world’s favourite monster.
Image - The Jane Austen Centre
3. De-stress With a Spa Day
Indulge in a day of pure relaxation at one of the city’s world-renowned spas. From bathing in natural thermal waters at Thermae Bath Spa to mind-body therapies at The Soul Spa, the perfect spa experience awaits in Bath, however you like to unwind. Find the one for you in our ultimate guide to spas in Bath, or book into one of the city's top spa hotels.
Image - Thermae Bath Spa
4. Boost Your Wellbeing Beyond the Spas
Wellbeing in Bath isn’t just about spa treatments. You can take time for yourself in peaceful gardens, nourish yourself with a wholesome meal, embrace outdoor activities, and so much more. The city-wide festival of wellbeing ReBalance Bath returns for three weeks of feel-good activities from 25 January - 18 February following its successful debut in 2023.
Image - Bex Bridgford, courtesy of ReBalance Bath
5. Stop By the World Heritage Centre
Discover why Bath has scooped not one, but two World Heritage inscriptions – an exceptional feat – at Bath World Heritage Centre. Hands-on, accessible exhibits will dig into what makes the city such a special place and you can pick up trails and guides there too. It’s the perfect jumping off point for exploring Bath.
Image - World Heritage Centre
6. Go for a spooky Halloween night out
Did you know that Bath is home to two of Britain's biggest Halloween scare attractions? Brave the immersive horror experience that lies within the four floors of Mary Shelley's House of Frankenstein after dark, or set foot inside Avon Valley's FEAR Scream Park if you dare, featuring award-winning scare mazes, fire shows and funfair rides to name just a few!
Mary Shelley's House of Frankenstein also runs a range of thrilling activities throughout the year. Challenge your friends and family to escape room challenges, or try your hand at solving the mystery of the Body in a Suitcase game.
You can also get your Halloween fix throughout the year by joining a tour with Bath Ghost Tours between March and October to discover the stories behind some of Bath's most notorious hauntings!
7. Get into the festive spirit at Bath Christmas Market
The much-loved Bath Christmas Market will return to the historic city centre streets in late November. Visit to soak up the festive atmosphere and indulge in locally made food and drink. Book your Christmas break now to avoid disappointment.
Image - Bath Christmas Market
8. Take In Bath’s Iconic Architecture
Head out on a walk around the city and marvel at the elegant Georgian architecture and honey-hued Bath stone at every turn. Our guide to Bath's most Instagrammable spots includes some of the most photogenic buildings and landmarks, from the magnificent Royal Crescent to hidden alleyways.
Image - Pulteney Bridge, credit Lloyd Evans Photography
9. Stay Overnight
Soak up Bath for longer by staying the night. The city’s accommodation comes in all shapes and sizes: luxury hotels, cosy guesthouses, boutique boltholes, family-friendly digs, and countryside spa retreats. Get the best deal when you visit midweek or check out our accommodation offers.
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Image - The Queensberry Hotel
10. Walk It Out
Bath is an extremely walkable city. You can easily amble between different areas and landmarks in the city centre or let someone else lead the way on a guided walking tour.
Get some inspiration on the best walking routes for exploring every nook and cranny of the city using the Bathscape website.
Head just a little further afield and you can get out for a scenic stomp in the countryside. If you like to reward yourself with a pint and a bite to eat along the way, there are plenty of great pub walks too.
Image - Bath Skyline Walk, credit Paolo Ferla
11. Experience World-Class Exhibitions
Get your culture fix at one of Bath's galleries and museums, from Gwen John at The Holburne Museum to the sights and sounds of Toulouse-Lautrec's Bohemian Paris at the Victoria Art Gallery. There are also exhibitions of beautiful artwork from across East Asia throughout the year at the Museum of East Asian Art.
Image - Victoria Art Gallery
12. Follow in the footsteps of your favourite film & TV characters
Brush up on your filming locations in Bath, and imagine you're in a scene from the hit series Bridgerton or the new Wonka film starring Timothée Chalamet as you wander through the distinctive city streets. Ahead of the highly anticipated upcoming third season, due to be released in two parts on 16 May and 13 June 2024 respectively, book a Bridgerton-inspired stay, or join one of the tours themed around the Netflix sensation.
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Image - Bridgerton, credit Netflix
13. Enjoy Theatre and Live Comedy
Keen theatregoer? Take a look at what’s on at the Theatre Royal Bath, one of the oldest theatres in the country where West End productions, opera, comedy and dance all regularly fill the stage. For more eclectic plays, head for the Ustinov Studio.
Don't miss the return of Belly Laughs Bath, where the city's best bars and restaurants will play host to a stand up comedians throughout January, with delicious food and drink included in the price of your ticket!
Get your comedy fix at Komedia, where acclaimed comics including Reginald D. Hunter, Sindhu Vee, Matt Forde and many more are lined up in 2024. And enjoy the 20-day long Bath Comedy Festival from 1 - 21 April, with events ranging from standup battles between some of the country's finest up-and-coming comedians to side-splitting musical acts and magical mystery tours across the city. Or, see author of 'This is Going to Hurt,' Adam Kay, perform his acclaimed new show 'Undoctored' at the Theatre Royal on 18 February and chuckle at hilarious stories about life on and off the wards.
You can even fit your laughs in while you get to know the city on foot with Bizarre Bath, who run comedy walking tours full of mystery, surprises and thrills.
Image - Komedia
14. Fall in Love With Bath’s Food Scene
Whether you’re craving fine dining, laid-back lunches, or freshly baked sweet treats, Bath has it all. One of the best ways to get acquainted with the local food scene is by joining a Savouring Bath tour. They’ll introduce you to artisan food and drink producers while feeding you knowledge on the city’s culinary history.
You can even pick up kitchen tips and techniques from brilliant Bath chefs offering cookery classes or at local food events, where you can catch demos and workshops in between sampling the fare on offer.
While you're in Bath, why not savour the talents of local chefs specialising in cuisines from across the world via online marketplace All About the Cooks. Try everything from delicious Indian curries, traditional Filipino dishes, Balkan specialities, and many more.
Image - The Mint Room
15. Savour Local Tipples
Bath’s local drinks scene is also thriving. If a good beer is your tipple of choice, your perfect pint may be waiting at The Bath Brew House, The Cork, or at Bath's very own brewery, Electric Bear Brewing Co, who have a taproom just a short walk from the city centre. Cider lovers can find a wide range of unique fermentations created on-site at The Bath Cider House, or visit the home of Thatchers Cider just outside the city.
Gin fiends will be pleased to hear there’s plenty of mother’s ruin to go round, with several bars boasting commendable gin collections and varieties from local distillers.
Image - Electric Bear Brewing Co.
16. Leave the City for a Day
If time is on your side, explore some of the picturesque towns and countryside beyond Bath during your visit. You’re well and truly spoilt for choice, with stand-out day trip locations like world wonder Stonehenge, the famously pretty village Castle Combe, and the storied town of Glastonbury to pick between.
Image - Castle Combe
17. Time Your Visit for a Festival
A quick scan of this year’s festival line-up and an event or two is certain to pique your interest. As a taster, there’s The Jane Austen Festival and Bath Children’s Literature Festival for bookworms, and Mozartfest and Bachfest for classical music fans. March sees the inaugural Curious Minds festival, with over 30 book talks, live performances, film screenings, writing workshops and walking tours.
For a smorgasbord of culture, choose from a myriad of multi-arts events at The Bath Festival in May. The 2024 programme will be announced shortly.
Foodies will love the inaugural edition of Flourish Foodhall & Kitchen's inaugural food festival, held in the scenic surroundings of Glenavon Farm in Saltford, based just a few miles outside the city centre. Expect a two-day celebration including live music, a craft market and family-friendly activities, and plenty of opportunities to savour a wide variety of quality food and drink.
Image - The Bath Festival
18. Explore Bath’s Shopping Areas
Enjoy some retail therapy in the city’s shopping hotspots. They include SouthGate, conveniently steps away from the train station, for high street favourites; Milsom Street for fashion, interiors and beauty; and artisan quarter Walcot Street for everything from vintage clothing to quirky artwork.
Image - Milsom Place
19. Get a New Perspective on a City Tour
Allow Bath’s excellent tour guides take you on an adventure around the city. Choose by mode of transport – there are options on foot, by bike, bus and even boat – and by theme, with iconic sights, ghost walks, food and drink, Jane Austen, and Bridgerton among those on offer.
Image - The Royal Crescent
20. See the City’s Sporty Side
Use your next trip to Bath to get active. You can hop on a paddleboard or kayak with adventure experts Original Wild, pedal your way around the city and beyond on two wheels, or hit the golf green.
Prefer the thrill of being a spectator? Grab a ticket for a Bath Rugby Club match for unbeatable atmosphere. You can also catch Bath City FC at Twerton Park, regular fixtures at Bath Racecourse, and motorsport at Castle Combe Circuit.
For a one-of-a-kind experience, take to the sky for one of the city’s other favourite pastimes: hot air balloon rides.
Image - Bath Rugby
21. Treat Yourself to Afternoon Tea
Speaking of favourite pastimes, afternoon tea is big in Bath. Just as special as the delicious sandwiches, scones, and sweet treats on offer are the venues where they’re served – from the grand Pump Room Restaurant, to traditional tearooms, to swanky hotels.
Image - The Pump Room Restaurant
22. Listen to Incredible Live Music
As well as celebrations of classical music at Bachfest and Mozartfest, there’s a chance to enjoy pop, jazz, funk, soul and swing gigs at intimate live music venues such as Komedia, The Bell Inn, Green Park Brasserie and many more.
Head out of the city to the beautiful Westonbirt Arboretum in July for the annual Forest Live music festival, which this year is headlined by disco legends Nile Rodgers & CHIC, supported by pop icons Sophie Ellis-Bextor and Deco.
Image - The Bell Inn
23. Spend Time in Bath’s Lovely Gardens and Parks
Stretch your legs, have a picnic and admire the greenery in the many gorgeous gardens and parks in and around the city. They range from one of the country’s best remaining Georgian pleasure gardens, to Italianate gardens designed by famed Edwardian landscaper Harold Peto.
Image - Iford Manor Gardens
24. Try something different
See a different side to the city with an experience from Yuup, whether you opt for foraging, making your own gin, or enjoying a wine & cheese tasting.
Image - Gin making with Still Sisters, via Yuup
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