Whether you like the sound of kicking back in the spas, celebrating the 250th birthday of one of Bath’s most famous residents, sampling the delights of the city’s food and drink scene, or immersing yourself in world-class cultural events, there are more reasons than ever to visit Bath in 2025.
We’ve whittled down 25 of the top things to do this year, to help you plan your next Bath break.
1. Celebrate Jane Austen’s 250th birthday with special Austen250 events
2025 marks the 250th birthday of the infamous author Jane Austen, who lived in Bath from 1801 to 1806, with the city having a huge influence on her novels. The city will be awash with special events, offers, and packages to mark the occasion, from January all the way through to the big day itself on 16 December.
There’ll be more opportunity for Austen enthusiasts to live out their Regency fantasies than ever before, with The Jane Austen Festival staging four seasonal balls in addition to all the usual festivities at the main event from 12 – 21 September, including the popular costumed parade through the city centre and many more themed activities.
Image: The Jane Austen Festival
For the ultimate celebration of all things Austen, try one of The Gainsborough Bath Spa and Strictly Jane Austen’s six-day packages, taking place in April and October respectively. You can expect fascinating talks from Austen experts, guided walking tours through the city, workshops, and plenty of opportunities to toast Jane’s memory over sumptuous culinary treats! Costumes can also be arranged if you’d like to fully immerse yourself in Regency splendour, and live like one of Austen’s characters.
2. 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 residents almost 2,000 years ago at the iconic Roman Baths, one of the best-preserved Roman remains in the world. This February, you can experience this ancient site in a thoroughly modern way, with the Baths hosting two evening silent disco sessions.
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. Or, for a slice of Georgian Bath, take a short walk north to visit No.1 Royal Crescent. Reopening after its annual winter break on 1 February, the museum is decorated and furnished just as it might have been during the period from 1776 to 1796.
You can also learn more about Bath's history and architecture at the Museum of Bath Stone and Museum of Bath at Work.
Image: The Roman Baths, credit Lloyd Evans Photography
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 fun outdoor activities, and so much more. If you’re not sure where to start, the city-wide festival of wellbeing ReBalance Bath returns for three weeks of feel-good activities from 30 January – 16 February.
Image: Laughter Yoga at Bath Abbey
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: Bath World Heritage Centre
6. Fall in love with Bath’s exceptional food and drink scene
What better excuse to sink your teeth into some of the mouth-watering dishes being served at Bath’s diverse selection of award-winning cafes, pubs, and restaurants than the inaugural Bath Restaurant Week in May? The event will be preceded by the city’s very first waiters’ race through the city centre in April, where you can cheer on the contestants and find out which team will be crowned victorious!
Discover even more of the finest food and drink Bath has to offer on one of Savouring Bath’s tours, which will introduce you to the city’s artisan producers while feeding you knowledge on the city’s culinary history.
Try the company’s brand new afternoon tea experience, where you’ll enjoy a guided tour of the city, followed by your choice of a ‘Georgian’ or ‘Luxury’ themed afternoon tea in one of Bath’s gorgeous eateries. The tour itself can be tailored for your tastes, whether you’re interested in Jane Austen’s links to the city, Bath’s starring role in film and TV, the city during the 18th century, or a more general overview.
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.
Image: Green Park Brasserie
7. 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 special Austen250 edition of The Jane Austen Festival and Bach275 edition of Bachfest, plus Bath Children’s Literature Festival for bookworms, Mozartfest for classical music fans, and Bath Carnival for those looking for a party!
Image: The Bath Festival
March sees the return of the Curious Minds festival, featuring a packed programme of book talks, live performances, film screenings, writing workshops and walking tours. Hot on its heels in May are The Bath Music Festival and The Bath Literature Festival, offering a smorgasbord of culture, with a wide range of multi-arts events to choose from.
Moving into summer, Iford Manor Jazz Festival welcomes a range of world-class artists to the beautiful surrounds of Iford Manor from 19 -22 June, and The Garden Theatre Festival returns to The Holburne Museum from 2 - 20 July, with performances of Romeo & Juliet, Pride and Prejudice, and more.
Food lovers will also be delighted to hear that the travelling Foodies Festival will return to Bath’s Royal Victoria Park from 29 -31 August, welcoming some of Bath’s finest artisan food and drink businesses, talented local chefs, and other special guests including MasterChef and Great British Bake Off champions for a weekend of culinary indulgence!
Image - Garden Theatre Festival
8. See a pop superstar at one of Bath’s most famous landmarks
This June, Bath will welcome none other than Robbie Williams for two open-air gigs in the stunning surroundings of the Royal Crescent, as part of the singer’s highly anticipated 2025 tour. Expect to hear some of Williams’ biggest hits in addition to new music from his upcoming album in what is certain to be an unmissable show from one of the world’s greatest performers.
You can find more pop royalty north of Bath at Westonbirt Arboretum’s annual Forest Live music festival this June, with an all-star lineup featuring Snow Patrol, Sting, McFly, and many more.
Image: The Royal Crescent
9. Take in Bath’s iconic architecture
Go for a wander around the city and marvel at the elegant Georgian architecture and distinctive honey-coloured Bath stone at every turn. Our guide to Bath's most Instagrammable spots highlights some of the city’s most photogenic buildings and landmarks, from the magnificent Circus and Royal Crescent to hidden alleyways and more.
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Image: Pulteney Bridge, credit Lloyd Evans Photography
10. 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.
Image: The Queensberry Hotel
11. 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 and its surrounding area using the Bathscape website.
Head just a little further afield and you can get out for a scenic stroll 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
12. Experience world-class exhibitions
Get your cultural fix at one of Bath's galleries and museums, from exploring the creations of textile artist Diedrick Brackens at The Holburne Museum, to the witty works of 18th century satirists Thomas Rowlandson and John Nixon at the Victoria Art Gallery. You’ll also find exhibitions of exquisite artwork throughout the year at the Museum of East Asian Art.
Image: Victoria Art Gallery
13. 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 Netflix series Bridgerton, 2023’s Wonka film musical, or the upcoming TV adaptation of Agatha Christie’s ‘The Seven Dials Mystery’ as you wander through the historic city streets. If you can’t get enough of the former, why not book a Bridgerton-inspired stay, or join one of the many tours dedicated to the show’s connection with Bath?
Image: Nicola Coughlan & Luke Newton in Bridgerton season 3, credit Liam Daniel
14. 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.
This summer, Harry Potter and James Bond star Ralph Fiennes will take over the Theatre Royal for his own season of shows. The programme will include a blend of new and old, including original play Grace Pervades, and a production of Shakespeare’s classic As You Like It.
Meanwhile, in the Ustinov Studio, actor and musician Lily Allen will grace the stage as Hedda Gabler in a new production of Henrik Ibsen’s classic play from 25 July to 23 August. The theatre is home to an eclectic range of shows every year, so you’re sure to find something that will capture your imagination in 2025!
Get your comedy fix just around the corner at Komedia Bath, where acclaimed comics including local legend Russell Howard, Joel Dommett, Ignacio Lopez, and many more are lined up for 2025.
And enjoy the 20-day long Bath Comedy Festival from 3 - 21 April, with standup shows from the country's finest up-and-coming comedians, as well as established stars.
Image: Komedia Bath
15. Savour local tipples
Bath is home to a thriving local drinks scene. 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 crafted on-site at The Bath Cider House, or visit the home of Thatchers Cider, nestled just outside the city in the scenic Mendip Hills.
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 choose from, among many others.
Don’t have a car? Take a look at the many day tours available from Bath, including those from Rabbie’s Tours, Mad Max Tours, Bath Insider Tours, In & Beyond Bath, and many more.
Image: Castle Combe
17. Explore Bath’s shopping areas
Browse a wide variety of wares in the city’s shopping hotspots. These include SouthGate, based just steps away from the city’s railway and bus stations, for high-street brands; Milsom Street for fashion, beauty and interiors; and artisan quarter Walcot Street for everything from vintage clothing to quirky artworks.
Image: SouthGate Bath
18. 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.
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Image: Bath Adventures
19. 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
20. Treat yourself to an 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: Montagu's Mews at The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa
21. Enjoy incredible live music
As well as the celebrations of classical music at Bachfest and Mozartfest, there’s a chance to enjoy pop, jazz, funk, soul and swing gigs all year round at intimate live music venues such as Komedia, The Bell Inn, and Green Park Brasserie, among many others.
Image: The Bell Inn
22. Spend time in Bath’s lovely parks and gardens
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, credit Marianne Cartwright-Hignett
23. 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: Yuup
24. 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 Bath Ghost Tours on evenings between March and October to discover the stories behind some of Bath's most notorious hauntings!
25. Get into the festive spirit at Bath Christmas Market
The much-loved Bath Christmas Market will return to the historic city centre streets in 27 November to 14 December 2025. Visit to soak up the festive atmosphere and indulge in locally made food and drink. Book your Christmas break now to avoid disappointment.
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Image: Bath Christmas Market, credit Stuff Creative Studio & Adam Gasson
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