If it’s heritage, green space and contemporary culture you’re looking for, then Bath has it in spades. As one of the jewels in the West of England’s crown, there’s never been a better time to explore what Bath has to offer.

This summer, there are cheaper and easier ways to explore the city and surrounding area aboard First Bus’ many routes. 

Image - The Roman Baths. Credit: Andy Fletcher

If you’re a lover of the great outdoors, you’re in good company in Bath. The National Trust’s Prior Park Landscape Garden is a beautiful and intimate 18th century landscape garden with winding paths, hidden features and stunning views across the city.

Among its most impressive draws is its awe-inspiring palladian bridge – one of only four bridges of its design in the world. Prior Park can be reached aboard First Bus’ number two service. 

Image - Prior Park Palladian Bridge

If the weather’s on your side and you fancy continuing to fill your lungs, then you could sample a double dose of what the National Trust has on offer with its Bath Skyline Walk.

The three-mile circular walk from the city centre out to the countryside raises you above the rooftops for some of the most spectacular views across the city. Nestled among tree-lined hills, the contrast of the city so close to this rural haven has earned it World Heritage Site status. The Skyline Walk can be reached by using First Bus’ U1 and D2X services.

Better still, if a group of you fancy a day out in the open, First is offering a group ticket allowing up to five people unlimited travel all day for just £10. So, for just £2 each, you could sample both these National Trust treasures.

Image - Bath Skyline Walk 

If you’re looking for a bit of culture, and need to dodge the inevitable summer rain clouds, why not take a trip to America without even leaving the West Country. The American Museum and Gardens is set in 125 acres of green landscape with stunning gardens and an imposing Manor House featuring a collection of decorative and folk art, with temporary exhibitions. The museum and gardens can be reached on First Bus’ U1 service.

Image - American Museum and Gardens

We’re sure you’ll fall in love with Bath, but believe it or not, there is life outside the city. In fact, just a short journey down the road aboard First’s D2 service is the market town of Frome – recently described as the Notting Hill of Somerset.

While the town is packed with quaint streets and lots of independent shops among some high street brands, a highlight in the town’s calendar is the monthly Frome Independent Market, when the town centre is packed with the biggest array of stalls selling everything from food, drinks, gifts, arts and crafts. The market, which also features live music, takes place on the first Sunday of every month (the next ones being on 6th August and 3rd September).

Image - The Frome Independent Market, credit: The Frome Independent

Travelling around Bath and the West of England has never been easier. If you don’t fancy doing it on foot then bus routes head in all directions, and with adult single tickets costing just £2, and £1 for children, alongside lots of other special offers – such as First’s £10 group ticket – it’s a cheaper and a more sustainable way of exploring what this part of the UK has to offer. 

First Bus has also made the region easier to enjoy with its app that allows you to buy tickets and plan your journey, and also view timetables, route maps and track live buses. And it’s Tap On, Tap Off technology lets you simply board a bus, swipe your card or mobile phone and relax knowing you’ll always pay the cheapest fare. Download the app on the Apple and Google stores by searching ‘First Bus’.

Read more:

• Summer in Bath
• First Bus website
• Public Transport in Bath