With so much to see and do in Bath, it’s worth adding an extra night or two to your weekend break. Here’s our guide on how you can experience the city's iconic attractions and varied events over three days or more.
Where to stay
Bath city centre is the ideal hub for exploring, as the location of most of the city’s major attractions, all of which are all situated very close to one another. There’s also easy access to trains to a wide range of nearby destinations, and an extensive bus network for day trips outside Bath.
The contemporary comforts of Hampton by Hilton Bath City and Apex City of Bath provide the perfect base for exploring, with a wide range of different room types suitable for all travellers, and convenient locations close to Bath Spa railway station and Bath Bus Station. Or, if you’d prefer a spot of affordable luxury in a more historic setting, be sure to take a look at the Abbey Hotel, Hotel Indigo Bath, or The Francis Hotel, all of which are also situated a short walk away from Bath’s public transport hubs.
Image: Hampton by Hilton Bath City
Day one
Daytime
Kick off your long weekend by exploring Bath’s iconic attractions. Take in the stunning architecture of Bath Abbey, explore the site’s fascinating history in the recently opened Discovery Centre, and join one of the optional tower tours, where you can enjoy some of the best views of the beautiful World Heritage City.
Image: Bath Abbey tower tour
Afterwards, brush up on more Bath history at No.1 Royal Crescent, where you can discover how wealthy Georgians would have lived in the city during the late 1700s in the immaculately preserved townhouse, and live out your Bridgerton fantasy. If you fancy it, take some time after your visit to go for a walk around the beautiful Royal Crescent itself, situated directly outside.
Image: No.1 Royal Crescent
On your way back into the centre of town, wander down Gay Street, where you will find two acclaimed attractions dedicated to two of Bath’s most famous residents. Start with the House of Frankenstein, which tells the compelling story of Mary Shelley’s creation of her most renowned work over four immersive, multi-sensory floors. Experience unusual artefacts, ominous soundtracks, bespoke smells and special effects. Braver visitors can also test their nerve in a thrilling horror walkthrough experience in the basement, or Escape Room challenges.
Image - Mary Shelley's House of Frankenstein
A couple of doors down is The Jane Austen Centre, where you can learn more about the author’s years in Bath, all while meeting the various figures from her life and novels as played by the museum’s staff members. If you’re lucky, you may even get to say hello to Mr. Darcy! There’s also plenty of opportunity to get into the Austen spirit by dressing up in Regency costumes, trying your hand at writing with a quill, or enjoying afternoon tea in the Regency Tea Room.
Image: The Jane Austen Centre
Evening
Take advantage of The Roman Baths’ later opening times and soak up the rich history of this remarkably preserved 2,000 year old site. Pause to enjoy the special atmosphere around the Great Bath, which is torchlit every evening throughout the summer and also has special events during winter.
Image: The Roman Baths
For dinner, head to the nearby Green Park Brasserie for an Aperol Spritz and delicious, locally-sourced food, accompanied by live jazz, funk, soul and swing music from 6:30 to 9:45pm.
For a quieter meal in cosy surroundings, try The Scallop Shell or Flute for seafood, Cappadocia for Turkish platters, Robun for Japanese dishes, or Beckford Canteen for small plates.
Image - Green Park Brasserie
If you want to combine dinner with cocktails, head to the glamorous surroundings of The Bath Townhouse or The Dashwood.
In the mood for something less formal? Head to The Bath Brew House, The Cork, or The Bath Cider House, where you can try some local beers and ciders and fill up on pub grub.
Image: Beckford Canteen
Day Two
Daytime
After a busy Saturday, treat yourself to a relaxing, indulgent Sunday. Spend the morning at the Thermae Bath Spa, where you can bathe in the city’s mineral-rich natural thermal springs, unwind in the multi-sensory Wellness Suite, swim in the rooftop pool with spectacular views across the Bath skyline, and choose from a range of additional massage treatments to enjoy.
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Image: Thermae Bath Spa
In the afternoon, save your feet and take one of Tootbus Bath’s sightseeing tours to learn more about the city’s landmarks, and see some of the sights you missed on Saturday.
As it wouldn’t be a trip to Bath without an afternoon tea, try some perfect examples at The Roseate Villa or Montagu’s Mews at The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa, both of which are situated close by to stops on the bus tour's routes.
Image: Afternoon tea at Montagu's Mews
Evening
Go out on the town for dinner and a show at one of the city’s acclaimed entertainment venues, where you can take your pick from theatre, live music, and stand-up comedy shows. Finish the evening with a sumptuous meal at one of the stylish eateries in the Milsom Place shopping centre, including Bandook Kitchen, The Ivy Bath Brasserie or Côte Brasserie.
Image: Komedia Bath
Day Three
Daytime
Venture out of the city to some of the stunning attractions nestled across the beautiful nearby Somerset and Wiltshire countryside. Take one of the many private chauffeured tours available from Bath and experience some of England’s most iconic sights, including Stonehenge, Avebury, Lacock, and Castle Combe in the company of an expert guide.
Image: Stonehenge
If you’d prefer to go it alone, catch a local bus or train and pay a visit to some of the other historic destinations on the outskirts of Bath. Visit England’s smallest city, Wells, home of the country’s ‘most poetic’ cathedral, take in the mellow Georgian splendour and 17th-century Flemish cottages of Corsham, or wander along the Kennet & Avon canal at Bradford-on-Avon.
Can’t decide where to visit? Extend your break an extra night and pack in a few extra locations!
Image: Bradford-on-Avon
Evening
Returning to Bath, finish your long weekend with a laidback evening at one of the city's cosy restaurants as you reflect on your trip. Corkage offers a range of small plates perfectly paired with its extensive wine selection, while The Elder specialises in game and foraged ingredients.
Image: Corkage
Long Weekender ticket from GWR
perfect for your long weekend in Bath, take advantage of the GWR Long Weekender ticket. Leave on a Friday or Saturday, return on a Monday and save over 50% compared to an Anytime Return.
Find out more about The Long Weekender Ticket
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