There are hundreds of things to see and do in Bath, but here’s an easy top ten to get you started.
Top tip: visit midweek to enjoy them at their best.
1. Visit the Roman Baths
Immerse yourself in history and see how Bath’s former residents relaxed all those centuries ago. Interactive exhibits and CGI reconstructions bring this unique ancient site back to life, showing how important the baths were to our Roman ancestors. Make sure you stop by the World Heritage Centre alongside the Baths on York Street to learn more about the city as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and discover what makes it so special.
Image - Roman Baths, credit Colin Hawkins
2. Relax at Thermae Bath Spa
You can’t take a dip at the Roman Baths these days, but you can still enjoy the same natural hot spring water at Thermae Bath Spa. This one-of-a-kind complex brings the spa into the twenty-first century, with lovely treatments, relaxation spaces and a spectacular rooftop pool offering 360-degree views of the city.
Image - Thermae Bath Spa
3. Be a culture vulture
Bath is a treasure trove of museums and galleries, so much so that there are too many to mention here! Dive in to classic and contemporary art exhibitions in the splendid surroundings of The Holburne Museum (the home of Lady Danbury in the world of Bridgerton) and Victoria Art Gallery, or relive the Georgian era at No.1 Royal Crescent. If you're interested in more Bath history, check out the Museum of Bath Stone and Museum of Bath at Work.
Image - No.1 Royal Crescent
Enter the dark world of Mary Shelley at Mary Shelley's House of Frankenstein and discover the compelling story behind the author's most renowned work over four immersive, multi-sensory floors. There's also the option to challenge yourself in the Victor's Lair and Shallows escape rooms, solve a gruesome mystery in the Body in a Suitcase game, or dare to set foot in the basement, where a thrilling horror walkthrough experience awaits.
Head to the Herschel Museum to learn about the extraordinary lives of famous Bath-based astronomers and musicians William and Caroline Herschel, and maybe even try one of the venue's regular astronomy sessions.
Image - Mary Shelley's House of Frankenstein
4. Climb Bath Abbey’s tower
Take the Bath Abbey Tower Tour to see the different, working side of this iconic landmark. Ascend 212 steps to the top, and you will climb past the ringing chamber to the bell chamber, to have the chance to stand above Bath Abbey’s vaulted ceiling and sit behind the clock face. Once you reach the roof, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views over the city and surrounding countryside. Back on the ground floor, don't miss the Abbey's brand new Discovery Centre, a unique heritage space which allows visitors to delve into the building's history and enjoy a peek behind the curtain at Abbey life through the ages.
If you're looking for more panoramic views, climb the 154 steps to the the top of the 120-foot neo-classical Beckford's Tower, located on Lansdown Hill, just a short distance from the city centre.
Image - Bath Abbey
5. Get lost in Austen
Visit The Jane Austen Centre to delve into the life of one of Bath's most famous residents and Britain’s favourite author. Costumed characters and exhibits tell the story of Austen’s time living in Bath between 1801 and 1806 and the impact it had on her work. You can dress up in Regency clothes before enjoying some sweet treats and snacks in their on-site tea room.
Image - The Jane Austen Centre
6. See Bath from another angle
The benefit of Bath being nestled among seven hills is that you're never far from some amazing views! Whether you opt to do the Bath Skyline Walk or a gentle stroll along the Kennet and Avon Canal, you're sure to encounter some memorable vistas.
For an even more special view, take to the skies in a hot air balloon over Bath, with flights available for groups or couples. We'd also recommend seeing Bath from the water, on a boat trip or a paddleboarding adventure! You can get great views of the city from The Rec too, while experiencing a Bath Rugby home game.
Image - Bath Skyline Walk
7. Take the waters
Our hot springs aren’t just for bathing. Drinking the mineral-rich waters is said to be a healthy remedy for numerous ailments. Try some for yourself in the elegant Georgian Pump Room Restaurant, where a glass of water from the spa fountain makes a unique accompaniment to a meal or extravagant afternoon tea.
Not keen on sipping spa water? The city also has its fair share of breweries, distilleries and vineyards if you want to try some other local tipples!
Image - The Pump Room
8. Referee the battle of the buns
In one corner, the Bath Bun, a sweet roll sprinkled with fruit and crushed sugar. In the other, the Sally Lunn bun, a light brioche-like creation only made at Sally Lunn’s house here in Bath. These two rivals have battled it out for centuries, but which one is best? You’ll have to taste them both and decide for yourself.
Image - Bath buns at Sally Lunn's Historic Eating House
9. Take a tour
Bath has plenty of guided tours for you to choose from, including food and drink tours, Bridgerton location-spotting, entertaining history walks and even a silent disco ghost tour! The Mayor of Bath's Honorary Guides also offer free daily walking tours around the city.
If you want to take the self-guided approach, a walk through Bath is a journey through centuries of architectural art. It’s the reason why Bath is the only city in the UK designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. For more information on Bath’s unmissable landmarks, see our list of Top Ten Must-Sees.
Image - The Circus
10. See what's on
Bath serves as a stage for a packed calendar of events. From comedy and carnival to music and literature, there are lots of exciting events and festivals taking place throughout the city, from The Bath Festival's celebration of culture, to the renowned Jane Austen Festival, a ten-day programme of events inspired by Austen's novels and characters, with a wide range of talks and workshops taking place in various venues across the city. Other key events in the city include the annual Bath Comedy Festival, Bath Carnival, Bath Children's Literature Festival, and FilmBath Festival.
Image - Bath Carnival
Take a look at our Events Calendar to see what events are taking place during your visit - you could end up enjoying free live jazz at Green Park Brasserie,watching Bath Rugby in action, or spending a night at the theatre.
Image - Green Park Brasserie
Add a little spice to your holiday shopping at Bath Christmas Market. Laid out around Bath's city centre, you’ll find a wonderland of pretty wooden chalets packed with one-of-a-kind festive gifts and tasty seasonal treats (plus warming glasses of mulled wine and cider).
There are plenty of other fantastically festive events taking place in the city from November onwards, so don't miss out on a chance to see Bath At Christmas.
Image - Bath Christmas Market
As you roam the streets of Bath, look out for the Bath BID Welcome Ambassadors, wearing distinctive blue jackets emblazoned with 'Ask Me!,' who have all the information you could possibly need at their fingertips.
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