There are numerous reasons to visit Bath, from its award-winning attractions to its fabulous food and retail scenes. But if you still need some persuasion, how about the fact that you can enjoy similar experiences to other famous landmarks across the world without leaving Bath and its surrounding area?

Read on for some of our favourite ‘dupes’ in and around the city, all offering their own uniquely Bath alternatives to some of the world’s best-known destinations…

1. The Roman Baths: Dupe for The Roman Forum, Rome

History fan? Swap the Roman ruins of Italy’s capital city for Bath’s very own slice of ancient civilisation at The Roman Baths. Here, you’re not only able to explore one of the world’s best-preserved Roman structures, but also witness Bath’s natural hot springs in action, pumping over a million litres of steaming water through the site every day. You’ll also discover the story behind the Baths’ creation, and how the complex led to the birth of Bath’s forerunner, Aquae Sulis.

Once you’ve finished exploring, head next door to The Pump Room Restaurant for an afternoon tea, or follow in the footsteps of former Bath resident Jane Austen and savour some of the titular buns at the nearby Sally Lunn's Historic Eating House


Image: The Roman Baths 

2. Pulteney Bridge: Dupe for the Ponte Vecchio, Florence

While the weather may not be quite the same, there's no better swap for Florence's Ponte Vecchio than Bath's Pulteney Bridge, which is directly inspired by the latter. The picture-perfect crossing over the River Avon puts a Georgian spin on its medieval Tuscan twin's design, and is also one of only four bridges in the world to be lined with a variety of tempting shops and eateries on either side. Stop by Icarus and Honey Willow to find beautiful artisan jewellery handcrafted in Bath, savour magnifique French cuisine at the nearby Chez Dominique restaurant, or tuck in to a classic Sunday roast at the Dashwood Lounge & Kitchen

Pulteney Bridge serves as the gateway to Great Pulteney Street, Bath's grandest boulevard, culminating in The Holburne Museum, which you may recognise as the exterior of Lady Danbury's lavish mansion in the hit Netflix series Bridgerton. The bridge is also flanked to the west by the Victoria Art Gallery, home to an eclectic range of temporary exhibitions all year round, which cover a wide range of art forms.


Image: Pulteney Bridge, credit Lloyd Evans Photography 

3. The Holburne Museum: Dupe for the National Gallery, London

Impressive 19th century building? Check! A collection of fine and decorative artworks from the 17th and 18th centuries? Check! An annual programme of exciting temporary exhibitions? Check! 

In fact, the biggest difference between The Holburne Museum and London's National Gallery is the lack of crowds, allowing you to browse the venue's extensive collection at your own pace. The museum also welcomes temporary exhibitions of work from artists across the world every year, with 2025 seeing displays from American textile artist Diedrick Brackens, potraiture from legendary visual artists Andy Warhol and Francis Bacon, and local Bath painter Joshua Donkor

Outside, rather than the stress of navigating bustling streets, you'll find yourself in the serene surroundings of Sydney Gardens. Stretch your legs with a scenic walk around the park, or admire it from a distance with a slice of cake and coffee in the Holburne cafe. Don't forget to take your picture with the Holburne's familiar facade, which played the role of Lady Danbury's mansion in Bridgerton! 


Image: The Holburne Museum 

4. Bath Abbey: Dupe for Westminster Abbey, London

Fancy visiting one of Britain's most exquisite monasteries without paying the price? Swap the high entry fees of London's Westminster Abbey for the much more affordable Bath Abbey, nestled in the heart of the city alongside The Roman Baths. Inside, you'll discover a history stretching back 1,200 years, including the country's very first coronation ceremony in 973 AD, when Edgar was crowned King of England.

Wander around the Abbey and marvel at one of the finest fan vaulted ceilings in the world, as well as magnificent stained glass windows and sculptures, then learn more about the building's past in the on-site Discovery Centre. Unlike Westminster Abbey, Bath Abbey also offers the chance to climb up the church's tower on a guided tour, with one of the best panoramic views over the city waiting for you at the top. 


Image: Bath Abbey, credit Rich Howman 

5. Thermae Bath Spa & Spa Village at The Gainsborough Bath Spa: Dupe for Széchenyi Thermal Baths, Budapest

Part of what makes Bath so special are its natural hot springs, which bestow the city with its long-standing status as a centre of wellbeing and relaxation. Today, you can immerse yourself in the waters at two venues in the city; the Thermae Bath Spa and The Gainsborough Hotel's Spa Village. Both offer a similarly delightful experience to Budapest's beloved Széchenyi Thermal Baths, but in considerably calmer surroundings, with a more exclusive touch. 


Image: Thermae Bath Spa

Book the Thermae Bath Spa's 'Welcome' package and enjoy a two-hour session, during which you'll have the chance to 'take the waters' in the flowing curves of the Minerva Bath and the spectacular Rooftop Pool boasting breathtaking views over the city, as well as unwinding in the multi-sensory Wellness Suite. Plus, if you're looking to indulge even further, there are a wide range of treatments and spa packages to take your pick from. 


Image: Spa Village at The Gainsborough Bath Spa 

Lather on even more luxury at the Gainsborough Hotel's Spa Village with one of their opulent spa day packages. These combine a four-hour session bathing in three natural thermal pools of varying temperatures in the venue's Bath House with a range of other treats, including a spa treatment and elegant two-course afternoon tea. Many of the Spa Village's treatments and therapies even use Hungarian skincare products, bringing the experience even closer to that of the Széchenyi Thermal Baths. 

6. Royal Victoria Park: Dupe for the Tuileries, Paris and Hyde Park, London

The Royal Victoria Park is to Bath what the Tuileries Garden is to Paris and what Hyde Park is to London - a gorgeous green oasis in the centre of the city, ideal for taking a break during a day's exploring!

Find the perfect spot to lounge among the 57 acres of pretty lawns, or go for a wander around the magnificent Botanical Gardens, which are contained within the park. Here, you'll find a suitably Victorian collection of plants and trees, ponds teeming with fish, and a replica Roman temple dedicated to the goddess Minerva. Kids will also love the park's adventure playground, featuring enough equipment to keep them entertained for hours. 

Just as the Louvre in the Tuileries, Bath's iconic Royal Crescent and Circus stand at the eastern end of the park, offering a superb photo opportunity. Don't miss a visit to No. 1 Royal Crescent, where you can step back in time to 1700s Bath and discover how a wealthy Georgian family might have lived. 


Image: Royal Victoria Park 

7. Beckford’s Tower: Dupe for the Torre del Mangia, Siena 

Despite being much younger, and of a different architectural style, Beckford's Tower to the north of the city bears a striking resemblance to Siena's Torre del Mangia. Built for the wealthy novelist William Beckford in 1827, the 120-foot structure today houses a small museum displaying pieces of Beckford's varied collections, and a dramatic spiral staircase leading up to the Belvedere, which offers impressive views over the rolling hills surrounding Bath. Outside, you'll swap the crowds of Piazza del Campo for tranquil grounds, with a tree-lined path leading to Beckford's hidden underground grotto.


Image: Beckford's Tower, credit Casper Farrell 

Why not go to the races while you're in the area? Slightly further north of Beckford's Tower is Bath Racecourse, home to an exciting programme of equestrian events between April and October every year. In 2025, the Racecourse's season opener takes place the day before the Grand National, making it the perfect bonus dupe for Liverpool's Aintree Racecourse! 


Image: Bath Racecourse

8. Alexandra Park: Dupe for Calton Hill, Edinburgh

Alexandra Park is Bath's best-loved viewpoint, offering unrivalled views of the World Heritage city's ravishing Georgian buildings and key landmarks, including Bath Abbey, the Guildhall, and Pulteney Bridge. The views are strikingly similar to those offered by the volcanic Calton Hill in the Scottish capital of Edinburgh, which is also noted for its stunning architecture, without necessitating a journey of over 400 miles north. 

Fancy continuing the Edinburgh theme? Time your visit to coincide with the annual Bath Music and Literature Festivals, the city's answer to the Scottish capital's legendary Fringe, featuring live performances, talks, workshops, walking tours and much more. 


Image: Alexandra Park

9. Bath City Centre: Dupe for Venice, Italy

While they may differ in weather and transport options, Bath and Venice are united by the fact that they are the only two entire cities to be designated World Heritage sites in Europe. Swap a gondola ride on the Venetian Lagoon for a paddleboarding tour along the River Avon with Original Wild, a wander along the Ponte di Rialto for Pulteney Bridge, and a visit to the Doge's Palace for a trip to The Roman Baths. Or, simply go for a stroll around the city centre and marvel at the elegant Georgian architecture, including the Royal Crescent and Circus


Image: Bath city centre

10. Wells Cathedral: Dupe for Notre-Dame Cathedral, Paris

Make the short journey west of Bath to Britain's smallest city, where you'll find Wells Cathedral. Described as "the most poetic of the English cathedrals," this Gothic masterpiece rivals Paris' world-renowned Notre-Dame Cathedral in its beauty, without the crowds. Explore the building's remarkable architectural features, including the stunning 'Scissor Arches' centrepiece and medieval clock face, or join in with the many events and activities hosted by the Cathedral throughout the year.

There's plenty more to do nearby too, including the chance to go for a walk along Europe's oldest residential street, Vicars' Close, and visit the neighbouring Bishop's Palace & Gardens. 


Image: Wells Cathedral

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