In Things to do

Going solo? With its stunning World Heritage sites, beautiful Georgian architecture, award-winning spas, fun activities, and reputation as one of Britain’s safest cities, Bath is the perfect destination to enjoy some you time. Read on for our guide on how to experience the city as a solo traveller…

Getting to and around Bath

Bath’s excellent transport links and compact size take all the stress out of finding your way to the city, and around it.


Image: Great Western Railway

The local train station, Bath Spa, sits on Great Western Railway’s main line from London, with journeys from the capital’s Paddington Station taking just 80 minutes. National Express also operate direct services to Bath from London’s Heathrow Airport and Victoria Coach Station, which both journeys typically taking between two and three hours. 

If you’re flying in to the nearby Bristol Airport, all you need to do is follow the signs for buses out of the terminal building, then hop aboard the A4 Air Decker service, which will whisk you away to Bath in one hour. You can either buy tickets in advance on the Air Decker website, or aboard the bus by contactless card or cash payment. Bristol Airport is the closest airport to Bath, and based just 19 miles away from the city. 

Once you arrive, you’ll find that Bath’s small size makes it easy to traverse on foot, with all of the city’s major attractions based no more than a 15 minute walk away from each other. Walking around Bath is also one of the best ways to take in the city’s signature Georgian architecture, so it’s a win-win!

Keep an eye out for the friendly faces of Bath’s Welcome Ambassadors, who will be able to help you with any questions or directions. The Ambassadors wear bright blue jackets with ‘Welcome to Bath’ on the back.

Visit Bath’s unmissable sights and attractions

Use Bath’s easily walkable size to your advantage and tick off as many of the city’s unmissable sights and attractions as you can during your stay. Many are open to the public and won’t cost you a penny to enter, such as The Circus and Royal Crescent, the two jewels in Bath’s Georgian architectural crown. If you fancy it, pop in to the award-winning No.1 Royal Crescent living museum, which you may recognise as the Featherington family home in Netflix’s Bridgerton, and see how a wealthy family might have lived in Bath during the Georgian era.


Image: The Royal Crescent

Just down the road on Gay Street, you’ll find a pair of neighbouring museums dedicated to two of Bath’s most famous former residents, The Jane Austen Centre and Mary Shelley’s House of Frankenstein. Inside both, you’ll learn all about each woman’s life and work through gripping immersive experiences, alongside fun additional activities.


Image: The Roman Baths 

Discover more about why Bath is a double-UNESCO World Heritage site at The Roman Baths, one of the best-preserved Roman remains in the world, where you can follow in the footsteps of Bath’s earliest inhabitants around the 2,000 year old former bathing complex. Feel the heat of the water from the city’s natural springs, with over a million litres flowing through the site each day at 46 degrees celsius, and explore the interactive museum at your own pace, with audio guides included in the price of your ticket.


Image: Thermae Bath Spa 

If you’re tempted to ‘take the waters’ yourself, book a solo spa session at the nearby Thermae Bath Spa, which offers access to the very same spring water that supplies The Roman Baths, in a much more contemporary setting. You’ll enjoy entry to two thermal baths, a wellness suite, and a spectacular rooftop pool overlooking Bath’s elegant skyline.


Image: Bath Abbey, credit Rich Howman 

Directly opposite The Roman Baths is Bath Abbey, home to one of the finest fan vaulted ceilings in the world, as well as a variety of stunning stained glass windows and intricate sculptures, including the distinctive ladders of angels on the West Front, inspired by a former bishop’s biblical dreams. Head to the Discovery Centre on the lower ground floor to learn more about Abbey life throughout the ages, and the history of religion in Bath. There’s also the option to join a guided tour of the Abbey’s tower and visit the bell-ringing chamber, before admiring the impressive views over the city from the roof.

After a day’s exploring, unwind in the soothing surroundings of Parade Gardens, the city’s favourite park since its construction in the 1700s. You might like to make it a picnic with some food from one of Bath’s mouth-watering eateries – take a look at some of our recommendations further down!

Enjoy fun experiences across the city

One of the best things about solo travelling is the friends you make along the way, while immersing yourself in the local culture of a destination. This is where the numerous unique experiences available in Bath come in, from walking tours around the city and guided day trips to some of the must-see attractions in the surrounding countryside, to fun workshops, memorable activities, and many more.

Bath’s wide selection of walking tours suit every interest and budget. The Mayor of Bath’s Honorary Guides run free public tours offering an overview of the city’s history and architecture every day of the year from outside The Roman Baths, with no advance booking necessary – just turn up and go!

Alternatively, book a private tour with expert local guides Fred Mawer Tours, Bath Insider Tours, and City of Bath Guides. As well as general walking tours of the city, all offer a selection of themed tours, covering everything from Bath’s film and TV appearances (including its starring role in the hit Netflix series Bridgerton), to the city’s connections to famed author Jane Austen, and much more.  


Image: City of Bath Guides 

Some of the guides above, in addition to fellow tour operators In & Beyond Bath and Galahad Tours, also offer private excursions outside Bath. Take your pick from trips to iconic attractions and beautiful villages on the city’s doorstep, such as Stonehenge, Avebury, Castle Combe, and Glastonbury, among many others. If you’re on a budget, Rabbie’s and Mad Max both offer public day tours to all of these destinations and more from Bath.


Image: The Bertinet Kitchen Cookery School

Back in the city, meet new people and learn new skills by joining one of the wide range of workshops available across Bath. Discover how to craft the finest pasta from scratch at Pasta Laboratory, master the art of bread making at The Bertinet Kitchen, and learn how to live off the land at Vale House Kitchen.


Image: Love Makers Craft Cafe

Alternatively, get creative with the endless crafting possibilities available at the Love Makers Craft Cafe, and find other unique experiences with Yuup and The Indytute. 


Image: Original Wild

Visiting during the sunnier months? Get outdoors and explore Bath from a unique perspective with a paddleboard or kayak tour along the River Avon with Original Wild, or go for a two-wheel adventure around the city and beyond with Wild Swim Bike Run’s tempting selection of guided cycling tours.  

Grab a bite to eat

Bath is a fantastic destination for foodies, with a range of tempting options, whether you fancy grabbing something on the go while exploring, or dining in.

If it’s the former you’re after, go for the Middle Eastern delights of Eat a Pitta. Savour the restaurant’s trademark falafels in a fresh pitta or box, dressed in homemade sauces, salads, and extras. Or, head to Bath’s beloved Guildhall Market, home to iconic local favourites such as The Guildhall Deli and Nibbles Cheese, and Green Street Butchers for mouth-watering breakfast and lunch options.


Image: Eat a Pitta 

If you’re looking for a cosy sit-down dinner, your first port of call should be acclaimed sister restaurants Green Park Brasserie and Bath Pizza Co. Based in the quirky setting of a former railway station, both venues serve up dishes to die for, as well as laidback vibes, with live music four nights a week. Don’t miss their tempting range of offers available throughout the week, from cocktail happy hours to combination deals! You can find more delicious artisan pizza at one of Dough’s two venues in the city, at Kingsmead Square and The Corridor, as well as The Stable.


Image: Green Park Brasserie & Bath Pizza Co 

Other ideal venues for chilled-out meals with a drink or two include The Bath Brew House, The Scallop Shell, Rosa's Thai, The Bath Cider House, and The Botanist. If you're feeling particularly adventurous, Bath is also home to several restaurants specialising in a wide range of global cuisines, from authentic Japanese dishes at Robun to French classics at Côte Brasserie Bath.


Image: The Bath Brew House

Go for a night out

As well as being one of the UK's safest cities, Bath is also a proud Purple Flag bearer, in recognition of its welcoming, vibrant, and diverse night-time economy. All of this means that you can enjoy the wide variety of fun things to do after sundown stress-free.  


Image: Theatre Royal Bath 

Treat yourself to a show at the Theatre Royal Bath, which welcomes an eclectic range of plays, musicals, opera, and much more throughout the year.


Image: Komedia Bath 

Just around the corner at Komedia, you’ll find live music gigs, stand-up comedy shows, and award-winning club nights throughout the week, including the venue’s own Krater Comedy Club and Big Disco every Saturday. Music lovers will also love Chapel Arts Centre’s varied programme of shows, with performers covering a wide range of genres.  


Image: Krowd Keepers Magic Theatre

There’s also the chance to see something completely different at Sleight Magic Bar and Krowd Keepers Magic Theatre, where you’ll witness mind-blowing close-up magic from talented professional magicians from across the world.

Where to stay

Whether you're after a cosy private stay, or the chance to socialise with your fellow travellers, there are plenty of suitable accommodation options waiting for you in Bath. 


Image: Hampton by Hilton Bath City

For a comfortable base in the heart of the city, take a look at the selection of modern rooms available at the Hampton by Hilton, DoubleTree by Hilton, and Apex City of Bath Hotel. Or treat yourself to a stay at one of Bath's charming guesthouses, such as the beautifully appointed boutique bolthole Eight, and the homely Brooks Guesthouse in the city's leafy western suburbs. 


Image: Eight in Bath

If you're on a tighter budget, or fancy more of a communal feel during your stay, look no further than the friendly sanctuary of YMCA Bath, or Z Hotel Bath. The University of Bath also offers great-value guest accommodation over the summer months, both at its landscaped campus on Claverton Down, and at Green Park House in the city centre.


Image: YMCA Bath 

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