There are hundreds of things to see and do in Bath. Here’s an easy top ten to get you started. And here’s a top tip: enjoy them at their best by visiting midweek.
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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.
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.
3. Be a Culture Vulture
Bath is a deep treasure chest of museums and galleries (far too many to list here). Dive in to Bath's culture at The Holburne Museum, relive the Georgian era at No.1 Royal Crescent, soak up style at the Fashion Museum and visit Victoria Art Gallery for classic and contemporary art in a splendid Victorian setting.
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.
5. Get Lost in Austen
Visit The Jane Austen Centre to delve into the life of Britain’s favourite author. Exhibits and costumed characters tell the story of Austen’s time spent living here in Bath between 1801 and 1806 and the impact it had on her work.
6. See Bath from Another Angle
Take a stroll on the Bath Skyline Walk. Just a short distance from the city centre, this six-mile route takes you through lush meadows, secluded valleys and ancient woodlands. Alongside the natural splendour, you’ll also take in some spectacular wide-angle vistas of beautiful Bath.
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.
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.
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9. Take an Architectural Tour
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 that’s a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. For more information on Bath’s unmissable landmarks see our list of Top Ten Must-Sees.
10. Get Festival Fever
Bath serves as a stage for a packed calendar of events. From comedy and carnival to food and drink, music and literature, there are lots of exciting events and festivals taking place throughout the city.
The Bath Festival is the city's flagship festival, a multi-arts celebration of all things music and literature. With over 120 events spread out over ten days, the line-up features rock, classical and world music, with the fantastic Finale Weekend topping off a festival to remember. Bath’s most famous resident is the focus of the Jane Austen Festival, a ten-day programme of literary-inspired events with a whole range of talks and workshops taking place in various venues across the city.
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 stalls packed with one-of-a-kind festive gifts and tasty seasonal treats (plus warming glasses of mulled wine).
To make the most out of your visit, make sure you stop off at the Visitor Information Centre for information, tickets and a quality range of gifts, souvenirs and maps, and, 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 right at their fingertips.
