Bath is steeped in history. As well as being a vibrant and thriving twenty-first-century city, Bath is a living museum. History and heritage line the city’s streets, with every footstep revealing compelling cultural attractions and astonishing architecture. It’s why Bath is the only city in the UK designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, along with its unique second inscription at part of UNESCO's Great Spa Towns of Europe.

World Heritage Bath

In 1987, the city of Bath in its entirety was designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The city was deemed a cultural site with outstanding universal value and cultural significance thanks to its Roman remains, hot springs, eighteenth-century architecture, eighteenth-century town planning, social setting and landscape setting.

In 2021, Bath received an exceptional second UNESCO inscription, as part of the Great Spa Towns of Europe, along with ten other historic spa towns.

Once you've explored World Heritage Bath, you can continue your cultural journey with a trip to one of the two additional World Heritage Sites within easy reach of the city. Just under an hour's drive from Bath, Stonehenge is a remarkable monument which was erected between 3,000 BC and 1,600 BC, and you'll find the Avebury Stone Circle, the largest stone circle in Europe, 27 miles from Bath.

Discover World Heritage Bath

Bath's Spa Heritage

There’s definitely something in the water here in Bath.

Archaeological evidence suggests that there was human activity around the hot springs on which Bath is built as far back as 8000 BC. Much later, in 863 BC, according to legend, Prince Bladud founded the city of Bath around the hot springs.

Today, you can bathe in the same mineral-rich thermal springs that soothed the Romans 2,000 years ago at Thermae Bath Spa.

Bath's inscription as one of the 11 UNESCO Great Spa Towns of Europe is testament to the prominence and conservation of the city's spa heritage.

Browse our timeline to find out more about Bath's spa history.

England Originals

Explore England's culture, heritage and people through the eyes and footsteps of those that helped shape its history.

Choose from five itineraries taking in sixteen of England's most historic cities, including a route from Cornwall to Stonehenge, via the Roman and Georgian sights in Bath.

From stories of monarchs and merchants, to breakfast on the beach, Shakespeare, Harry Potter and the Magna Carta, England’s historic cities have it all. Plan your perfect break, complete with tours, accommodation, attractions and rail pass.

Find out more about England Originals

Facts About Bath

Did you know that a hoard of 17,500 Roman coins was discovered in Bath in 2007? Or that the first ever stamp to be mailed was sent from Bath Post Office?

From the first ever farmers' market to the discovery of Uranus, Bath has plenty of fascinating stories to tell.

We've unearthed some of the most interesting lesser-known facts about the city of Bath for you to discover.

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What Does Water Mean to Bath?

From ancient thermal springs to tranquil places to enjoy water in and around the city, and from modern day spas and spa hotels to tasting the mineral water, Bath’s history is closely tied to water.

Did you know that Bath Abbey is heated by thermal technology that uses energy from the hot thermal springs, or that the UK's only surviving Georgian open-air swimming pool is just a few miles outide Bath? Soak up some history with a dive into Bath’s connection with water.

Discover Bath’s Water History

Famous People from Bath

Bath is, without a doubt, remarkable. With an impressive Roman legacy and stunning Georgian architecture, it’s no wonder the entire city is a World Heritage Site.

However, look beneath the surface of Bath’s well-known history and you’ll find little-known stories waiting to be told.

Ever since its legendary beginnings, Bath has been home to a cast of colourful characters; from Anglo-Saxon royalty to an eighteenth-century dandy, these extraordinary historical figures each helped shape the city into what it is today.

Get to know Bath’s remarkable characters