Honestly, Bath is a totally stunning and historic city in England to visit. It’s the kind of place that’s steeped in history, with some dating back almost two thousand years. You’ll be spoilt for choice when looking for the best things to do in Bath, especially as there are so many dotted across the city.
This is why I wanted to share some of the very best things to do in Bath when you head over. It’s easily the kind of city that’s great for a day trip whilst in England, especially as it’s only around 2 hours on the train from London. That being said, I think a few days in Bath is a little better; this gives you time to enjoy the city.
Oh, and it’s really easy to pair a trip to Bath with a longer trip to the Cotswolds, too. It’s a picture-perfect area of rolling hills and quaint little villages that’s really easy to explore in a car.
This way, you’ll get a little taste of Bath, but also some of the stunning places right on the city’s doorstep (well, about 30 minutes away).
With that in mind, take a look at some of the best things to do in Bath on your next trip. It’s a stunner of a city that I hope you’ll love as much as we do!
1.) See Pulteney Bridge
Completed around 250 years ago, Pulteney Bridge is smack-bang in the centre of Bath, so you really can’t miss it. Similar to the Ponte Vecchio in Florence, Pulteney Bridge has a heap of buildings that house a number of shops along the bridge itself.
It’s pretty unique and strolling the bridge, and the surrounding riverbank is easily one of the best things to do in Bath, especially on a sunny day.
Also, don’t forget that Bath has some of the very best hotels in England to experience. Make sure you book this room at The Gainsborough Hotel. It’s set within its own grounds and is such an iconic property. Think English charm, mixed with a luxe flair. It’s incredible and the perfect hotel to stay at when visiting Bath.
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2.) Explore the Roman Baths
Probably the most famous Roman baths in England, the Roman Baths are the exact reason why Bath (as a city) was established. You see, almost 2,000 years ago, the Romans realised that they could harness the spa and geothermally heated waters that came up from underground.
For hundreds of years, the Romans used these baths for public bathing, with it hosting the Sacred Spring, a Roman Temple and the Roman Bath itself.
After booking these tickets, you can pop inside and still see the geothermally heated bath, whilst exploring more about the sacred spring and the temple that the Romans built here. Like I said, just make sure to book these tickets in advance – spaces can sell out fast at peak times.
Nowadays, you can’t take a dip here, but fear not, there are other places in Bath to go for this. It really is a special place to visit and easily one of the best things to do in Bath if you love history.
If you want to stay in the centre of Bath, book this total luxe and boutique stay at No 15 by GuestHouse. It’s an incredible period, a property in the heart of Bath. The rooms are stunning, with high ceilings, and it’s such a welcoming place to call home.
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3.) Take a dip at the Thermae Spa
If you’ve been hankering to go for a dip in one of the geothermal pools in Bath, then head down to the Thermae Spa. Here, they pump geothermally heated water to the spa and outdoor roof pool for you to enjoy.
It’s lovely and the spa is gorgeous. Honestly, it’s one of the best things to do in Bath if you just want to chill out.
Just make sure to book your trip in advance, peak times fill up fast!
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4.) Visit Bath Abbey
Bath Abbey is right next door to the Roman Baths, and it’s impossible to miss. Founded in the 7th Century, Bath Abbey is one of the highest buildings in Bath and well worth a visit once you’re in the city centre.
Built with Bath Stone, you’ll notice the Abbey matches the rest of the city. This is because Bath stone has a distinct colour and each building has traditionally been built with this and is now protected, too.
Once inside, make sure to look up at the incredible vaults and the stained-glass windows, too. It’s stunning to see and easily one of the best things to do in Bath if you want to experience the city’s living heritage. Also, you can easily book an afternoon tea at The Pump Room. It’s so lovely, but you do need to book in advance as tables do fill up, especially on weekends.
Afterwards, book this guided ghost tour of Bath that is as ghoulish and garish as it sounds. It’s a great way to explore the history of the city and see so many sights and hear about the haunted venues around Bath. Just be sure to book your place in advance – there are limited spaces on these tours.
5.) Gorge at Sally Lunn’s
Okay, after a little sightseeing, there’ll be no doubt that your tummy will be hankering for a snack! For this, you’ve got to head to Sally Lunn’s, whose been making buns in Bath for hundreds of years.
Today, Sally Lunn’s is something of an institution and you really can’t miss. Though remember, it does get busy at peak times, so plan your trip to avoid these times. They’re delicious and so moreish.
6.) Stroll Green Street
Strolling Green Street is probably one of the best things to do in Bath if you want to go shopping. Yeah, it might be relatively small, but the street and the surrounding areas have a heap of independent shops and stalls that call this area home.
Make sure to take a wander or visit the nearby Jane Austen Centre, too.
Also, for a tasty lunch, pop into The Raven pub, which is kitsch and serves up some proper British classics.
To make things nice and easy, book this hop-on-hop-off tour bus of Bath. It’s a great way to get around the city without ever having to worry about how to get to each spot. We’ve found it so useful, especially if you’re not familiar with Bath.
If you want to stay a little away from the city centre, make sure to book this room at The Bath Priory. It’s an iconic Relais & Chateaux Hotel and one of their flagship properties in all of England. Nestled within its own ground and within the centuries-old mansion, it’s a place you really can’t miss.
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7.) See Royal Crescent and the circus
The Royal Crescent (Google Maps pin) is pretty gorgeous to see and really easy to visit if you’re already in the city.
Built around 250 years ago, the Royal Crescent is said to be one of the best Georgian buildings to see anywhere in the country.
Take a little wander around the crescent and stroll on down (through Brock Street) to the Circus, too.
Built by John Wood, the Elder, it’s actually a copy (of the circular dimensions) of Stonehenge. The reason for this is that John Wood believed that this area of England was one of the most important places in the world for Druids. To this day, this is why the dimensions follow that of Stonehenge and still stand to this day.
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8.) Ramble through St. John’s Place
Only a few minutes walk from Queen Square, St. John’s Place is one of the winding streets in the centre of Bath that’s gorgeous to visit. It’s only a 5-minute walk from Sally Lunn’s (via the Roman Baths) to get to St. John’s Place, too.
Once here, take a ramble around and stroll through the surrounding streets, too. Afterwards, head over to Sotto Sotto for some of their homemade and tasty pasta. It’s so good.
9.) Take a boat on the River Avon
Just near Pulteney Bridge, you can join this one-hour river boat cruise (with prosecco included) that is so lovely.
On board, you will be whisked away for a one-hour cruise that traverses the River Avon, taking in some of Bath’s most iconic sites. It’s a great way to see the city if you fancy a little chill time and the weather is nice and sunny.
Just be sure to book these boat tour tickets in advance. They always sell out on the weekends.
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10.) Enjoy the Markets of Bath
There are a number of marketplaces and stalls in Bath, with a heap of goodies and treats to buy.
Yes, you’ve got the outdoor stalls near the Roman Baths, but you’ve also got the Guildhall Market (Google Maps pin) that’s well worth a visit, too. Take a little gander, find some local goodies and enjoy the city.
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