Things to do in Bath – Visit Bath in England – tourist guide, photos, map

Things to do in Bath! Bath is a city in the county of Somerset, situated 97 miles west of London and it’s easily reached from the capital city as it’s only around 90 minutes by train from London Paddington. Originally a spa town in the Roman era, it’s now a World Heritage Site due to its cultural and historical importance: the Roman remains and Bath’s spectacular Georgian architecture are the reasons for this award.

The city is populated by about 85,000 permanent residents. It is one of the most popular tourist cities in England due to its fascinating history, culture, and beautiful architecture.

Parade gardens, Bath, Things to do in Bath, England, UK by Adrian Pingstone

Things to do in Bath, England

What to see and visit in Bath

Like many towns and cities in the UK, Bath has Roman origins, which are still clear to see today. The city originally started as a Roman spa, which then grew into numerous baths (hence the city’s name), and temples.

The city is still a cultural melting pot, with a plethora of museums, active baths, and spas, theatres, pubs, bars and restaurants. There are also two universities located in the city which adds to the vibrant activity and nightlife of the area.

Things to do in Bath, England, UK by Stewart Black

The varied and numerous attractions of Bath take visitors and tourists on a trip through the ages. Some of the more popular attractions include:

The Royal Crescent

One of the most famous sites of Bath and one of the best examples of Georgian architectural design in the UK is The Royal Crescent, a curved street of 30 terraced houses dating from the second half of the eighteenth century and a major influence on architecture.

It’s been seen on the big screen in the 1998 film “The Duchess” starring Keira Knightley amongst others. It’s not the only crescent in the city – better views are to be had from the slightly less grand Camden Crescent.

The Royal Crescent, Things to do in Bath, England, UK by Eric Titcombe

Roman Baths

You can still visit some of the original 2000-year-old baths that the city was named after. The Roman Baths are Britain’s only hot spring, and thus are of great importance!

The Roman Baths have recently undergone a huge renovation project and feature England’s only hot springs. A must-do is to have a taste of the minerally water while you’re there and if you visit on a summer evening, you’ll be able to experience the beautifully atmospheric site when it’s lit by torchlight.

Roman baths, Things to do in Bath, England, UK by Diliff

Thermae Bath Spa

This outdoor spa allows visitors to swim outdoors in naturally warm waters – this is a novel concept for such a cold country!

Thermae Bath Spa, Things to do in Bath, England, UK by Thermae Bath Spa

Prior Park Landscape Garden

This beautiful 18th-century garden allows visitors to explore the luscious grounds and appreciate breath-taking views over the city.

Prior Park Landscape Garden, Things to do in Bath, England, UK by Spencer Means

The Botanical Gardens

This section of the 57 acre Royal Victoria Park is a must-see for flower lovers and budding botanists. Over 100 years old, this 9-acre garden features an incredibly impressive range of flowers and plants.

Bandstand in Royal Victoria Park, Things to do in Bath, England, UK by Steve Daniels

The Pump Room

The Pump Room (where warm bath water is drawn from the earth) has been the social hub of Bath for hundreds of years. It features the finest British cuisine and afternoon tea.

The Pump Room, Things to do in Bath, England, UK by Christophe.Finot

Theatre Royal

Built in 1805, this grand theatre is about top quality shows year round, including opera, comedy, dance, and concerts; a perfect way to start a romantic evening.

Theatre Royal, Things to do in Bath, England, UK by Jeff Buck

The Jane Austen Centre

There is one famous author who is, of course, a looming presence in Bath, Jane Austen and there’s a whole “Experience” dedicated to her at The Jane Austen Centre.

Here you can take tea (don’t leave the city without having a cream tea) and discover how her experience of the city influenced her writing. There’s even a Jane Austen Festival in September.

The Jane Austen Centre, Things to do in Bath, England, UK by Fahdshariff

The Hershel Museum of Astronomy

The Hershel Museum of Astronomy is situated in a beautifully preserved Georgian townhouse and celebrates the work of William Herschel, he who discovered the planet Uranus. Not to be missed if you’re at all interested in the history of science and astronomy.

Kitchen in the Hershel Museum of Astronomy, Things to do in Bath, England, UK by Mike Peel

A day trip to Tyntesfield

This magnificent Victorian country estate encapsulates historic aristocratic Britain. Located in Wraxall, the grounds overlook the stunning Yeo Valley.

Tyntesfield estate, Things to do in Bath, England, UK by Chilli Head

Pubs

Bath is full of pubs, catering for all tastes and budgets. From high-end gastropubs to quaint bars with log fires, there really is something for everyone.

Bath Brew House, Things to do in Bath, England, UK by Angel Ganev

Upper Town

This part of Bath is a shopper’s paradise; filled with quaint boutiques and independent stores, this one is for those who need a bit of retail therapy.

Cute shops, Things to do in Bath, England, UK by erikccooper

Few more things to do in Bath

Once in this beautiful city you can also visit Holburne Museum, Pulteney Bridge, The Circus, Fashion Museum or Bath Abbey, however, there is much more to do here!

Pulteney Bridge, Things to do in Bath, England, UK by Karen Roe

Getting around Bath

The city centre is easily navigable on foot, however, for a first visit you may want to take advantage of the tour buses that circulate amongst the main attracts.

Where to Stay

For a real treat, stay in The Royal Crescent itself with its beautifully presented Georgian interiors plus modern facilities.

A more reasonably priced boutique option in a central location in the city is stylish The Halcyon.

The Royal Crescent hotel

Where to Eat

Beautiful little tapas dishes and more substantial evening and lunchtime meals are available at the Same Same but Different cafe – I’m not getting my words confused there, that’s actually the name.

For excellent pub grub overlooking the Bath countryside, the Hare & Hounds inn caters for those after just a sandwich and soup, or a three-course slap-up meal.

Bath Abbey, Things to do in Bath, England, UK by Ian Muttoo

Why Bath?

History is alive and well and living in Bath: you can smell it on the air as well as see it in the streets. If you’re a fan of ultra-modern cities, this one isn’t for you. But if you’ve an appreciation of the past, an interest in architecture and a hankering to walk in the steps of Roman spa-goers, then Bath’s the place to be.

Bath is an incredibly popular destination for both locals and travellers from further afield. There is so much to do that you are guaranteed not to be disappointed if you visit this historic city.