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10 Best Things to Do in Bath England
Bath, England is a beautiful city full of rich history and culture. From its stunning architecture to the famous Roman baths, there is no shortage of things to do in Bath England.
I’ve visited countless cities in the UK and Bath is high on the list of most beautiful cities. There’s a reason the whole city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site after all.
Whether you visit Bath on a day trip or you’re spending a few days in this charming city, here are the top 10 things you must do during your stay.
1. Visit the Ancient Roman Baths
No trip to Bath would be complete without a visit to the famous Roman Baths. This well-preserved ancient site features a large hot spring, Roman temple, and bath house.
You can stroll through the ruins, learn about ancient times with your audio guide included in your ticket, and even taste the mineral-rich water from the hot spring.
The downside of the Roman Baths is the price, it’s ridiculously high for what you get to see. But since it’s the most iconic attraction in Bath most people visit the baths anyway. So, be prepared to spend a lot, wait in line at the entrance, and navigate crowds during your visit.
2. Soak in Thermal Water
The cool thing in Bath is that you don’t just get to see ancient baths, you also get to soak in real thermal water.
The Thermae Bath Spa is the only natural thermal spa in England and it’s a must-visit attraction in Bath. You can relax in the rooftop pool or an indoor pool, spend time in the steam rooms, or indulge in various spa treatments.
My favorite part of the Thermal Spa was the rooftop pool. I loved soaking in the warm water and enjoying the amazing view of Bath Abbey and the rooftops of Bath.
You’re not allowed to use phones or take pictures in the bath. This makes the experience even more unique and relaxing.
3. Climb the Tower Steps of Bath Abbey
Bath Abbey is one of the city’s most famous landmarks and a stunning piece of architecture. But what makes this visit unique is the opportunity to climb up 212 steps to the top of the tower.
The climb may be steep, but the panoramic views of Bath from above are worth it and make it clear why Bath is one of the most beautiful cities in the UK. You can also learn about the history and construction of Bath Abbey during your visit.
The tower tour costs Ā£15, and it’s worth noting that there are only a handful of tours available each day. For about half the price, you can opt to visit just the abbey and the little museum housed within.
š¤© This amazing walking tour starts in front of Bath Abbey!
4. Cross Pulteney Bridge
Another iconic spot in Bath is the Pulteney Bridge spanning the river Avon. The bridge was designed by Robert Adam and completed in 1774.
When you cross the bridge, you don’t even notice that you’re on a bridge since there are shops on both sides. As a matter of fact, Pulteney Bridge is one of only four bridges in the world to have shops on both sides.
š¤© Learn about Bath’s history on a walking tour!
5. Relax in the Parade Gardens
The Parade Gardens are a beautiful and peaceful escape from the bustling city center. These gardens offer stunning views of Pulteney Bridge and the River Avon, making it an ideal spot for a picnic or simply to relax.
The gardens are private, so you need to pay a Ā£2 entry fee but it’s worth it. The upside of the entrance fee is that the gardens are very well maintained and there aren’t that many people there.
6. Buy a Book in a Cool Bookshop
I love cool bookshops and in Bath I found 2 amazing bookshops!
Topping & Company Booksellers of Bath has a cozy atmosphere and floor-to-ceiling shelves packed with a vast selection of books. There are also reading nocks and chairs scattered about so you can browse through some books before you buy them.
Mr B’s Emporium Bookshop is another gem in Bath, offering a quirky, inviting space packed with books for every type of reader. I loved that there are different rooms in this bookshop with a thematic decoration.
7. Eat Some Delicious Vegan Food
Bath may not have as many vegan restaurants as Bristol or London, Europe’s most vegan-friendly city, but it boasts two really cute vegan cafĆ©s.
I had lunch at The Green Rocket which is quite spacious inside and has a few outside seating options which are great for people watching.
Plant. Eat. Licious is another vegan cafĆ© in Bath. Unfortunately, I didn’t have time to eat anything there but the outside seating are looks super cute and more peaceful than the busy outside seating area at The Green Rocket.
8. Shop at Guildhall Market
Guildhall Market is the oldest shopping venue in Bath, dating back to the 13th century. It’s a great place to shop for souvenirs or simply browse through the stalls. You can find anything from local produce and handmade crafts to clothing and antiques.
The vendors are friendly and it’s a great place to support local businesses.
If you love markets and visit during Christmas time, don’t miss the famous Bath Christmas Market, its stalls are spread throughout the city, and it’s a great place to find unique gifts.
9. See a Royal Crescent
The Royal Crescent is an iconic row of 30 terraced houses, giving you a glimpse into the Georgian architecture that Bath is known for.
You can walk along the crescent and take in the stunning architecture, visit No.1 Royal Crescent, a museum where you can see how wealthy Georgians lived, or stay in the Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa.
Right next to the Royal Crescent, you’ll find the beautiful Royal Victoria Park, offering a lush, green space perfect for a stroll or a picnic.
š¤© Visit all the best places in Bath on a walking tour!
10. Visit the Jane Austen Centre
Bath is often associated with the famous English novelist, Jane Austen, and for good reason. The city was her home for a couple of years and served as inspiration for two of her novels.
At the Jane Austen Centre, you can learn about the author’s life in Bath, visit the exhibition dedicated to her works, and even have tea in the Regency Tea Room. It’s a must-visit for any literature lover.
While you have to pay to visit the exhibition rooms, you can visit the souvenir shop for free.
š¤© Visit all the best spots in Bath on a guided walking tour!
Final Thoughts: Is Bath England Worth Visiting?
Absolutely! Bath has a lot to offer, from historical sites and beautiful architecture to unique experiences like soaking in thermal water or climbing up the tower of Bath Abbey.
But keep in mind, it is a popular tourist destination so you’ll have to be prepared for crowds and possibly long lines. Nonetheless, it’s definitely worth adding to your travel bucket list.
Plus, with its close proximity to other cities you can easily to a day trip to Bath from London. You can even combine a trip to Bath with a visit to Stonehenge from London by taking a day tour.
Bath is also very easily accessible by Bristol, it’s actually one of the best day trips from Bristol by train as the train journey only takes 15 minutes.
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