10 Best Things to Do in Bath

This well-preserved relic from the times of Ancient Rome allows you to see the original bathhouse from thousands of years ago. Other ancient artefacts excavated from around the site are on display, including a large collection of coins. The use of costumed actors, videos and 3D models bring the past to life and make it enjoyable for the whole family. You can even sip water from the hot spring (although safe, the minerals taste quite bitter). An audio guide is provided as you enter.

The Romans were the first to discover the mineral-rich waters under Bath, and bathing in them is still popular thousands of years later. Thermae Bath Spa is a classy place where you can relax in the hot pools and enjoy a few sessions in the steam rooms. There are several baths within the spa, but the best spot is in the open-air rooftop pool. The warm water is revitalizing in any weather. It gets particularly busy on weekends, so aim for a weekday, if possible. 

Pulteney Bridge is a scenic spot in Bath and quite unique. Built in the 1700s, its noteworthy for the shops that are built into the bridge on both sides. Most people are so taken with the shops and charming cafés that many don’t realise it’s a bridge. The river runs through a weir next to the bridge, which creates a cascading effect. It’s easy to find in the city centre, just behind Guildhall Market and the Central Library. It’s particularly romantic when lit up at night.

This Gothic-style building is one of England’s finest medieval churches. It took 120 years to build and it shows in the level of fine details, both inside and out. Look out for the ladder of angels on the abbey’s west front and the beautiful stained-glass windows. The fan-style vaulting that covers the ceiling is incredibly detailed. Bath Abbey is next door to the Roman Baths Museum, in the centre of a pleasant pedestrianised square.

Don’t come here expecting a bargain, but for fans of antiques and vintage curios, this collection of shops on Bartlett Street is fascinating. You’ll find plenty of jewellery, homeware, and art. The shop owners are generally friendly and don’t push hard for a sale, which makes browsing enjoyable. Prices are fair, although deals can be reached on some pieces.

Bath is rightfully famed for the honey-coloured Georgian buildings that can be seen throughout the city. Strolling aimlessly is an enjoyable experience, but head for Queen’s Square to see some fine examples of the restrained yet handsome architectural style. In the centre of the square there’s a small park with a monument in honour of the Prince of Wales.

This small museum is dedicated to the life and times of one of the county’s wittiest and most successful writers. Jane Austin wrote 6 novels, some of them in Bath, which focused on the upper classes of 18th century England. She wrote with cutting irony and a sharp eye for the foibles of her time.

At this museum, you’ll learn about the customs, fashions and food common in Jane Austin’s Bath, and you can even dress up in period costumes if you fancy. The museum is just off Queen’s Square.

Prior Park Landscape Garden provides couples with a romantic escape from the hustle and bustle of Bath, just a short distance to the city centre. Designed by famous poet Alexander Pope and legendary landscape architect Capability Brown, these 18th-century gardens are set in a sweeping valley above Bath city. 

You can relish the stunning views, with sunset a particularly romantic time to visit. This is especially true during the warmest days of summer, when the gardens teem with all manner of plants and animals.

The Theatre Royal Bath combines theatrical classics with new plays that struggle to get shown at bigger theatres. Depending on the night, you might be able to choose from Shakespeare or an off-Broadway visiting performance – that’s the great thing about having 3 stages. Popular shows at the Theatre Royal have included musicals like The Rat Pack to classics like the theatrical adaptation of Charles Dickens’ classic, Great Expectations.

Bath is a genteel city with a slow pace of life. Enjoying some cakes and tea served in bone China cups is the perfect way to spend a couple of hours here. Sally Lunn’s teahouse is one of many tearooms in Bath, but we prefer this spot down a narrow alleyway close to Bath Abbey. Not only is it reported to be the oldest house in Bath (built in 1482), but this is where the famous fluffy buns known as Sally Lunn buns were first baked. This sweet, brioche-style bread goes great with a cup of tea.