Bath is a picturesque city located in the southwest of England, famous for its ancient Roman baths and stunning Georgian architecture. The city was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987, primarily due to its well-preserved Roman baths, which were built nearly two thousand years ago. Visitors can take a dip in the natural hot springs, relax in the historic spa buildings, and explore the fascinating history of the Roman Empire. In addition to the baths, Bath is also renowned for its stunning Georgian architecture, including the iconic Royal Crescent and the impressive Bath Abbey. Here is best places to see in Bath and restaurants suggestions.
Bath history
Bath is a historic city in the southwest of England, known for its well-preserved Roman baths and Georgian architecture. The city was founded as a spa resort by the Romans in the 1st century AD, who built a complex of hot and cold baths over natural hot springs. Bath became a fashionable place to visit in the 18th century, when the wealthy flocked to the city to “take the waters” and enjoy its social scene. Many of Bath’s famous landmarks, such as the Royal Crescent and the Circus, were built during this time. Today, Bath is a popular tourist destination and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its history, culture, and stunning natural surroundings.
How much time to spend in Bath?
The amount of time to spend in Bath depends on your interests and travel style. If you want to explore the city’s main attractions such as the Roman Baths, Bath Abbey, and the Royal Crescent, a day trip would be enough. However, if you want to experience the city’s famous thermal baths, visit the Jane Austen Centre or explore the surrounding countryside, you may want to consider spending two or three days in Bath. It’s a charming city with plenty to see and do, so taking your time and enjoying the sights at a leisurely pace is recommended.
How to get to Bath from London?
There are several ways to get to Bath from London. One option is to take a train from London Paddington Station to Bath Spa Station, which takes approximately 1.5 hours. Another option is to take a bus from London Victoria Coach Station to Bath Bus Station, which takes approximately 2.5 hours. It’s also possible to drive, although traffic and parking can be challenging in Bath.
Best places to see in Bath
The Roman Baths are the most famous and one of the best preserved Roman sites in the world. Visitors can walk around the Great Bath and see the temple, statues, and spa complex. Admission fees vary based on age and residency, with adult tickets costing around £19.
The Bath Abbey is another notable attraction, with its stunning Gothic architecture and stained-glass windows. Visitors can attend a service or take a tour of the abbey, with admission fees ranging from £4 to £10 depending on age and residency.
The Jane Austen Centre is a must-see for literature lovers, with exhibits detailing the life and works of the famous author. Admission fees start at £12.50 for adults.
The Royal Crescent is an iconic example of Georgian architecture, featuring a crescent-shaped row of 30 terraced houses. Visitors can take a walking tour or simply stroll through the area to admire the stunning architecture.
The Pulteney Bridge is another popular attraction, featuring shops and restaurants along the bridge spanning the River Avon. Visitors can enjoy the view from the bridge or take a river cruise.
Itinerary for Day trip from London to Bath
Yes, it is possible to do a day trip from London to Bath. Here’s a suggested plan for a day trip:
Start early in the morning to make the most of your day. Take a train from London Paddington station to Bath Spa station. The journey takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Once you arrive in Bath, head to the Roman Baths. The Roman Baths are one of the most popular tourist attractions in Bath, and it’s a must-see for anyone visiting the city. The opening hours are from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm during the summer months, and the admission fee is £22.50 for adults.
Next, visit Bath Abbey, one of the most iconic landmarks in Bath. The abbey is open to visitors from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm, and admission is free, but donations are appreciated.
After visiting the abbey, take a stroll around the picturesque streets of Bath and explore the city’s charming architecture and quaint shops.
For lunch, there are plenty of options in Bath, from quaint cafes to traditional pubs. The Pump Room Restaurant, located next to the Roman Baths, offers a traditional English afternoon tea and lunch menu.
In the afternoon, head to the Jane Austen Centre, dedicated to the famous author who lived in Bath for several years. The centre is open from 10:00 am to 5:30 pm, and admission is £12 for adults.
Finally, take a relaxing dip in the Thermae Bath Spa, the only natural thermal spa in Britain. The spa is open from 9:00 am to 9:30 pm, and the admission fee for a 2-hour session is £38.
After your day of sightseeing, take a train back to London in the evening. Make sure to book train tickets in advance to save time and money.
Places to eat in Bath
There are plenty of great dining options in Bath, ranging from casual cafes to high-end restaurants. Here are five recommendations:
The Scallop Shell – This seafood restaurant serves up fresh and sustainable seafood, including fish and chips, grilled fish, and oysters. Address: 22 Monmouth Place, Bath. Price range: $$-$$$.
The Chequers – This cozy pub offers classic British comfort food such as fish pie, beef and ale stew, and Sunday roasts. Address: 50 Rivers St, Bath. Price range: $$.
The Herd Steak Restaurant – As the name suggests, this restaurant specializes in steaks, which are locally sourced and cooked to perfection. They also offer other meat dishes and vegetarian options. Address: 12A Argyle St, Bath. Price range: $$$.
Same Same But Different – This restaurant offers an eclectic mix of international cuisine, from Thai curries to Spanish tapas to British roast dinners. Address: 7A Princes Buildings, George St, Bath. Price range: $$-$$$.
The Pump Room – For a quintessentially British experience, head to The Pump Room for afternoon tea or a traditional Bath bun. The restaurant is housed in a grand Georgian building and overlooks the Roman Baths. Address: Stall St, Bath. Price range: $$-$$$.
