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Things to Do in Bath

Activities To Do In Bath

This city of Bath is a popular tourist hub and a crowd puller owing to the never-ending list of things to do in Bath. It is a reminiscence of the historical past set in the backdrop of a modern-day city that blends contemporary lifestyle and cultural diversity. The city of Bath owes its name to the Roman Baths that have been preserved here for thousands of years. Exploring these historical baths at the Roman Bath Museum and experiencing some spa time at the Thermae Baths are some of the most popular things to do in Bath, for which tourists from around the world visit this place.

This city has an abundance of options to make the most of your stay here. One can explore the many examples of Georgian architecture, catch live shows, indulge in fine dining and sip on some noteworthy cocktails. This city is among the few places that are considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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Historic Roman Baths

The Roman Baths is a well-maintained theme that was used for bathing by the Romans until the end of Roman rule in England. It is one of the historic Bath places to visit as these Baths were once the great religious spas of the ancient world along with Roman pavements and the remains Temple of Sulis Minerva. Roman Baths also arranges events and social gatherings for people of all ages.

Royal Crescent

One of the iconic places to see in Bath, Royal Crescent is an epitome of Georgian architecture found in the United Kingdom. It is a row of 30 terraced houses designed in the shape of a crescent with great views of the opposite parkland. The houses have been inhabited by notable personalities like Henry Sandford, Isaac Pitman and Christopher Anstey.

Bath Abbey

Bath Abbey, a late medieval Anglican Parish Church, is a place of worship for the Christian community that welcomes about 400,000 people every year. It boasts of striking Gothic architecture, impressive interiors and wonderful choir music. The church hosts prayer services, choir shows and recital events for the public to participate. Be amazed at the ceiling architecture that displays the fan vaulting structure.

Pulteney Bridge

The architectural marvel, Pulteney Bridge is a historic structure built over River Avon to connect the city of Bath with the new town Bathwick. Renowned for its Palladian style structural design, the Pulteney Bridge is one of the four bridges in the world to have shops across its full length on both sides. The bridge, along with its horseshoe-shaped weir is now a World Heritage Site.

Cross Bath

The Cross Bath is a small, historic and a beautiful gem set in a spacious Georgian style building over its own spring source. It is an intimate open-air thermal pool with changing facilities and a specially built poolside fountain. The pool water is from natural thermal springs that are believed to have healing and curative properties.

Holburne Museum

Bath’s first public art gallery, the Holburne Museum is the home to a wide range of decorative arts put together around the collection of Sir William Holburne. The museum features 4,000 different objects like Italian and Dutch paintings, sculpture, porcelain decor and silver. It also hosts interactive events about art for adults and art workshops for kids.

Fashion Museum Bath

Fashion Museum Bath has one of the world’s largest collections of historical and contemporary attires from leading designers. It has over 100,000 objects of clothing, footwear and other fashion accessories from the 1600s to present day. The museum shop sells a meticulously chosen collection of jewelleries, stationeries, accessories and gifts.

Herschel Museum of Astronomy

Built for commemorating the achievements of the twin astronomers, William and Caroline Herschel, Herschel Museum of Astronomy is a small house that has astronomical artefacts of the Herschels’. It also has musical objects of the siblings since they were accomplished musicians. The museum organises fun activities for kids like a planetarium tour, story time and science projects.

The Jane Austen Centre

Jane Austen Centre is a small museum documenting the life and times of the famous writer Jane Austen. It is a permanent exhibition with a life-size wax figurine of Jane, artefacts and objects portraying her life, Regency Tearoom and a gift shop. The centre also hosts the world’s largest Jane Austen Festival with events that run for ten days.

Mary Shelley's House of Frankenstein

Mary Shelly’s House of Frankenstein is a unique attraction in Bath that tells the story of the author Mary Shelly and her world’s first science fiction novel Frankenstein. This historic house features vintage artefacts and an interactive environment exhibiting the characters and scenes from the novel. It also has the only 8-foot large model of the monster mentioned in the novel.

Victoria Art Gallery
The Museum of East Asian Art

Dedicated to the arts and cultures of East and SouthEast Asia, the Museum of East Asian Art (MEAA) houses 2,000 different artefacts from Japan, China and Korea. It also hosts special exhibitions and events to enlighten the visitors about the Asian traditions, cuisines and art. There is a special gift shop also featuring articles inspired from the items in the museum.

American Museum And Gardens

America Museum and Gardens is a splendid museum displaying a huge collection of American folk objects, ancient artefacts and decorative arts. Set in a gorgeous location, the museum is surrounded by stunning gardens overlooking the beautiful Limpley Stoke valley of River Avon. The attraction also has dedicated spaces to host events, celebrations and conferences.

Prior Park Landscape Garden

Prior Park Landscape Garden is a charming 18th century landscape garden located in a valley above Bath. It houses the famous Palladian Bridge on a scenic river from where you can witness stunning views of the city. The park is a vast space blooming with vibrant flowers and butterflies and hence is an ideal hang out spot for families.

Sion Hill

Sion Hill is an affluent neighbourhood in the Lansdown area of Bath in Somerset that is known for its lively atmosphere and friendly people. It is one of the perfect Bath places to visit for a lovely stroll and to catch a glimpse of the ancient stone buildings of Bath. The Georgian style houses in Sion Hill Place have been occupied by some famous people during the mid-19th century.

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Bath Things To Do FAQs

Which are the best things to do in Bath?

1. Discover the Roman Baths Museum: If you are looking for must-experience things to do in Bath, then head to The Roman Baths that date back to centuries ago.. You can find original bathhouses from thousands of years ago, which are well preserved as an ode to Ancient Rome. There are various other artifacts that were excavated from the ancient city of Bath and its surroundings that have been put up on Display at this museum. One of such displays is the large collection of coins from historic times. This museum uses costumed actors, videos and 3D models to bring the past back to life. This place is also famous for its hot spring filled with mineral water that you are free to take a sip from. The museum provides the visitors with an audio guide for a better and informative experience.

2. Relax at the Thermae Bath Spa: The Thermae Bath Spa is Britain’s only natural thermal spa and one of the must experience things to do in Bath. At this place you get to bathe in the mineral-rich waters that were first discovered by The Romans thousands of years ago. This is a very classy place to blow off some steam and relax in the hot pools and steam rooms. Among the several baths that this place houses, the best one is the open-air rooftop pool. Try to visit this place on a weekday as weekends are crowded here.

3. Explore the shops at Pulteney Bridge: The Pulteney Bridge is one of the most scenic things to do in Bath. It was built in the 1700s and is well known for its uniqueness and noteworthy architecture. This bridge is lined with shops and cafes built into both the sides. The charming architecture here makes you forget that this place is actually a bridge and the river flowing underneath only adds to the beauty and grandeur of this place. It is situated just behind Guildhall Market and the Central library. This is a very romantic spot for couples who are looking for date ideas.

4. Shop from the Bartlett Street Antiques Centre: If you are somebody with a love for antiques and vintage artifacts then you will find one of the best things to do in Bath at the Bartlett Street antiques Center. You can buy plenty of jewellery, homeware and art from the shops here. The shop owners here are also very warm-hearted and friendly and sell the best to you for fair prices.

5. Stroll past the Queen’s Square: This will perhaps be the most beautiful street you have ever seen amongst other things to do Bath. The honey coloured buildings, the Georgian architecture and the stylised finish of the buildings here only adds to its grandeur. There is also a small park with a monument which was built in the honor of prince of Wales.

6. Climb to the top of Bath Abbey: Bath Abbey is a gothic style building which houses one of England’s finest medieval churches. This building is nothing short of an art which is why history says that it took 120 years to build it. You can spot fine architectural details both on the inside and outside of the building. You can spot the ladder of angles on the Abbey’s west front and a beautiful stained-glass window.

7. Visit the Jane Austen Centre: This is one of the perfect things to do in Bath for all the literature enthusiasts to know more about the great author Jane Austen. Jane Austen has written 6 novels out of which some were written here in Bath when she lived here for a few years of her life. Her books revolved around the upper classes of the 18th century. At this museum you can learn about her life, the customs, fashions and food of the 18th century. You can also get your pictures clicked in period costumes.

8. Watch a show at Theatre Royal Bath: If you wish to catch the shows of some theatrical classics which might not be performed at bigger theatres, then head to the Theatre Royal Bath. You can choose from up to 3 shows in this beautiful vintage theatre including – Shakespeare or an off-Broadway performance. The popular shows here are The Rat Pack and theatrical adaptations of Charles Dickens’ Great Expectations.

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What are the most romantic things to do in Bath for couples?

1. Take a Hot Air Balloon Ride: Imagine soaring over the city with the love of your life having the sunset in the background. Well, why just imagine when you can experience these things to do in Bath and make it your reality. Plan a romantic date with your partner by witnessing a bird’s eye view of the beautiful city of Bath and take in the impressive views of the surroundings. Drift over iconic sights like the Royal Crescent, the Circus and lushy green landscapes. Click numerous pictures and create the memories of a lifetime to travel back with. Choose the Champagne balloon ride for two if you wish to spend a romantic time up in the sky.

2. Have a Spa Day: Relax and unwind at the Thermae Bath Spa which is inspired by the baths of the Celts and Romans from over 2000 years ago. This Spa is a blend of old and new where the mineral rich waters discovered in the past are used in a contemporary setting of the New Royal Bath. You can book a two-hour spa session which includes full access to the Minerva Bath, a multi-sensory Wellness Suite and a rooftop pool. Do not miss out on this most special among other things to do Bath.

3. Afternoon Tea in the Pump Room: Get transported back into the era of elegance and great pomp and show at the Pump Room. This is a famous place from the 18th century that has also been mentioned several times in Jane Austen’s novels. People find this to be the ideal setting to propose to their loved ones. You can enjoy a cup of afternoon tea here and try their Bath Bun along with the famous Pump Room Trio.

4. Take in the views from the Palladian Bridge: The Palladian Bridge at Prior Park Landscape Garden is the perfect place to experience peace and quiet with your partner and one of the most romantic things to do in Bath. The Prior Park Landscape Garden was created by Ralph Allen to complement the mansion on Bath Skyline. It dates back to the 18th century which gives it a vintage and historic look. This place offers some of the most amazing panoramic views of the city of Bath.

5. Hire a Row Boat: A trip to the bath is incomplete without taking a boat trip along the River Avon. Hire a canoe, punt, row boat or narrow boat and float on the waters of Bath with your loved one. This is a relaxing way to explore Bath and its waters. This experience offers a different perspective of this iconic city and its historical and modern charms. You also get to spot waterside wildlife while floating along the river. Make the most of this experience by packing a picnic hamper for a romantic date on the waters of Bath.

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Which are the best fun things to do in the bath?

1. Discover Bath on two wheels: Enjoy pedaling through the beautiful city of Bath as the cool breeze brushes against your face and you find freedom and peace. You can pick your favourite route and start pedaling. One of the fun things to do in Bath is discover the Bristol and Bath Railway path. This is a traffic-free route that will take you along the scenic countryside. You can also get set and roll, along the roads of the Southern Cotswold Hills which provides a ride with quiet roads, cafés and countryside views. If you want to experience fun in the mountains then Bath and its surrounding hills are full of bridleways, byways and single-track routes. You can just head to a local bike shop and choose your ride.

2. Trek and trail in the hills: For all the adventure seekers looking for fun things to do in Bath, this city is surrounded by seven hills with valleys full of hidden trails, wildlife, peaceful spots and historical buildings. You can discover these paths and take some time for some fantastic long walks to the Cotswold Way, the Limestone Link and the Macmillan Way. If you wish to indulge in a short trek, then head to The Bath Skyline Walk which has six miles of panoramic views of the city.

3. Row a boat across the canal: Bath has some great water bodies including River Avon, Kennet and Avon Canal, Cotswold Water Park and the Chew Valley Lake. If you are wishing to indulge in some water based sports and activities, you are going to have a hard time choosing your favorite. You can opt for a ride on a canoe, rowing boats, stand-up paddleboards and sailing on a day boat. These activities are available at Bath Narrowboats and Bath Boating Station.

4. Enter a marathon: Take your adventure to the next level and boost your adrenaline by participating in a number of fun local events like the Bike Bath – a cycling marathon featuring 25, 50 and 80 mile routes. You can participate in this marathon and enjoy the countryside scenery. However it is important to follow the countryside code and safety procedures.

5. Take a pub walk: Get awestruck by the lush green surroundings, the architectural marvels and the excellent scenery as you walk across Bath making pit stops at charming pubs along the way. Some of the great pub walk paths near Bath include – The Kennet and Avon Canal, Bradford-on-Avon to Avoncliff, Norton St Philip Loop, Box Hill Circular Walk, Little Solsbury Hill and Hare and Hound Lansdown Trail.

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How is the nightlife in Bath?

1. Night Clubs in Bath: The history and heritage of Bath is greatly complimented by its lively entertainment and vibrancy. You are sure to have a great night out here if you head over to one of Bath’s underground clubs. For some of the best things to do in Bath like experiencing live music and club nights, visit the Bath Institution Moles. If you are looking for the ideal spot with VIP vaults and exciting events then you should definitely plan a visit to the Second Bridge. You can also add Zero Zero and Motorcity Motown to your list of fun things to do in Bath.

2. Live Music Performances: Bath has a thriving live music culture that is sure to leave you in a trance. You can book a jazz performance and sip on a cocktail whilst listening to the live music. These live music performances can be found in the many restaurants, pubs and bars of Bath or you can book tickets to one of the music venues here if you wish to catch a live show. You can check out the various things to do in Bath this weekend and book your tickets to a live music show in advance.

3. Comedy Shows: If you wish to experience a show where you can leave all your worries behind and just engage in some light hearted comedy then you should definitely discover the comedy scene in Bath with its open mic nights, quirky folk acts and hysterical comedy shows. These shows feature some of the famous stand-up comedians who will make sure that you make the most of your evening in Bath. You can visit the Krater Comedy Club or The Forum to laugh out loud to your comedy favorites.

4. Evening tours: Do not worry about visiting all places during the day, because Bath looks equally beautiful in the night time. This is also the perfect time that presents some of the perfect opportunities for a great photoshoot. During the after-hours tours in Bath, the intriguing stories and spooky past come to life. Some tours are even better at night, these include unique things to do in Bath like the Frankenstein in Bath tour and the Ghost Hunters Silent Disco tour. Some of the sites whose beauty comes to life at night are the Circus, The Holburne Museum and the Pulteney Bridge.

5. Classy Cocktail Bars: If you are looking for a venue for a quiet date night or just want to sip on your cocktails at the end of an hectic day, you can head over to some of the best local spots in Bath. If you wish to try out traditional cocktails with a seasonal twist then visit The Ivy Bath Brasserie. Head over to the Comptoir+Cuisine if you wish to explore a French-inspired concept store, bistro and Champagne bar. The Sub 13 offers group cocktail classes where you can get an insight on the bartender's mixology skills. For some classy cocktails visit The Botanist and The Architect.

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What are the best things to do in Bath this weekend?

1. Visit the Roman Baths: One of the best Bath things to do is travel back in time and see the famous baths of the Romans that lived here centuries ago. This site has been brought back to life through interactive exhibits and CGI reconstructions. You can actually see the original bathhouse from a thousand years ago. Other than this, the Roman Bath Museum displays a large collection of coins. You can also drink the famous mineral induced water from the hot springs here. The whole experience is designed in such a way that you can enjoy it with your family and friends. An audio guide is also provided for an informative and enjoyable experience.

2. Climb Bath Abbey’s Tower: Climbing the Bath Abbey Tower to see the iconic city and its great landmarks from various angles is one of the best things to do in Bath this weekend. When you reach the top of the tower and look at the panoramic view of the city you will find that climbing 212 steps to reach here was definitely worth it. Do not forget to spot the ringing chamber and the bell chamber as you ascend the steps to the top. On your way do stand above Bath Abbey’s vaulted ceiling and sit behind the clock face. Do not forget to add this to your list of Bath things to do.

3. Take an Architectural tour: While talking about the best things to do in Bath this weekend, do not forget to include the tour of all the architectural marvels of this city. Owing to its compact construction, it is better if you choose to travel in Bath on foot as you discover centuries of architectural art. The intricate architecture and the history seeped in every brick of its building is what makes Bath a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site.

4. Visit the Jane Austen Centre: Here’s a good news for all the literature enthusiasts because we have found one of the best things to do in Bath this weekend. Bath is the place where one of the famous authors of world literature, Jane Austen resided between 1801 to 1806. If you wish to know the story of Austen and her time spent living in this beautiful city, then head to the Jane Austen Centre and attend the exhibits where costumed characters tell the story of your favourite author.

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What are the best things you can do in Bath for free?

1. Enjoy the scenic view at Victoria Park: Dating back to 1830, the Royal Victoria Park is a great location for a picnic. It is more than just a park with a boating pond, golf course and botanical garden. This place also makes a great venue for open-air concerts. One special thing about this place is that during summers, hot air balloons take off from here in the early morning and late evening. Watching the colourful balloons float around you is one of the unique things to do in Bath especially for a romantic picnic. This place also has some well known architectural icons like the Temple of Minerva that was constructed for the British Empire Exhibition. The Russian guns from the Crimean War were once laid at the Obelisk of the Victoria Majority Monument.

2. Stroll across the Skyline: Cross off watching scenic views from your list of Bath things to do when you head over to the Bath Skyline and walk across the hilltop on the 10 km long trail. Spot the Iron Age hill-fort on Little Solsbury Hill, the Roman settlements, forests, limestone flowers and open meadows. Try to visit this place in the late evening so that you can spot a skylark which takes shelter during the spring season. This place has one of the best views over the town.

3. Walk along the canal: Walk along the Kennet and Avon canals that will take you to Pulteney Bridge. You can make pit stops at the pubs lined across the path and come face to face with the river Avon. You can choose to either walk all the way or pedal the route on two wheels. You can visit various hotspots along the way including the Sydney Gardens, Cleveland Tunnel and the Cleveland House.

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What is the best time to visit Bath?

The best time to visit Bath is from June to September. The city experiences summer and has dry weather with average temperatures being around 22 degrees Celsius. The chance of rainfall or snowfall is also the least during this season which lets you explore the city comfortably. However, this is the peak visitor season and you can expect crowded places and high prices for hotel bookings. If you like winters, you can explore the things to do in Bath during November to February. March to May is also a great time with mild weather and an average crowd.

How many days do you need in Bath?

You need at least two full days in Bath to experience bath things to do. Bath can be best explored on foot. In these two days you can cover Roman Baths, Thermae Bath Spa, Pulteney Bridge, Bath Abbey, Queen’s Square, The Jane Austen Centre, Theatre Royal Bath and Prior Park Landscape Garden and others. You can set your goal to explore wonderful places and things to do in the bath this weekend.

What is Bath famous for?

Bath is one of the largest cities in Somerset County in England. As its name suggests Bath gets its name from something it is the most famous for – its Roman Baths. The city of Bath is a crowd puller due to many of its historical charms. Some of the unique things to do in Bath include exploring its sporting venues, theatres, museums and popular tourist attractions like the Stonehenge, Longleat Safari, Avebury and others. As its name suggests, this city is specially known for its water at the ancient Roman Baths and the Modern Thermal Bath Spa and these are also some of the unique things to do in Bath.

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How to reach Bath?

1. By Air: There are no direct flights to Bath. You can take a flight to the Bristol International Airport where you will find a bus every 15 minutes that takes you to the Temple Meads Station. From here, you can board a train to Bath.

2. By Train: You can travel to the Bath Spa Train Station from major stations like London Paddington, Bristol Temple Meads, Cardiff Central and others.

3. By Road: You can choose to travel by Bus as Bath is linked by the A4 road and has a network of buses that take you to and from the surrounding cities and towns. You can also travel by cab or take your own car while traveling to Bath..


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How far is Bath from London?

Bath is just 115 miles away from London. The fastest way to reach Bath is through train but the tickets have to be booked in advance or they might not be available. The cheapest route between Bath and London is however through bus but it takes twice as much time than train. You can also take your car and plan a road trip from London to Bath. Traveling to explore fun things to do in Bath, from London for a weekend getaway is also a great plan.

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