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Bucket list destination:

Bath

  • Bath, Somerset, United Kingdom (UK)

Last updated: 22 September, 2024
Expert travel writer: Sian Lewis

Bath is one of the UK’s top tourist destinations for a reason: its beautiful Georgian architecture, aristocratic history and cream teas, along with its ancient and modern spas, make it a refined choice for a relaxing and romantic weekend break.

Culture is key to the city’s appeal, from the fascinating Holburne Museum to the Fashion Museum and the Theatre Royal, not to mention the handsomely preserved streets – backdrop to many a costume drama – and the house where Jane Austen lived and wrote.

The city is a UNESCO World Heritage site, recognised for its Roman baths and elegant architecture.

Orientation

Like Rome, Bath is a city of seven hills, concentrated in a central valley and edged by the River Avon.

The city centres on the abbey, with upmarket boutiques and the most impressive Georgian architecture, including Pulteney Bridge and Royal Crescent, to the north and east, and the SouthGate shopping centre to the south.

The artisan quarter of Walcot Street runs along the Avon to the north, while Royal Victoria Park is to the west.

Tours, tickets & transfers

16

Our selection of the best Viator tours of this destination, plus helpful tickets and transfers

  • London

Sit back and relax as you travel by air-conditioned coach from London to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed city of Bath. On your way, discover the iconic prehistoric stone formation of Stonehenge. Spend a full afternoon exploring Bath, and take advantage of the opportunity to see the ancient Roman Baths or the Jane Austen Visitor Centre.

Price £85

Min age 3

Rating 4.62 / 5 [2966 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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  • Bath

This is a fantastic opportunity to be introduced to the World Heritage City of Bath by the UK's only qualified tourist guides. They are the internationally respected Blue Badge registered / fully insured / Institute of Tourist Guiding qualified guides. They will ensure you take away a full understanding of Bath, and show you the must-see highlights. The walking tour will be enjoyable, informative, interesting, entertaining, and historically correct!

Price £20

Min age 0

Rating 4.95 / 5 [1610 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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  • London

Take an early or late-access tour of Stonehenge, and walk inside the UNESCO-listed stone circle without any of its daytime crowds. Choose from a morning or evening tour and explore the inner circle of stones — an experience only available to your group. Depending on the time of year, you might even catch the sunset or sunrise, too. This exclusive once-in-a-lifetime experience, which additionally includes tours of Lacock and Bath, sells out quick as tickets are limited; book now for an excursion you won’t forget! You can also upgrade your day trip with a visit to the Roman Baths.

Price £153

Min age 0

Rating 4.72 / 5 [1566 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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  • London

Visit two of England's UNESCO World Heritage Sites on this fantastic Stonehenge and Bath tour from London. Explore the beautiful Georgian city of Bath and visit Stonehenge, where you will decipher the mystery surrounding its construction over 5,000 years ago. • Discover the beautiful city of Bath • Optional Roman Baths visit and learn about the history of the Roman Baths • Unravel the mystery of Stonehenge with an interactive audio map

Price £95

Min age 0

Rating 4.77 / 5 [1081 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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  • London

Get a memorable overview of English history by visiting three of its most important destinations during this 12-hour guided trek. Marvel at mystical Stonehenge, the legendary neolithic ring of standing stones that dates back 5,000 years to the Bronze Age. Explore nearly 1,000 years of the English Royal Family at Windsor Castle, home at some stage of 39 monarchs and furnished with some of the finest paintings. Explore the elegant spa town of Bath, originally civilized by the Romans for its natural springs and later frequented and developed as a resort in the 18th Century by the Georgians.

Price £99

Min age 0

Rating 4.64 / 5 [592 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Travel advice

When to go

Bath has year-round appeal, and hotels are regularly booked up during summer and for events such as Valentine’s Day and the city’s many festivals. Due to the city’s geography, it can be very muggy in summer; July and August are also particularly busy months.

For a quieter spa session or architecture tour, May, June and September are the best times to visit, with (generally) pleasant weather and fewer crowds.

Getting there and away

The easiest way to reach Bath is by train to Bath Spa station, which is centrally located with taxi ranks outside. Many sights and hotels are within walking distance of the station. The closest international airports are Bristol (40 minutes by taxi or car) or London Heathrow (1 hour 40 minutes by taxi or car).

Getting around

Bath is a walking city. The centre has pedestrian zones and a one-way system for cars; driving is stressful and not recommended.  Parking is expensive and restricted, although many hotels have their own car parks. After dark, taxis are plentiful and can be hailed on the street or from the taxi rank by the abbey. Bikes are also a good way to get around. The municipal Bike in Bath scheme is cheap and straightforward.

Where to shop

Bath has three shopping areas: SouthGate is a modern, pedestrianised open-air shopping centre; Walcot Street boasts independent retailers, a Saturday flea market and antiques and second-hand shops; and Milson Street has a mix of boutiques, high-street shops and independent lifestyle and fashion stores on the main thoroughfare and streets branching off it.