13 Best things to see & do in Bath

Walk in the footsteps of the Romans around this impressive and well-preserved baths and temple complex, built over naturally occurring hot springs around AD 60.

A unique modern spa with steam rooms and showpiece rooftop pool, that uses Bath’s natural thermal water.

Bath’s beautifully-preserved Georgian architecture – most of it made from honey-coloured ‘Bath stone’ – is a delight to behold, even for the non-architecturally minded. See it on expert-led walking tours.

The city of Bath is a scene of Georgian architectural splendour, bedecked in honey-hued stone buildings, with twisting cobbled streets. Green hills and the tranquil River Avon frame the cityscape.

An art gallery and museum housing more than 4,000 Georgian treasures bequeathed to the city, displayed in period rooms and offering an insight into Georgian life in Bath. The Sydney pleasure gardens surrounding it are worth a post-gallery stroll on a sunny day.

A historic café in one of Bath’s oldest houses, serving up trademark light, fluffy and sweet brioche-like buns since 1680. See the original, 300-year-old kitchen.

Style worshippers will love this walk through the fashions of the 18th century through to modern-day garb – the Dress of the Year exhibition is a highlight. The museum is located on the lower ground floor of the Assembly Rooms, and the lofty Ball Room is worth a peek.

Step inside one of Austen’s novels (Northanger Abbey and Persuasion were both set in Bath) at this elegant town house, on the same street where the author lived. The Centre offers an interactive snapshot of Regency life, fashion and food as well as insights into Austen herself.

Part museum, part house of horrors, this spooktacular celebration of Mary Shelley and her most infamous creation is good fun for older children as well as for hardcore Shelley fans, and definitely less twee than Jane Austen’s offerings.

This Gothic beauty, built in Bath Stone in the 12th and 16th centuries, known for its unique architecture and fan vaulting. You can climb the tower for views of the city, and there’s also a small museum in the vaults housing artefacts and exhibits about the abbey’s history.

The cheery cluster of wooden cabins that take over the city centre from mid-November attracts a throng of shoppers, but is still well worth wandering through on a Christmas weekend trip if you fancy meeting local makers and sampling festive foodie treats.

A pretty, car-free 3-mile cycle or walk along the Kennet & Avon Canal Path to Warleigh Weir; the weir’s also a perfect spot for picnicking and wild swimming.

Pile into a punt or a rowing boat from this pretty boating house on the outskirts of the city, and paddle along the River Avon. Stop for lunch at the Bathampton Mill country pub before making your way back.