Bath, United Kingdom

Why?

The city of Bath is so special and unique that it has been designated a world Unesco Heritage site. It’s the only place in the United Kingdom that you can bathe in natural hot spa waters. There is some mystery surrounding the source of the water, which was once thought to come from the Chiltern Hills. However further research has suggested that it’s source is closer to the city and the Avon Valley. The finest example of spas of the ancient world, you can walk through the ruins of the baths were the Romans bathed and walk on 2000 year old Roman pavements. The ruin of the temple of Minerva can also be seen on a trip to the Roman Baths.

Architecture, a fantastic Abbey, cathedral, plenty of shopping. A fantastic Weir, straddled by the stunning Pulteney Bridge, maze, beautifully laid out gardens, boat rides up the river. An abundance of places to eat ranging from high end to more reasonably priced fare. A wide choice of places to sleep and eat, a visit to the Thermae Bath Spa. There is something for everyone on a weekend trip to Bath. Photography enthusiasts amongst us, prepare to walk some steep hills for unparalleled views of the city. There is also some interesting architecture to photograph.

When?

The city of Bath can be visited at all times of year, but depending on when you go, you are likely to have a very different experience. In the summer months, the grandious buildings reflect the golden sunlight around the city. In the autumn a more burnt orange glow can be experienced at Christmas, the city comes alive with Christmas Markets which adds a certainly sparkle to an already fantastic city. Situated in the south west of England, Bath enjoys a temperature climate, somewhat wetter and milder than the rest of the country. The warmest months to visit are July and August when an average of 21ºc can be expected. Winter months are wetter and temperatures drop to around 1 or 2ºC. Spring and early summer temperatures range between 7º and 16ºc.

How?

Getting to Bath is reasonably easy as it’s a popular tourist spot so public transport and road links are good. If you arrive by air then the closest airport is Bristol (BRS) which operates internal flights in the UK, European flights to a large number of destinations, America, the Channel Islands and Ireland.

You can reach several major cities nearby, including Bath by coach or train, if using the train a shuttle service will take you to the nearest railway station, Bristol Temple Meads. You can download a timetable showing train times to help you plan your journey to Bath Spa station. It will take you 20 mins on the train to Bath. If you want to drive then several car hire desks are at the airport, follow this link to view options. It’s a 50 minute drive to Bath from the airport but I would advise you to check with your hotel in advance as parking is limited in the City Centre. If arriving by road from another destination M4 motorway junction 18 and then take the A46 which will bring you to Bath.

See

[callout]When it comes to what to see, you will need to narrow down what you can see in the time available. I am going to help you out by listing the top five things that you don’t want to miss, and anything else you have time for is a bonus! Make sure you go prepared with a lot of energy, as there is a lot of walking involved to get the best views of the city and some very steep hills to climb.[/callout]
[callout]You will not want to miss a trip to the Roman Baths,  ancient and modern. The ancient baths (Abbey Churchyard, Bath BA1 1LZ) will provide take you 2000 years back in Roman history. This is the place where the Romans actually bathed and walked. You can see the source still flowing in the magnificent bath house, visit the ruins of the Minerva temple and enjoy the special atmosphere of the Temple Courtyard. Audio tours are available in several languages and are well worth getting. I visited late on a summer evening and it was truly a special experience, flickering torches added to the ambience and it felt truly magical – I would recommend going late in the day – and book ahead, it gets very busy. The ancient baths are 90% wheelchair accessible. Several packages are available including dinner or other museums in a one ticket price. Photography is allowed but without the use of a flash and tripods are not permitted.[/callout]
[callout]The Thermae Spa (The Hetling Pump Room, Hot Bath St, Bath BA1 1SJ) the modern version. Is a thermal spa which is supplied with the natural thermal waters coming from the surrounding hills. It is created as rainwater is driven 2 km deep into the ground, where it is heated by high temperature rocks before being forced up into one of the sources. 1 million litres of this mineral rich water flows into the Thermae Spa each day.[/callout]
[callout]Bath Abbey (Bath BA1 1LT) is a magnificent example of Victorian Gothic architecture and in some ways dominates the city. Do not miss the opportunity to go inside. If you are feeling brave, and still have some energy, then take a tower tour, there are many steps involved, but once you get there, a 360 view of the city is your reward. There is also a tour of the bells, clock and fan vaulting.[/callout]
[callout]The Royal Crescent, is a very unique piece of architecture. It is literally a curved terrace of Georgian style houses. No 1, is now a museum (1 Royal Cres, Bath BA1 2LR,) and you can experience how the grand Georgian houses feel on the inside – a great photography opportunity for those lens bugs amongst us. Surrounded by quaint tea shops (quite fitting with the Georgian buildings), wide green parks for taking a moment, or a gateway to the hills rising up out of the city – which I can assure you are worth climbing, the views are astounding.[/callout]
[callout]Those who are interested in classic english literature should head over to the Jane Austen Centre (40 Gay St, Bath BA1 2NT)this famous writer lived in the city in the early 1800’s. Tales of love and and life in the victorian age, described almost poetically by this famous author. You can see a lifelike waxwork, try writing with a quill, dress up in the era clothing and have your picture taken. Explore Jane’s life in Bath society.[/callout]
[callout]The Victoria Art Gallery (Bridge St, Bath BA2 4AT) has an interesting rotation of exhibitions. Photographers, painters, scupltures, check out their local programme for events whilst you are visiting.[/callout]
[callout]Don’t miss the walking tours of Bath, free tours run by the city council are available daily or if you fancy something out of the ordinary then try Bizzare Bath, a city tour with humour included.[/callout]

Eat and Drink

[callout]There are many options when it comes to eating and drinking in Bath. Where do you start? From fine dining to budget eats, there is something to suit everyone. One word of advice, if you want to eat somewhere particular, book ahead, this is a very popular destination all year round and restaurants can be very busy.[/callout]
[callout]Around the Abbey/Roman Baths you will simply be spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing an evening meal option. The Real Italian Pizza (16 York St, Bath BA1 1NG) is a good choice if you are looking for something reliable and quick before visit the ruins of the Roman Bath’s.[/callout]
[callout]Chai Wallah (42 Monmouth St, Bath BA1) serves cheap indian street food. LJ Hugs, serving creole and cajun street food, their mission is bringing family and food together. The Volunteer Riflemans Arms (3 New Bond Street Place, Bath BA1 1BH, England) is a gem of a pub hidden away off the beaten track, but the effort to find it will be worth while. Friendly staff and great british pub food awaits you here.[/callout]
[callout]High end dining options include; Menu Gordon Jones (2 Wellsway, Bath BA2 3AQ) offers amazing food with an element of surprise. The menu’s change daily so don’t expect a fix menu. The Olive Tree (Russell Street, Bath, BA1 2QF) has seasonal changing menu using locally sourced produce. If you are looking for something really special then look no further than The Dower House Restaurant (situated in the Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa) overlooks the Crescent Gardens. Sample menus, fine dining and wines with matching exemplary service make this a very special location.[/callout]
[callout]The one thing that you should not leave bath without trying is the famed Bath Bun. This brioche type bread roll was brought to Bath by a french refugee, Sally Lunn, who was employed by a local baker with whom she shared the French brioche type breads. The bath bun became forever associated with bath history, her name and the building where she baked the Bath bun. You can visit Sally Lunn’s house (4 N Parade, Bath BA1 1NX) today and enjoy an array of refreshments served in a bath bun. If you don’t have the appetite then you can visit the old bakery in the basement and buy some to take home. It is worth reading the menu on the website as Bath Bun etiquette is explained so there are no surprises.[/callout]
[callout]The Brunel Brasserie (Manvers St, Bath BA1 1JP), situated in the Royal Hotel right opposite the station offers a very good value, varied menu. You can choose from a fixed price menu or dine al la carte. Whichever you choose you will enjoy things from duck and pistachio terrine, chilli squid or avocado and strawberry salad as a starter followed by braised shoulder of beef, fillet of salmon, vegetarian linguine. Whatever you choose you want be disappointed, the service quick and friendly and situated right in the centre of town.[/callout]

Sleep

[callout]When it comes to staying in Bath there are many options, and I would advise you to shop around. Some hotels may offer mid week packages including breakfast, evening meal options or a spa entrance ticket.[/callout]

[callout]I chose to stay at the Bailbrook Lodge (35/37 London Road West, Bath BA1 7HZ), a little out of the town centre but, they had a really good offer on when I visited with my sister last July. Two nights including champagne breakfast, one evening meal in the sister hotel, and a half day spa ticket for two. A beautiful Georgian guest house, breakfast cooked to order, lovely grounds and really friendly and helpful staff. Free on site parking was a bonus. We also got a Bath discount card that gave us discounts on various attractions and restaurants in and around Bath.[/callout]

Looking for Luxury?

[callout] The Gainsborough Bath Spa (Beau St, Bath BA1 1QY), a welcoming elegant and vibrant hotel set in the heart of the city, giving you easy access to explore Bath on foot.[/callout]
[callout]The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa, (16 Royal Crescent, Bath BA1 2LS), a sophisticated and tranquil hotel situation right in the heart of the Cresent, a unique piece of architecture. Easy access to central Bath on foot. The on site restaurant offers high end dining options or an afternoon tea with champagne.[/callout]

Or are you on A Budget?

[callout]Hilton Bath City (Walcot Street, Bath BA1 5BJ). Offering everything you would expect from a Hilton Hotel, on site fitness room, luggage storage and hi-speed wifi. Several special offers are available, including mid-week break’s and spa packages. You will need to book your parking in advance if you require it as the Hilton does not operate a car park. There are nearby options available that can be purchased via the hotel website prior to arriving.[/callout]
[callout]Brindley’s Boutique B&B (14 Pulteney Gardens, Bath BA2 4HG). Within a 10 minute walk from the city centre, located in a Victorian terraced property. This B&B offers 6 rooms of upmarket accommodation, free breakfast and wifi – there is no on-site parking although the hotel does provide parking permits to guest for use in resident parking bays around the neighbourhood.[/callout]
[callout]There are many options and packages when it comes to staying in Bath so I would advise you to shop around for the best deals.[/callout]

Travel Tips and Local Blogs

[callout]For further information on what to do and see in Bath check out the local tourism office (Abbey Chambers, Abbey Churchyard, Bath BA1 1LY) which has a wealth of information about what to see.[/callout]
[callout]Booking.com will provide you with a good choice of hotels with the best packages available at your time of visit.[/callout]
[callout]For timetables for the bus to/from Bristol Airport, a timetable is available from Air Decker. This site is available in several languages.[/callout]
[callout]Railway timetables can be viewed at Trainline.[/callout]
[callout] The Bath Discount card will give you special offers when staying in Bath. Available at selected hotels only so be sure to check who is participating at Stay In Bath.[/callout]
[callout]There are some local bloggers worth having a look at; one renowned local lass, by the name of Sal writes about everyone’s favourite topic – Food.[/callout]
[callout]Sam MacCuig will help you find the coolest places to hang out and enjoy a coffee or a craft beer, check him out at A Flat White With.[/callout]

Last Updated On: May 1st 2017

  Bath, City Travel Guide, the United Kingdom, What to Do, Where to Eat, Where to Stay