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Why we love Bath

Bath is the city that has it all. Look beyond its UNESCO World Heritage status and discover a destination bursting with cultural and gastronomic delights, from live music and comedy to captivating tours and experiences.

From a paddle down the River Avon, to touring the Bridgerton filming locations made famous by Netflix’s smash hit series – you won’t be short of finding adventure. Bust out your best moves at the world’s largest greenfield music and arts festival, Glastonbury, that sets up nearby every June, or discover life through the eyes of a literary favourite at the annual Jane Austen Festival, celebrating 250 years since the author’s birth in 2025. From shopping and exploring the Roman baths, to taking a dip in the mineral-rich waters of the rooftop pool at Thermae Bath Spa, this is one place not to be missed.

Things to do in Bath

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Britain’s only natural thermal spa, located in the historic city of Bath, offers the ultimate in relaxation.

Visit Thermae Bath Spa

Photo by: VisitBritain

Women swimming in a swimming pool at a spa
Thermae Bath Spa

Tour the original Roman Baths and discover fascinating archaeological finds from pre-Roman and Roman Britain.

Visit the Roman Baths of Bath

Photo by: Colin Hawkins

ROMAN BATHS BATH
Roman Baths

Explore fashionable life in 18th century Georgian Bath at this restored town-house museum, which had a starring role in Bridgerton.

Discover Georgian architecture at No. 1 Royal Crescent

Photo by: VisitBritain/Andrew Welsher

Location: The Royal Crescent, Bath

Aerial view of crescent-shaped building surrounded by grass
No. 1 Royal Crescent

Fans of the author won’t want to miss this museum chronicling Jane Austen’s life and times, plus its Regency tearoom.

Book tickets to the Jane Austen Exhibition Centre

Photo by: urban_m0nk

People dressed up as characters from the Jane Austen books
The Jane Austen Centre

Head out on this circular National Trust trail, which affords spectacular views of the historic city of Bath.

Stroll along the Bath Skyline trail

Photo by: Chris North

Thermae Bath Spa
Bath Skyline Walk

This former monastery is one of Bath’s most magnificent monuments, with amazing views from its tower.

Visit Bath Abbey

Photo by: VisitBritain

Woman walking down the aisle of a church
Bath Abbey

Dating back to 1796, this Georgian marvel is a highlight of city tours and boat trips.

Explore Pulteney Bridge

Photo by: VisitBritain/Simon Winnall

Location: Bath, England

Couple strolling beside a canal in the evening
Pulteney Bridge

Dating back to the 1400s, this restaurant, museum and shop specialises in traditional British cuisine.

Discover Sally Lunn's Historic Eating House

Photo by: VisitBritain

Location: Bath, England

Waitress holding tray with tea and cake standing
Sally Lunn's Historic Eating House

History meets Hollywood on this filming locations walking tour, packed with behind-the-scenes gossip.

Discover the Brit Movies Bridgerton Tour

Photo by: BritMovieTours

Location: Bath, England

A regal Bridgerton tour
Brit Movies Bridgerton Tour

Soar up, up and away over Bath and the Somerset countryside, on a hot air balloon adventure.

Experience Fly Away Ballooning

Photo by: VisitBritain/Rod Edwards

Hot air balloons in the sky
Fly Away Ballooning

Spy the world-famous mysterious prehistoric monument that continues to puzzle us all.

Book your Stonehenge tickets now

Photo by: VisitBritain/Stephen Spraggon

Large stone pillars arranged in circle on grass. Sunset
Stonehenge and Avebury

This friendly veggie and vegan restaurant has won multiple awards for its plant-based menu.

Be inspired by The Green Rocket

Photo by: Rob Wicks

A plate of food being served at Green Rocket in Bath
The Green Rocket

From farm to fork, this bistro takes seasonal and sustainable dining to a whole new level.

Visit The Elder Restaurant

Photo by: The Elder

A group of people being waited on at a table in The Elder, Bath
The Elder Restaurant

Look out for locally made fashions, artisan beauty products, art studios and more.

Explore Upper City Bath

Photo by: nicksmithphotography.com/VisitBath

Groups of people walking down a street in Bath's Upper City
Upper City Bath

Big-name fashion, designer and homeware stores rub shoulders with small independents and quirky boutiques.

Discover Central Bath Shopping

Photo by: nicksmithphotography.com/VisitBath

A group of women entering a shop in Bath
Central Bath Shopping

From classic vinyl to royal-themed ceramics and second-hand books – you’ll find it all right here.

More about Walcot Artisan Quarter

Photo by: nicksmithphotography.com/VisitBath

Rows of shops on Walcot Street in Bath
Walcot Artisan Quarter

Explore the River Avon in a rowing boat, punt, canoe or motorboat from this historic rental spot.

Get to know Bath Boating Station

Photo by: Bath Boating Station

Rows of kayaks lined up on the shore at Bath Boating Station
Bath Boating Station

Surrounded by glorious countryside, this panoramic peak was the location of an Iron Age hill fort.

Climb Little Solsbury Hill

Photo by: National Trust Images/Dawn Bigg

A volunteer conservation group at Solsbury Hill, Bath Skyline
Little Solsbury Hill

This beautiful park has been a haven for picnics, walks and wildlife watching since 1840.

Explore Bath Botanical Gardens

Photo by: Beata Cosgrove Photography/VisitWest

Autumn at Bath Botanical Gardens - Temple of Minerva Wedding Venue
Bath Botanical Gardens

Bath Fringe Festival

23rd May - 8th June 2025

Entertainment for all the family – with dancing, exhibitions, film screenings, live music and more.

Get tickets for Bath Fringe Festival

Photo by: Paul Blackmore/Bath Fringe

A dog and a performer in a mouse costume as part of Bath Fringe Festival
Bath Fringe Festival

Books and music take centre stage – with author talks, live concerts, novel signings and more.

Read all about the Bath Festival

Photo by: Nick Spratling/The Bath Festival

A talk on stage at The Bath Festival
The Bath Festival

With glittering chandeliers and soaring architecture, this is a fabulous location for events and concerts.

Tour the Bath Assembly Rooms

Photo by: National Trust Images/Anna Kilc

The Jane Austen festival at Bath Assembly Rooms, Bath
Bath Assembly Rooms

Follow in the great author’s footsteps, and discover the places that inspired Northanger Abbey and Persuasion.

Follow the Jane Austen Trail in Sydney Gardens

Photo by: VisitWest

A barge sailing down a canal in Bath
Jane Austen Trail in Sydney Gardens

One of Jane Austen’s settings, this beautiful back-street also features in the Netflix series of Persuasion.

See Persuasion filming locations in Bath

Photo by: Visit Bath

A daytime view of Gravel Walk in Bath
Gravel Walk - Persuasion

For long lazy lunches, afternoon tea, or traditional Sunday roasts with all the trimmings.

Explore Plate Restaurant and Terrace

Photo by: Plate Restaurant and Terrace

An interior view of Plate Restaurant in Bath
Plate Restaurant and Terrace

From street food tours and small-batch distilleries, to trips packed with ice cream, cheese and comfort food.

Find out about Savouring Bath

Photo by: Savouring Bath

Cups of tea and Japanese gyoza being served at a restaurant in Bath
Savouring Bath

Breakfast, brunch and afternoon tea are accompanied by live piano music, and beautiful Georgian architecture.

Try The Pump Room Restaurant

Photo by: Mark Weeks/Searcys

The Pump Room Restaurant in Bath being prepared for opening
The Pump Room Restaurant

Enjoy the lighter side of Bath on this comedy-packed walking tour, with street theatre and stunts galore.

More about Bizarre Bath

Photo by: Bizarre Bath

A performer standing on a speaker speaking to a crowd as part of Bizarre Bath
Bizarre Bath

This mini-golf course offers 18 challenging holes to play, all in a beautiful garden setting.

Visit Victoria Falls Adventure Golf

Photo by: Victoria Falls Adventure Golf

A series of mini golf holes as part of Victoria Falls Adventure Golf Course
Victoria Falls Adventure Golf

Book paddleboarding and kayaking tours of Bath, plus raft building, code-breaking, climbing and abseiling.

What’s on at Original Wild

Photo by: Original Wild

Two people paddleboarding down a river in the centre of Bath
Original Wild

With paddleboarding, windsurfing and wild swimming, this outdoor activity centre has adventures for all ages.

Discover West Country Water Park

Photo by: Getty Images

Location: West Country Water Park

West Country Water Park
West Country Water Park

This Michelin-recommended restaurant celebrates all-things fresh, sustainable and plant-based.

More about Oak

Photo by: Pete Helme Photography/Oak Restaurant

Location: Oak restaurant

Oak Restaurant, Bath, Somerset
Oak

Once a super-cinema, now a live events venue, catch some of the biggest names in comedy, live music, dance and more.

Find out what’s on at The Forum

Photo by: The Forum

Location: Bath

A band performing on stage at the Forum in Bath
The Forum

A narrowboat break on the Kennet and Avon Canal is the ideal way to connect with nature.

Discover Bath Narrowboats

Photo by: Getty Images

Location: Bath

Bath Narrowboats, Kennett and Avon Canal
Bath Narrowboats

Britain’s only natural thermal spa, located in the historic city of Bath, offers the ultimate in relaxation.

Visit Thermae Bath Spa

Photo by: VisitBritain

Women swimming in a swimming pool at a spa
Thermae Bath Spa

Tour the original Roman Baths and discover fascinating archaeological finds from pre-Roman and Roman Britain.

Visit the Roman Baths of Bath

Photo by: Colin Hawkins

ROMAN BATHS BATH
Roman Baths

Explore fashionable life in 18th century Georgian Bath at this restored town-house museum, which had a starring role in Bridgerton.

Discover Georgian architecture at No. 1 Royal Crescent

Photo by: VisitBritain/Andrew Welsher

Location: The Royal Crescent, Bath

Aerial view of crescent-shaped building surrounded by grass
No. 1 Royal Crescent

Fans of the author won’t want to miss this museum chronicling Jane Austen’s life and times, plus its Regency tearoom.

Book tickets to the Jane Austen Exhibition Centre

Photo by: urban_m0nk

People dressed up as characters from the Jane Austen books
The Jane Austen Centre

Head out on this circular National Trust trail, which affords spectacular views of the historic city of Bath.

Stroll along the Bath Skyline trail

Photo by: Chris North

Thermae Bath Spa
Bath Skyline Walk

This former monastery is one of Bath’s most magnificent monuments, with amazing views from its tower.

Visit Bath Abbey

Photo by: VisitBritain

Woman walking down the aisle of a church
Bath Abbey

Dating back to 1796, this Georgian marvel is a highlight of city tours and boat trips.

Explore Pulteney Bridge

Photo by: VisitBritain/Simon Winnall

Location: Bath, England

Couple strolling beside a canal in the evening
Pulteney Bridge

Dating back to the 1400s, this restaurant, museum and shop specialises in traditional British cuisine.

Discover Sally Lunn's Historic Eating House

Photo by: VisitBritain

Location: Bath, England

Waitress holding tray with tea and cake standing
Sally Lunn's Historic Eating House

History meets Hollywood on this filming locations walking tour, packed with behind-the-scenes gossip.

Discover the Brit Movies Bridgerton Tour

Photo by: BritMovieTours

Location: Bath, England

A regal Bridgerton tour
Brit Movies Bridgerton Tour

Soar up, up and away over Bath and the Somerset countryside, on a hot air balloon adventure.

Experience Fly Away Ballooning

Photo by: VisitBritain/Rod Edwards

Hot air balloons in the sky
Fly Away Ballooning

Spy the world-famous mysterious prehistoric monument that continues to puzzle us all.

Book your Stonehenge tickets now

Photo by: VisitBritain/Stephen Spraggon

Large stone pillars arranged in circle on grass. Sunset
Stonehenge and Avebury

This friendly veggie and vegan restaurant has won multiple awards for its plant-based menu.

Be inspired by The Green Rocket

Photo by: Rob Wicks

A plate of food being served at Green Rocket in Bath
The Green Rocket

From farm to fork, this bistro takes seasonal and sustainable dining to a whole new level.

Visit The Elder Restaurant

Photo by: The Elder

A group of people being waited on at a table in The Elder, Bath
The Elder Restaurant

Look out for locally made fashions, artisan beauty products, art studios and more.

Explore Upper City Bath

Photo by: nicksmithphotography.com/VisitBath

Groups of people walking down a street in Bath's Upper City
Upper City Bath

Big-name fashion, designer and homeware stores rub shoulders with small independents and quirky boutiques.

Discover Central Bath Shopping

Photo by: nicksmithphotography.com/VisitBath

A group of women entering a shop in Bath
Central Bath Shopping

From classic vinyl to royal-themed ceramics and second-hand books – you’ll find it all right here.

More about Walcot Artisan Quarter

Photo by: nicksmithphotography.com/VisitBath

Rows of shops on Walcot Street in Bath
Walcot Artisan Quarter

Explore the River Avon in a rowing boat, punt, canoe or motorboat from this historic rental spot.

Get to know Bath Boating Station

Photo by: Bath Boating Station

Rows of kayaks lined up on the shore at Bath Boating Station
Bath Boating Station

Surrounded by glorious countryside, this panoramic peak was the location of an Iron Age hill fort.

Climb Little Solsbury Hill

Photo by: National Trust Images/Dawn Bigg

A volunteer conservation group at Solsbury Hill, Bath Skyline
Little Solsbury Hill

This beautiful park has been a haven for picnics, walks and wildlife watching since 1840.

Explore Bath Botanical Gardens

Photo by: Beata Cosgrove Photography/VisitWest

Autumn at Bath Botanical Gardens - Temple of Minerva Wedding Venue
Bath Botanical Gardens

Bath Fringe Festival

23rd May - 8th June 2025

Entertainment for all the family – with dancing, exhibitions, film screenings, live music and more.

Get tickets for Bath Fringe Festival

Photo by: Paul Blackmore/Bath Fringe

A dog and a performer in a mouse costume as part of Bath Fringe Festival
Bath Fringe Festival

Books and music take centre stage – with author talks, live concerts, novel signings and more.

Read all about the Bath Festival

Photo by: Nick Spratling/The Bath Festival

A talk on stage at The Bath Festival
The Bath Festival

With glittering chandeliers and soaring architecture, this is a fabulous location for events and concerts.

Tour the Bath Assembly Rooms

Photo by: National Trust Images/Anna Kilc

The Jane Austen festival at Bath Assembly Rooms, Bath
Bath Assembly Rooms

Follow in the great author’s footsteps, and discover the places that inspired Northanger Abbey and Persuasion.

Follow the Jane Austen Trail in Sydney Gardens

Photo by: VisitWest

A barge sailing down a canal in Bath
Jane Austen Trail in Sydney Gardens

One of Jane Austen’s settings, this beautiful back-street also features in the Netflix series of Persuasion.

See Persuasion filming locations in Bath

Photo by: Visit Bath

A daytime view of Gravel Walk in Bath
Gravel Walk - Persuasion

For long lazy lunches, afternoon tea, or traditional Sunday roasts with all the trimmings.

Explore Plate Restaurant and Terrace

Photo by: Plate Restaurant and Terrace

An interior view of Plate Restaurant in Bath
Plate Restaurant and Terrace

From street food tours and small-batch distilleries, to trips packed with ice cream, cheese and comfort food.

Find out about Savouring Bath

Photo by: Savouring Bath

Cups of tea and Japanese gyoza being served at a restaurant in Bath
Savouring Bath

Breakfast, brunch and afternoon tea are accompanied by live piano music, and beautiful Georgian architecture.

Try The Pump Room Restaurant

Photo by: Mark Weeks/Searcys

The Pump Room Restaurant in Bath being prepared for opening
The Pump Room Restaurant

Enjoy the lighter side of Bath on this comedy-packed walking tour, with street theatre and stunts galore.

More about Bizarre Bath

Photo by: Bizarre Bath

A performer standing on a speaker speaking to a crowd as part of Bizarre Bath
Bizarre Bath

This mini-golf course offers 18 challenging holes to play, all in a beautiful garden setting.

Visit Victoria Falls Adventure Golf

Photo by: Victoria Falls Adventure Golf

A series of mini golf holes as part of Victoria Falls Adventure Golf Course
Victoria Falls Adventure Golf

Book paddleboarding and kayaking tours of Bath, plus raft building, code-breaking, climbing and abseiling.

What’s on at Original Wild

Photo by: Original Wild

Two people paddleboarding down a river in the centre of Bath
Original Wild

With paddleboarding, windsurfing and wild swimming, this outdoor activity centre has adventures for all ages.

Discover West Country Water Park

Photo by: Getty Images

Location: West Country Water Park

West Country Water Park
West Country Water Park

This Michelin-recommended restaurant celebrates all-things fresh, sustainable and plant-based.

More about Oak

Photo by: Pete Helme Photography/Oak Restaurant

Location: Oak restaurant

Oak Restaurant, Bath, Somerset
Oak

Once a super-cinema, now a live events venue, catch some of the biggest names in comedy, live music, dance and more.

Find out what’s on at The Forum

Photo by: The Forum

Location: Bath

A band performing on stage at the Forum in Bath
The Forum

A narrowboat break on the Kennet and Avon Canal is the ideal way to connect with nature.

Discover Bath Narrowboats

Photo by: Getty Images

Location: Bath

Bath Narrowboats, Kennett and Avon Canal
Bath Narrowboats

Places to stay in Bath

Central Bath

Bath’s centre is where you’ll find most of its incredible historical and cultural gems. Think handsome Georgian architecture, top-notch museums and the only place in Britain where you can bathe in natural thermal hot springs.

Walcot

From cosy pubs to trendy bars – head north of the city centre for a fabulous nightlife scene. Check out its artisan quarter for independent boutiques galore. 

Victoria Park

This area features perhaps Bath’s most famous street, the truly awesome, horseshoed-shaped Royal Crescent (built in the 1700s). It’s close to the centre and oozing with Regency charm.

Explore nearby

Cool and creative, Bristol is a must-visit for art, culture and action-packed adventure.

Photo by: VisitBritain/Rod Edwards

Lit up hot air balloons and fireworks in the night sky

Lush rolling pastures, pretty stone villages and rambling rivers - the Cotswolds has it all.

Photo by: VisitBritain

Location: Cotswolds, England

Pärchen, das sich im Garten in der Nähe eines Springbrunnens umarmt

Step into a land of castles, world-renowned rugby and a whole host of myths and legends.

Photo by: VisitBritain/Ben Selway

Location: Cardiff

A gay couple enjoying the shopping facilities at Castle Arcade in Cardiff, Wales

Just an hour by train from London and you’re in the city of dreaming spires.

Photo by: VisitBritain/Jon Attenborough

Man looking up at a historical building with dome

Small but mighty, Exeter is a city with seriously cool credentials. Discover the top attractions and best things to do and see during your next visit here.

Photo by: Exeter City Council

A view down a shopping street in Exeter's Castle Quarter

Peppered with rolling hills, ancient woodlands and unique local flavours, Somerset is calling out to be explored.

Photo by: Glastonbury Festival

Crowd at Glastonbury Festival

Discover incredible street art, visit cosy countryside pubs and live your best Bridgerton life on a trip around the south-west of England and south Wales.

Photo by: VisitBritain/Pinzutu

Location: Newcastle, England

Friends enjoying tea and cake on a rooftop terrace, overlooking a river and suspension bridge.

Getting to Bath

Well connected by air, train, coach and bus to destinations across the UK, getting to and around Bath is easy. Bath is located in South West England and Bristol International Airport is the closest airport, just 19 miles (30 kilometres) away. The A4 Air Decker bus service is direct to Bath from the airport, taking around 45 minutes.

From London, there is a high-speed train with Great Western Rail from London Paddington to Bath Spa train station taking around 80 minutes.

There is a coach service from London Heathrow to Bath with National Express taking just over two hours.

Getting around

By bus

Bath's public bus service is well connected throughout the city and beyond. First West Bus is the largest operator, or you could try a hop-on, hop-off city sightseeing bus tour.

By foot

A compact city, Bath is great to explore by foot, with a good selection of free maps and guides, plus countryside walks, too.

By bike

With 14 self-service hire stations around the city, traffic-free cycle routes and the Bristol to Bath Cycle Path, the scenic city of Bath is brilliant when explored by bike.

Want to know more?

Head to Visit Bath for insider tips and more recommendations on things to do in Bath.