What to Do in Bath: A First-Timer’s Guide
If you’re wondering what to do in Bath, you won’t be short of options. I’ve been back to Bath several times and there are still places I missed on my first visit.
This small city is packed with Roman history, gorgeous Georgian architecture, great places to eat and, of course, those famous thermal waters.
I’ve visited Bath several times over the years and it’s one of those cities I never get bored of. I’ve done the big attractions, stayed in some beautiful hotels, soaked in the thermal waters and found a few quieter spots that I completely missed on my first visit.
It’s also a really easy city to explore. You can visit the Roman Baths in the morning, walk around the Royal Crescent after lunch and spend the afternoon floating in a rooftop thermal pool.
If you’re visiting for the first time, these are the places I’d recommend adding to your Bath itinerary, plus a few you can skip if you’re short on time.
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What to do in Bath on your first visit
If you only have one day or a weekend in Bath, don’t try to cram everything into your trip.
Bath is compact and very walkable, but part of the appeal is being able to wander around without constantly checking the time.
On a first visit, I’d prioritise the Roman Baths, Bath Abbey, Pulteney Bridge, the Royal Crescent and The Circus.
If you’re staying overnight, add Thermae Bath Spa and give yourself some time to walk along the river or explore the city once the day trippers have left.
Staying for two or three days? That’s when I’d add places like Prior Park, Sydney Gardens, Walcot Street and the Bath Skyline.
Visit the Roman Baths
You can’t come to Bath for the first time and not visit the Roman Baths.
Yes, they’re touristy. They’re also absolutely worth seeing.
The Roman Baths date back almost 2,000 years and are one of the best-preserved Roman sites in the UK. Walking around the complex also gives you some context for why Bath exists in the first place.
You can’t actually get into the water here. It’s a historic site and museum rather than a working spa.
If you’re only paying for one major historical attraction in Bath, this would be my pick.
I’d also visit the Roman Baths near the start of your trip. Once you understand the history behind Bath and its thermal waters, a lot of the city makes more sense.
Soak in the thermal waters at Thermae Bath Spa
You can’t get into the water at the Roman Baths, but you can experience Bath’s thermal waters at Thermae Bath Spa.
I’ve done this myself and the rooftop pool was easily the highlight for me.
You’re floating around in naturally warm water with views across Bath’s rooftops. It’s one of those experiences that actually lives up to the photos.
There are also steam rooms, saunas, an ice room and treatments available, so you can easily spend a few hours here.
If you’re planning a romantic weekend in Bath or you want your trip to involve more relaxing and less rushing between attractions, I’d make time for it.
One exception is if you’re staying at The Gainsborough Bath Spa. I’ve stayed there too and the hotel has its own spa facilities with access to Bath’s thermal waters.
Personally, I wouldn’t pay for both on the same trip unless you’re really into spas.
Have afternoon tea at The Pump Room
The Pump Room is right next to the Roman Baths, so it’s really easy to combine the two.
This is one of the places to go if you want to experience the grander, more traditional side of Bath.
Think chandeliers, Georgian interiors and afternoon tea rather than a quick coffee and cake.
I wouldn’t say it’s an essential stop if you only have one day in Bath. But if you love afternoon tea or you’re visiting for a special occasion, the setting makes it feel much more like an experience.
Stop at The Circus
Don’t just walk through The Circus on your way to the Royal Crescent.
Stop and look around.
The circular sweep of Georgian townhouses was designed by John Wood the Elder and it’s one of the best-known examples of Georgian architecture in Bath.
Stand in the middle and you get a much better sense of the symmetry than you do when you’re rushing through with Google Maps open on your phone.
I always think The Circus and Royal Crescent work best as one walk.
They’re really close together, so there’s no reason to choose between them.
Find the hidden Georgian Garden
I completely missed the Georgian Garden on my first visit to Bath.
I only found it on a later trip, which is probably one of the reasons I like it.
The garden is tucked behind No. 4 The Circus and recreates what an eighteenth-century town garden would have looked like.
You can enter from Gravel Walk between Queen Square and the Royal Crescent.
Despite being really close to some of the busiest parts of Bath, it feels surprisingly tucked away.
If you’ve already seen the major attractions and want to find somewhere a bit different, add this one to your walk.
Go inside No. 1 Royal Crescent
Pretty much everyone who visits Bath ends up at the Royal Crescent.
What a lot of people don’t do is go inside one of the houses.
No. 1 Royal Crescent has been restored to show what life would have been like inside a Georgian townhouse. You can walk through the different rooms and see how both the wealthy residents and their servants would have lived.
I find places like this much more interesting than museums filled with display cases. You actually get to walk through the rooms rather than trying to imagine what everything looked like.
If you love historic houses, Georgian history or Bridgerton, I’d add this one to your list.
See the Royal Crescent at golden hour
Even if you visit No. 1 Royal Crescent during the day, I’d come back to this area later if you have time.
The Royal Crescent is impressive whenever you see it, but I love it when the late afternoon sun hits the Bath stone and the buildings seem to glow.
Cross over to the lawn and actually stop for a while rather than taking a quick photo and leaving. Chances are you might have to wait a while for the crowd to dissipate before taking a photo anyway.
Royal Victoria Park is directly in front of the Crescent too, so this is a good place to slow down after you’ve spent hours walking around the city.
Relax in Royal Victoria Park
If you’ve spent all morning sightseeing, Royal Victoria Park is an easy place to take a break.
It’s right in front of the Royal Crescent, so you don’t need to go out of your way to find it.
On a sunny day, grab a coffee and sit on the grass for a while.
Bath can get really busy, especially around the main attractions, so I like having places like this where you can stop rather than moving straight onto the next thing.
Visit the Botanical Gardens
You’ll find Bath’s Botanical Gardens inside Royal Victoria Park.
They’re really easy to combine with a visit to the Royal Crescent, so you don’t need to make a separate trip across the city.
I particularly like gardens like this in spring and early summer when everything is in bloom.
There are mature trees, ornamental ponds and colourful planting to wander through.
They’re also free, which is always useful when so many of Bath’s major attractions charge admission.
Walk across Pulteney Bridge
Pulteney Bridge is one of my favourite landmarks in Bath.
It has shops built across it, so when you’re actually walking over the bridge it doesn’t necessarily feel like you’re on one of the city’s most famous landmarks.
Make sure you walk down towards the River Avon afterwards.
That’s where you’ll get the classic view of Pulteney Bridge with the horseshoe-shaped weir in front of it.
It’s one of the most photographed views in Bath, but this is one tourist photo spot that really is worth seeking out.
Take a boat trip on the River Avon
After spending most of the day walking, a boat trip along the River Avon is a pretty nice excuse to sit down.
It also gives you a completely different view of Bath.
You’ll get to see the city from the water and move away from some of the busier streets in the centre.
I’d save this for a sunny afternoon rather than making it one of your absolute must-dos.
If you’re spending two days in Bath, it works really well when you want to slow things down a bit.
Browse Bath Guildhall Market
Bath Guildhall Market is a good place to wander around if you like independent shops and traditional indoor markets.
I’ve found different things here on different visits, including food, cheese, vintage books and gifts.
You don’t need to plan a big chunk of your day around it.
I’d just pop in while you’re exploring the centre and see what you find.
Follow Bath’s Jane Austen connections
Jane Austen lived in Bath and the city appears in both Northanger Abbey and Persuasion, so you’ll find references to her everywhere.
The Jane Austen Centre is the obvious place to start.
It explores Austen’s connection with Bath as well as Regency fashion, society and everyday life. There are interactive elements too, including the chance to try writing with a quill.
There’s even a life-size waxwork of Jane Austen.
I’d prioritise this if you’re actually interested in Austen and her books rather than visiting just because it’s one of Bath’s well-known attractions.
BOOK JANE AUSTEN CENTRE TICKETS HERE
Visit during the Jane Austen Festival
If you’re planning to visit Bath in September, check the dates for the Jane Austen Festival.
It runs for ten days and the city fills with Austen fans in Regency dress for walks, performances, talks and other events.
Even if you’re not taking part, seeing people walking around Bath in full Regency dress feels pretty fitting against all that Georgian architecture.
Go inside Bath Abbey
You can’t really miss Bath Abbey.
It’s right in the centre of the city, close to the Roman Baths and surrounded by some of the busiest streets in Bath.
Don’t just look at it from outside though.
The fan-vaulted ceiling inside is beautiful and I always notice how much quieter it feels as soon as you step through the doors.
If you have more time, you can also look into doing a tower tour for views across Bath.
If you’re rushing, even ten minutes inside is worth it.
There are some wonderful independent coffee shops outside to sit and admire the Abbey if the weather is on your side.
Visit Mary Shelley’s House of Frankenstein
If you’ve had enough of Georgian houses, Mary Shelley’s House of Frankenstein is completely different.
The attraction explores Shelley’s life and the story behind Frankenstein through an immersive museum experience.
It’s definitely one of Bath’s quirkier attractions.
I wouldn’t necessarily recommend it to everyone, but that’s kind of the point. If you like horror, Frankenstein or anything a bit weird, you’ll probably enjoy this much more than another traditional museum.
BOOK HOUSE OF FRANKENSTEIN TICKETS HERE
Visit the Holburne Museum
The Holburne Museum was Bath’s first public art gallery and you’ll find it at the end of Great Pulteney Street.
The building itself is beautiful and Sydney Gardens are directly behind it.
Inside, you’ll find its permanent collection alongside temporary exhibitions. There’s also a café if you want to stop for something to eat or drink.
I like that you can combine the museum with a walk through Sydney Gardens rather than making a separate trip just to see it.
Wander through Sydney Gardens
Head behind the Holburne Museum and you’ll find Sydney Gardens.
These gardens are much quieter than many of the main attractions in Bath, which is exactly what I like about them.
They were once pleasure gardens where Bath’s fashionable residents came for concerts, breakfasts and fireworks.
Now they’re somewhere you can wander around for half an hour when you want a break from the crowds.
See the view from Alexandra Park
If you want a great view over Bath, head up to Alexandra Park.
You can walk up via Jacob’s Ladder or Shakespeare Avenue. There is also some paid parking if you’re driving.
It is a bit of a climb on foot, but you’re rewarded with a brilliant panoramic view over the city.
I’d go towards the end of the day if you can.
If the weather behaves, it’s a lovely place to watch the sun start to set over Bath.
Try a Sally Lunn bun
If there’s one food you’re going to hear about in Bath, it’s probably the Sally Lunn bun.
You’ll find them at Sally Lunn’s Historic Eating House, which is inside one of the oldest houses in Bath.
The buns are big, brioche-like and served with both sweet and savoury toppings.
I’d try one at least once.
But personally I wouldn’t be rushing back for a second.
Just be prepared to queue. I’ve seen queues outside on pretty much every trip I’ve taken to Bath, particularly around lunchtime.
Even if you don’t eat there, it’s worth walking past to see the historic building.
Take a ghost tour after dark
Bath is very different once it gets dark and most of the day trippers have gone home.
That’s why a ghost tour works so well here.
You’ll hear stories about hauntings, executions, disappearances and some of the darker events hidden behind those very pretty Georgian buildings.
You don’t need to believe in ghosts to enjoy one either.
I like ghost tours because a good guide can make local history much more memorable than another information board in a museum.
CHECK OUT BATH GHOST TOURS HERE
Explore Walcot Street
Walcot Street shows you a different side of Bath.
It’s known as the city’s artisan quarter and you’ll find independent shops, galleries and places to eat here.
It feels noticeably different from the grand Georgian streets around the Royal Crescent.
I like wandering around without planning specific shops to visit.
If you’ve already seen Bath’s major landmarks and want somewhere that feels a bit less touristy, head here.
Try some Somerset cheese
You’re in Somerset. Eat the cheese.
This isn’t technically an attraction, but it’s something I’d look out for while you’re exploring Bath.
You’ll find Somerset cheeses in markets, delis and independent food shops around the city.
Cheddar Gorge isn’t far away either, so you’re in the right part of England for proper Cheddar.
It’s also a much better souvenir than another mug or fridge magnet.
Walk along the River Avon at sunset
Some of my favourite things to see in Bath don’t cost anything.
Walking beside the River Avon towards the end of the day is one of them.
After the centre has been busy all day, the river feels much calmer in the evening.
If you’ve got good weather, leave yourself half an hour to walk along the water around sunset.
The reflections on the river and Bath’s honey-coloured buildings are especially pretty when the light starts changing.
Visit Victoria Art Gallery
Victoria Art Gallery is right beside Pulteney Bridge, so it’s very easy to add to your day.
You’ll find paintings, sculptures and decorative art inside as well as temporary exhibitions.
It’s not enormous, which I actually think is a positive.
You don’t need to give up half your day to visit it.
It’s also a handy place to know about when the weather isn’t cooperating. This is England, after all.
Escape the city at Prior Park
If you’ve got more than one day in Bath, I’d consider heading out to Prior Park Landscape Garden.
The National Trust garden sits on the hillside overlooking the city.
You’ll find walking trails, lovely views and the Palladian Bridge, which is probably the most recognisable part of the estate.
What I like about Prior Park is how quickly Bath disappears.
You’re looking back over the city but it feels like you’ve escaped into the countryside.
Bridgerton fans might recognise the estate too as it has been used as a filming location.
Take the Bath sightseeing bus
I prefer walking around Bath because the centre is compact and you see much more that way.
But that doesn’t mean everyone should walk everywhere.
The hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus can be useful if you’re short on time, don’t want to tackle Bath’s hills or you’re travelling with someone who can’t comfortably walk long distances.
It also gives you a quick overview of the city before deciding which places you actually want to visit.
I’d use it as a practical way of getting around rather than treating the bus ride itself as one of Bath’s main attractions.
BOOK THE BATH SIGHTSEEING BUS HERE
Walk part of the Bath Skyline
If you like walking, get out of the centre and explore part of the Bath Skyline.
The National Trust route takes you through woodland and countryside above the city with some brilliant views back towards Bath.
The full route takes several hours.
I wouldn’t attempt the whole thing if you only have one day in Bath. You’ll spend too much of your visit away from the places you’ve actually come to see.
If you’re staying for a weekend, it’s much easier to fit in.
You don’t need to walk the entire route either. Do a shorter section and head back into the city when you’ve had enough.
Have lunch at Noya’s Kitchen
Noya’s Kitchen was one of my favourite places we ate in Bath.
It’s small and serves fresh Vietnamese food with a changing menu.
Because it is intimate and opening times are limited, I’d book rather than assuming you’ll get a table when you arrive. It gets very busy there!
As a vegetarian, I’ve eaten at quite a few vegan-friendly places around Bath, but this is one I still find myself recommending. They don’t exclusively serve meat-free dishes, so you have the best of both worlds.
If you’re the sort of person who plans city breaks around where you’re going to eat, put Noya’s on your list before you arrive.
Take a day trip from Bath
If you’re spending three days or more in Bath, you can use the city as a base for exploring a bit more of the surrounding area.
I wouldn’t do this if you only have one day.
There’s enough to see in Bath without spending half of your visit getting somewhere else.
With a longer stay, you’ve got a few good options.
Visit Stonehenge
Stonehenge is less than an hour from Bath, so it’s an easy addition to a longer trip.
I’ve visited Stonehenge myself and I actually found the history surrounding it more interesting than standing and looking at the stones.
I’m glad I’ve been, but if you gave me the choice between Stonehenge and another full day exploring Bath, I’d choose Bath.
If Stonehenge has always been on your bucket list, Bath is a really convenient place to visit it from.
You can drive or book an organised tour if you don’t want to worry about transport.
BOOK A STONEHENGE DAY TRIP FROM BATH
Explore Cheddar Gorge and the Mendip Hills
If you’d rather have countryside than ancient monuments, head towards Cheddar Gorge and the Mendip Hills.
This is a much better option if you like walking and want something completely different from Bath’s Georgian streets.
You also get another excuse to eat some proper Somerset Cheddar.
Where to stay in Bath
I’ve stayed at both Hotel Indigo Bath twice and The Gainsborough Bath Spa.
They’re both lovely, but I’d recommend them for slightly different trips.
Hotel Indigo Bath
For a first-time sightseeing trip, I’d choose Hotel Indigo Bath.
I’ve stayed here more than once and I love the quirky interiors, freestanding bathtubs and breakfast.
The location is also really convenient.
You can walk to the Roman Baths, Bath Abbey, Thermae Bath Spa, Parade Gardens and the main shopping streets.
If you’re going to spend most of your time out exploring Bath, this is the kind of location you want.
The Gainsborough Bath Spa
For a luxury spa weekend, The Gainsborough Bath Spa is hard to beat.
I stayed here on my most recent visit for my birthday and loved having the spa experience inside the hotel.
But that’s also why I wouldn’t automatically recommend it for every Bath trip.
It’s boujie.
Perfect for a special occasion.
You’re paying for a hotel that you’ll actually want to spend time in.
If you’re planning to leave first thing in the morning, spend all day sightseeing and come back just to sleep, I’d save The Gainsborough for another trip.
If you’re planning a relaxing weekend and actually want to enjoy your hotel, it’s a very different story.
CHECK THE GAINSBOROUGH BATH SPA RATES
When is the best time to visit Bath?
Personally, I’d choose spring or autumn.
You’ll hopefully get decent enough weather for walking around without the city feeling quite as busy as it can during summer.
Summer is great if you want long days, gardens and evenings beside the river.
December is completely different because Bath becomes very festive and the Christmas Market takes over the centre.
There isn’t really a bad time to visit.
I’d pick the season based on what you actually want to do when you’re there.
How many days do you need in Bath?
You can see a lot of Bath in one day.
I’d still stay for the weekend if you can.
With one day, you can visit the Roman Baths, Bath Abbey, Pulteney Bridge, The Circus and Royal Crescent.
The problem is that you’ll probably spend most of the day moving from one attraction to the next.
Two days gives you time for Thermae Bath Spa, a nice meal, some of the quieter streets and a walk along the river without feeling like you’re constantly watching the clock.
For a first visit, I think a weekend is ideal.
How to get to Bath from London
Bath is really easy to reach from London, which is one reason it works so well for a UK city break.
London to Bath by train
If Bath is your main destination, I’d take the train.
Direct trains run from London Paddington to Bath Spa and the journey takes around 1 hour 20 minutes.
Bath Spa station is right by the city centre, so you can get off the train and start exploring without needing a car.
London to Bath by car
Driving from London usually takes around 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on traffic.
I wouldn’t drive just for a weekend in Bath unless I had a reason to.
Parking adds another thing to think about and once you’re in the centre you won’t need your car for most of the places in this guide anyway.
A car makes much more sense if Bath is part of a longer road trip or you’re planning to explore Somerset and the surrounding countryside.
Do you need a car in Bath?
No.
For a normal Bath city break, I’d actually rather not have one.
Most of the major attractions are within walking distance of each other and wandering between them is part of the experience.
Bath isn’t completely flat though.
Once you start heading towards places like Alexandra Park, Prior Park and the Bath Skyline, you’ll notice the hills.
That’s where local transport, a taxi or the sightseeing bus can be useful.
I’d only drive or hire a car if you’re planning to use Bath as a base for exploring places outside the city.
What can you do in Bath for free?
Bath can get expensive once you start adding up attraction tickets, spa visits and nice meals, but you don’t need to pay for everything.
Some of my favourite places in the city are free.
You can walk around the Royal Crescent and The Circus, wander through Royal Victoria Park, visit the Botanical Gardens, explore Walcot Street and walk beside the River Avon.
The Georgian Garden is another good one to add while you’re exploring this part of the city.
You can also spend a ridiculous amount of time simply wandering around Bath’s streets looking at the architecture.
I’d mix a couple of paid attractions with free places rather than trying to buy a ticket for everything.
What should you prioritise if you only have one day in Bath?
If I only had one day in Bath, I’d keep things simple.
I’d start at the Roman Baths, visit Bath Abbey and walk over to Pulteney Bridge.
From there, I’d head towards The Circus and Royal Crescent, stopping to explore the streets along the way.
I’d have a proper lunch somewhere rather than trying to squeeze in another attraction, then choose one bigger experience for the afternoon.
For me, that would probably be Thermae Bath Spa.
Then I’d finish with a walk beside the River Avon or drinks and dinner in the centre.
You won’t see everything, but you’ll actually have time to enjoy the places you do see.
Is Bath worth visiting?
Yes, especially if you like history, architecture and city breaks where you don’t need a car.
What I like most about Bath is how much it manages to fit into such a small area.
You can walk from Roman ruins to Georgian townhouses, independent shops, museums, gardens and a rooftop thermal pool without spending half your trip travelling between them.
It’s also a city I’ve happily returned to more than once.
If you’re deciding what to do in Bath for your first visit, don’t feel like you need to work your way through every place in this guide.
Start with the Roman Baths, Bath Abbey, Pulteney Bridge, The Circus and Royal Crescent. Then pick the places that actually suit the way you like to travel.
Personally, I’d leave a bit of free time too.
Some of my favourite parts of visiting Bath have come from wandering around and finding somewhere I didn’t plan to visit in the first place.