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21 Best Things to Do in Bath, England (From a Local Who’s Always There)

Jo Roberts
Home » 21 Best Things to Do in Bath, England (From a Local Who’s Always There)

Planning a trip and wondering about the best things to do in Bath, England? From the ancient Roman Baths and stunning Georgian crescents to rooftop spa views and Bridgerton filming locations, Bath packs history, romance and relaxation into one beautifully walkable city.

Whether you’re visiting for a weekend break or adding it to a UK road trip, here are the must-see highlights and hidden gems you wont want to miss.

Contents

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Introduction

If you’re looking for the best things to do in Bath, England then you’re in the right place. I’m very lucky to live just down the road in Somerset and escape to Bath whenever I fancy a beautiful wander and a good coffee.

Bath is one of my favourite cities, for all kinds of reasons. It’s a place where you genuinely feel like you’ve stepped back in time to Regency England. Cobbled streets, Georgian townhouses, grand crescents, period shop fronts and quirky, independent cafés – what more could you want?

Cobbled street in Bath with period shop fronts either side leading to St John's Gatehouse - Best things to do in Bath
St John’s Gatehouse

There’s something very quintessentially English about Bath. You can easily picture Jane Austen and her peers social hobnobbing about town.

The whole of Bath’s historic centre is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, largely because so much of it was built during the same Georgian period. That architectural uniformity is what gives Bath its elegance and charm. It’s also why it makes such a perfect backdrop for period TV shows and films – it still looks remarkably like it would have done in Regency times.

For the purpose of writing this article, I’ve been visiting Bath more than usual and properly trying out what’s on offer for visitors. I’ve been following in the footsteps of Bridgerton characters, drinking afternoon tea in cosy cafés, admiring the Roman Baths and even bathing in the thermal waters myself.

In this article I guide you through the best things to do in Bath, the experiences I recommend for a short visit of 2-3 days.

If you only have one day, it’s also perfect for a day trip. See the one-day Bath itineraries below.

Large lawn with Georgian period houses along Royal Crescent, Bath - one of the best things to do in Bath
Royal Crescent

Short on Time? How to Spend One Perfect Day in Bath

Bath is wonderfully compact, which makes it ideal for a themed day trip.

For Spa Lovers

Unwind in Bath’s famous mineral rich, thermal waters and soak up the city’s elegant atmosphere with a day that blends gently exploring with pure relaxation and pampering.

  • Explore the city centre, wander around the Abbey and browse the independent shops.
  • Relax at Thermae Bath Spa.
  • Time your visit for sunset if possible – sitting in the rooftop pool as steam rises around you and the city’s honey-coloured stone glows in the evening light is a special experience.
  • Finish with dinner near Bath Abbey for that magical evening atmosphere.

For Jane Austen Fans

Step into the world of Regency society and experience the elegant Bath that so inspired Jane Austen’s novels.

  • Visit the Jane Austen Centre
  • Walk the curve of the Royal Crescent
  • Explore No. 1 Royal Crescent
  • Take tea at The Pump Room

For Bridgerton Fans

Bath has become hugely popular thanks to Bridgerton, as it doubles beautifully as Regency London and feels made for dramatic promenades and scandalous glances.

For History Buffs

With layers of Roman, medieval and Georgian heritage, Bath is a compact city packed with remarkable stories at every turn.

  • Visit the Roman Baths
  • Bath Abbey
  • Take a medieval walking tour
  • Wander across Pulteney Bridge
  • Don’t miss Royal Crescent

The Absolute Best Things to Do in Bath, England

1. Explore the Roman Baths

I start with the most popular attraction in Bath – the Roman Baths. I’ve visited here a few times on school trips, with my own children and most recently with a friend, and I have to say it’s absolutely worth visiting.

Being the most popular attraction, it gets extremely busy. If you can, time your visit outside of the school holidays or during the week. Early mornings and later afternoons are better for avoiding the crowds.

The History of the Baths

These natural hot springs have been known for their healing properties since the Iron Age – and were even used for bathing horses. The Celts had a shrine here before the Romans took over in 75 AD and built their religious temple and spa complex. The complex even included underfloor heating and a gym, which feels incredibly advanced for the time.

After the Romans left, the Baths were neglected and fell into disrepair. It wasn’t until 1880 that they were rediscovered and restored for Victorian locals to enjoy. During this period, Bath became famous once again as a place for convalescing and improving one’s health.

Nowadays, the Roman Baths are purely a museum and visitors are not permitted to bathe in the waters. However, you can try the thermal water nearby at Thermae Bath Spa (over 16s only).

How Much Time Should You Spend?

It’s a fantastic half-day experience for adults and children alike. During school holidays, the museum holds special events with Roman characters and hands-on workshops, giving children the opportunity to practise their archaeological digging skills.

✨ Tip: I would highly recommend listening to the audio guide. It adds context, stories and atmosphere, and really makes the whole place come alive.

👉 Visit the Roman Baths website for current opening times, ticket and events

2. Soak at Thermae Bath Spa

After exploring the Roman Baths, you can try the thermal waters for yourself at Thermae Bath Spa.

Located just a few steps away, Thermae Spa is an ultra-modern facility built over several floors, with a rooftop pool offering views across the city. Inside, there are steam rooms, relaxation areas and multiple thermal pools, so you can easily spend a few hours unwinding. You can also book spa treatments in the dedicated treatment area.

We enjoyed a morning there for a birthday treat – it’s ideal for special celebrations.

It gets very busy, so it’s best to book ahead and choose a quieter weekday slot if possible. Minimum age 16 (18 for treatments).

👉 Make your reservation for the spa plus treatments on the Thermae Spa website.

3. Visit Bath Abbey

Right in the heart of the city stands Bath Abbey.

The Abbey has stood here in some form for over 1,000 years. The current building dates mainly from the 16th century and is known for its stunning fan-vaulted ceiling and beautiful stained glass.

Look closely at the west front and you’ll see angels climbing ladders to heaven – a lovely and unusual detail.

Inside, it feels peaceful despite being in the centre of a busy tourist city. If you’re feeling energetic, you can even climb the tower for views across Bath’s rooftops.

Even sitting outside in Abbey Churchyard with a coffee, listening to street performers, is one of my favourite simple Bath moments.

👉 See Bath Abbey website for opening times, tickets, pricing and events.

4. Take a Bridgerton Filming Locations Walking Tour

If you’re even remotely a fan of sweeping gowns, scandalous whispers and longing glances across a ballroom, you’ll want to add this to your list of the best things to do in Bath England.

Bath doubled as Regency London in Bridgerton, and once you know where to look, you’ll start spotting filming locations everywhere.

The grand façade of the Royal Crescent makes an appearance, as does the elegant Holburne Museum, which was transformed into Lady Danbury’s house. Wander through the cobbled streets around the Abbey Green and you’ll feel like you’ve stepped straight onto set.

I loved this Bridgerton Walking Tour exploring some of Bath’s most beautiful streets, sprinkled with Bath’s interesting history and plenty of hidden gems.

If you’re not keen on a group tour – I’ve written a self-guided tour that you can follow along, complete with Google Maps links.

👉 See availability and prices for Bath Bridgerton walking tour.

Medieval city wall

5. Discover Medieval Bath on a Walking Tour

Bath as we know it was largely rebuilt during the Georgian period, but before then it was a medieval walled city.

We went on a fascinating free walking tour and learnt all about pre-Regency Bath. Now when I walk through the city, I can’t help but notice the hidden remnants of medieval walls and buildings tucked between the Georgian façades.

On tours such as “Hidden Bath” you’ll see parts of an Anglo-Saxon monastery, ancient gatehouses and surviving sections of the old city walls. You’ll also learn about the enormous engineering and architectural challenges the Georgians faced when redeveloping Bath – and how magnificently they pulled it off.

👉 We booked a free walking tour called ‘Hidden Bath’ with GuruWalk.

6. Step Into Regency Life at the Jane Austen Centre

Bath’s most famous resident author, Jane Austen, lived here for several years. Many of her novels were influenced by her observations of society during her walks around the city.

The Jane Austen Centre gives you the opportunity to really step into the Regency period. After watching a short presentation about her life, you can dress up in Regency clothing and later enjoy tea in the Regency Tea Room upstairs.

Her novels Persuasion and Northanger Abbey are closely connected to Bath, so it feels fitting to visit.

👉 See availability and prebook your tickets for the Jane Austen Centre.

7. Visit No. 1 Royal Crescent

The No. 1 Royal Crescent sits at the end of the magnificent Royal Crescent – the pinnacle of Regency Bath.

Inside, you get to explore a townhouse exactly as it would have been in Georgian times. Each room is decorated and staged with furniture, fabrics and objects of the period. An audio narrative plays throughout, as if a real-life family is going about their daily business, which makes the experience surprisingly immersive and rather fun.

If you’ve ever wondered what those Bridgerton houses really looked like – this is it.

👉 Visit Number 1 The Crescent website for opening times, ticket and events.

8. Have Tea at The Pump Room

To really embrace the Regency atmosphere, a visit to The Pump Room is a must.

You can enjoy refreshments in the elegant, grand dining room while listening to live piano music. I had a sublime breakfast of eggs Benedict on my visit. The staff are wonderfully kind and the atmosphere feels genuinely special.

Menu choices vary throughout the day – brunch, lunch, afternoon tea or dinner.

Try the spa water (it’s quite an experience! 😅)

✨ Tip: Book ahead and wear something special – it adds to the fun.

👉 See menus and make your reservation on the Pump Room website.

9. Wander to the Holburne Museum

The Holburne Museum stands at the end of Great Pulteney Street and is instantly recognisable to Bridgerton fans.

Inside the museum is a historic fine art and book collection and they have many interesting exhibition events.

The gardens behind the museum are free to enter and lovely for a peaceful wander. There’s also a very pleasant café, perfect for a quiet break from sightseeing.

👉Visit The Holburne website for tickets, opening times and events.

10. Walk Across Pulteney Bridge

Pulteney Bridge, linking Bath to Bathwick, is very special as there are only a handful of bridges like it in the world.

When Bathwick was first developed, there was concern that it would be seen as less prestigious than central Bath. To overcome this, the architect cleverly copied the idea of Florence’s Ponte Vecchio and lined the bridge with shops so that it blended seamlessly with the street. You barely notice you’re crossing a river.

I love Pulteney Bridge and, if it’s not too busy, I like to grab a coffee and croissant in the bakery cafe and watch the River Avon tumble over the weir below.

11. Relax in Parade Gardens

Parade Gardens are Grade II listed and offer lovely views over the River Avon, towards Pulteney Bridge.

It’s one of the best picnic spots in Bath.

12. Picnic in Royal Victoria Park

Royal Victoria Park stretches out below the Royal Crescent.

It’s family-friendly, with wide open lawns and playgrounds, and offers beautiful views back towards the Crescent.

✨Tip: The play park is one of the best I’ve visited and amazing for children.

In summer, events and festivals are often held here, adding to the atmosphere.

13. Get Spooked at Mary Shelley’s House of Frankenstein

For something slightly unexpected, visit Mary Shelley’s House of Frankenstein.

This immersive attraction celebrates the author of Frankenstein and mixes storytelling with interactive exhibits. It’s quirky, a little spooky and a good rainy-day option.

14. Hop On, Hop Off: Open-Top Bus Tour of Bath

If it’s your first visit, the open-top bus tour is honestly one of the easiest ways to get your bearings.

The City Tour loop takes you past all the big hitters – the Royal Crescent, Pulteney Bridge, Bath Abbey, and the The Circus – while the Skyline Tour heads up into the hills for panoramic views back over the honey-coloured city.

If you’re short on time (hello day-trippers), this is a brilliant way to tick off the best things to do in Bath England without exhausting yourself.

It’s also surprisingly useful even if you’re fairly local – I’ve learned random historical facts I definitely didn’t pick up at school.

Best for: First-time visitors, families, and anyone who doesn’t fancy hill-walking.

🚌 See availabilty and prices for a Hop-on-and-off tour

15. See Bath from the Water: River Avon Boat Trips

Bath looks completely different from the water.

A short cruise along the River Avon gives you peaceful views of Pulteney Bridge from below and a completely different perspective on the city’s Georgian architecture.

It’s calm, scenic, and a nice breather if you’ve spent the morning museum-hopping.

In summer, it feels almost continental. In winter, wrap up warm.

Best for: Couples, slower travellers, and anyone who prefers sightseeing without the crowds.

16. Go Shopping in Bath

One of my favourite reasons to visit Bath is the shopping. Bath is great for browsing household trinkets, artisan food, independent clothing stores and bookshops.

It’s wonderfully walkable, with a mix of boutiques and familiar high street brands. There’s always a cute café nearby for a pit stop.

One of my favourite stores is Topping & Company Booksellers of Bath. It’s multi levelled with floor-to-ceiling bookshelves and hidden nooks – it feels like something out of a Harry Potter film.

17. Visit Bath Christmas Markets (Seasonal)

The Bath Christmas Market takes place in November and December and completely transforms the city.

With wooden chalets set against the Abbey backdrop, it feels incredibly atmospheric. If you can, visit midweek as weekends are extremely busy. Definitely use the park and ride system, or stay over like we did.

If you’re visiting during this period, Bath Christmas markets are absolutely worth planning your trip around.

Where to Eat in Bath (Local Favourites & Elegant Treats)

One of the reasons I escape to Bath so often is the food scene.

For a relatively small city, Bath has an impressive range of restaurants and amazing cocktail bars.

You can go full Regency and take afternoon tea at The Pump Room, grab brunch in a relaxed independent café, enjoy international cuisine in stylish bistros, or hunt down artisan pastries and deli treats.

Because there are so many genuinely good options, I’m writing a separate detailed guide sharing:

  • My favourite brunch spots
  • Cosy date-night restaurants
  • Special occasion dining
  • Relaxed cafés I return to again and again
  • And a few hidden gems locals love

👉 Read: My Favourite Restaurants in Bath (Coming Soon!)

If you’re planning a weekend, I’d definitely book ahead – Bath’s best places fill up quickly, especially at weekends and during the Christmas markets.

Even More Things to Do in Bath

If you’re staying longer than a day or two, there’s plenty more to add to your itinerary.

18. Catch a Show at the Theatre Royal

The historic Theatre Royal Bath is one of the oldest working theatres in the UK and hosts everything from West End productions to comedy and drama.

Even if you don’t usually go to the theatre, it’s a lovely evening activity and adds something different to a Bath city break.

19. Watch a Film at The Everyman

For a more relaxed evening, the Everyman Cinema Bath offers a much cosier cinema experience than your average multiplex.

Think velvet sofas, armchairs and drinks brought to your seat. It’s a great rainy-evening option if you’ve spent the day walking.

20. Experience Match Day at Bath Rugby

If you’re visiting during the rugby season, seeing a match at Bath Rugby is a fantastic way to soak up some local atmosphere.

The stadium sits right by the river in the heart of the city, and match days bring a lively buzz to the pubs and streets.

Even if you’re not a huge sports fan, it gives you a different side of Bath beyond the Regency elegance.

21. Take a River Walk or Countryside Escape

One of the things I love most about Bath is how quickly you can escape into green space. Follow the River Avon, walk along the canal, or head up to one of the surrounding hills for panoramic views back over the city’s honey-coloured rooftops.

It’s a lovely contrast to the grandeur of the crescents.

Where to Stay in Bath

If you’re planning to stay overnight (which I highly recommend), choosing the right location makes all the difference.

One of my favourite hotels is MacDonald Bath Spa Hotel. It’s perfect for spa weekends and we’ve often had a free upgrade on request.

On my most recent visit, I stayed at Grosvenor Villa – a hotel with history and a ghost story! I wrote a full review sharing what it’s like and who it’s best for.

👉 Read my Grosvenor Villa review here

If you’re a Bridgerton fan, you might also want to pair your stay with my dedicated filming locations guide so you can walk straight out of your hotel and into Regency London.

👉 Read: Bridgerton Filming Locations in Bath

Practical Tips for Visiting Bath

  • Best time to visit: Spring and autumn are ideal – fewer crowds, beautiful light.
  • Parking: Use the park and ride. Parking centrally is expensive and limited.
  • Is Bath walkable? Very. You don’t need a car.
  • Is Bath expensive? It can be, but many highlights (Abbey exterior, parks, walking tours (by the Mayor of Bath’s Honorary Guides) are free.

Planning Your Trip to Bath?

Whether you’re coming for a spa weekend, a Bridgerton-inspired wander or a quick day trip from London, Bath is one of those cities that feels special in every season.

To help you plan:

And if you’re anything like me, you’ll probably find yourself coming back again and again.


Jo Roberts

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