Bath

Understand

History

Bath is among the oldest of England’s principal tourist destinations and has been welcoming visitors for centuries. The three hot springs within the city were sacred to the Celtic goddess Sulis, whom the Romans later identified with the goddess Minerva. Bath first achieved its status as a sacred spa site with the growth of the Roman settlement Aquae Sulis around the thermal springs. The Roman period saw a vast complex of baths constructed - the remains of these were re-discovered in the 18th century and helped fuel Bath's modern revival as a luxury resort. Bath was a prosperous city in the Medieval period, the site of an Abbey and Cathedral (under the Bishop of Bath and Wells). The Reformation under Henry VIII created uncertainty for Bath's, although during the reign of Elizabeth I, the town was revived as a spa resort. It was during the Georgian period, however, that Bath came again into its own. Exceedingly fashionable, Bath was laid out in stately avenues, streets and crescents, encrusted with Neo-Classical public buildings. Bath suffered a significant amount of damage during air raids in World War II. The prestigious crescents and terraces were relatively unscathed and restored where necessary, but some of the more minor Georgian and Victorian streets were demolished both after the war and during a later ill-conceived phase of development known now as the "Sack of Bath". Consequently some modern buildings pop up in unexpected places, and the locals are generally very opposed to any major building developments that are put forward. Those works are substantially complete, and a new shopping centre near the railway station has opened.

Orientation

Bath is 160 km (100 miles) west of London and 18 km (11 miles) south-east of the nearest big city, Bristol. It lies in the valley of the Avon River, upstream of Bristol.

Read

Jane Austen's Northanger Abbey is traditional reading before a visit to Bath. Austen spent some time there, and her novel is a satire of the social life of the city at the time. Many of the sites she mentioned are still able to be visited in the city today.

Getting there

Regional airports

These smaller airports provide a much more sedate experience than the London ones. Check in queues are shorter, there are fewer people about, and it's much clearer where you have to go and what you have to do. Less stress and fewer delays than the London ones. Bristol Airport (BRS IATA) is 35 km (22 mi) from Bath and boasts scheduled flights from many major European cities, including Amsterdam Schiphol, Barcelona El Prat, Berlin, Brussels, Copenhagen, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Paris and Prague (but not London). By public transportation there are three main options for reaching Bath.

Catch the Flyer bus service from the airport to Bristol Temple Meads station, then the train from there to Bath; expect the journey to take about one hour, and longer between 4PM and 6PM when Bristol's roads are congested. Air Decker direct bus from the airport to Bath railway station. Every thirty minutes from early until late. Journey time is about 55 minutes. Single ticket £16.50, return £22.00. Taxi (about £40) and get to Bath in about 40 minutes. Southampton Airport (SOU IATA) is under 2 hours from Bath by train, and connections are good. Cardiff Airport (CWL IATA), Exeter Airport (EXT IATA), and Bournemouth Airport (BOH IATA) are also served by low-cost airlines and are within a couple of hours driving distance of the city.

London airports

The alternative is to use one of the London airports and travel on to Bath by train, car or bus. The most convenient are:

Getting around

Most locations in Bath are easily walkable from the city centre and stations. Avoid using a car in town center.

By foot

Some of Bath's shopping streets feel like pedestrian-only areas - but aren't. Have a quick look round before you follow everyone else out into the road and, if you're driving, expect pedestrians to walk out in front of you.

By public bus

Typically for British public transport, public buses are at best adequate. A popular 'Park and Ride' bus system operates from a ring of car parks around the outskirts of the city (Newbridge, Lansdown, Claverton Down and Odd Down). They will take you to the city centre, or to a number of the cities schools. Bath's buses are often quite expensive, compared with other cities. If you are going to be taking more than 1 return journey or 1 single journey in a day, it is recommended to ask the driver for a day pass instead which gives unlimited travel on that bus company's buses in Bath. This costs around £3.70 per day. There are several bus companies operating, such as WessexConnect and FareSaver, but the most useful for tourists will be buses operated by First.

See

Landmarks

1 Roman Baths, Stall St, BA1 1LZ, ☏ +44 1225 477785. Nov-Feb: 9:30AM-5:30PM; Mar-Jun Sep-Oct: 9AM-6PM, Jul-Aug: 9AM-10PM. Built by the Romans around 2000 years ago, and rediscovered by the Victorians, the Roman Baths are the must-see tourist attraction in Bath. The baths are fueled by England's only mineral hot springs, outputting over a million litres of hot water each day. You can wander the rooms that made up the baths, including the large open air 'Great Bath', see Roman, medieval, and Georgian architecture, and learn about the history of Bath Spa. The Baths are superbly maintained and the exhibits are filled with eye-popping archaeology. A fountain at the end offers a free taste of the (filtered) thermal water. Don't forget to pick up your free audio guide at the entrance. Reserve a minimum of 2 hours for a complete visit. As the most popular attraction in Bath there are often waiting lines at the entrance because only a limited number of visitors are inside at any time, so make sure to buy a ticket online or come early if possible. Prices vary depending on month and day of the week. Weekend prices £20.50-28.00/adult, £19.50-27.00/seniors, £13.00-20.50/child, prices on weekdays are £2-4 cheaper.. (updated May 2023) Come out of the Roman Baths and you will see:

2 Bath Abbey, 12 Kingston Buildings, BA1 1LT, ☏ +44 1225 422462, office@bathabbey.org. M-F 10AM-5:30PM; Sa 10AM-6PM; Su 1:15-2:30PM 4:30PM-6:30PM. The last Gothic church in England, started in 1499 and built on the ruins of the former Norman cathedral, this impressively large church (of small cathedral proportions) is next to the Roman Baths. A place of Australian pilgrimage: Arthur Philip, first Governor of New South Wales and founder of the city of Sydney has his burial and memorial within the Abbey. A wonderful view of Bath can be had with a trip up the Abbey tower Adults £6.50, students £5.50, children (5 -15) £3.50. (updated Jul 2019) Come out of the main Abbey door, turn right and follow the pavement round the corner past the statue of "The Lady With The Pitcher". Pass some bookshops and a shop selling Bath Aqua Glass and cross the road to the entrance to Parade Gardens. Then follow the road to the left to see:

3 Pulteney Bridge & Pulteney Weir. Designed by Robert Adam and completed in 1773. It is one of only four bridges in the world with shops across the full span on both sides and overlooks the impressive Pulteney Weir. Tourist trips by boat leave from the Weir during summer months. Cross Pulteney Bridge to see:

Do

What's on? Read Bath Chronicle (published Thursday), or Venue Magazine (Wednesday).

Tours

There are many guided tours, walking tours, and audio tours of the city available. Options range for historical tours to ghost tours to pub crawls; you will find leaflets for these in most hotels, bars, and restaurants.

Mayor of Bath Honorary Guide tour. Every day of the week. A fantastic for a free, pleasant two-hour walk around the famous Georgian city of Bath with the Mayor of Bath's Corps of Honorary Guides. This has been going since the 1930s, and visits many famous historic and architectural places within the city, delivered by enthusiastic Bathonians. 1 Upper Avon boat tour, Spring Gardens Road. Boat tour to 1 Bathampton and back, turning at the 17th-century Bathampton Weir and Mill. The entire tour takes about 1 hour. A single journey is £5, and return trip can be taken any time. Return ticket is £10. (updated Jul 2019) Bath also makes a great base for day trips to the surrounding countryside. There are also tours that go to Stonehenge and places like Avebury, the village of Lacock, Castlecombe, and other surrounding villages throughout the Cotswolds. Go to Tourist Information next to the Abbey for brochures or to book a tour.

Shopping

The 2010 Southgate Shopping Centre is constructed in a mock Georgian style and features a selection of mid-to-upper range clothing chains plus some pretty good places to eat. It is opposite the railway and bus station but offers little of interest for the tourist as it provides predominantly mainstream retailers available in many high streets in Britain. This was a historic area up until the 1960s when it was demolished due to persistent flooding problems. Boutique shopping can be found in the North part of the centre, notable for its art and antique showrooms. Head up Milsom Street to George Street and beyond. Bath claims to have one of the highest percentages of independent shops in any British high-street. Walcot Street to the north-east of the centre has been designated the "artisan quarter" by the Council and has a number of independent stores.

2 Mr B's Emporium of Reading Delights, 14-15 John St, ☏ +44 1225 331155, books@mrbsemporium.com. M–Sa 9:30AM–5:30PM, Su 11AM–5PM. Slightly quirky indie bookshop with a particularly interesting selection. Don't forget to go upstairs to see the sections on the first floor. (updated Oct 2021)

Eat

For its size, Bath has an excellent choice of eateries for any budget and taste. Mainstream restaurant chains are present as well as many independents. Within the city centre there are Italian, French, Thai, Nepali, Indian, Spanish, Turkish, Japanese and fusion restaurants. There are also specialist fish, steak, and gourmet restaurants. Most pubs sell food at lunchtime and in the evening.

Budget

Head to Kingsmead Square for burgers, kebabs, etc..

1 Sally Lunn's Refreshment House & Museum, 4 North Parade Passage, ☏ +44 1225 461634. Taste the original Sally Lunn Bun made without sugar, not to be confused with the more famous Bath Bun, a small round bun containing sugar and currants. Good lunch time fare - and very popular so you may have to queue at peak times. (updated Feb 2023) 2 Boston Tea Party, 19 Kingsmead Square, BA1 2AE, ☏ +44 1225 313901. Bustling little cafe with great sandwiches and what is possibly the best coffee in Bath. It can be difficult to get somewhere to sit. (updated Feb 2023) 3 Schwartz Bros, 4 Saw Cl. Excellent veggie burgers. Highly recommended. Take away only- eat on the benches in Kingsmead Square. They also have an outlet in Walcot Street. (updated Feb 2023) 4 Seafoods, 38 Kingsmead St, BA1 2AA. M-Sa 11:30AM-11PM, Su noon-8PM. Has been serving traditional fish and chips for over 50 years. Eat in or take-away- seats 60. (updated Feb 2023) 5 Mr. D's, 8, St George's place. A small McDonald's-like burger stand, whose burgers and shakes are quite like how they used to taste in the 1960s. (updated Feb 2023) 6 La Baguette, 3 Stall St, BA1 1QL (This tiny shop can often be identified by the queue trailing out of the door.). A popular sandwich shop on Stall Street, a minute walk from the Abbey. Sandwiches are handmade using crunchy baguettes usually for cheaper than a convenience store sandwich. (updated Feb 2023) 7 The Whole Bagel, Upper Borough Walls (just off the High Street). An excellent place to get a quick lunchtime snack. They have a large variety of bagels which are 'freshly baked everyday' filled with fresh local ingredients. (updated Feb 2023) 8 Mission Burrito, 4 New St. 10AM-10PM. Based on a Californian franchise, it offers much more flavour than the usual foreign attempts at Mexican. (updated Feb 2023) 9 Taka Taka, 34 Broad St, BA1 5LP, ☏ +44 1225 470088. Daily 11AM-3AM. Greek fast food serving great souvlaki with chips and mixed vegetables, along with a variety of other Greek specialties in large portions. No indoor seating available. £4.50 (July 2019). (updated Feb 2023)

Drink

Bath, has a huge array of pubs and bars to choose from, ranging from the very traditional pubs serving real ale to the typical trendy bars:

The most notable pubs:

1 The Salamander, 3 John St, BA1 2JL, ☏ +44 1225 428889. A tithe house of Bath Ales. 2 The Raven, 7 Queen St, BA1 1HE (a short crawl from The Salamander), ☏ +44 1225 425045. Friendly pub with a good selection of real ales. Famous for its hearty pies 'n' mash and for having a good selection of less traditional board games (ask at the upstairs bar). 3 The Old Green Tree, 12 Green St, BA1 2JZ, ☏ +44 1225 448259. Very small, characterful old pub. Squeeze through the door, elbow your way to the bar and order some real ale or cider. 4 The Bell, 103 Walcot St, BA1 5BW, ☏ +44 1225 460426. The heartbeat of Bath's bohemian quarter. With a superb array of real ale, regular live music and a great atmosphere. A large pub garden at the rear. 5 The Star Inn, 23 Vineyards, BA1 5NA (on the Paragon), ☏ +44 1225 425072. noon-9:30. A tithe house for Abbey Ales. The same now as it was 100 years ago. The small rooms, wooden benches, and old coin games offer a genuine atmosphere. This very much a locals pub, but a very friendly one... just try not to let yourself get hustled at the games! 6 The Rising Sun Inn, 3-4, Grove St, Bathwick, BA2 6PJ, ☏ +44 1225 425918. Just across the river from the centre, this pub's only stand-out feature is the traditional skittles alley at the back of the pub. Other notable pubs are:

Sleep

Accommodation in and around Bath ranges from budget hostels and smart, comfortable self-catering homes, through elegant bed and breakfast and guest houses, hospitable farms and inns, to top-of-the-range hotels.

Budget

1 Bath Backpackers, 13 Pierrepont St, BA1 1LA (Only 4 minutes away from the train and bus stations.), ☏ +44 7462791235, stay@bathbackpackers.com. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: 11AM. Bath Backpackers is a vibrant, community-based, independent hostel for travellers who would like to experience Bath in good company. £20-30/dorm bed per night. (updated Dec 2025) St Christopher’s Bath Hostel (Bath Hostel), 9 Green Street, BA1 2JY, ☏ +44 1225 481444, fax: +44 20 7247-7114, bath@st-christophers.co.uk. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: 11AM. A well known youth hostel located in the centre of the city. Part of the St Christopher's hostel chain. £9.50 with breakfast included. 2 Bath YMCA, International House, Broad St Pl, ☏ +44 1225 325900. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: 10AM. Ordinary, well-maintained hostel. WiFI is iffy and doesn't reach the rooms. Breakfast is available for an extra charge. If travelling by yourself, try to book the "leader's room" (intended for the chaperone when a school group stays at the hostel); it gives you the privacy of a private room at roughly the price of a dorm bed. £29/single, £45-47/twin, £49-65/double, £16-25/dorm bed. (updated Oct 2021) YHA Bath, Bathwick Hill, BA2 6JZ, ☏ +44 870 770 5688. Decent youth hostel accommodation from £12.95 a night in an Italianate mansion on the outskirts of the city. Frequent bus service serves between the Youth Hostel and city centre. Travelodges. There are 2 in Bath- One relatively near the station (Bath Waterside) and one on George Street (Bath Central). Both give excellent rates (between £19-59) if you book far enough in advance. Walk-in rates tend to be extremely high (~£80) due to being in Bath! Waterside tends to be cheaper than Central. Beware if booking Bath Central- there is a nightclub beneath the hotel. Ask for a room on the top floor if you want a good night's sleep! Express by Holiday Inn, Lower Bristol Rd, ☏ +44 1225 303000. About 1 mile from city center. From £59 for a double room with basic breakfast. University of Bath, Claverton Down, ☏ +44 1225 386622. The university has 30 double rooms available year round (prices from £60 per night) and from June to September has 2,300 rooms available to suit all budgets.

Mid-range

DoubleTree by Hilton Bath (formerly Hilton Bath City), Walcot St (city centre), ☏ +44 1225 463411, fax: +44 1225 464393, reservations.bath@hilton.com. Check-in: 4PM, check-out: 11AM. The rooms are small, but with comfortable beds, work station, 32-inch HDTV and WiFi. (updated Sep 2020) 3 The Abbey Hotel, North Parade, ☏ +44 1225 807161, fax: +44 1225 447758, reception@abbeyhotelbath.co.uk. Comfortable and relaxed atmosphere, well-equipped rooms, great breakfasts, reasonable rates. Three Abbey Green, 3 Abbey Green BA1 1NW, ☏ +44 1225 428558. Closed for refurbishment until 2021. Stylish B&B with 10 rooms in knock-through of two Georgian town houses. No dogs. (updated Aug 2020) Harington's Hotel, 8 Queen St BA1 1HE, ☏ +44 1225 461728. Hotel with original Georgian character - that means no lift to the upper floors. Assistance dogs only. B&B double £80. (updated Aug 2020) Pratt's Hotel, South Parade, BA2 4AB, ☏ +44 1225 460441. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: 11AM. From £45. Royal Hotel Bath, Manvers St, ☏ +44 844 544 9246. Located in the heart of the city, the hotel was designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel and was opened over 150 years ago. Bailbrook Lodge, 35-37 London Road West, ☏ +44 844 544 4997. Bailbrook Lodge is a splendid Georgian Mansion designed by the famous architect John Everleigh Purbeck Holiday Lets (Bath Self Catering), Purbeck House, Bridge Place Road, Camerton, Bath, BA2 0PD, ☏ +44 1761 471358, enquiries@purbeckholidaylets.co.uk. Purbeck Holiday lets is the perfect location and setting if you are visit the beautiful Roman city of Bath, whether on family holiday, romantic break for two or enjoying the company of friend and colleagues. Tasburgh House, Warminster Rd, BA2 6SH, ☏ +44 1225 425096, stay@tasburghhouse.co.uk. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: 11AM. A stunning boutique hotel where luxury is affordable (and the views are free). As seen on The Hotel Inspector (Channel Five, 2006), Sue Keeling daughter Toni provide a relaxing and enjoyable stay. 130. 4 Gray's, 9 Upper Oldfield Park BA2 3JX, ☏ +44 1225 403020. Opulent B&B in a Victorian villa. No children under 12 or dogs. B&B double £120. (updated Aug 2020) 5 The Queensberry, 4 Russell Street BA1 2QF, ☏ +44 1225 447928. Georgian townhouses with modern decor. Their Olive Tree restaurant gets great reviews but is only F-Su. Assistance dogs only. B&B double from £130. (updated Jul 2020) 6 No 15 Great Pulteney, 15 Great Pulteney St BA2 4BR, ☏ +44 1225 807015. Quirky hotel and spa in a Georgian terrace, full of antiques and curios. Stylish and comfy. B&B double from £120. (updated Jul 2020) 7 Apsley House, 141 Newbridge Hill BA1 3PT, ☏ +44 1225 336966. Comfortable stylish Georgian manor, 30 min walk to town, buses pass the door. Assistance dogs only. B&B double from £100. (updated Jul 2020)

Stay safe

Overall Bath is a very safe city to visit; the large number of tourists and university students generates a friendly and vigorous feel to the city. Bath city centre is lively and bustling until late on Friday and Saturday evenings, although things get rougher around kicking out time late at night. Women would be well advised to avoid wandering around alone at night. The common problem for tourists is the occasional groups of homeless beggars around the parks and abbey - you may see them drinking lager and shouting abuse, which can surprise many first-time visitors. However, they're not pushy when asking for money, and argue amongst themselves rather than getting passers-by involved. Accept it as a byproduct of a city that attracts tourism (and therefore money), and it's no problem. The river between Pultney Bridge and the weir looks good for a spot of swimming when you're young and fit. It is actually very dangerous, and every year people die doing it. Warleigh weir is good if you're looking for a swim - about 3 miles along the canal. If you're a keen cyclist, there's a wonderful Bath-to-Bristol cycle path at your disposal. However, please be aware that there have been robberies and attacks on this stretch of cycle path in 2008. Police have made arrests, but it's something you should consider if planning to make the journey.

Go next

Bradford on Avon — a beautiful, picture-postcard small town near Bath; it's accessible by rail and there's a lovely 30-minute walk along the canal to Avoncliff where the Cross Guns pub provides good food in an excellent riverside setting - and you can catch the train back to Bath from there. Trains between Bath Spa and Bradford on Avon take 15-20 minutes and run 2-3 times an hour. Bristol — with its many attractions situated around the floating harbour and Avon Gorge, is 12 miles drive or 15 minutes train journey away, and makes an excellent day trip from Bath. Cheltenham— another historic spa town, which started its journey in the early 1700s with the discovery of healing waters. Swindon — known for its history as the heart of the Great Western Railway, 20 minutes on the train, or an hour by car on A46 and M4 motorway.

More pictures of Bath

From this destination's category on Wikimedia Commons. Each photograph is credited to its own author under its own licence.