Jane Austen, whose novels describe life in Georgian England, wrote “Oh! Who can ever be tired of Bath?” in Northanger Abbey. It’s a good question for this bustling town, which is also the setting for much of the hugely popular Netflix drama series, Bridgerton.
This quintessential English city has a rare double inscription on the UNESCO World Heritage List, famed for its Roman remains as much as its Georgian architecture; the terraces, crescents and the Circus dating from the 18th century.
Bath is the home of the only natural thermal hot springs in Britain you can bathe in. These steamy waters are surrounded in the mists of mythology.
According to legend, Bath was founded when Prince Bladud realised the mineral waters healed leprosy. The mineral-rich thermal springs also soothed the Romans, who built a majestic bathing temple 2,000 years ago.
Visitors can discover more at The Roman Baths Museum, the best-preserved Roman Spa from the ancient world with a collection of archaeological treasures.
This cultural city is brimming with buzzing restaurants, galleries, theatres and more. Traditional eateries dating back hundreds of years (Sally Lunn’s Historic Eatery) serve iconic dishes alongside a long list of Michelin-star restaurants.
A taste of art and culture can be enjoyed at the Victoria Gallery or The Holburne Museum, while live performance can be seen at Theatre Royal Bath or Komedia. For the best of both worlds, many restaurants double as live entertainment venues, including Green Park Brasserie and The Grapes (housed within one of the city’s rarest and oldest buildings).
Jane Austen, Charles Dickens and Mary Shelley were all famous writer who lived in and were inspired by the City of Bath. Mary Shelley’s House of Frankenstein is a must-see for lovers of her writings, while The Pump Room restaurant was a favourite spot of Dickens and Austen, who described the restaurant as the place ‘every creature in Bath was to be seen in the room at different periods of the fashionable hours’.
For a snapshot of Jane Austen’s life in Regency-era Bath, visit The Jane Austen Centre. To dive one of the most iconic Gothic novels, visit Mary Shelley’s House of Frankenstein.
Places of Interest
The Royal Crescent
See one of Bath’s most iconic architectural landmarks, a sweeping arc of Georgian townhouses made from honey-coloured stone.
Sally Lunn’s Historical Eating House and Museum
Sally Lunn’s is one of the oldest houses in Bath and serves one of Bath’s famous local delicacies – the Sally Lunn bun.
Bath Abbey
Whether taking a tower tour or simply seeing the fan vaulted ceiling, Bath Abbey is an uplifting building (and heated by Bath’s thermal waters).
No.1 Royal Crescent
The first building of the famous Crescent now houses a remarkable immersive experience, which will allow you to see life as it was lived in Georgian Bath during the late 1700s.
The Assembly Rooms
The magnificent social epicentre of Georgian Bath – the perfect venue for dancing, cards and match-making.
Prior Park Landscape Garden
A National Trust property set in a sweeping valley, where you can cross one of only four Palladian bridges in the world.
The Pump Room
The Pump Room, with its Corinthian columns and spa fountain embodies the heart of the Georgian social scene. Enjoy lunch or afternoon tea here accompanied by a piano trio.
Pulteney Bridge
A historic, shop-lined bridge spanning the River Avon; one of the most photographed examples of Georgian architecture in the city.
The Holburne Museum
The Grade I listed building was originally designed as a hotel but is now home to a collection of fine and decorative art.
Bath Skyline Walk
Discover the countryside in the city and experience Bath’s Georgian past on this one-and-a-half-hour walk.
Alexandra Park
A wonderful, tranquil green space with magnificent views over the city – and just South of the city centre.
The Fashion Museum
Set in the magnificent Assembly Rooms, with a world-class collection of contemporary and modern dress.
The Circus
Take in the Georgian marvel of The Circus, a 360-degree masterclass in design.
Thermae Bath Spa
You can’t take a dip at the Roman Baths these days, but you can still enjoy the natural hot spring water at Thermae Bath Spa.
The Roman Baths
Immerse yourself in history and see how Bath’s former residents relaxed all those centuries ago.
Explore health, wellness and spa
in the City of Bath
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A perfect day in City of Bath
10 a.m.
Explore Bath’s Roman heritage at the Roman Baths
Start your day with a visit to the epicentre (and raison d’être) of the World Heritage City of Bath. Immerse yourself in history and see how the Romans relaxed in Bath, thousands of years ago.
11 a.m.
Take a walk across Pulteney Bridge to The Holburne Museum
Passing the majestic façade of Bath Abbey, head across the iconic Pulteney Bridge, lined with independent shops and restaurants. Arrive at The Holburne Museum and enjoy their world-class collection of art.
12.30 a.m.
Indulge in a Bath delicacy at Sally Lunn’s Historic Eating House
Why not taste tradition for lunch? Sally Lunn’s is one of the oldest houses in Bath (c.1482) and serves one of the most famous local delicacies – the original Sally Lunn bun.
1.30 p.m.
Discover the Bath Skyline Walk
This walk brings to life Bath’s panoramic ‘countryside in the city’ views. With several routes available, it is designed to be highly accessible and incredibly rewarding.
2 p.m.
Discover Bath’s shopping scene
Next, why not indulge in some retail therapy and hit Bath’s shops? You’ll find a mixture of well-known high street stores, unique independent boutiques and many charming cafes to stop off at along the way.
4.30 p.m.
Marvel at Bath’s exquisite architecture
Take in the Georgian marvel of The Circus, a 360-degree masterclass in design. Inspired by ancient pagan sites like Stonehenge and classical Roman architecture.
6 p.m.
Watch the sunset from the rooftop pool at Thermae Bath Spa
The only natural hot spring water in Britain feeds the Thermae Bath Spa. This one-of-a-kind complex brings the spa into the twenty-first century, with a range of steam rooms, pools and treatments.
8 p.m.
Enjoy Bath’s vibrant nightlife
After dinner at one of Bath’s many restaurants, spend your evening enjoying the performing arts. There are many live entertainment venues in Bath, including the historic Bath Theatre Royal and Komedia.
Accommodation & Offers
The art of hospitality
Bath has hospitality down to a fine art, with accommodation options to suit every taste and budget. From cosy bed and breakfasts and grand guesthouses overflowing with personal touches, to five-star hotels praised for their supreme comfort and style, there are plenty of options. To secure the very best choice (and rates), visit on a weekday – avoiding weekend peak demand.
Getting there
- Bath is well connected by the “Air Decker” bus to Bristol Airport and by coach and train to London’s Heathrow and Gatwick airports.
- Bath Spa railway station and Bath Bus Station are both located in the heart of the city centre.
- Bath has many measures in place to reduce congestion and pollution in the historic city centre. Do check the VisitBath website before travelling.
- Nearest Airports: Bristol or London Heathrow
City of Bath Tourism Information
Events and festivals in the City of Bath
The Bath Festival
The ten-day Bath Festival features an assortment of...
Jane Austen Festival
For a celebration of Jane Austen, don your...
Bath Christmas Market
With twinkling chalets spread out across Bath’s picturesque...
Live music at Green Park Brasserie
Green Park Brasserie is a popular independent live...
The Great Bath Feast
An event celebrating the best food and drink...
Places to visit near the City of Bath
The Nearby City of Bristol
Bristol is a vibrant, contemporary city famed for its bridges, balloons, boats, bikes, Brunel and Banksy. There’s a buzzing city feel around the docks and the world-famous Clifton Suspension Bridge spans the Avon Gorge and River Avon.
Take a Hot Air Balloon to See Bath from Above
Fancy experiencing an exhilarating bird’s eye view of Bath? Hot air balloon rides offer breathtakingly impressive views of the city and the surrounding countryside.
Walk or Cycle the Kennet and Avon Canal Path
The Kennet and Avon Canal links England’s canals from the River Thames at Reading to the Bristol Channel. It includes the dramatic Caen Hill Locks at Devizes and takes you past stunning aqueducts at Dundas and Avoncliff.
Take a Boat Trip on the River Avon
Taking to the water is a gentle and relaxing way to explore Bath and the surrounding areas. As well as offering a different perspective of the city’s iconic sights, there’s the opportunity to encounter some waterside wildlife as you float along.
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@visitbathuk
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Jane Austen, whose novels describe life in Georgian England writes “Oh! Who can ever be tired of Bath?”…
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