Most widely recognised for its Roman Baths and Thermae Bath Spa, Bath is one of the most beautiful and fascinating cities in the UK. It’s also the only entire UK city to become a UNESCO World Heritage Site, so as you can imagine, there are some pretty impressive places to visit and things to do in Bath.
The city centre is a heady concoction of Georgian architecture, trendy bars, and stylish boutiques that line the meandering streets. With so many shops to browse, it’s easy to see why Bath can tug on your purse strings as well as your heart strings!
Things to see in Bath
Originally founded by the Romans and developed as a thermal spa, Bath has a fascinating history that is reflected in its magnificent architecture. In the 18th century the city grew into a voguish town with neoclassical Palladian buildings and, of course, the famous Roman baths. Now it is one of the most culturally and historically rich cities in the country, boasting a wealth of museums and galleries not to mention the famous Circus, Royal Crescent, and Pulteney Bridge.
Bath Attractions and The Best Things to Do in Bath
If you’re planning on visiting the city, it’s a good idea to plan your trip beforehand to ensure you take in the most popular sights and visit the top attractions.
Open Top Sightseeing Bus Tour
One of the best ways to explore the highlights of Bath is on an open top sightseeing bus tour (weather dependent), as you can hop on and off at different stops throughout the city. As well as enjoying the impressive skyline and landscape without doing any walking or hill climbing, the on-board commentary will also teach you about the history of Bath.
The Theatre Royal
Dating back to 1805, the Theatre Royal in Bath is a Grade II listed building with striking architecture typical of the Georgian era. All year round you can enjoy a range of productions from comedy and dance to opera and pantomime.
Bath Abbey
Arguably the most imposing building in the city, Bath Abbey is a former Benedictine monastery dating back to the 7th century and takes centre stage right in the heart of Bath. Visitors are welcome to enter the abbey and take a behind the scenes tour of the tower to witness the bells, clock face and fan-vaulted ceiling. Once at the top of the 212 steps, you can step outside to soak up panoramic views across the city.
Thermae Spa
The Thermae Bath Spa is not only a place where you can relax and be pampered with a wellbeing treatment, but its open-air rooftop pool also provides some of the best views of the city. The skyline is particularly pretty at night time when all the buildings are illuminated. As you bathe in the naturally heated waters, soak up epic panoramas across Bath Abbey and the surrounding hills.
Roman Baths
Overflowing with 2,000 years of history, The Roman Baths is one of the greatest historic sites in the world and one of the best things to do in Bath. Once a religious spa where the people would bathe in the thermal pools and worship the goddess Sulis Minerva, this is a fascinating place to visit. As you explore the complex, you’ll witness the temple ruins, hot springs and the remains of the ancient gym and Laconicum. Even if you’re not a history buff, you’ll be enchanted by this magnificent attraction.
Jayne Austen Centre
Set inside a Georgian building, the Jane Austen Centre is a wonderful museum dedicated to the writer’s life during the Regency period. As costumed guides lead you through the centre you’ll be able to try your hand at writing with a quill and ink, dress up in period costumes and even sample food from the Regency period.
Green Spaces in Bath
Although the city centre itself may be bustling with people, there are plenty of green spaces in Bath where you can escape the crowds and enjoy some peace and quiet. A walk up the steps (also known as Jacob’s Ladder) to the viewpoint at Alexandra Park is well worth the effort as the panoramic views from the Bath Skyline are breathtaking. You can also take a walk over to Royal Victoria Park and the Botanical Garden via The Circus and Royal Crescent.
If you love delving into the history of the UK, you might like to read Northumberland Coast and Castles.
