Sitting neatly in the historic county of Somerset lies the popular city of Bath. Initially founded by the Romans as a thermal spa, the city’s origins are reflected in its name origins. Bath is oftentimes considered one of the most beautiful cities in all of the United Kingdom due to its large green spaces, historic architecture, and well-preserved, idyllic Georgian streets.
The city is truly picturesque and there is so much to see and do! The streets are lined with stunning and elegant cream-colored buildings, and the River Avon that sits comfortably next to the city shines beautiful colors of blue and turquoise.
The city is full to the brim of history, culture, and architectural beauty, and is oftentimes considered one of the most pleasant places to live in the United Kingdom. With so much to enjoy, it is hard to whittle it all down! All this being said, here are this author’s top eleven things to do in Bath.
The Roman Baths
Existing as the reason for the city’s own name, the Roman Baths are perhaps the most notable attractions in all of Bath. It is also one of the very best-preserved! Technically, these baths are classed as thermal, which is a large imperial bath that itself was established during Ancient Roman times and intended for public bathing.
The Roman Baths continue to flow with hot, natural water to this very day! Though no longer used for public bathing, the thermae remains in wonderful condition and is truly rich in architectural beauty. Take part in the Roman Baths tour to sneak a peek at each of the four main features: the Sacred Spring, the Roman Temple, the Roman Bath House, and finds from the Roman Bath. Be warned! The Roman Baths are a very popular attraction and tend to become quite busy, so make sure to arrive early – especially during the Summer!
Location: Abbey Churchyard, Bath, BA1 1LZ
The Bath Abbey
The Bath Abbey is a stunning Parish church of the Church of England, standing proudly in the center of Bath. It was founded in the seventh century but has been reorganized and rebuilt several times since. The medieval abbey church is considered a beautiful example of Gothic architecture, and in itself is a grade one listed building.
Bath Abbey is breathtakingly beautiful, and to top it off, general admission is free! Though there is an option to donate, which I obviously recommend doing. There is also the opportunity to climb the Bath Abbey tower and be greeted with skyline views of the city, but this will cost you a small fee. The Bath Abbey is the equivalent of a city cathedral and is a must-see during your trip to the beautiful city of Bath!
Location: Bath, BA1 1LT
The Royal Crescent
The Royal Crescent is one of the best examples of Georgian architecture in all of Britain and is regarded as a grade one building. Complete with thirty terraced houses laid out in a large, swooping crescent shape, the area is truly mesmerizing. The Royal Crescent is five hundred feet long in total and possesses over one -hundred gorgeous, ionic columns. The building is quaint and picturesque with a multitude of notable people who have lived or temporarily stayed within its walls.
Some of these individuals are commemorated throughout the crescent on special plaques attached to the corresponding buildings. The Royal Crescent is a stunning piece of architecture to admire and a great opportunity to take some fantastic photos!
Location: Royal Crescent, Bath, BA1 2LS
No.1 Royal Crescent
If you’re planning to visit The Royal Crescent during your stay in Bath, then you definitely need to include a stop in No.1 Royal Crescent! No.1 Royal Crescent is the first building standing proudly within the terraced-house crescent, existing as a museum open to the public. The museum is a recreation of how one of these beautiful terraced houses would’ve been decorated in the years of its origin.
That is, around the years 1776-1796. Tour through room upon room of gorgeous antiques and learn the stories of past characters who may have lived in the area through costumed actors. The museum is a fun, exciting, and authentic learning experience for all of the family. A great opportunity for you to get an insight into the lives of a Georgian family living in Bath!
Location: 1 Royal Crescent, Bath, BA1 2LR
The Pulteney Bridge
Another great example of Georgian architecture! Reaching completion in 1774, the Pulteney Bridge beautifully cascades over the River Avon, connecting the city of Bath with the land of the Pulteney family. Not only is this bridge architecturally impressive, but it is also very unique! What makes this bridge special is the presence of shops built across its full span, comfortably lining either side. Why not take a leisurely stroll along the Pulteney Bridge to window shop, admire the waters of the River Avon below, or simply take in the fantastic Georgian architecture. The Pulteney Bridge sitting comfortably over the River Avon is one of the most famous images in the city of Bath and so is well worth a glimpse!
Location: Pulteney Bridge, Bath, BA2 4AY
The Bath Fashion Museum
Housing stunning and iconic pieces of clothing, dating back from the eighteenth century to the modern-day, the Bath Fashion Museum is not one to miss! The museum’s collection was started by Doris Langley Moore, who donated her own collection in 1963. Nowadays, the museum’s collection contains over one-hundred thousand pieces, ranging from men’s clothing, women’s clothing, and children’s clothing.
The earliest examples of attire that the museum holds are embroidered shirts and gloves, dating all the way back to the year 1600. The Bath Fashion Museum is a fascinating, incredibly unique experience that anyone can enjoy!
Location: Assembly Rooms, Bennett St, Bath, BA1 2QH
The Royal Victoria Park
Just a short walk from Bath city center lies the beautiful piece of greenery that is Royal Victoria Park. Opened by Queen Victoria herself in 1830 when she was just eleven years old, Royal Victoria Park is over fifty-seven acres in size and a very popular spot amongst locals and visitors alike. The park is oftentimes referred to as a visual delight, complete with a tennis green, bowling alley, and putting green, a golf course, open-air concert venue, children’s play area, and skateboard ramp. To name but a few! There is so much to see and do, with its multitude of activities and rich natural beauty. Not only this but the Royal Victoria Park is considered a grade one attraction and has even received a Green Flag Award, approving its national standard as a park and green space in England and Wales. Admission to the park is free and open twenty-four hours a day, so make sure to pop in.
Location: Marlborough Ln, Bath, BA1 2NQ
The Circus
Bath’s ‘The Circus’ is a historic ring of townhouses, forming a visually pleasing circle with three quaint entrances allowing access. Built between 1754 and 1768 and designed by architect John Wood, The Circus is an incredibly authentic example of preemptive Georgian architecture. The structure is divided into three sections of equal length, each home to one of the abovementioned entrances and its own patch of greenery.
This design has ensured a classical facade is always presented from wherever you enter. Originally called ‘The King’s Circus’, this structure is a fantastic example of Georgian architecture and a must-stop whilst touring through Bath city.
Location: Brock Street, Bath, BA1 2LN
Theatre Royal Bath
Built in 1805, Theatres Trust has described the Theatre Royal in Bath as one of the most important examples of surviving Georgian, theatrical architecture. The audience capacity exists at around nine hundred people and is, therefore, a rather small structure. Despite its stature, the theatre is truly one of the most beautiful in all of Britain and has hosted performances by some well-noted people. For instance, Anna Pavlova and Irene Vanbrugh.
Also, the Theatre Royal is a registered charity and boasts a year-round program of fabulous performances including opera, comedy, theatre, pantomime, and dance. The venue is truly stunning and with its diverse variety of performances, there is something for everyone to enjoy! Why not book to see a show and immerse yourself in true talent whilst sitting in one of the most beautiful, Georgian buildings in Britain?
Location: Saw Cl, Bath, BA1 1ET
Bath Botanical Gardens
Encompassing around ten acres of greenery, Bath’s Botanical Gardens are truly beautiful. The gardens were formed in 1887 and are home to a multitude of specimens of trees, shrubs, quaint water features, and stunning rose bushes.
Hidden within the gardens is a small, charming venue named ‘The Temple of Minerva’. Providing an ideal setting for intimate events, the Temple of Minerva boasts fabulous views of a rose garden and an endearing, secluded pond. The Bath Botanical Gardens are a lovely, romantic setting and boast so much natural beauty! You simply must visit. Plus, it won’t cost you a penny!
Location: Park Ln, Bath, BA1 2XQ
The Holburne Museum
The Holburne Museum is Bath’s very first public art gallery. Established in 1882, the gallery boasts decorative and fine arts, based around Sir William Holburne’s collection. Artists’ works included in the collection range from Stubbs, Zoffany, and Gainsborough, to name but a few. The majority of these artistic works originate in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. The building itself is listed as grade one and is truly a sight to behold.
In addition to the gallery’s permanent collection, there are regularly scheduled exhibitions, workshops, family events, musical performances, talks, and lectures. There is always something going on! Both the interior and exterior of this magnificent building are visually impressive and the multitude of things to see and activities to take part in making this tourist attraction even more so enticing! Make sure you check what’s on and head on down to the Bath Holburne Museum during your trip!
Location: Great Pulteney St, Bathwick, Bath, BA2 4DB
