Hey there my fellow travel enthusiasts and welcome to my post where we will check out my 10 things to do in Bath UK this year. Bath, a city steeped in history and culture, offers a wealth of experiences that cater to a variety of interests.
From the well-preserved Roman Baths to the iconic Royal Crescent, the city is a showcase of architectural grandeur and historical significance. Visitors can immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of Bath’s past, all while enjoying the modern amenities and vibrant atmosphere that the city has to offer.
- The Roman Baths
- Bath Abbey
- Thermae Bath Spa
- The Royal Crescent
- Pulteney Bridge
- Prior Park Landscape Garden
- The Jane Austin Centre
- The Circus in Bath
- The Fashion Museum Bath
- The Bath Skyline Walk
10 Things To Do In Bath UK
So, if you are visiting the United Kingdom and have put Bath on your list of places to see, let’s see if we can find you some things to do there below:
1. The Roman Baths
Visiting the Roman Baths in Bath, UK, is like stepping back in time to one of the most significant historical sites from ancient Rome outside of Italy. This well-preserved public bathing complex is a fascinating window into Roman life and engineering. Built around natural hot springs, the Roman Baths were a place for socializing, relaxation and ritual over 2,000 years ago.
Today, tourists can explore the extensive remains, which include the Sacred Spring, the Roman Temple, the Roman Bath House and finds from Roman Bath. The waters still flow, heated by geothermal energy, and you can see them steaming in the Great Bath, a stunning pool surrounded by ancient columns and statues.
Furthermore, an on-site museum houses artifacts discovered during excavations offering insights into the daily lives of the Romans who once walked these stones. While bathing in the original Roman Baths is no longer possible, the site captivates visitors with its history, architecture and the remarkable preservation of Roman engineering.
2. Bath Abbey
Bath Abbey, standing at the heart of the city, is a magnificent example of Perpendicular Gothic architecture and a site of Christian worship for over a millennium. Its history is deeply intertwined with the religious and architectural evolution of England, having been founded in the 7th century, rebuilt in the 12th century and then significantly transformed in the early 16th century into the structure we see today.
The Abbey is renowned for its stunning fan vaulting, which is among the finest in the country and soars majestically over the nave and aisles, creating a sense of awe and grandeur. Visitors can explore the Abbey’s interior to admire its beautiful stained glass windows, which flood the space with colorful light and depict various biblical scenes and figures, contributing to the spiritual ambiance of the place.
One of the unique experiences offered by Bath Abbey is the opportunity to climb its tower. This guided tour takes visitors up 212 steps, passing through the ringing chamber and bell chamber and eventually leading to the top of the tower. From here, one can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of Bath and its surrounding countryside as well.
3. Thermae Bath Spa
Thermae Bath Spa is a remarkable blend of ancient tradition and modern luxury, offering a unique spa experience in the heart of this historic city. As the only natural thermal hot springs in Britain that you can bathe in, this spa complex is a contemporary tribute to the bathing traditions that have made Bath famous since Roman times. The spa’s centerpiece is the New Royal Bath, where visitors can indulge in the naturally warm, mineral-rich waters in the open-air rooftop pool, which offers stunning panoramic views of the city and its Georgian architecture.
Alongside the New Royal Bath, the spa also incorporates the Cross Bath, an intimate, open-air thermal bath that is a recognized site of historical interest, providing a more private bathing experience. The spa offers a range of treatments that draw on both the mineral waters and modern wellness techniques, including massages, facials and aromatherapy, designed to rejuvenate and relax the body and mind.
4. The Royal Crescent
The Royal Crescent is an architectural marvel designed by the architect John Wood the Younger and constructed between 1767 and 1774. This iconic landmark is a sweeping curve of 30 terraced houses laid out in a crescent shape, making it one of the greatest achievements of 18th-century urban design. With each house behind it being individually designed, this harmonious blend of individuality and uniformity has made the Royal Crescent a subject of fascination and admiration.
The Royal Crescent has been home to a number of notable residents throughout its history, including members of the aristocracy, high society and even royalty, contributing to its prestigious reputation. Today, it remains a residential area but also houses a museum, No. 1 Royal Crescent, which has been restored to its original 18th-century splendor. This museum offers visitors a glimpse into the life of the Georgian elite, with rooms furnished and decorated as they would have been in the period, complete with authentic furniture, artwork, and household objects.
5. Pulteney Bridge
Pulteney Bridge, spanning the River Avon, is one of the world’s most distinctive bridges, celebrated for its unique design that incorporates shops built across its full span on both sides. Completed in 1774 and designed by Robert Adam, one of the foremost architects of the time, the bridge was inspired by the Ponte Vecchio in Florence, Italy, and is one of only a handful of historic bridges in the world known to have shops built into its structure.
Over the years, the bridge has undergone various modifications, but efforts have been made to preserve its original character, including the restoration of its shop fronts to reflect Adam’s Georgian designs. Today. the bridge not only serves as a thoroughfare but also as a destination in itself, offering an array of boutique shops, artisanal cafes and antique stores, making it a bustling and vibrant place for both locals and tourists alike.
6. Prior Park Landscape Garden
Created by the entrepreneur and philanthropist Ralph Allen, with advice from the poet Alexander Pope and the landscape gardener Capability Brown, Prior Park Landscape Garden is a 28-acre garden is a masterpiece of design, harmonizing nature and architecture. Its construction in the 1730s and 1740s was part of Allen’s vision to enhance his estate and the natural beauty of the Bath countryside.
The garden is renowned for its dramatic and picturesque landscape, featuring a Palladian bridge, one of only four such structures in the world. This elegant bridge, built in 1755, is a focal point of the garden, offering serene views of the lakes and the sweeping valley beyond. The garden’s design embodies the principles of the Picturesque movement, which sought to create landscapes that were artfully composed yet appeared natural, encouraging visitors to engage with the landscape through walking and contemplation.
Throughout the garden, visitors can explore a variety of features including cascades, grottoes and a Gothic temple, set against the backdrop of mature trees and the rolling Somerset hills. The restoration of the garden’s wilderness and serpentine lake to their original 18th-century designs has further enhanced its historic and aesthetic appeal.
7. The Jane Austen Centre
Situated in a Georgian townhouse not far from where Austen herself lived during her Bath residencies, the Jane Austin Centre is dedicated to celebrating her life, work and the influence Bath had on her writing. Austen, known for classic novels such as “Pride and Prejudice” and “Emma,” lived in Bath in the early 19th century and the city features prominently in two of her novels, “Northanger Abbey” and “Persuasion.”
One of the highlights of the Centre is the opportunity to see a waxwork of Jane Austen, created using forensic evidence to provide one of the most accurate likenesses of the author. Additionally, the Centre hosts a variety of events, workshops and talks that delve deeper into Austen’s work, her historical context and her relevance today.
The Jane Austen Centre not only serves as a tribute to the author’s legacy but also as an educational resource that brings her stories and the Regency period to life and is a must-visit for Austen fans and those interested in English literature and history.
8. The Circus in Bath
The Circus in Bath is another local architectural and historical marvel, epitomizing the Georgian era’s elegance and innovation in urban design. Conceived by the architect John Wood, the Elder, and completed by his son, John Wood, the Younger, in 1768, The Circus is a circular space surrounded by large townhouses in a striking example of Palladian architecture. This landmark is often cited as a preeminent achievement in Georgian architecture, reflecting the period’s fascination with classical antiquity and the principles of proportion and harmony.
The design of The Circus was inspired by the Colosseum in Rome, but unlike the ancient amphitheater, it is an inversion, with the façade facing inward. The ensemble of three curved segments forms a perfect circle, with each segment mirroring the others, creating a sense of unity and balance. The façades of the townhouses are adorned with intricate classical details, including Doric, Ionic and Corinthian columns that rise in order through the building’s three main floors, a testament to Wood’s ambition to embody the orders of classical architecture in a residential design.
Today, The Circus remains one of Bath’s most prestigious addresses and a major tourist attraction, admired for its architectural beauty and historical significance. Walking through The Circus, visitors can marvel at the seamless integration of classical ideals into a functional urban space, a living testament to the visionary planning and aesthetic values of the Georgian period.
9. The Fashion Museum Bath
The Fashion Museum Bath is a world-renowned destination for anyone interested in the art of fashion, textiles and design. Housed in the magnificent Assembly Rooms, an elegant Georgian venue that once played host to many of Bath’s most fashionable social gatherings, the museum offers a fascinating journey through fashion history. The collection spans from the late 16th century to the present day, showcasing a rich array of clothing that reflects the changes in styles, techniques and materials over the centuries.
One of the museum’s key strengths is its comprehensive collection of historical garments, including exquisite examples of 18th-century dress, Regency fashion inspired by Jane Austen’s era, Victorian elegance and the innovative designs of the 20th and 21st centuries. Each piece is carefully preserved and displayed to highlight its historical and cultural significance, offering insights into the social mores, technological advancements and artistic movements that influenced fashion trends through the ages.
Educational programs and workshops are also an integral part of the museum’s offerings, engaging audiences of all ages in the exploration of fashion history and the creative process behind garment design and construction. The museum’s “Dress of the Year” selection highlights contemporary fashion trends and the work of influential designers, connecting the past with the present.
10. The Bath Skyline Walk
The Bath Skyline Walk is a cherished outdoor experience offering breathtaking views and a unique perspective on the historic city of Bath and its surrounding countryside. This 6-mile (approximately 9.7 kilometers) circular trail is renowned for its panoramic vistas that encompass the city’s iconic Georgian architecture, nestled in the verdant Avon Valley, with the rolling hills of Somerset and the Cotswolds beyond.
Managed by the National Trust, the route takes walkers through a variety of terrains and landscapes including meadows, woodlands and valleys, each offering its own unique views and experiences. Along the way, hikers can discover hidden valleys, ancient woodlands and rich agricultural lands, all of which contribute to the area’s biodiversity and charm.
The walk also features significant historical sites, such as the 18th-century Sham Castle, built as a folly to enhance the view from Ralph Allen’s townhouse, and provides opportunities to spot the city’s famous landmarks from new angles. Birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts can also enjoy spotting various species while the changing seasons offer a dynamic backdrop to the walk, from the lush greens of spring and summer to the rich hues of autumn and the stark beauty of winter.
FAQs
What are some budget-friendly attractions in Bath?
Take advantage of the free access to the Royal Crescent and Pulteney Bridge, or take in the majesty of the Bath Skyline Walk without spending much at all. The Roman Baths are another great option which won’t break the bank as well.
Conclusion
There you have it, my 10 best things to do in Bath. I hope it has been helpful and as usual, please let me know of your experiences here or if there are any other must visit locations that I need to add.
Also, please do not hesitate to comment below if you have any questions, concerns, or corrections or would like me to check anything else out for you.
Until next time.
Have fun
Paul
