From Roman Baths to Secret Spots: 14 Unique Things to Do in Bath (UK)

Across the globe, several locations are home to impressive Roman landmarks and ruins. The city of Bath in England is one of them. It is no surprise that this city is one of the best places to visit in England. This gorgeous city, nestled in the Avon Valley in the southwest of hilly English countryside, is the sort of place you will fall in love with immediately. Whether this is your first, second or fifth visit, there is no shortage of entertainment here. We did the hard part for you and crafted a list of the best things to do in Bath, United Kingdom.

There is more to this city than the famous Roman Baths.

 

Why is Bath in England famous?

Bath in England is famous because it is the only place in the UK to have the whole city a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. This city has some of the best preserved Roman remains in the UK. It’s also famous for imposing honey-coloured Georgian architecture and mineral-rich hot springs.

But that is not all: did you know that Bath is a rare double-inscribed UNESCO World Heritage Site? UNESCO also added this city between the Great Spa Towns in Europe. It is 11 of them, and they are in seven European countries. It also has a vibrant art scene with many galleries and museums. The famous writer Jane Austen also called this place home. Besides, the world’s first stamp was sent from here, and the planet Uranus was also discovered here.

A unique combination of Roman heritage, Georgian architecture, natural mineral springs and cultural significance make this city one of the best day trips from London.

 

Best Things to Do in Bath

The preserved remains of the Roman Baths and the vibrant green colour of the River Avon are, without doubt, most travellers’ first impressions of the city. But if you dig deeper, you will find another side of this city – packed with museums, galleries and charming cafes. With that in mind, you will be spoilt for choice when looking for the best attractions. 

 

1. Roman Baths

 If you have ever wanted to walk where the Romans have walked before you, the Roman Baths are the perfect place. 

 

It is easy to see why visiting the Roman Baths is a world-famous attraction. This well-preserved bathing complex is an impressive example of the creativity and engineering skills of the Roman Empire. The Roman Baths date back to the Roman occupation of Britain in the first century. 

 

Why did the Romans decide to settle in this city? 

Here’s a fascinating part: the Romans built this magnificent Roman temple and bathing complex around Britain’s only hot spring. But that is not all – the Romans even built mechanisms to control these thermal springs. 

The Romans named this ancient religious spa with steaming spring water after the goddess Sulis. They called this city “Aquae Sulis”, or waters of Sulis in English. 

 

Roman Baths facts:

The Romans built this bathing complex around the natural hot springs that flow beneath the city. They believed that the water had healing powers. You might be surprised to hear that hot water has a constant temperature of 46 degrees Celsius (115 °F). The water is even rich in minerals – it contains 43 different minerals. It flows at a depth of about 2 km below the surface.

Today the Roman Baths are one of the best places to visit because they are an excellent example of Roman architecture in England. This Roman bathing complex is today a world-class museum with almost 2000 years of history. 

Did you know that this Roman complex was lost and buried for centuries? The first excavation of the site began in the 18th century. A major restoration made the Roman Baths accessible in the 19th century. Today the Roman Baths are one of the best preserved Roman remains in the world.

TIP:

Start your journey on the second floor of the Roman Baths. From there, you can see the bathing complex where the Romans would have washed. The ancient baths are closed off for preservation, health, and safety. Hence, it is not possible to swim in this complex.

 

GREAT BATH

The Great Bath is the most impressive feature of this Roman bathing complex. The Romans used this large rectangular pool for communal bathing. A natural hot spring that flows under the complex feeds the pool at a rate of about 1,170,000 litres (308,000 gallons) of water per day. Thousands of years ago, a roof covered this 1.6-metre-deep (5 feet) steaming pool. 

 

TEMPLE OF COURTYARD, MINERVA AND MUSEUM

  The Roman Baths are so much more than just the bathing complex. They are also home to the Sulis Minerva Temple, numerous statues, and a museum with Roman finds. Walk through the suspended passage above the Temple courtyard and explore what once was the sacred area for the Romans.

Did you know?

The Romans built this ancient Roman temple next to the famous Roman Baths in the 1st century AD. In fact, the Sulis Minerva Temple was one of the most important religious sites in Roman Britain. 

 

CHANGING ROOMS AND SAUNAS

Heated Rooms, Swimming pools and changing rooms

 

After that, discover the Roman Baths as they would have looked during the Roman era. Interactive displays help you to better understand how the area looked once.

 

THE EAST BATH

Maybe you do not know, but the women had their own section of the complex. Ladies had a separate entrance and could wash and socialize in the women’s quarters of the Roman Baths.

Admission fee to the Roman Baths – standard admission (as of 2024):

August 2024

• £29 for adults during a weekend
• £27 for adults during weekdays 

 

September, October 2024:

• £27 for adults during a weekend 
• £24.50 for adults during weekdays 

 

November 2024:

• £21.50 for adults during a weekend 
• £19 for adults during weekdays 

 

1-20 December 2024:

• £21.50 for adults during a weekend 
• £19 for adults during weekdays 

 

21-31 December 2024:

• £27 for adults during a weekend 
• £24.50 for adults during weekdays 

 

The Roman Baths’ opening times: 

9.30 am – 5.00 pm (exit at 6 pm) – vary during the season.

 

2. Thermae Bath Spa

Take a dip in the thermal waters and enjoy the treated waters as the Romans and Celts did over 2000 years ago.

 

3. Bath Abbey

The Abbey

It is easy to see why many visitors put Bath Abbey high on their bucket lists. This honey-coloured cathedral is a perfect example of Gothic architecture. 

The Abbey, founded as a Benedictine monastery, has been rebuilt and reorganized several times. A recent multi-million-pound project installed a new heating system and created a new interpretation centre.  

 

GOOD TO KNOW:

You can find the Abbey just next to the Roman Baths. The entry ticket to the cathedral costs £7.50 for an adult and £6 for a student. You can also get an audioguide of the Abbey for an extra £3.50, as of August 2024.

 

TIP:

If you visit it between Monday and Saturday, climb the 212 steps of the cathedral to the tower. The tower tour offers the chance to see the bells, and you can sit behind the cathedral’s giant clock face. You can even see the ruins of the Roman Baths and the rooftop pool at Thermae Bath Spa from the top.

A guided tower tour of the cathedral lasts 45 -60 minutes. It costs £15 for an adult and £5 for a child, as of August 2024. You can buy tower tickets from the Welcome Desk when you arrive.

 

4. Georgian architecture

After that, wander the cobblestone streets and get lost in the historic centre this city is famous for. Maybe you do not know, but the Georgians later redeveloped the towns after the Romans left. The stylish Georgian architecture with elegant buildings transformed the city into one of the most fashionable cities in Europe. 

 

5. Royal Crescent 

If you are after unique places to visit, find the Royal Crescent. The Royal Crescent, designed as a luxurious accommodation for visiting members of the aristocracy and royalty, is an iconic landmark. A row of 30 terraced houses has a distinctive crescent shape. Their facade has hardly changed over the last 250 years.

The Royal Crescent is, in fact, one of the unique attractions because it is an architectural masterpiece. This semi-circular building with a palace-like façade is one of the best examples of Georgian architecture in the country. The Royal Crescent also is the most famous street in the city.

 

6. Number 1 Royal Crescent

If you have a spare hour while here, visit Number 1 Royal Crescent. Why is Number 1 Royal Crescent one of the best places to visit? It is because this historic townhouse is now a museum which takes visitors back to the 18th century. Yes, that is right, restored Number 1 Royal Crescent has its original Georgian-era appearance. You can see how wealthy residents lived in the city in the 18th century. 

 

7. Pulteney Bridge

The Pulteney Bridge – a stone bridge inspired by the Ponte Vecchio in Florence.

 

Let’s face it – you cannot visit this city without seeing the Pulteney Bridge. This historic stone bridge with elegant design is an important part of the city’s architectural heritage. The Scottish architect Robert Adam designed it in the 18th century.

Moreover, the Pulteney Bridge is one of the most photographed monuments in the city. It is because this elegant bridge is one of four bridges in the world lined with shops on both sides. The Pulteney Bridge is also famous for its beautiful views of the city and the River Avon.

 

8. Bath Street

If you find yourself in the city centre, do not miss beautiful Bath Street. Strolling through this historic street is one of the best things because it is a perfect example of Georgian architecture. What’s more, you can find many historical landmarks, art galleries and high-end shops on this street. Also, this street leads to the Roman Bath complex.

Its original name was Cross Bath Street because it contains the Cross Bath (a historic pool for bathing). This beautifully preserved street is also a part of the UNESCO World Heritage site; filmmakers often use it as a filming location for period dramas. 

 

Best things to do in Bath for museum and gallery lovers

Museum lovers looking for the best things have plenty of options. It is home to numerous museums thanks to the city’s rich history.

 

9. Jane Austen Centre 

© Jane Austen Centre 

 

One of the first museums most people head to is the Jane Austen Centre, and there is a reason for it. As the name suggests, this museum is dedicated to Jane’s work and life. Jane Austen is one of the most famous UK writers, and she lived here. The museum, which transports visitors back to Georgian times, certainly is one of the best places for any Jane Austen fans. 

TIP:

Visit the city during the 10-day Jane Austen Festival which draws hundreds of Austen lovers. During this annual event, you can see many people wandering the streets of the city dressed in authentic period costumes. The grand costume parade is one of the highlights of the festival.

 

GOOD TO KNOW:

The entry ticket to Jane Austen Centre costs £15.75 for an adult (as of August 2024).

 

10. Fashion Museum

Another popular museum in the city is the Fashion Museum because it shows off a collection of modern and historical clothing. The exhibition includes different fashionable trends, including collections of clothes that are 500 years old.

 

GOOD TO KNOW:

It is not possible to visit the Fashion Museum at the moment because it is in preparation for a move to a different location.

 

11. Herschel Museum of Astronomy

If you are more interested in unique attractions, visit the Herschel Museum of Astronomy. As the name suggests, this museum is a perfect attraction for anyone who loves astronomy, science or the history of science. 

This restored middle-class home is home to the museum where you can learn about the Herschel family’s contributions to astronomy. Did you know that William Herschel was the first person who pointed a telescope at the planet Uranus? This museum showcases the collection of telescopes and other scientific tools used to make his discoveries. 

GOOD TO KNOW:

Entry ticket to the Herschel Museum of Astronomy costs £12 for adults (as of August 2024). Also, expect to pay £12 for an Adult annual pass to the museum. Alternatively, you can purchase an Adult Annual pass for the Herschene Museum of Astronomy and No 1 Royal Crescent for £22.

 

The museum is not open on Mondays. Otherwise, you can visit the Herschel Museum between 10 am – 5 pm (closed between 1 pm – 2 pm on weekends).

 

Other things to do in Bath

 

12. Bath Skyline Walk

If you have any energy left, put the Bath Skyline Walk on a list of places to visit. This 6-mile (9.6km) circular walk runs along the ridge above the city. The Skyline Walk is a famous National Trust walk for active visitors of all ages and fitness levels. One of the reasons why it’s one of the best attractions is because it allows you to see the city from different angles. The walk, which takes you through meadows and woodlands, offers views of the Royal Crescent, the Circus and also the Abbey.

 

13. Christmas Market

Did you know that Bath Christmas Market is one of the best Christmas markets in the UK? This award-winning Christmas Market attracts thousands of visitors from across the UK. It has beautifully decorated chalets lining the picturesque Georgian streets of the historic city centre. This Christmas Market runs from the end of November until mid-December and offers a variety of festive entertainment. 

 

14. Sally Lunn’s Historic eating house and museum

© Sally Lunn 

 

If you feel peckish, find a historic tea house, Sally Lunn. Sally Lunn’s is one of the oldest houses in the city, dating back to the 15th century. But the historical significance is not the only reason to come here.

A French immigrant lived in this house and invented the famous Sally Lunn bun in the 18th century. “The Sally Lunn bun” is the city’s popular brioche-based delicacy (made from a traditional recipe). The Bath’s oldest standing house is also a living museum. Here you can also find a little museum showing the original kitchen where the baker used to bake the famous buns over 300 years ago. Plus, you can see the visible excavations of the medieval city.

 

Now you know what the best things to do in Bath are!

 

 

How to get here

The coach company National Express runs services from London and many other British cities (Bristol, Birmingham and also others). It also offers cheaper fares compared to the train ride. However, you should know the journey takes much longer. Also, do not forget to book tickets in advance for the cheapest fares.

This city has excellent connections with the capital – it takes only 90 minutes to get to the city from London. The direct trains run from London Paddington station. 

GOOD TO KNOW:

The train station is in the centre of the town. When you book your tickets in advance, you can get a single ticket from London, starting at £23 (limited availability). Maybe you do not know, but it is also possible to fly to Bristol. Afterwards, take a train from Bristol – it takes only 12 minutes.

 

Pin the best things to do in Bath, the United Kingdom for later!

Thank you for reading! Have you visited this UNESCO-listed city in England? Did we miss anything? Please let us know in the comments below 🙂 If you like our post, save it to Pinterest so you don’t lose it.

 

 

YOU MAY ALSO ENJOY:

 

 

Last updated: 30/08/2024