With a rich history, famous Roman Baths and stunning Georgian architecture, Bath is an elegant English city. Take a day trip to Bath and be charmed by its Roman archaeological sites and prominent buildings.
When the Romans built a spa complex in the heart of the city, they took advantage of natural hot springs in the area. Visitors flocked to the Roman Baths complex, and today you can see preserved ruins and historical artifacts.
Surrounded by limestone hills of the southern edge of the Cotswolds, the city is a deserved World Heritage Site.
Walk in the footsteps of former resident Jane Austen, stroll through the pretty public park, opened by 11 year old Princess Victoria and admire the palatial design of the glorious curved terraces.
This famed city has many sides to explore. Take a dip in thermal spa waters, walk its cobbled streets seeping with independent shops, and sip coffee in an artisan café, on a day trip to Bath.
One day in Bath, is sufficient to uncover Gothic churches, architectural delights clad in honey-coloured stone, notable museums and gastronomical delights.
Here is our guide for what to see on your day trip to Bath, and recommendations for where to stay overnight.
TIMELESS BEAUTY ON A BATH DAY TRIP
BATH DAY TRIP | MORNING
Begin your Bath day trip with breakfast at Cosy Club, located in the heart of Southgate Shopping Centre. The bijou entrance, belies its theatrical and eccentric interior. The delicious breakfast menu including treats such as ham hock hash and buttermilk pancakes, will set you up for a day of sightseeing.
Proceed past the prominent and rightly famous Roman Baths, continuing straight before taking a left onto Westgate Street. Continue past Grade II listed Theatre Royal, an elegant example of successful Georgian architecture. Built in 1805 and now refurbished, its Main auditorium is decked out with plush red and gilt interiors. From its trompe-l’œil ceiling, seductively hangs a glittering chandelier.
As you head up Gay Street, wander through Queen Square, designed in the mid 1700’s, and marking the heart of the professional district. An obelisk, erected in honour of Frederick, Prince of Wales’s visit, owns the square’s focal point.
The stunning Grade I listed honey stoned Georgian buildings that line the square, now house solicitors and a four star Hotel. Back in 1799, the resident of number 13, was Jane Austen, who wrote Northanger Abbey here.
Reaching the top of Gay Street, you will find The Circus, a striking masterpiece of Georgian architecture. The sweeping circle of Grade I listed townhouses, consist of three curved segments, and three separate entrances. Stand on the central lawn to fully appreciate this grand and splendid design, complete with detailed stonework.
Leaving the beauty of The Circus behind, continue up Brock Street, to No. 1 Royal Crescent, now a fascinating museum. This was the first of the townhouses built in the Royal Crescent, between 1767 and 1774.
Take a tour inside to discover life in 18th century Bath, for both the wealthy, and their servants. The Georgian interior design showcases elegant textiles, authentic furniture and elaborate paintings. Each room is meticulously dressed. Downstairs, the original kitchen, scullery, Housekeeper’s Room and Servant’s corridors, add authenticity, bringing the whole house to life.
No.1 Royal Crescent Tour | Opening Times, Cost, Bookings: online in advance
Exiting the museum, turn into the Royal Crescent, sweeping majestically around a manicured green lawn. The row of 30 Grade I listed terrace houses, are a masterpiece of architectural design, and an impressive sight.
The plainness of the ground floor, emphasizes the Bath stone columns and windows of the floor above. Holding court in the middle of the row, is Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa.
The Crescent’s private lawn overlooks public Royal Victoria Park, which is a lovely space to wander through. Opened by 11 year old Princess Victoria in 1830, the 57 acre expanse of lawns, mature trees, and flowering shrubs, were originally an arboretum.
The Park is also home to beautiful botanic gardens and the Great Dell Aerial Walkway.
Stroll down to the River, and follow the canal path along the River Avon, back to the town centre.
LUNCH |
Enjoy lunch at The Courtyard Cafe, which serves a mean and tasty Bath Rarebit, with mature cheddar cheese and local ale. Don’t leave without sampling one of Kirsty’s moreish homemade cakes. Tucked away in historic Lilliput Court, this Independent cafe, is a little oasis of colourful quirkyness.
BATH DAY TRIP | AFTERNOON
Feeling refreshed, walk off your cake by climbing up to Alexandra Park, for great panoramic views over Bath.
Starting from Bath Spa Station, follow the winding pathway, known as “Jacobs Ladder”. Wind your way through mature trees, up a wooded hillside, to the summit of Alexandra Park.
The Park, situated atop Beechen Cliff, provides magnificent views over the city. Return the same way, or if you don’t fancy all those stairs for a second time, take the easier route down, via Shakespeare Avenue.
Next, take a look inside Bath Abbey, a former Benedictine Monastery. Of note, is it’s magnificent fan vaulting, which is simply exquisite. Be warned though, you will be craning your neck indefinitely. The interior is a peaceful, light and airy atmosphere. Stunning stained-glass windows add colour against the honey-toned stone columns.
Ledgerstones line the Abbey floor, war memorials for local people. While the Great East Window depicts the story of Jesus in 56 scenes. However, your eye is continually drawn to the beautiful Nave ceiling, a true masterpiece in its own right.
After admiring the Abbey’s exterior, stroll around town discovering hidden gems along the cobbled streets. Grab a coffee and bun from Sally Lunn’s Tearoom, located in Bath’s oldest house (c.1483).
Cross the road and descend the steps into Parade Gardens, a relaxing green space, with manicured lawns and fine views of Pulteney Bridge and the weir.
Designed in 1769 by Robert Adam, the bridge was named after the wife of a major land owner in the area. A classical design, with pilasters, pediments and tiny leaded domes at either end, it has a romantic look.
On closer inspection, you will see that it has shops across its full span, on both sides, one of only four in the world to do so. The result is spectacular. Many independent shops and restaurants, cram their wares into the small space.
The best view to be had, is from the gardens and the crescent weir.
Save the best till last, and take a tour of the Roman Baths. The grand bathing complex, dating back to around 70 AD, is one of the best-preserved Roman remains in the world.
An audio guide transports you to Roman times, through fascinating commentary and visual wonders.
From the magnificent Victorian reception hall entrance with an elegant dome and decorated ceiling. To former trodden pavements and plunge pools, under ancient ground level streets.
First glimpses of the Great Bath, standing next to Roman Emperor statues which line the terrace are spectacular.
A massive pool filled with hot spa water and lined with lead sheets, the Great Bath is a worthy centrepiece for this complex.
Bath Abbey | Open: 10am-4pm (Mon-Sat), 12pm-3.30pm Sunday | Check in advance for current up to date hours
The Roman Baths Tour | Bookings & Cost: online in advance | Opening Hours: | Check in advance
BATH DAY TRIP | EVENING
Uncover the city’s after-hours evening scene on your Bath day trip, with a glass of something chilled. Try an expertly crafted cocktail at Circo Bar & Lounge. Combining chic and classic, in an inviting, relaxed atmosphere, there is a stunning array of cocktails to coose from. I would choose Through The Looking Glass for vodka drinkers.
If a pint in one of Bath’s oldest pubs is more your scene, bag a seat at The Huntman, a Grade II listed original.
Then head to Sotto Sotto, for contemporary Italian dishes, in a spectacular vaulted cellar setting.
MAP | BATH ONE DAY ITINERARY
Bath is a compact city, and all these sights/attractions are accessible on foot. Why not save this map and take it with you on your trip? You can then easily follow the itinerary. To do this, simply log into your Google Maps account :
- Click on the star in the Title bar (next to GlobalGadding)
- Open your Google Maps App
- Go to SAVED at the bottom of your menu bar (bookmark icon)
- Go to MAPS and click on the Bath One Day Itinerary
TRAVELLING TO BATH
Being roughly 100 miles from London, Bath makes a great day trip. Wherever you travel from, public transport is easy, frequent and quick. Both bus and railway stations are located in the heart of the city centre, making it easy to explore on foot.
TRAIN | Regular high-speed trains leave London Paddington, taking around 80 minutes. The Spa Railway Station is a short walk from central attractions.
BUS | First Bus provide regular services in and around Bath operating from the main Bath bus station in Dorchester Street, adjacent to Bath Spa railway station.
CAR | Bath is easily reached by car via the M4 and M5 motorways. A journey from London, via the M4 takes roughly 2.25 hours. Bath has 3 Park & Ride sites on the outskirts of town. This is a great option as the city centre is compact, buses run every 15 minutes, with a journey time of only 10 minutes.
Bath has easy motorway links if you are driving from Wales, the North, Devon and Cornwall.
If you do prefer to bring your vehicle into the city centre, be aware of bus lanes and one-way streets. Download this handy map to locate the nearest car park.
If you are driving a motorhome, I suggest using the Lansdown Park and Ride site, as there are no height barriers.
Check a live update of the spaces currently available at Bath’s main car parks, including the three Park and Ride sites.
BEST TIME TO VISIT BATH
Bath is a great city to visit all year round but is busiest on weekends. If you can, try and plan your visit during the week, when it will be quieter.
May sees both Bath Festival and Bath Fringe Festival, highlights of the city’s cultural calendar, making it a busy time.
The summer months bring warmer weather, outside tables at cafes, flower filled green spaces, and a relaxed vibe. However, along with this summer ambience comes the tourist throngs.
September is a great option for foodies, with a two-week celebration of local food and brings a quieter tone to the city.
Christmas time in Bath is quite memorable. Cobbled streets illuminated with Christmas lights, a festive programme of events and independent artisan shops. Throw in a snow flurry or two, and you have the perfect backdrop for a magical trip.
WHERE TO STAY IN BATH
Bath has great accommodation options if you want to stay overnight. Like most cities, it can be expensive. Here are our recommendations for where to lay your head in Bath.
This luxurious 5 star hotel holds a commanding position in Bath’s Royal Crescent. Each guest room is impeccably dressed and enjoys spectacular views. The gardens and spa facilities are second to none.
A beautiful boutique hotel, right in the heart of the city. Stylish and contemporary rooms, have individual flair and colour. With a well regarded restaurant and bar, you will feel right at home in this Georgian building.
If you prefer an apartment, then you can’t beat Student Castle. A 5 minute walk from Parade Gardens, they offer contemporary yet stylish space. With paid parking, kitchen facilities and extra touches such as a coffee machine.
MORE TIME TO SPEND IN BATH?
We have covered our favourite ways to spend one day in Bath, if you want to discover history, nature and the essence of the city. If you have some extra time to spend in Bath, here are some other ideas on how to spend a second or third day.
MUSEUMS | Bath’s museums tell intriguing stories of the past, and are often housed in some of the finest buildings. The Jane Austen Centre celebrates one of Bath’s famous residents. Discover how this beautiful city was designed and built, at Museum of Bath Architecture. Or for art lovers, try The Holburne Museum for art exhibitions in an impressively majestic setting.
BOAT RIDES | Navigate the River Avon aboard a boat trip and see the city from a different angle.
WALKS | Bath has a number of walking trails to suit all fitness levels. Meander along the Kennet & Avon Canal, or wander through the meadows of Bathwick Fields for a stunning view of the city. And for those looking for a longer hike, take on the Bath Skyline Walk, 6 miles through woodland, over an Iron Age hillfort and alongside abandoned limestone quarries.
BOTANICAL GARDENS | In the heart of Royal Victoria Park, the Botanical Gardens are are place of oasis and calm. Wander past colourful herbaceous borders, rock pools, roses and a replica of a Roman Temple.
DAY OUT | If you fancy going further afield, why not head to the Cotswolds. We have compiled a list of the best Cotswolds villages to visit.
WHERE TO NEXT?
Bath is close to the beautiful villages of the Cotswolds, with their honey coloured stone cottages.
And if you fancy exploring more of the UK, here are some ideas you may enjoy:
- Colourful Portmeirion Village in Wales
- Liverpool’s Fascinating Sights
- Snowdonia Scenic Drive
- How To Roadtrip Wales’s Brecon Beacons
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