Take a day trip to Bath and be charmed by its incredible Roman archaeological sites and elegant Georgian architecture. Discover a rich history, famous Roman Baths, traditional heritage, green spaces and a few surprises. Here’s how to spend a perfect 24 hours in Bath, plus tips on where to eat, drink and stay.
Surrounded by limestone hills of the southern edge of the Cotswolds, the English city of Bath is a deserved UNESCO World Heritage Site, and a popular British destination.
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.
One day in Bath, is sufficient to uncover Gothic churches, architectural delights clad in honey-coloured stone, notable museums and gastronomical delights.
Our Bath Day trip covers all the top things to do in Bath.
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.
BATH DAY TRIP: WHAT TO DO IN BATH FOR A DAY
MAP: BATH DAY TRIP ITINERARY
Our Bath Day trip covers all the top things to do in Bath, and all these sights are accessible on foot.
How to use this map: Click on the top left of the map to display the list of locations, click on the top right corner of the map to open a larger version in a new tab or the star to save to your Google Maps.
DAY TRIP TO BATH | MORNING
Begin your Bath Day trip with breakfast at Cosy Club, in the heart of Bath’s Southgate shopping centre. The kitsch meets quirky interior space with an outdoor terrace, has a warm and friendly atmosphere. One of their signature breakfasts will set you up for a day of sightseeing.
1 – BATH ABBEY
Your Bath one day itinerary begins at the magnificent Bath Abbey where a church has stood since the 8th century. The current Abbey was rebuilt in the 12th and 16th centuries.
Of particular note is its magnificent fan-vaulted ceiling which is simply exquisite. Be warned though, you will be craning your neck indefinitely. The interior has a peaceful, light and airy atmosphere, while stunning stained-glass windows add colour against the honey-toned stone columns.
891 flat gravestones called ledger stones line the Abbey floor, war memorials for local people. While The Great East Window, completed in 1873, has 56 scenes depicting the story of Jesus. However, your eye is continually drawn to the beautiful Nave ceiling, a true masterpiece.
Climb the 212 steps of Bath Abbey’s Tower for a behind-the-scenes views of the clock face and bells, plus stunning views over the city. The Tower Tour lasts 45-60 minutes.
2 – BATH CIRCUS
Leaving the Abbey, head to Gay Street, skirting Queen Square. Designed in the mid 1700’s it marks the heart of the professional district. At the top of Gay Street is Bath 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.
From here you can visit:
Jane Austen Centre: learn about Jane Austen’s life in Bath during Regency times and have fun dressing up using their extensive collection of dresses, bonnets, coats, and accessories.
Bath Assembly Rooms: The Bath Assembly Rooms were completed in 1771 as a place for dancing, and once lay at the heart of fashionable Georgian society. Walk through each of the four rooms, the Great Octagon, Tea Room, Ball Room and Card Room. Book Tickets online.
Leaving the beauty of The Circus behind, continue up Brock Street, to No. 1 Royal Crescent.
3 – 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: pre-booked tickets recommended
4 – ROYAL CRESCENT
Exiting the museum, turn into the Royal Crescent, one of Bath’s most iconic landmarks. The row of 30 Grade I listed terrace houses, are a masterpiece of architectural design, and an impressive sight, sweeping majestically around a manicured green lawn. The Royal Crescent, one of Bath’s most iconic landmarks, was built between 1767 and 1775
Built between 1767 and 1775, the honey stoned Georgian buildings that line the square, now house mainly solicitors and private accommodation. Back in 1799, the resident of number 13, was Jane Austen, who wrote Northanger Abbey here.
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.
DAY TRIP TO BATH | AFTERNOON
Enjoy lunch at Green Bird Café, an independently owned café, with a warm and friendly atmosphere near the Royal Crescent. Enjoy daily menu specials such as chickpea and chorizo stew or wild mushroom and thyme risotto.
Feeling refreshed, walk back to the Royal Crescent to continue your Bath Day trip itinerary.
5 – ROYAL VICTORIA PARK
The Royal 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 Riverside footpath along the River Avon, back to the town centre.
6 – PULTENEY BRIDGE
Designed in 1769 by Robert Adam, Pulteney bridge was named after the wife of a major landowner 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 Antique Map Shop – for lovers of vintage maps.
- Honey Willow – for great jewellery.
Descend the steps into Parade Gardens, a relaxing green space, with manicured lawns and the perfect views of Pulteney Bridge and the weir.
After admiring the Pulteney Bridge, 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).
Solange Luyon, a young Huguenot refugee, came to Bath in 1680 after escaping persecution in France. She became known as Sally Lunn, and began baking a rich, generous brioche bun. The rest as they say, is history.
You may be nearing the end of your 24 hours in Bath, but your next stop is the highlight of any Bath itinerary.
7 – ROMAN BATHS
After your coffee stop, head to the Roman Baths. Constructed around 70 AD, these beautifully preserved baths were built around a geothermal spring. Visit the museum before taking a tour of the baths. Highlights include Roman Emperor statues lining the terrace, and the Great Bath surrounded by a stunning terrace and sacred pool.
Afternoon tea is served at 4pm in the pump room restaurant and is very popular.
Roman Baths: 9am – 6pm (last entry 5pm) Price: £29 (weekends); £27 weekdays.
Tickets: Book online in advance or join a walking tour that includes entrance to the baths.
8 – THERMAE BATH SPA
A day in Bath seeing all the top attractions should include some pampering before dinner. Head to Britain’s only natural thermal spa, a modern version of the Roman bathing experience. Book a 2-hour spa session in the New Royal Bath and get access to the rooftop pool with stunning views of Bath’s skyline.
Thermae Spa: 9am - 9.30pm (Pools and Wellness Suite close at 9pm)
Prices & Treatments: Book online
BATH DAY TRIP | EVENING
Bath has an exceptional food and drink scene ranging from casual eats to Michelin-starred restaurants.
PRE-DINNER DRINKS
Uncover the city’s after-hours evening scene on your Bath Day trip, with a glass of something chilled. Here are some of our favourite haunts.
- Circo Bar & Lounge combines chic and classic with a great array of cocktails such as the Circopolitan.
- Canary Gin Bar run by Bath Distillery, has an impressive list of gins, and gin-based cocktails.
DINNER
- Green Park Brasserie is a gastropub that hosts regular jazz shows. Set in a former 1800’s railway station, they specialise in steaks.
- Sotto Sotto, serves contemporary Italian dishes, in a spectacular vaulted cellar setting.
- The Circus Restaurant is all about delicious food in a cozy setting.
WHERE TO STAY IN BATH
If you want to stay overnight, Bath has accommodation options to suit every taste and budget. Like most cities, it can be expensive. Here are our recommendations for where to lay your head.
Experience five-star luxury at the Royal Crescent Hotel situated in the centre of the famous Royal Crescent. Stunning Georgian architecture, landscaped gardens and a luxurious spa, all make for a memorable stay.
For a boutique stay, Hotel Indigo is just a stone’s throw from Bath Abbey and Pulteney Weir. Set in a beautiful Georgian property rich in history, rooms are quirky, and modern.
Henrietta House, is a Georgian period townhouse set in the heart of Bath. Rooms are modern, individually styled with quirky artwork, and deluxe bathrooms.
GETTING TO BATH
Bath has great transport links from London, Bristol, Wales, and North England. Wherever you travel from, public transport is easy, frequent and quick. Both bus and railway stations are in the heart of the city centre, making it easy to explore on foot.
BY CAR
- Avoid driving in the city by using the three Park and Rides on the city outskirts. These are at Lansdown, Newbridge, and Odd Down. Buses run every 15 minutes.
- Parking for the day is free, all you pay for is the bus ticket.
- If you are driving a motorhome, I suggest using the Lansdown Park and Ride site, as there are no height restrictions.
- Check a live update of the spaces currently available at Bath’s main car parks, including the three Park and Ride sites.
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.
BY TRAIN
Bath Spa train station has direct connections from many parts of the country, making getting to Bath by train very easy.
Regular high-speed trains leave London Paddington Station, taking around 80 minutes. Bath Spa Railway Station is a short walk from central attractions.
DAY TRIP FROM LONDON TO BATH
- London Paddington Station to Bath Spa Station: 1hour 15minutes with daily services.
- London Waterloo Station to Bath Spa Station: 2hours with daily services.
You can check train schedules and prices on Trainline.
BATH TO COTSWOLDS DAY TRIP
If you decide to stay in the city overnight, there are some wonderful day trips from Bath to enable you to explore more of the English countryside. Head to the Cotswolds to explore some of the prettiest villages in England.
There’s no better way to explore this picturesque region, than by lacing up your walking boots, and setting off on foot. There are some beautiful circular walks in the area.
GETTING AROUND BATH
Bath is a very walkable city. The city centre is quite compact, and the best things to do in Bath are all within walking distance.
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.
Summer in Bath: June to September brings warmer weather, outside tables at cafes, flower filled green spaces, and a relaxed vibe. However, along with this summer ambience comes the tourist throngs.
July and August are peak tourist season, and it is essential to book ahead for accommodation, and restaurant bookings. September is a great option for a quieter tone to the city, while you can grab accommodation bargains during March to May.
Winter in Bath: 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.
FESTIVALS IN BATH
You may want to time visiting Bath to coincide with one of the numerous annual festivals held in the city.
- Bath Festival (May): features a range of events celebrating books and music.
- Bath Fringe Festival (May-June): showcases talented local and international artists spanning music, theatre, and comedy.
- Bath Carnival (July): transforms the streets with a procession and free events.
- Jane Austin Festival (September): 9 days of celebrating all things Austen.
OTHER TOP THINGS TO DO IN BATH
You can get a real feel of the essence of Bath in one day. But is a day in Bath enough to see all the sights? You can’t feasibly fit everything into a one-day trip to Bath as there are plenty of things to see in the city. Here are some more things to save for a future trip.
BATH WALKING TOUR
For an insight into the history of this UNESCO World Heritage city, why not take a guided walking tour. Lasting 2 hours, your guide will explain the history, architecture, and some of the many stories that have made Bath such a fantastic city.
RIVER AVON CRUISE
Take to the water to get a different perspective of the city. Take a river cruise from Pulteney Weir on a scenic hour’s cruise up the River Avon to the village of Bathampton. Alternatively, hop on a traditional 1960s river cruiser boat tour and enjoy a glass or two of Prosecco along the way.
MUSEUMS
Bath’s museums tell intriguing stories of the past and are often housed in some of the finest buildings. Discover how this beautiful city was designed and built, at Museum of Bath Architecture.
For art lovers, try The Holburne Museum for art exhibitions in an impressively majestic setting, or Victoria Art Gallery which has free entry, and includes works from artists including Thomas Gainsborough.
WALKS
Bath has several 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.
We hope you enjoyed this itinerary for a Bath England Day trip. Bath is a city blessed with Roman remnants, beautiful Georgian architecture and buckets of charm.
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