Bath isn’t a hard sell. Bath is without a doubt one of the most popular places to visit in England. This historic city feels a world away from the sprawling urban metropolis that is London, Birmingham or Manchester, delivering a drastic change of scenery and character.

Steeped in history from the Roman Baths, amazing architecture and Jane Austen connections, the city’s famous Bath stone, and a trendy forward-thinking city taking pride in producing great food and entertainment, it’s one of England’s most thought of cities.

Like the vast majority of The UK you have to take the weather as it comes but Bath is a city that has plenty to do all year round. The best time to visit would be the Summer when the weather is more settled and the days are very long that lends to more outdoor dining. I visited on a particularly hot and sunny day in early April. I would definitely recommend a summer trip. It’s a very walkable city and along with all the pretty streets, there are also lovely parks and the River Avon to enjoy.

While I would say Bath has a big reputation for history and architecture there’s more to it than that. There are gorgeous views, plenty of great food spots, cool boutiques and plenty more. Plus, to be honest, it’s a great city just to wander around.

WHAT TO DO IN BATH

Jane Austin Centre

As mentioned, Bath played a huge part in Jane’s life and the storylines of several of her most popular books. At this museum there are Georgian dress woman wondering around to ask questions and talk to about the interesting pictures, excerpts from her novels and facts.

The Royal Crescent

Take a stroll around the Royal Crescent. This is another classic Bath landmark made up of a glorious curved terrace of Grade I listed houses. While most are private residences, No.1 is open to the public and dressed as it would have been in the late 1700s. In the rooms are guides in traditional attire who really bring the history to life.

The Roman Bath and Museum

Dating back to 70AD the baths are incredibly well preserved. The Roman baths are one of the top things to see. Tickets cost around £25.50 and ever so much worth the price. This includes a self-guided audio tour. The waters were known for their healing properties but over the years became a real focal point for the city’s development. There’s more than the large Roman bath. There are fascinating ruins hidden underground, ancient artefacts and a great modern retelling of Bath’s ancient story. The baths are incredibly popular and queues are long so avoid mid morning through to early afternoon. I visited around 4pm and the queues had all but disappeared. That said, if you don’t visit any other venue in Bath ensure this is the one you do show up for.

Shopping in Bath

While I know you probably would not go on a big day trip to shop at stores you can find anywhere in the UK there are some unique boutiques and independent shops mixed in the narrow streets. There’s also Bath Guildhall Market – a collection of 20 small stores selling everything from wool to handbags and sweets.

Bath Abbey

Bath Abbey creates a moment of stillness in the beating heart of a vibrant city. A space that’s alive with music and prayer, art and history. A seriously impressive place where awe-inspiring architecture has lifted the eyes for over 1200 years! I’m sure Bath Abbey is many things to many people.

Admiring Bath Abbey from ground level was awe-inspiring enough, but I do wish I’d done the tower tour.

Located opposite the Roman Bath it’s hard to be missed. The Abbey offers tours to climb the tower for £6.

River Avon and Pulteney Bridge

It’s such a beautiful place to walk along framed by stunning bridges and the city’s gardens. It’s a great place to just relax and unwind. Pulteney Bridge was built at the request of an ambitious and important man in Georgian Bath, William Johnstone Pulteney. He wanted this bridge to be a major talking point. Today, it’s a symbol of the city and photographed constantly, so I guess you could say he succeeded.

Places to Eat

My time in Bath was only for an afternoon but there are heaps of places to eat and drink. To be fair you’ll be spoilt for choice. There’s everything from quick grab food, to pub grub, to full sit-down menu’s. Why not try these two venues?

Cafe Rouge

Located on Milson Street this bistro offers Afternoon teas and classic Parisian treats. If you want French style cuisine go no further.

Sally Lunn Eating House

Bath’s oldest house! The story goes Sally Lunn was a French refugee that brought her baking skills to Bath way back in 1680. The Bath Bunn can be eaten as a sweet snack or as a savoury snack. What makes tucking into one of these even more special is knowing the tea room is inside one of the city’s oldest houses. Take a look around the micro-museum down in the cellars too. You get to see the original kitchen, bakery and oven, which dates back nearly 1,000 years.

Final Word

Bath is a beautiful place to visit. It can be easily seen in a day. The Summer months will allow time for a more relaxed outdoor feel. Take in a pub, a view, some history. It’s worth it. Everyone has to visit Bath at least once in their life.

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