Bath Travel Guide: Roman Baths, Georgian Crescents and Jane Austen
The Roman Baths, the Royal Crescent, Bath Abbey, Thermae Bath Spa, Pulteney Bridge and the Jane Austen Centre – how to spend a perfect weekend in Bath.
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With honey-coloured Georgian terraces, Roman hot springs and a compact, walkable centre, Bath is one of England's most beautiful cities – and the whole city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here's how to spend a weekend.
1. The Roman Baths
Britain's only natural hot springs fed a Roman bathing complex nearly 2,000 years ago. Walk around the steaming Great Bath and the museum. Book a timed ticket and go early or late to avoid crowds.
2. Bath Abbey
Next to the baths, the Abbey's fan-vaulted ceiling and huge windows are stunning. Tower tours lead up to the roof for views over the city.
3. The Royal Crescent and the Circus
Bath's most famous Georgian architecture: a sweeping crescent of 30 houses overlooking a park, and the circular terrace of the Circus nearby. No.1 Royal Crescent is a museum showing Georgian home life.
4. Thermae Bath Spa
Bathe in the naturally warm mineral water, ideally in the rooftop pool at sunset with views across the city's rooftops.
5. Pulteney Bridge and the weir
One of only a few bridges in the world lined with shops on both sides, overlooking a horseshoe-shaped weir on the River Avon.
6. The Jane Austen Centre
Austen lived in Bath from 1801 to 1806 and set two novels here. The centre explores her life in the city, and the Jane Austen Festival brings costumed parades each September.
7. The Assembly Rooms and Fashion Museum
Georgian high society met at the Assembly Rooms for balls and card games. Check the Fashion Museum's current location before you go, as it has been moving to a new home.
8. Walk the Skyline
The National Trust's Bath Skyline walk loops through meadows and woodland above the city, with sweeping views.
9. Afternoon tea and Sally Lunn's
Bath is a great place for afternoon tea, and Sally Lunn's, in one of the city's oldest houses, is known for its large, light buns.
10. Day trips
The Cotswold villages, Castle Combe and Lacock, Wells Cathedral and Stonehenge are all within easy reach.
Getting around
Bath's centre is compact and best explored on foot. Park and ride services help avoid city-centre traffic and parking costs.
Frequently asked questions
How many days do you need in Bath?
A weekend is ideal: one day for the Roman Baths, the Abbey and the Georgian streets, and another for the spa, museums or a trip to the Cotswolds.
How do you get to Bath from London?
Direct trains from London Paddington take around 90 minutes. Bath Spa station is in the city centre.
Can you swim in the Roman Baths?
No, but you can bathe in the same natural hot spring water at Thermae Bath Spa, including its rooftop pool.
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