With its elegant Georgian buildings and ancient Roman Baths, the city of Bath on the River Avon is truly inviting.
As you have probably already guessed from the name, this city is famous for its healing waters. The Romans loved the natural hot spring waters and built beautiful and functional structures for enjoying them. However, there’s more to Bath than simply soaking in hot mineral springs.
This city is also a backdrop to many famous Jane Austen novels and its fabulous Georgian architecture is incredibly grand and well preserved. Not to mention it is bursting at the seams with top notch restaurants, swanky nightclubs, welcoming cafes and excellent pubs. It is one of the best shopping destinations in Somerset, with plenty of lovely little boutiques selling unique treasures.
Only an hour and a half away from London on the train, it makes for a great day trip if you are visiting the capital. Or, (if you have time) you’ll certainly find enough to enjoy in Bath to warrant a longer visit.
Read on for some helpful information you can keep in mind when planning your trip.
Best Time of Year to Go To Bath
There really isn’t a bad time to go to Bath – the city is beautiful in all kinds of weather. No matter what month you come to Bath you will find something exciting happening – check out the events and festivals calendar to plan your visit.
Springtime brings many exciting festivals including the Bath Literature Festival, the Bath Comedy Festival and the Annual Flower Show at Royal Victoria Park. Summer is the busiest and most expensive time to visit, although it is when you will have the highest chance of pleasant, sunny days.
Autumn can be an ideal time to plan a trip. The crowds of summer are gone and although the temperatures are a bit more brisk, the hotel prices are lower. The countryside becomes even more breathtaking as the leaves change from green to amber and deep crimson.
Bath is also magical during the winter season. It hosts a Christmas Market, complete with carol singers, handicraft stalls and steaming cups of mulled wine. It is also the season for the Bath Film Festival and the annual Mozartfest.
Tips for Saving Money In Bath
A trip to Bath doesn’t have to break the bank. Here are some tips to keep in mind to cut down your costs during your visit.
- This destination gets busy on the weekends, so you are more likely to find a cheap room rate if you are able to visit mid-week. Plus, if you visit from Monday to Thursday you will also see much fewer crowds at the main attractions.
- If you travel to Bath on a First Great Western train, you can keep hold of your ticket and receive many different two for one offers at local restaurants and attractions.
- Most of the main historic buildings and landmarks are within walking distance of each other, so save money on transport by enjoying the beautiful architecture on foot.
- Several restaurants in Bath offer lunch or early dinner menus that provide excellent value for money.
- Restaurants are expensive, but for a cheap meal you can grab fish and chips or meat pies instead.
- If you plan on taking more than one bus in a day, it is worth getting the 4 GBP one day bus ticket.
- Instead of paying for expensive theatre tickets, just watch the street performers. There are street performers of all different types in Bath, from guitar players to opera singers, and you are free to watch them as much as you like. (Of course, if you enjoyed the performance be sure to toss a few coins in the performer’s hat!)
Must-See Attractions
- The Roman Spa Baths: These hot springs have been one of the most visited places in Britain for more than two thousand years. They are very popular, so to avoid the crowds plan to be at the doors when they open at 9am. Or, if you are visiting in July or August you can take advantage of the late night hours and visit until 9pm.
- Thermae Bath Spa: You can’t take a dip in the historic Roman baths, but you can soak in the gorgeous rooftop pool at the Thermae Bath Spa.
- Pulteney Bridge: More than just an ordinary bridge, this unique heritage site has restaurants, cafes and shops inside.
- Mayor’s Guides Free Walking Tour: These free tours are a great way to get to know the city. They last around 2 hours and they will reveal the main points of historic interest throughout Bath.
- The Museum of Bath at Work: At this intriguing museum you can learn about how residents have earned a living throughout the 2,000 year history of the city.
- The Victoria Art Gallery: This excellent gallery is known for its stunning collection, featuring works by Gainsborough, Turner and many more. Plus, admission to the permanent collection is free so this is a very budget-friendly Bath attraction.
- Bath City Boat Trips: Take a slow and relaxing tour along the River Avon, complete with historical commentary on all of the sights of Bath as you float on by. Or, if you don’t want to take a boat tour you can always take a walk along the river.
- The Crescent: Go for a stroll around this stunning neighbourhood with unique and eye-catching Georgian architecture.
- The Holburne Museum: This gorgeous listed Heritage building was originally designed as a hotel and it is now an important treasure trove of art and history, with porcelain, sculpture and masterpieces dating back to the Renaissance era.
- Prior Park: Take a walk through these lovely landscaped gardens and enjoy some of the best views of Bath.
When you take the time to really soak up the culture and attractions of Bath, you’ll discover that this historic city is one of the most enjoyable spots in England to visit.
Why not start planning your Bath getaway today?
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