31+ Fun Things to do in Bath, England
We’re sharing 13+ fun things to do in Bath, England, from ancient Roman history to Georgian architecture, hidden bookshops, and the best bites in town.
We’ve spent months exploring England and the greater United Kingdom. On our most recent trip in May 2026, we spent time in Bath and were instantly in love.
We’d planned for the Roman Baths and the Royal Crescent. We didn’t expect to spend an early morning with coffee on Pulteney Bridge, walk out of Topping & Company with (another) copy of The Hobbit, or stumble onto a local cricket match by accident.
That’s the thing about Bath. It’s a small city, easy to see in a day or two, but it rewards you for slowing down. The Georgian architecture gets all the postcards, and rightfully so. But the real magic is in the in-between moments: a quiet bridge before the crowds arrive, a street musician outside the Abbey, a bookshop you didn’t plan on spending two hours in.
After spending real time exploring the city on foot, we put together this list of the very best things to do in Bath, England. Whether you’re planning a quick day trip or a full weekend, this guide has everything you need to make the most of your time here.
Everything You Need to Plan Your Trip
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1) Visit the Roman Baths
We went to the Roman Baths on our first day in Bath, and we figured an hour or so would cover it. We ended up staying almost three hours.
It’s genuinely one of the most interesting museums we’ve visited anywhere. The artifacts are incredible, and the museum mixes in videos and audio throughout, so it never feels like you’re just reading placards.
We highly recommend springing for the audio tour. It gives you so much more context and detail than you’d get walking through on your own. Don’t plan this as a quick stop, either. Block out two to three hours if you want to actually take it all in.
Skip The Line And Book Roman Bath Tickets With An Audio Guide Here
2) Soak at Thermae Bath Spa
If you want to actually get in the water in Bath, Thermae Bath Spa is the only place to do it. It’s the only spot in the UK where you can bathe in natural thermal waters, and soaking in the rooftop pool with the whole city laid out below you is something we won’t forget.
We went in expecting it to feel like the hot springs back home in Colorado, which can run upwards of 111°F (44°C). We like it hot. The water at Thermae actually comes out of the ground that hot too, but it’s cooled to a more comfortable 92 to 96°F (33.5 to 35.5°C) before it reaches the pools. It caught us off guard at first, but the warm, gentle soak grew on us fast, especially paired with the Roman Steam Room, which was a real highlight.
It is a popular spot, so expect some crowds in the locker rooms and pools. Going first thing in the morning helps if you want a bit more breathing room.
One thing we wish we’d known sooner: Thermae opens the rooftop pool to creators and influencers before regular hours for photos. We missed that window this time, but it’s worth looking into if you create content and want that shot without the crowds.
Good to Know Before A visit to the Thermae Bath Spa:
A standard visit is the Thermae Welcome, a 2-hour spa session that includes towel and robe use. It runs £44 per person Monday through Friday, and £49 on weekends. Note that this is an adults-only spa, with a minimum age of 16. The rooftop pool is the main event, but don’t skip the Minerva Bath in the basement either. It’s quieter and gives you a lot more room to actually float around.
The Ultimate England Google Map
Planning a trip to England? We put together a custom Google Map with all of our favorite spots across the country, including everything we covered in this guide. Hotels, restaurants, attractions, hidden gems and more — all pinned and ready to go.
3) Marvel at the Royal Crescent
The Royal Crescent is one of the most photographed things to do in Bath, England, and it earns the reputation. It’s a sweeping row of 30 Georgian townhouses, all curved into a perfect crescent shape, and it’s hard not to stop and stare.
We made a point of walking the Crescent and the park directly in front of it ourselves during golden hour. The light hitting all that honey-colored stone made the whole street glow, and the green space out front gave us room to sit back and just take it in. We weren’t the only ones with that idea. The lawn was packed with people watching the sunset right along with us.
You don’t need a ticket to admire the Crescent itself. Walking the street and lounging in the park in front of it is free, and it’s one of the best things to do in Bath, England, especially if you time it for golden hour.
We got there a bit too late to go inside No. 1 Royal Crescent, the museum at the end of the row. It’s worth carving out time for it if you can. Tickets are £16 for adults, and it gives you a real look inside one of these Georgian homes.
4) Stroll The Circus
The Circus is one of Bath’s other famous Georgian landmarks, a ring of townhouses arranged in a perfect circle just up the road from the Royal Crescent. A few massive trees grow right in the center of it, and the whole space is much bigger in person than we expected.
It didn’t feel like a tourist stop when we were there. Local families were out playing on the green in the middle, which made it feel more like a neighborhood than a monument.
It’s free to walk through, and worth the short detour if you’re already headed toward the Royal Crescent.
5) Explore Royal Victoria Park
We stumbled into Royal Victoria Park right after leaving the Royal Crescent, and it ended up being one of our favorite surprises in Bath. The park is green and well kept, with potted plants scattered throughout that make it feel more like a garden than a city park.
We didn’t expect to find the Bath War Memorial tucked inside, or a full mini golf course right next to it. Victoria Falls Adventure Golf is a fun, unexpected stop if you’ve got kids in tow or just want a break from sightseeing.
Good to Know: There’s a public restroom on the southside of the park just off the car park, but most of the stalls looked out of order when we walked by. Don’t count on it if you need a bathroom break.
6) Ring the Church Bells at Bath Abbey
This was one of the best experiences we had anywhere in Bath, full stop, and it’s one of the most unique things to do in Bath, England if you want more than just a walk-through. We booked the Bath Abbey Tower Tour, and even with part of it closed for essential maintenance during our visit, it’s still one of the best tours we’ve done anywhere in Europe.
The tour takes you up 212 steps through the tower, and we got to explore the Nave roof with views over the city center, plus the Ringing Room where the bells are housed. Maintenance work meant we couldn’t access the tower roof or bell chamber this time, so we’ve already got another reason to go back.
Tickets were £18 each, and for the chance to live out a brief Quasimodo moment, ringing the massive bells and standing right behind the giant clock face, we’d happily pay it again.
Why Visit The Bath Abbey Without The Tour Tour:
You don’t need to be religious to appreciate this Abbey. The architecture and stained glass are genuinely stunning, tour or no tour. The Abbey is also far from a quiet, static building. It hosts a packed calendar of events and concerts throughout the year, and its choirs are genuinely world renowned.
Good to Know:
Maintenance work affecting the tower roof and bell chamber access is expected to run through late June 2026. Check the Bath Abbey website before booking if full tower access matters to you.
Book Directly with Bath Abbey for Tower Tours Here
Book a Walking Tour of Bath with a Guided Tour of Bath Abbey Here
7) Wander Pulteney Bridge and the Weir
Pulteney Bridge is one of the most iconic things to do in Bath, England, and one of only four bridges in the world lined with shops on both sides. The horseshoe-shaped weir just below it is just as photographed as the bridge itself, especially with the water rushing over it.
We made a point of getting there early, before the crowds, with coffee in hand from The Bridge Coffee Shop right on the bridge. Having the whole view mostly to ourselves made it one of the calmer, quieter moments of the trip.
The only downside to going early is that most of the shops on the bridge weren’t open yet, including the Bath Stamp & Coin Shop, which we would have liked to poke around in.
The Best Spots For Photos Of The Pulteney Bridge:
In our opinion, the best view of the bridge is from the east side along the River Avon Trail, with the Empire Hotel framed in the background. It’s worth the short walk for the photo alone.
It’s free to cross and free to admire from either riverbank, and it only takes a few minutes, but it’s worth lingering.
The Ultimate England Google Map
Planning a trip to England? We put together a custom Google Map with all of our favorite spots across the country, including everything we covered in this guide. Hotels, restaurants, attractions, hidden gems and more — all pinned and ready to go.
8) Walk the Bath Skyline Trail
We’d spent the entire week before Bath walking through the Cotswolds, so we figured we knew what to expect from English countryside walks. The Bath Skyline Trail still managed to surprise us. It’s a gorgeous, genuinely exciting walk, and one of our favorites of the whole trip.
The trail winds through green fields and past beautiful trees, with sweeping views over Bath the higher you climb. We did it on a dry, sunny day, but parts of the trail run right over grass, and a few spots looked like they’d get slick fast in the rain. If you’re walking this after a wet day, watch your footing.
We also ran into a few relentless bugs along the way, so don’t be surprised if you do too.
Good to Know:
We walked the loop counterclockwise, which meant the first 30 minutes were almost entirely uphill. Worth knowing before you start, especially if you want to pace yourself.
Get the Bath Skyline Trail Route on AllTrails Here
9) Cross the Palladian Bridge at Prior Park
Partway through the Skyline Trail, we detoured to Prior Park to see the Palladian Bridge, one of only four bridges of its kind in the world. A Palladian bridge is a classical, covered pedestrian bridge inspired by 16th-century architect Andrea Palladio, and seeing one in person is worth the short detour off the main trail.
Entry costs around £10 for adults, and we paid right at the gate.
One thing we didn’t do, but wish we had: climbing the hill behind the bridge. That spot gets you a higher angle looking down on the bridge with Bath in the background, and it’s supposed to be a gorgeous shot. We’re already planning to grab it next time.
Good to Know:
National Trust members get in free. We visited enough National Trust sites on this trip that a membership would have paid for itself. Worth looking into before your trip if you’re planning to see more than one or two sites.
10) Stroll the River Avon Trail
The River Avon Trail is an easy, scenic walk that strings together a few smaller stops worth seeing along the way. From this stretch, you get a different angle on the Pulteney Weir, plus a quick detour into the Beazer Garden Maze and a peek into the Recreation Ground, home to Bath Rugby.
The maze itself is tiny. It only took us a few minutes to figure out the correct path, but it was a fun few minutes. We should have timed ourselves and raced through it.
We walked by the Recreation Ground around 7am, and it was completely empty. On the northwest corner near the river path, there’s a set of steps you can climb to get a view into the pitch, which is worth the quick detour even with nothing going on.
11) Catch a Match at Bath Cricket Club
On our way to start the Bath Skyline Trail, we passed Bath Cricket Club mid-match and ended up stopping to watch for a bit. We’ll be honest, we don’t really understand cricket. But the crowd was clearly into it, and we got swept up in the energy anyway.
It was a fun, unplanned little detour, and exactly the kind of local moment you can’t really plan for. We’d love to get a proper introduction to cricket one of these days so we can actually follow what’s happening.
12) Browse Topping & Company Booksellers
This shop is massive, and it’s right next to Bath Abbey, which makes it easy to pair the two stops together. Topping & Company is recognized as one of the largest independent bookshops in Britain, and it’s often cited as having more bookshelf space than any other indie bookstore in the country.
It felt like a bookshop should. Multiple floors, room after room, ladders running up to the highest shelves. We came in just to look around and walked out with another copy of The Hobbit, because of course we did.
13) Catch a Live Musician at Kingston Parade
Right next to Bath Abbey, there’s a small square called Kingston Parade where street musicians regularly perform. We caught a few different performers there over our few days in Bath, but one pianist really caught our attention.
His name was Luke Gajdus, and we ended up standing there for twenty minutes just listening to him play. He played with so much passion that we bought one of his CDs afterward, just to support him. Check out his music here.
It’s the kind of moment you can’t really plan for, but it’s worth slowing down for if you hear music drifting through the square.
14) Peek Into Mr B’s Emporium of Reading Delights
We tried to get into Mr B’s Emporium of Reading Delights three different times. Every time, we missed, so Instead, we settled for looking through the windows.
One of the coolest things about this shop is something called a Reading Spa. A bibliotherapist hand-picks a stack of books based on what you love to read. They bring you coffee and cake, and you sit and start reading right there.
It’s so popular that they’re already booking into 2027. If you want to do one, plan way ahead.
15) Wander Milsom and Union Street
Milsom and Union Street were busy every time we walked through, and we walked through more than once. The only time it felt empty was at 7:30am on our last day, while we were out taking photos.
We happened to catch an outdoor food festival happening right in the middle of it all on one visit. Vendors were selling all kinds of things. Katie found a stall selling wool thread from a local farmer. There was even a BBQ stand built in the shape of a train.
It’s worth checking what’s happening before you go. Bath seems to have something going on more often than not.
16) Grab a Souvenir Print at Pitch26
We’ve gotten into collecting art from the cities and countries we visit, so Pitch26 was an easy stop for us. The shop sells hand-drawn architectural illustrations of Bath, created by a local architect named Robert Kann.
Joey actually started his college career in architectural design, so he has a soft spot for this kind of work. We wandered in and ended up talking with the manager for almost an hour. We’ve spent a lot of time in NYC, and it turns out that was plenty to talk about.
If you love a good souvenir with some actual craft behind it, this is worth the stop.
17) Shop for Souvenirs at Jack’s of Bath
Jack’s is a pretty normal souvenir shop, but it had a few fun surprises. We spotted a whole shelf of very British tea kettles. They looked more like decor than something you’d actually brew with.
It’s right by Bath Abbey, so it’s an easy stop if you’re already in the area. While you’re there, swing by Mokoko Coffee & Bakery next door. It’s worth a visit too.
18) Grab a Bite at Angelo’s Bakery
We stopped in for a quick bite and ended up meeting Angelo himself. He was incredibly friendly, and clearly passionate about quality dough.
It might have been one of the simplest sandwiches we’ve ever had. It was also one of the most satisfying. This is one of those places we won’t forget.
If you are in Bath, Angelo’s Bakery is a must stop.
19) Get Chicken Pad Thai at Rosa’s Thai
We’ve eaten at Rosa’s Thai in more cities than we can count on one hand at this point. Glasgow, Edinburgh, Oxford, and now Bath.
A few dishes are always on rotation for us. The Chicken Pad Thai, the Red Duck Pineapple Curry, and the Massaman Beef Curry never disappoint. The veggie spring rolls are top tier too.
If you’re craving something other than pub food, this is a fantastic stop.
20) Grab Cookies at The Bath Bakervee
The Bath Baervee was close to our hotel at Eight. We walked by it every time we left or returned to it.
On our last day, before catching the train to the Cornwall Coast, we finally stopped in for a sweet treat. We picked up a red velvet cookie and a chocolate chip cookie. Both were delicious.
The only thing we wish we’d done differently was buy more.
21) Spot Cool Cars Around Bath
England has a lot of great cars we just don’t get back home in America. Walking around Bath, we couldn’t help but notice all the right-hand-drive Land Rover Defenders. We counted way more than one.
It became a fun little game for us, spotting Porsche Speedsters and Suzuki Jimnys parked along the streets. If you’re a car person too, keep your eyes open. Bath delivers.
22) Take a Guided Walking Tour of Bath
This one wasn’t on our itinerary, but it’s exactly the kind of thing we’d book next time. A Blue Badge Tourist Guide leads you through Bath’s major sights. That includes the Royal Crescent, The Circus, Queen Square, Pulteney Bridge, and Bath Abbey.
These guides are fully qualified. You’ll get real history and context at every stop, not just a quick photo op. It’s a great option if you want the city’s story explained as you walk.
23) See Bridgerton Filming Locations on a Walking Tour
We missed this one ourselves, but Bridgerton fans will want to add it. The tour visits 10 filming locations around Bath, including the Featherington house and Lady Danbury’s mansion.
You’ll wander through the same Georgian streets and squares the show is known for. That includes the Guildhall, the Royal Crescent, and Bath Street. The tour even uses headphones to play music from the series as you walk.
If you’ve ever wanted to step inside the world of the show, this is about as close as it gets.
24) Take a Half-Day Trip to Stonehenge
We went to Stonehenge a few years ago and didn’t feel like doing it again on this trip. If you haven’t been, though, this half-day tour picks you up right in Bath and gets you there in a comfortable minibus.
Along the way, your driver-guide shares the history of the area as you pass through the Cotswolds and Salisbury Plain. Once you arrive, you get two hours to explore Stonehenge and the visitor center at your own pace.
If you’ve never seen Stonehenge in person, it’s worth the half day away from the city.
25) Take a Guided Ghost Tour of Bath
This wasn’t part of our trip, but it caught our eye while researching the city. This walking tour covers the haunted side of Bath, with stories about medieval monks, hanged criminals, and restless poltergeists.
The tour stops at well-known spots like Bath Abbey, Queen Square, and the Theatre Royal. It also winds through hidden alleyways most visitors never see.
It’s an interactive tour too, so don’t be surprised if you get pulled into the story. There’s even a paranormal experiment near the end, if you’re brave enough.
Book the Guided Ghost Tour of Bath Here
Here’s another Guided Ghost Tour of Bath Here
26) Take a Scenic Cruise Past Pulteney Weir
We didn’t squeeze this one in, but seeing Pulteney Weir from the water sounds like a great change of pace. This 30-minute river cruise drifts along the River Avon, right past the weir and Pulteney Bridge.
Your crew shares stories about Bath’s Roman and Georgian history as you go. Keep an eye out for swans and kingfishers along the banks too.
The cruise starts and ends at Broad Quay Riverside, close enough to keep exploring on foot afterward.
27) Take “The Bad of Bath” Walking Tour
This tour wasn’t on our list, but it sounds like a fun twist on the usual history walk. Instead of just the highlights, this 90-minute walk covers Bath’s scandalous side, with stories about thieves, gamblers, and corruption.
You’ll still pass the major sights, including the Royal Crescent, The Circus, and Pulteney Bridge. The walk starts and ends at Bath Abbey, and it’s both pram and wheelchair friendly.
If you want something a little less polished than the usual history lesson, this looks like a fun pick.
28) Have Afternoon Tea at The Regency Tea Room
We skipped this one on our trip, but it pairs perfectly with a stop at the Jane Austen Centre. The Regency Tea Room serves a full afternoon tea, with finger sandwiches, cakes, and a warm scone. It comes with Dorset clotted cream and jam too.
The room itself is decorated in period style. You really do feel like you’ve stepped into Jane Austen’s world. It’s a relaxing, slightly indulgent way to take a break from sightseeing.
29) Try a British Wine and Cheese Tasting
This one was completely booked up by the time we tried, but it sounds like a perfect rainy-day activity. The tasting happens in a cellar beneath a wine and cheese shop in the heart of Bath.
You get three glasses of award-winning English wine and three kinds of British cheese. Chutney, biscuits, and other snacks come along with it. It’s an adults-only experience, and groups run from 2 to 6 people.
Tastings run Friday through Sunday, so it’s worth planning around if you want to fit it in.
30) Take a Hot Air Balloon Flight Over Bath
A hot air balloon flight might be the most incredible way to see Bath. It’s already on our list for next time. The flight gets you 45 to 60 minutes in the air, floating over the honey-colored stone, Georgian curves, and Roman ruins below.
You’ll meet your pilot and crew, watch the balloon inflate, then climb in for takeoff. Once you’re up, it’s quiet, calm, and a totally different view of the city.
Flights include a safety briefing, photos, a 3D flight track, and transportation to the launch site. You can choose a morning or afternoon flight, depending on your schedule.
31) Plan a Staycation in Bath, England
Not everything in Bath has to be a sight to check off. Some of the best moments come from slowing down completely.
The Francis Hotel overlooks Queen Square and puts you steps from almost everything else on this list. Bring a good book, order room service, and let breakfast come to you instead of the other way around.
If you want to take it even further, look into Hiding Space at Trim Street Apartments. It’s a penthouse with a hot tub overlooking all of Bath.
Either way, give yourself at least one slow morning. You came all this way. Let yourself actually live like a local for a day.
Book The Francis Hotel Here
Book Hiding Space at Trim Street Apartments Here
Planning Your Trip to Bath, England
What Airport To Fly Into
If you’re coming from outside the UK, fly into London Heathrow. It’s the easiest airport for long-haul flights, with frequent train and coach connections straight to Bath.
If you’re already in Europe, Bristol Airport is much closer to Bath, just under an hour away. It mainly serves short-haul budget airlines like easyJet and Ryanair, though, so it won’t work for most international routes.
Good to Know: From Bristol Airport, the Air Decker bus runs directly to Bath. From Heathrow, you’ll take a train or coach into London first, then connect on to Bath Spa station.
Insider Tip
We book all of our European transportation through OMIO. It compares trains, buses, flights, and ferry tickets all in one place. No switching between apps, no guessing which operator is cheapest. It is hands down the easiest way to get around Europe.
How to Get Around Bath
Bath is a small, walkable city. Most of the things on this list are within a 20 to 30 minute walk of each other.
You won’t need a car once you’re here, and parking in the city center is limited and expensive anyway. If you’re coming from London or Bristol, the train into Bath Spa station is the easiest way in.
We use Omio to book trains, buses, and ferries all over Europe, including the route into Bath. It’s an easy way to compare times and prices in one place.
Best Time to Visit Bath, England
Bath is popular nearly any time of year, but late spring and early fall tend to bring the best mix of good weather and smaller crowds. We visited in early May and had warm, sunny days for almost our entire trip.
Summer is the busiest season, especially around the Roman Baths and Royal Crescent. If you want a quieter visit, aim for the shoulder seasons instead.
More Coming Soon
We’re still working through our photos and notes from this trip, so check back soon for the rest of this list, including our favorite bookshop find, more food spots, and a few more hidden gems.
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