Bath, England is one of the most gorgeous towns in all of England. It began as a Roman spa more than 2,000 years ago! It is the only city in the UK with a natural hot spring bath dating back to the Roman Age. To help conserve all of this history, the city center has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
It is a magnificent town that has plenty to offer visitors. The town makes for a wonderful day trip from London. It can easily be combined with Stonehenge for a full day outside of the city.
The historic center is easy to navigate and can easily be done on foot. You can visit the highlights of the town (listed below) in a matter of hours.
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When is the Best Time to Visit Bath?
Honestly, there is no “bad” time to visit this town. The town is quite incredible year-round. However, the best time to visit is during the summer months when you’ll have plenty of sunshine and warmer weather. The Royal Crescent and Abbey look even more beautiful with the sun beaming directly on them.
It is also quite magical in the winter months when the town hosts the Christmas Market. Strolling amongst twinkling lights and stunning holiday displays while sipping on a hot tea…there’s nothing quite like it!
5 Places You Absolutely Must See
Visit the Roman Baths
Obviously, if the town is called Bath, you’ve got to visit the town’s namesake. The Roman Baths are the town’s prime attraction, and rightfully so. These 2000-year-old spa baths are fed by the country’s only natural hot spring.
The centerpiece of the Roman Bath is the open-air pool known as the Great Bath. There are also several indoor rooms with pools that are fed by the spring. The waters were claimed to have therapeutic powers- however…you won’t have a chance to find out for yourself. Visitors are not allowed to strip down naked and hop in (sorry).
There is an audio tour that you can listen to to learn all about the history of this amazing site.
Gaze at the Abbey
The 15th-century Bath Abbey stands guard over the historic old town right next to the Roman Baths. The abbey offers remarkable views of the town and the nearby countryside from the Tower. Do yourself a favor and march yourself up the 200+ steps to the top, it’s worth it!
The Abbey is gorgeous inside and out, so make sure you peek inside. The stained glass windows and architecture are awe-inspiring.
See the Royal Crescent
This part of town is one of the finest examples of Georgian Architecture. The crescent-shaped building dates back to the 18th century. The lawn across from the Crescent is perfect for picnics.
Hit Up the Shops of Pulteney Bridge
This bridge is one of only four bridges in the world that has shops spanning its entire length- which is pretty rad. It is also one of the town’s most photographed sites and is another gleaming example of Georgian architecture.
Visit Jane Austen Centre
Jane Austen was a world-famous author who once called the town her home. Austen penned several prominent pieces such as “Sense and Sensibility”, “Pride and Prejudice”, and “Emma.” The Jane Austen Centre focuses on the life and works of Austen as well as the Regency period, in which she lived.
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15 replies on “5 Places You Absolutely Must See in Bath, England”
Ah I was supposed to visit Bath in December but we are in tier 3 so we couldn’t go! We’ve rescheduled it for 2021 and are keeping our fingers crossed we’ll be able to go because it looks beautiful! I’d love to visit the Roman Baths and Royal Crescent. Thanks for the great guide!
Ugh COVID ruins everything! I hope you’ll have a chance to go in ’21! It’s such a charming little town and is definitely worth a visit. Thanks for stopping by, Hannah. 🙂
Lovely post! am a big fan of Bath…although I have to admit, I have spent waaaaay more time having high tea there than actually visiting the baths – oops! I especially love the beautiful architechture. 🙂
The architecture is absolutely breathtaking! I visited the Regency Tea Room while I was there, as well. I’d love to go back again. Thanks for stopping by!
Wonderful read! I had no idea Bath is only city in the UK with a natural hot spring!
Honestly, I didn’t realize that either until I started researching for my post.
Bath has been on my Short bucket list. Hope to go SOON. For a small town it is definitely quite a gem. I am particularly enamored with the Roman Baths. They are so remarkable!
I hope that you get a chance to visit. It’s definitely worth the trip!
I visited Bath many, many years ago before I read Jane Austen. When I did read her books I was able to imagine her in Bath experiencing some of the things her characters did. If I ever go back, I will visit the Jane Austn Centre.
I had the same experience! I hadn’t read any of her works before my visit, either.
Awww, I was so wanting to jump in the bath! Looks like a cool place. The architecture is amazing.
You may develop some kind of third eye or something 🙂 You’re right, the architecture is incredible!
It is amazing to me how Roman baths are spread all around the world England, Lebanon and everywhere in between!
I agree, it really makes you picture just how far the Roman Empire was stretched out!
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