Visiting Bath is like a journey into the time-worn pages of a Jane Austen novel, where history and culture ooze out of the Georgian limestone townhouses and cobbled streets. Spend a few days exploring the beautiful crescents, unwinding at the famous Roman baths, eating to your heart’s content, and exploring the surrounding woodland and leafy parks. Enjoy all the top things to do in Bath with our FAB visitor’s guide.
Things to do in Bath
Bath is the largest city in Somerset, named after the extraordinary Roman Baths and discovered by the Romans in the 1st century AD. Such history doesn’t go unnoticed, and the city was awarded UNESCO world heritage status for its important historical contribution. As such, culture vultures won’t be short of things to do in Bath, with its endless museums, ancient buildings, art galleries, and seasonal events.
1. Visit the Roman Baths
The Roman Baths are one of the most important things to see on your trip to Bath. Discovered by the Romans, the baths have become an emblem of the city and are still open to the public today. They are also the only natural thermal baths in the UK, so take advantage and make the most of this extraordinary thing to do in Bath.
Book tickets for the Roman Baths
2. Hot Air Balloon, Bath
For a different perspective of this beautiful city, fly in a hot air balloon over Bath! Fly Away Ballooning offers private and shared flights for couples, small groups and families of up to 8 people, allowing you to enjoy this once in a lifetime experience.
Soar over the city, see the ancient roofs from the peace of the clouds and gain a unique insight into the architecture and layout of this incredible city. There is no better way to honour a town that’s defied time and technology, much like ballooning itself!
FAB Tip: Depending on the wind direction, you’ll get to either drift across the Cotswolds, Mendips or the Kennet and Avon canal—bliss!
Discover our Bath hot air balloon flights
3. Visit the Royal Crescent
The Royal Crescent is one of the most iconic streets in Bath; it’s a sweeping crescent of stunning limestone townhouses built alongside an arched cobbled street and used as the setting for many a famous film.
Channel your inner Jane Austen and wander to your heart's content. If you’re visiting on a sunny day, you’ll see the lawn in front of the crescent filled with people enjoying this beautiful setting.
FAB Fact: Did you know that the Royal Crescent is not the only crescent in Bath? There are several others, including The Circus, which is a circle of beautiful townhouses. This, together with the Royal Crescent, is said to represent the sun and moon.
4. Bath Abbey
Bath Abbey is one of the most ancient monuments in Bath, and it’s simply breathtaking. For those interested in history, there is plenty to learn about here. However, above all, it’s has some of the most outstanding views (apart from a balloon flight in Bath, of course!). Climb the 200+ steps to the top of the abbey tower for beautiful vistas of the city.
5. Afternoon Tea
Is there anything more British than afternoon tea? After a busy day of walking around Bath, enjoy a delicious afternoon tea at one of the many charming cafes in the city. Whether it's mini sandwiches, traditional scones, or delicious cakes, there’s something for all tastebuds. Some great places to try are:
6. Pulteney Bridge
Think of Bath and Pulteney Bridge will jump straight to mind. The wonderful arched bridge is a postcard favourite and a lovely place to spend some time when visiting Bath. Walk over the bridge or hire a boat and admire it from the water instead.
FAB Tip: Once you’ve admired the bridge, head to the nearby Beazer Garden Maze for one of the more unusual activities in Bath.
7. Go Boating on the River
Boating is not only reserved for the canals of Venice; it’s also one of the most popular things to do in Bath! Enjoy the city's sights from the River Avon by having a go at traditional punting, romantic rowing, or adventurous paddleboarding.
8. Go Shopping in Bath
Bath is a highly creative city, making it a hub for arts and crafts shopping. Whether it's enjoying the boutiques of Green Street, the bookstores and trinkets of Bath Guildhall Market, or the vintage wares and antiques at Green Park Station, there are plenty of treasures to be found in Bath.
9. Bath Skyline
It might not be quite as effective as a hot air balloon ride, but there is another way to take to the sky in Bath by completing the Bath Skyline walk. The path leaves from the city centre and is broken into 3 or 6-mile routes, both of which have great views across the city.
10. Bath Ghost Tour
It might be the creepiest of all the things to do in Bath, but the Bath Ghost Tour is well worth it. Join a knowledgeable guide as you walk through the streets and graveyards, learning about some of the strangest, scariest and most ancient Bath legends. Prepare for an adrenaline-pumping night!
Other Things to do in Bath
Visiting Bath for a while or planning ahead for future events? Some fantastic things to do in Bath are:
- Visit Bath Racecourse and ‘have a flutter’ on the horses.
- Watch the rugby at Bath Stadium.
- Belly laugh at Komedia Comedy Night.
- Book a ticket for Bath Boules (a weekend event held every July). During this 3-day Boules tournament, you’ll also find a great street market where you can get delicious food and drink.
- Dance at Pub in the Park (a mini-festival held 17-19 June 2022). Some of the nation’s top bands and chefs attend the event.
How to Visit Bath
Bath is one of the most famous cities in the UK and has excellent transport links from major destinations like London and Bristol. Book ahead to get reasonable prices on trains or take the bus for a cheaper option.
Travelling by Hot Air Balloon, Bath
Walking might be the standard choice for a city trip, but for a more dynamic way of getting around town, choose to fly by hot air balloon in Bath!
When to Visit Bath, England
Spring is the best time for your visit to Bath. During this season, the days get longer and warmer, and the spring flowers complement the beautiful architecture. Christmas time is also an excellent time to visit; the temperatures are cold, but it’s a great time to wrap up and enjoy the twinkling lights and festive markets.
Best Time to Enjoy a Hot Air Balloon Ride, Bath
Spring and summer are beautiful seasons to fly on a hot air balloon in Bath. Even if it’s cloudy, this can be the perfect weather as you soar above the clouds in your very own wonderland. Contact Fly Away Ballooning to ask questions and book your hot air balloon ride.
Best Restaurants in Bath
Bath is home to some fantastic places to eat and drink, whether it's traditionally upmarket English restaurants or wine and tapas bars. Some highly recommended places to go are:
- Beckford Bottle Shop (wine and small plates)
- Corkage (wine and food)
- Dos Dedos (Mexican)
- The Elder (English seasonal dishes)
- The Circus (European)
- Ole Tapas (Spanish)
- Sotto Sotto (Italian)
- Noya’s Kitchen (Vietnamese)
- Landrace Bakery (breakfast and buns!)