What to do in Bath
Visitors to Bath will struggle to keep within this list of our 10 things to do in Bath so if you have the chance you might just want to start planning your return visit before you’ve completed your first stay!
1. Walk on the original Roman pavements on a tour of the Roman Baths. Marvel at the incredibly well preserved thermae, fed from several natural springs. Wander between the Sacred Spring and the 4 bathing areas spread across the upper and lower levels before taking in the historic finds in the on-site museum. Here you will find the gilt bronze head of the goddess of wisdom, healing and sacred waters – Sulis Minerva .
2. Visit between September and May and be sure to book tickets to a thrilling clash at Bath Rugby Club. Seen as the most professional amateur club in English History, the club was founded in 1865 and have played on their city centre ground since 1894. The match of the season is always the age-old rivalry clash against Leicester Tigers, but any match is worth a watch, followed by a pint in ‘The Swift Half’ in the supporters village where fan’s favourite The Richard Reeves Band often play post-match.
3. Want to see the sights but not sure where to start? Then the city-sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off bus tour is for you. With stops through the city your ticket is not only valid for a whole 24 hours, but on both routes. Choose city centre and enjoy a gentle ride, weaving through the must-see streets whilst listening to the guide point out the oldest pub in the city and explain where the saying ‘daylight robbery’ comes from. Before swapping to the skyline route to take in the surrounding countryside and enjoy the most breath-taking views Bath has to offer.
4. Enjoy your favourite tipple in Bath’s oldest pub – The Saracen’s Head. Built in 1713 on the site of an earlier inn you can dine in the former stables whilst peeking out through some of the original windows. Charles Dickens is believed to have stayed over during his time as a young parliamentary reporter.
5. Treat yourself to a meal at The Ivy! From modest beginnings as a café in central London in 1917 to now a collection of over 40 restaurants all across the UK, the ‘must do’ table to dine at is most definitely at The Ivy. The food is locally sourced and the menus change with the seasons, but one thing remains, and that’s the outstanding care and attention that goes into their classic British meals with a modern twist. Choose from breakfast or brunch, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner.
6. Take in the culture on a full day ricocheting from museum to gallery and back again. Explore Bath’s culture at The Holburne Museum (some Bridgerton scenes were filmed here), uncover the Georgian era at No1 Royal Crescent before embracing new styles at the Fashion Museum. Then take in classic and contemporary art at the Victoria Art Gallery before trying something a little different at the gothic House of Frankenstein.
7. Climb the 212 steps to the top of the tower on a tour of Bath Abbey but not before you’ve looked up at the fan vaulted ceiling created in the 1500s and taken in the details of the King Edgar, Great East and West Windows. You can sit for a moment in the quiet of the Birde Chantry Chapel and climb the spiral staircase that leads to the 4,000 pip Klais organ. The tower tour itself allows you to see the ringing chamber, bells and clock face before reaching the top to enjoy the stunning views of Bath from quite possibly the best vantage point in the whole city.
8. Shop till you drop! If you like to buy something unique then you must visit the Artisan Quarter in Bath where you will find an eclectic mix of characterful, independent shops before continuing over to the Upper City to search through the cluster of independent retailers for a unique gift or hand crafted treat for yourself. If a market is where you feel at home then West Bath is home to some great covered markets at Green Park station. Saturday morning you’ll find the best local and organic produce at the farmer’s market, and once a month it is home to the Vintage and Antiques market bursting with specialist collectables and antiques. Finally high street lovers will enjoy the city centre and SouthGate – home to over 50 popular brands and department stores.
9. Get festival fever at one of the many festivals and events which the city plays host to over the course of a year. The flagship Bath Festival sees over 120 events over ten fantastic days from the world of music and literature. Another for literary lovers is the Jane Austen festival spread over ten days in September. Featuring everything from performances and tours to workshops and talks, Jane Austen fans will be in their element. And as the night’s draw in get ready for a trip to the Bath Christmas Markets – laid out around the city centre you will find pretty stalls packed with festive gifts and tasty seasonal treats.
10. Climb the zig zag path to Alexandra Park and take in the views over the entire city. The 11 acre park was first opening in 1902 to commemorate the coronation of Edward VII. If you’re lucky the little coffee cart will be on site to reward your climb, or pack a little picnic and once you’ve taken your bird’s eye pictures of Bath relax on the grass before you take the much easier downhill route back to the city.
