When it comes to things to do in Bath, look no further than KAYAK for top tips on places to visit, such as historical and culturally important landmarks, great bars and restaurants and the perfect hotels to go with it. To discover more about Bath, you can check out our guide.
Unmissable Places to visit in Bath
Bath Abbey
When visiting the historic city of Bath, one of the truly unmissable places at the top of our list is the awe-inspiring Bath Abbey. A historical landmark of epic proportions, it was built as a parish church of by The Church of England and founded back in the 7th Century. It underwent rebuilding work in the 12th and 16th centuries, with further restoration work taking place in the 1860s.
Visiting the Abbey is free, and it’s easily accessible within walking distance of the city centre. There are also tours available that are very reasonably priced. For a similar rate, you can get a tour of the tower which provides panoramic views of the city.
The Roman Baths
To really experience the history and culture of Bath as a city, getting to know its origins is part of it. The city’s name is partially accredited to the Romans as around the year 60AD, the Romans upon which they built a temple, upgraded the roads and built created the baths that remain today.
You can take advantage of the many facilities available, such as the Neo-Classical styled Pump Room restaurant. Guided tours and audio guides are available for both adults and children for a very reasonable fee. Experience 2,000 years of Roman history and culture in one iconic setting.
Pulteney Bridge and The Weir
Pulteney Bridge is of a Palladian style designed bridge that and was built over the River Avon in 1769. The bridge and its weir beneath is an iconic image of the city and, should you be visiting. one that shouldn’t be missed should you be visiting. The bridge also has the unusual characteristic of incorporating a number of different shops inside, whilst in this area there are some great places to grab a coffee or bite to eat, such as The Hive Bar & Kitchen and Antica Bath Restaurant.
Bath boat trips depart from here while the city open top bus tour departs Grand Parade, just around the corner. It’s a particularly romantic place to start and finish a night-time stroll with someone special, especially with the many intimate restaurants and bars in the area.
The Royal Crescent & The Circus
For those architecture fans out there, visiting the Royal Crescent and The Circus in Bath is a must, especially as they are both iconic parts of the city, curving rows of grand Georgian styled terraced housing that engulf the serene public greens. Only a short walk from each other, both the Royal Crescent and The Circus depict an architectural wonder that many other cities in the United Kingdom cannot replicate or come close to in comparison.
You can reach both within around 20 minutes when walking from the city centre, while the green in front of the Royal Crescent connects to Royal Victoria Park, so it’s a welcoming visual transition should you be walking from the park.
The Best of Bath’s Bars & Restaurants
The Dark Horse
After a long day of walking and sightseeing, you’ll need somewhere to unwind and enjoy a drink or two to bring in the evening. When it comes to cocktail bars and chilled, intimate atmospheres, then look no further than The Dark Horse on Kingsmead Square, situated right in the centre and around a 5 minute walk from Bath Abbey.
You’ll find a diverse seasonal menu of locally sourced ingredients that includes classic and innovative cocktails in a darkly lit setting, surrounded by wooden décor and finely selected antique furniture to relax in. A real nightlife highlight of Bath, and its only minutes away, check it out!
Henry’s
For the best restaurants in Bath, a great choice for either lunch or dinner (that includes a Taster Menu), is the modern British restaurant of Henry’s on Saville Row, a few minutes’ walk from The Circus and The Royal Crescent. Here, you can experience an imaginative Taster Menu that has had food critics purring, enjoying the locally sourced ingredients incorporated into some classic and modern British dishes, as well as some with a European twist. The menu is seasonal so regularly changes, and you can check out what’s on offer online just in time for your visit.
Corkage
If you’re looking for a restaurant that not only provides top-quality food but also wine, then Corkage is your kind of place. An award-winning independent restaurant that serves creative dishes, with ingredients that is locally sourced while providing first-class wines from all over the world. Should you be interested in taking a bottle home with you, then you’re in luck as Corkage also has its own wine shop. You can find Corkage located on Chapel Row which is around a 3-minute walk from The Theatre Royal.
Bath’s hidden gems
Royal Victoria Park’s Botanical Gardens
The Royal Victoria Park is situated in the west of Bath, around a 15-minute walk from the centre of the city. Here you can take in wonderful, landscaped gardens with idyllic ponds and classical style bridges. The Botanical Gardens are located on the northwest corner of the park, is free to enter and you can enjoy the quaint walkways, an array of botanical plants and flowers as well as a replica Roman temple.
The Botanical Gardens were formed as far back as 1887, and throughout the years have been a beneficiary of many generous donations of Victorian plants and unique trees. It is a wonderful place to take a stroll in the summer afternoon sunshine.
Backstage Tours of Bath’s Theatre Royal
Though a city’s theatre would be one of the mainstays for its cultural heritage, Bath’s Theatre Royal has an extra trick up its sleeve for all those theatre goers that want to be close to the action. Unlike a lot of classic theatre venues, here you can enjoy backstage tours and get a taste of what happens behind the curtain.
The tours last around 45 minutes, with entry costing about 6 per person. You can book your tickets online, but make sure to thoroughly check the available dates and times as these are scheduled accordingly to avoid clashes with rehearsals and final productions. Check out the Theatre Royal’s website for more info.
Bath Skyline walk
The beautiful countryside that surrounds Bath is breathtaking, and you can experience the rolling hills that overlook the city by taking the Bath Skyline walk. A National Trust walking trail is only just outside the city’s limits, around a 20-minute walk from the city centre, and takes you through six miles of serene woodland, valleys and meadows.
On your way, you can discover historical gems such as Sham Castle and the picturesque Balcony and Rainbow Wood Fields. To complete the walk takes around three to four hours, but you’ll be in for a treat with a number of great vantage points through the tree lined hills, showing Bath from a different perspective. If you want to find out more about Bath Skyline walk, check out the official website.
Topping & Company Booksellers
If you’re into books and love the allure of an old bookshop, then check out Topping & Company Booksellers on York Street, just around the corner from Bath Abbey. An independent bookshop with the authentic feel of a classic library, you’ll feel right at home just admiring the layout of wall to wall of colourful books.
The evenings at the shop also bring interesting talks from authors, giving readers the chance to meet them and discuss their literature. An added touch is you can also enjoy a complimentary tea or coffee while you browse through your favourite reads.
