Of all the hidden gems tucked away in the rolling hills of England, there's one city
that stands out as a truly unique destination - that is, of course, Bath.
With its stunning Georgian architecture, natural hot springs, and rich cultural history, this
city is a traveler's dream come true.
Whether you're a history buff, a foodie, or simply someone looking for a picturesque getaway,
Bath has something to offer everyone.
So pack your bags, grab your camera, and get ready to discover the best things to do in
this enchanting city.
Viewcation Presents: The Best Things To Do In Bath, England
Shop At Pulteney Bridge
Pulteney Bridge is without question one of the most iconic and recognizable landmarks
in Bath, England, and is a must-see attraction for anyone visiting the city.
This historic bridge, which spans the River Avon, was designed by Robert Adam and completed
in 1774.
What makes Pulteney Bridge unique is its architectural style, which is reminiscent of the Ponte Vecchio
in Florence, Italy.
It features a row of shops and houses built into the bridge on both sides, which gives
it a distinct and charming character.
The shops and houses are still occupied today, and you can find a variety of boutiques, cafes,
and restaurants selling everything from handmade chocolates to antique books.
But beyond its aesthetic appeal, Pulteney Bridge also has a rich history.
It was originally built to connect the newly developed area of Bathwick to the city center
and was named after Frances Pulteney, the wife of William Pulteney, who was a wealthy
Bath landowner and member of parliament.
Visit The Ancient Roman Baths
Dating back to 60 AD, the Roman Baths are one of the most popular tourist attractions
in Bath.
The original temple, which channeled natural hot springs inside, has undergone many phases
of development and destruction over the centuries, resulting in a fascinating site for visitors
to explore today.
Visitors to the Roman Baths can admire the Great Bath (surrounded by Victorian-era statues),
explore the sacred spring, and view the remains of the Temple to Sulis Minerva.
A first-rate museum and engaging audioguide provide insights into the site's historical
significance and preservation.
However, due to its popularity, the Roman Baths can become crowded, particularly with
tour and school groups.
We recommend visiting early or late to avoid long lines, if possible, and setting aside
at least two hours for a comprehensive visit.
With its rich history and unique attractions, the Roman Baths are a must-see destination
for anyone exploring the captivating city of Bath.
Knock Back A Pint Or Two
Craft beer enthusiasts will be delighted to know that Bath has plenty of options for a
satisfying drinking experience.
The locals love their native brews, with many pubs offering Electric Bear, Bath Ales, and
Abbey Ales (the oldest brewery in town).
And of course, let's not overlook the beloved West Country cider and its core ingredient,
apples.
While visiting Bath, take the opportunity to learn about the craft of brewing by heading
straight to the source.
Wadworth's Victorian tower brewery is a standout attraction not to be missed.
Sample A Sally Lunn Bun
At first, we were skeptical about Sally Lunn's bun, but after trying it, we were blown away.
Housed in Bath's oldest building, Sally Lunn's Historic Eating House proudly claims to be
"one of the world's most famous eating houses," and it certainly lives up to the hype.
The star of the show is the bun - a massive teacake.
Served warm, the bun is split in half, with the top adorned with sweet treats and the
bottom piled with savory delights.
Whether you opt for a half or whole bun, you won't be disappointed.
Our personal favorite is the cinnamon butter, which resembles a giant cinnamon roll.
These buns are so delicious that we always make sure to bring some back with us to the
US from the UK.
Sally Lunn's bun is a must-try for anyone visiting Bath.
See The City From Above
If you think Bath looks stunning in photos, just wait until you see it from the sky!
For those who aren't afraid of heights, a hot air balloon ride offers a truly unique
perspective of the city.
Depending on the weather, the balloons take off at dawn or dusk, when the city is at its
most picturesque.
Imagine sipping on champagne while admiring the stunning Somerset countryside and Bath's
iconic landmarks from an entirely new vantage point.
It's an experience you won't soon forget.
Go Shopping at Southgate
Located just a stone's throw away from the train station, SouthGate is a sprawling shopping
and dining hub that boasts more than 50 shops and 20 restaurants, catering to a variety
of interests.
Hotel Chocolat, a well-known British chocolatier and cocoa grower, is one of the standout stores
at SouthGate, with a delectable selection of truffles and other treats, as well as unique
offerings like cocoa gin and vegan options.
Immerse Yourself In High Fashion
The history of fashion over the past three centuries is on display at the Fashion Museum,
making it a must-visit spot in Bath.
Exhibits feature Georgian silk shoes and dresses that appear to be fit for royalty, as well
as modern designer pieces from Alexander McQueen and Tom Ford.
Audioguides are provided in 12 languages for guests to fully appreciate the exquisite clothing.
Following the museum visit, take a peek into the Assembly Rooms, which were built in 1771
and hosted some of the city's most elegant and significant events.
Try Your Hand At Glass Blowing
Bath offers plenty of entertaining activities to visitors, but one of the most memorable
experiences you can have is creating your own glass masterpiece.
Bath Aqua Glass provides informative workshops suitable for all skill levels, allowing you
to craft your own one-of-a-kind souvenir such as an ornament or paperweight.
Watching your personalized creation take shape in real time is an unforgettable experience
that will make your trip to Bath even more special.
If you're short on time or prefer to watch the professionals at work, you can also visit
the glassblowing studio.
Keep an eye out for their mobile glass-blowing trailer, which may pop up around town during
special events like the Christmas market, where you can join in and create your own
bauble on the spot if you're lucky.
Stroll Through The Prior Park Landscape Garden
A visit to the Prior Park Landscape Garden is a must when in Bath.
This National Trust property can be explored in about 30 minutes and highlights its stunning
Palladian bridge, which is one of only four in the world.
Enjoy a leisurely stroll through the sweeping valley while taking in the picturesque views
on a beautiful day.
Take A Dip At Thermae Spa
For those looking to actually take a dip in the water, a visit to the Thermae Bath Spa,
located just two blocks away from the Roman Baths, is a must.
This modern spa complex quickly became one of our top destinations in Bath.
The spa boasts a breathtaking open-air rooftop pool with sweeping views of the city, as well
as a spacious relaxation pool.
With additional amenities such as steam rooms, spa treatment rooms, and an on-site restaurant,
visitors could easily spend hours indulging in the soothing waters and luxurious offerings
of the spa.
Ring In The Season
The Christmas market held in Bath is highly regarded as one of the finest in the United
Kingdom.
The area surrounding the Abbey and its adjacent streets transform into a grand holiday festival,
such that the entire city center exudes a Christmas atmosphere.
More than 150 chalets are available at the Bath Christmas market, with a majority being
local from Bath and its surrounding regions.
As such, much of the merchandise and food available here is one-of-a-kind, handcrafted,
or artisanal, making the market truly unique.
Aside from the food and shopping, visitors can enjoy musical entertainment in the streets,
theaters, and the Abbey during the market season.
There are also other merry activities to be found around the city, such as ice skating
in Royal Victoria Park.
Explore Bath Abbey
Whether you visit during the day or night, the magnificent Bath Abbey dominates the city
skyline.
During the day, the 161-foot bell tower can be seen from all corners of the city, with
its bells ringing out across Bath.
As night falls, the illuminated facade takes on a mystical quality, with the intricate
details of its Gothic exterior even more striking.
With roots dating back to the year 757 AD, the current Bath Abbey was built in 1500.
Inside, visitors can marvel at the richly colored stained glass, intricate fan vaulting
on the ceilings, and numerous wall memorials and floor stones.
Admission to the Abbey is free, and for those wanting an even closer look, behind-the-scenes
tower tours are available for just £10 every day except Sunday.
Whether you have a quick visit or an extended stay, Bath Abbey is a must-see attraction
that should not be missed.
Visit The Jane Austen Centre
The novelist Jane Austen was arguably Bath's most renowned resident.
Although Austen was already an accomplished writer when her family moved to the city,
she did not write much during her stay.
However, Bath served as a significant inspiration for elements that would later feature in her
two most famous and beloved works, Sense and Sensibility and Pride and Prejudice.
At the Jane Austen Centre, visitors can experience a slice of Austen's life in Bath.
Visit Bath’s Most Famous Street
The Royal Crescent, a curving street of 30 uniform Georgian townhouses built in the 1770s,
is one of England's most iconic thoroughfares and one of Bath's most recognizable landmarks.
The row of houses looks almost identical to how it did 250 years ago, making it a popular
attraction for history buffs and architecture enthusiasts.
While most of the townhouses on the Royal Crescent are privately owned, visitors can
explore Number 1 Royal Crescent, which has been transformed into a museum.
This museum offers a unique glimpse into the lives of Bath's most fashionable Georgians
in the late 18th century, showcasing authentic decorations and period furniture.
Fans of the popular TV series Bridgerton may recognize this setting as the family home
of the Featheringtons.
Appreciate The Arts
The Holburne Museum, Bath’s oldest public art museum, was opened in 1882 for visitors.
It has an extensive collection of decorative and fine art, including works by renowned
artists such as Thomas Gainsborough, Johan Zoffany, and Francesco Guardi.
Additionally, visitors can view items like Renaissance bronzes, miniature carvings, and
period furniture.
Located in the former Sydney Hotel, the Holburne Museum's exterior doubles as Lady Danbury's
home in Bridgerton.
One of its grandest rooms, the former hotel ballroom, features porcelain and silver items
displayed under a magnificent chandelier.
The museum’s cafe overlooks the hotel's former gardens, the only surviving 18th-century
pleasure garden in the UK.
So, what do you think?
Are you ready to book your flight to Bath and finally experience what this amazing English
city has to offer?
Let us know in the comments what you're most excited to see and do when visiting Bath for
the first time.
If you’ve already had the pleasure of visiting, let us know what some of your favorite sights
and attractions are.
As always, thanks for watching, and happy travels!