17 Things To Do In Bath

Bath is one of the most beautiful cities in the UK that is full of history dating back almost 2,000 years and is famous for the attractions that it is named after, its historic baths. Bath is also very well known for its honey-coloured, perfectly preserved Georgian houses. There are hundreds of buildings in the city that are now considered important architecturally or historically, and the city of Bath was granted the UNESCO World Heritage Site status in 1987. Along with the beautiful baths, architecture and greenery, there are plenty of other tourist attractions to visit and things to do in Bath, like entertainment venues, museums, festivals and more. So here are a few things to do in Bath when you visit!

1. Visit the Historic Roman Baths

Address: Abbey Churchyard, Bath, England
Must See: The Sacred Spring and the Roman Temple.

The Roman baths, which are considered a place of relaxation and rejuvenation, are built around the city's largest hot springs have 43 different minerals and are at a constant temperature of 46.5 degrees Celsius. These baths were also awarded some of the most romantic buildings in Britain. Many of the artefacts and exquisite mosaics found are on display either around the great bath or in the museum. The tickets for the guided tours are free, but tourists can also get audioguides with their tickets, and the tickets need to be booked in advance. This is one of the top things to do in Bath.

2. Take a walk at the Royal Crescent

Address: 1 Royal Crescent, Bath, England

The Royal Crescent is a collection of townhouses in a semicircular shape and is known for its beautifully uniform palace-like facade and was built about 250 years ago. The townhouses are privately owned, but the No. 1 Royal Crescent is open to the general public and is a museum. One of the best things to do in Bath is visiting the Royal Crescent. It is very beautiful to see and also very easy to get to if you're already in the city. It provides a rare glimpse into the lives of wealthy people in the 1770s. Walking around the Royal Crescent is definitely one of the fun things to do in Bath that should not be missed.

3. Admire the Architecture at Bath Abbey

Address: 11a York Street, Bath, England
Must See: Bell chamber and Clock Face.

Bath Abbey is next to the Roman Baths and is basically impossible to miss being one of the highest buildings in Bath. It was built in the 7th century and looking at the incredible stained glass windows and vaults. The monument has a distinct colour that matches with the rest of the city and has been built traditionally and is protected. The guided tour will show you the bell chamber, clock face and roof. The view from the top is breathtaking, and you can see the city and the baths. The abbey is free to visit but climbing the tower is a paid feature, and the gift shop is a must-visit to get a keepsake. Bath Abbey is easiest one of the best things to do in Bath to experience the city's culture. 

4. Get some relaxing treatments at The Thermae Spa

Address: The Hetling Pump Room, Hot Bath Street, Bath, England
Must Try: The Hot Bath

At the Thermae Spa, you can experience bathing the same way the ancient Romans did. This spa is located across the street from the Roman Baths, and it is a really unique experience bathing in the same waters that drew people here even so long ago. An open-air rooftop pool and an indoor pool are available, and two thermal baths, two steam chambers, and an ice chamber are present. The 18th-century hot bath and the garden-side wellness suite are definitely worth a try. The treatments like water massages and hot stone therapies are some relaxing things to do in Bath if you need a break. 

5. Discover art at the Holburne Museum

Address: Great Pulteney Street, Bathwick, Bath, England
Must See: New Display of Northern Renaissance Masterpieces.

The Holburne museum has a beautiful art collection with paintings by artists like Gainsborough, Reynolds, and Stubbs. They also have a large collection of period furniture from 18th-century silver, renaissance bronzes and Wedgewood porcelain. There is also a garden cafe overlooking Sydney Garden, the only 18th-century pleasure gardens of Britain still surviving. One of the most fun late-night things to do in Bath is the late-night program that allows visitors to visit the exhibits after hours, and many lectures and classical music performances are held here frequently.

6. Great a treat at Sally Lunn's Historic Eating House

Address: 4 North Parade Passage, Bath, England
Must Try: Chicken Club Bun 

With great restaurants in Bath, there is one that is very known for its delicious Sally Lunn’s Buns and also for the lines you will have to stand in to get the most mouth-watering treats made with secret recipes. It is a living museum and eating house, and the actor Nicolas Cage is a fan of the cinnamon butter topping. The homemade lemon curd with clotted cream bun is also super popular, and versions of this bun is popular in places like Virginia, New Zealand and Williamsburg. The best time to visit is around 10 am or late afternoon. One of the best things to do in Bath is to get a Sally Lunn’s Bun from here.

7. Learn about the stars at the Herschel Museum of Astronomy

Address: 19 New King St, Bath BA1 2BL
Must See: 40 Ft Telescope

This museum is housed in a beautiful Georgian townhouse and has a lot of artefacts that are related to the acclaimed astronomer and musician William Herschel. Some of the more notable things to do in Bath include viewing the original pieces of the many instruments and references to the biggest discovery of William Herschel, the discovery of the planet Uranus in the year 1781. The discovery of Uranus was made through a telescope made by him in this very building. Audio tours and a garden are also available to take advantage of.

8. Visit The Jane Austen Centre

Address: 40 Gay Street, Bath, England

One of the best things to do in Bath for Jane Austen or Georgian period rea literature lovers is to visit the Jane Austen Centre which is located on the historic Gay Street. This was a vacation spot for Jane Austen before she moved here in 1801 and stayed still in 1806. Bath was a popular spot for the upper class as they were drawn in by the vibrant social scene, baths and rural setting. There are artefacts from her time in the city and also a costumed guided tour. The Jane Austen festival with a masked ball, very authentic costumes and a parade is also held here in September and goes on for 10 days and should be on the top of your list of things to do in Bath.

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9. Explore Mary Shelley's House of Frankenstein

Address: 37 Gay Street, Bath

This new attraction is just a few steps away from the Jane Austen Center is one of the things to do in Bath that is an interesting mix of immersive fun and a museum. There is a look at her immensely famous story that sparked an interest in monster-related literature and also her strained relationships and tragic life. A gift shop, an authentic silent movie house and a monster-themed escape room are some of the most fun things to do in Bath. There is also a lifesize monster, Frankenstein, just as Mary Shelly wrote him. To get around the UK easier check out the ultimate guide to Uk transportation.

10. Discover the Pulteney Bridge

Address: Bridge Street, Bath, England

The Pulteney Bridge is one of the only left with buildings on top of it and is one of the most recognisable pieces of architecture in Bath. It played a starring role in the movie Les Miserables and is known as one of the most famous bridges in the world. The arches have small cute little cafes and shops and lead to Pulteney Street, which is lined with beautiful Georgian homes. Another one of the things to do in Bath is river excursions this bridge acts as a departure point for. 

11. Explore fashion at the Fashion Museum Bath

Address: Assembly Rooms, Bennett Street, Bath, England

This museum has a fabulous collection of over 150 dressed figures and over 30,000 original items from the late 16th century to the present day. The items are from a variety of themes like day and evening dresses, men, women and kids. There is also a dress of the year and displays from leading designers like Ralph Lauren and Georgio Armani. You can also try on reproduction items available for guests, and the cafe has some amazing refreshments. This is definitely one of the more fun and fashionable things to do in Bath.

12. Watch a show at the Theatre Royal

Address: Saw Close, Bath, England

Some of the biggest stars have played at this theatre, and it has the most stunning architecture, which you can notice while you enjoy a show there. The 900-seat auditorium and plush seating are gorgeous, and the Theatre Royal is also thought to be haunted, and the most famous one of its ghosts is Grey lady. The popular Shakespeare unplugged festival is held here, along with other notable performances. If one of the things to do in Bath that you’re looking for is watching a show, this is the place to be. 

13. Enjoy nature at the Prior Park Landscape Garden

Address: Ralph Allen Drive, Bath, England
Must See: Palladian Bridge 

The designs here are the best examples of Palladian-style mansions that were very popular in the 70s. It is a must for any Sormerdet itinerary because it was designed by Alexander pope, the famous poet that defined the national trust property. The focus should be on the sunning Palladian bridge, the gothic temple, Good sized serpent lake, a grotto and a walk along the Bath Skyline Path, and they also offer guided tours. This is definitely one of the most beautiful places to visit, and the walk is one of the best things to do in Bath.

14. Vibe to music at the Bath Festival 

Address: 9-10 Bath Street, Bath, England

From classical to jazz and folk music, everything is included in this 17-day-long festival that attracts people from all over the world. With over 2000 performers, the party city event is the event to attend, and there is also a literary component with poetry and contemporary fiction. There is also a Bath Children’s Literature Festival which is the largest such festival in Europe. 

15. Admire art at the Victoria Art Gallery

Address: Bridge Street, Bath, England

The Victoria Art Gallery is tourist attraction in Bath that is very popular and has work from the most well-respected artists like Turner, Gainsborough and Sickert. The impressive collection of Glass, watches, poetry and porcelain are rotated frequently as additional exhibition features. Just as the adults have a great time here, the kids can too, with the ample kids' activities like crafts and drawing that they provide.

16. Take a fun trip to the American Museum and Garden

Address: Claverton Manor, Claverton Down, Claverton, Bath, England

The American Museum and Garden is a bath attraction that houses a lot of antiques and artefacts from colonial times all the way to the Civil war years. This museum was started by antique collectors and presented in a 19th-century manor. This is the only museum like this to be found outside the US. There is an exact replication of George Washington’s Vernon garden that is popular with visitors. There are American-styled rooms that represent the many eras and regions of US History. 

17. Stroll through The Museum of East Asian Art

Address: 12 Bennett Street, Bath, England

Make sure to add The Museum of East Asian Art to your list of things to do in Bath, as it has a beautiful collection of carved bamboo and jade along with plenty of bronze sculptures and ceramics from Asian nations like Japan, Korea and China. The over 2000 items are one of a kind, and some even date back 7000 years. This is definitely one of the more interesting things to do in Bath.

These were some of the places to visit and things to do in Bath that should absolutely not be missed. From the beauty in the parks and museums to the amazing theatres and architecture, Bath has it all. Don't forget to visit the roman baths and get some nice relaxing treatments and the spa at the end of your trip. You can also check out the best theme parks in the UK if you’re looking for something adventurous to do. In addition, here are a few more destinations for you to visit in the UK!