by Jürgen Matern (cropped)  / [Public domain

Renowned for its Georgian Architecture and Roman Baths

A. About Bath

Nickname: The Tub

Built around natural hot springs, the Roman Baths are one of the best-preserved ancient bathhouses in the world, dating back to 70 AD. The complex includes a temple, a bathing area, and a museum displaying Roman artifacts discovered on-site.

Bath is renowned for its Georgian architecture, particularly in landmarks like the Royal Crescent and the Circus. These buildings, constructed in the 18th century using local golden Bath stone, reflect the city’s neoclassical grandeur.

Bath was home to Jane Austen from 1801 to 1806, influencing her novels "Northanger Abbey" and "Persuasion." The city celebrates her legacy with the Jane Austen Centre, which explores her life, works, and connections to Bath.


➕ Positive Aspects

Situated in the southwest of England, Bath enjoys a scenic location surrounded by rolling hills and the River Avon.

Bath is considered a safe city with low crime rates, especially for tourists.

Furthermore, the city maintains a clean and tidy environment, with well-kept public spaces and streets.

The people of Bath are generally friendly and welcoming to tourists. It is a small city with a laid-back vibe, and locals tend to be helpful.

The Not-So-Good: 

Bath is a pricey city, with steep costs for lodging, dining, and sightseeing.

Additionally, its small size restricts the variety of activities, attractions, and amenities available.


B. Best Things to Do in Bath 2024 (Detailed List with Photos and Information)

In total, we count more than thirty sights in Bath. The following sights and attractions contribute to a respectable score of 6.65/10 in this most important category:

# CITY OF BATH 7 3.5 out of 5 stars

The historic city of Bath is renowned for its Georgian architecture, built largely of honey-colored Bath stone, and its significance as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

It became a popular spa destination in the 18th century, drawing notable figures like Jane Austen and Charles Dickens.

Historic City  🌍 World Heritage Site: since 1987

 

 

# Roman Baths 6 3 out of 5 stars

The Roman Baths, built around 70 AD, are a well-preserved historical complex used for public bathing in the ancient city of Aquae Sulis. 

It is now a major tourist attraction, showcasing ancient Roman engineering and culture.

Museum  

by worldcitiesranking.com / CC BY-SA 4.0

 

# Royal Crescent 6 3 out of 5 stars

The Royal Crescent is an iconic row of 30 terraced houses designed by John Wood the Younger in the 18th century, famous for its sweeping curve and stunning Georgian architecture.

Row of Terraced Houses 

by worldcitiesranking.com / CC BY-SA 3.0

 

# Bath Abbey 5 2.5 out of 5 stars

Bath Abbey is a majestic Gothic church founded in the 7th century, known for its fan-vaulted ceiling and stained glass windows. 

It has a long history, serving as a site of Christian worship for over 1,300 years.

Church  

by worldcitiesranking.com / CC BY-SA 4.0

 

# Pulteney Bridge 5 2.5 out of 5 stars

Built in 1774, Pulteney Bridge is one of only four bridges worldwide with shops across its full span on both sides, offering stunning views of the River Avon.

Bridge

by worldcitiesranking.com / CC BY-SA 4.0

 

# The Circus 5 2.5 out of 5 stars

Designed by John Wood the Elder, The Circus is a circular formation of townhouses that draws inspiration from classical architecture, including the Colosseum.

Built in the 18th century, it showcases the city's distinctive architectural style.

Formation of Townhouses

by Ilya Grigorik / CC BY-SA 4.0

 

# Prior Park Landscape Gardens with Palladian Bridge  4 2 out of 5 stars

Prior Park is a beautifully landscaped garden with a famous Palladian bridge and panoramic views of Bath.

Park

by worldcitiesranking.com / CC BY-SA 3.0

 

# Alexandra Park 4 2 out of 5 stars

Opened in 1902, Alexandra Park sits atop Beechen Cliff and provides panoramic views of Bath’s Georgian architecture and surrounding countryside. It's a peaceful green space ideal for picnics and leisurely walks.

Museum  

 

# No. 1 Royal Crescent 4 2 out of 5 stars

A stunning example of Georgian architecture, No. 1 Royal Crescent was built between 1767-1774 and serves as a museum showcasing life in 18th-century Bath. It offers a glimpse into the elegant lifestyle of the city's upper class during the Georgian era.

Museum  

 

#10 | The Holburne Museum 4 2 out of 5 stars

The Holburne Museum, housed in a neoclassical building, features a diverse collection of fine and decorative arts, including works by Gainsborough, as well as rotating exhibitions and a charming garden café.

Museum  

Scoring and Icons Legend (Click here for detailed information)

10 = top-10 sight in the world

9 = world-class  

8 = outstanding

7 = excellent 

6 = impressive

5 = interesting

4 = decent

3 = mediocre

2 = bad

1 = abysmal

= World Heritage Site

= Excursion

C. Other Notable Sights and Attractions in Bath

#11 | Museum of Costume 4 2 out of 5 stars

Located in the historic Assembly Rooms, the Museum of Costume (now known as the Fashion Museum) houses a vast collection of fashion from the 16th century to the present day.

Museum  

by Mark Anderson / CC BY-SA 4.0

 

    • The Jane Austen Centre  4
    • Victoria Art Gallery 4

D. Best Day Trips and Excursions from Bath

STONEHENGE 7 3.5 out of 5 stars

Located about 25 miles from Bath, Stonehenge is one of the most famous prehistoric monuments in the world, dating back over 5,000 years. The stone circle's purpose remains a mystery, but it likely served as an ancient ceremonial site.

Prehistoric Monument 🌍 World Heritage Site: since 1986 | Distance from Bath: 54 km

by Garethwiscombe / CC BY-SA 2.0

 

Bristol 6 3.1 out of 5 stars

Just 12 miles from Bath, Bristol is a vibrant city known for its maritime history, the iconic Clifton Suspension Bridge, and its thriving arts and cultural scene.

City  Distance from Bath: 20 km

by Anthony O'Neil / CC BY-SA 2.0

 

Clifton Suspension Bridge 6 3.1 out of 5 stars

The Clifton Suspension Bridge is a historic engineering marvel offering scenic vistas of the Avon Gorge. Opened in 1864, it connects the city of Bristol to Leigh Woods and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

Bridge  Distance from Bath: 25 km

by Chris Lathom-Sharp / CC BY-SA 4.0

 

Salisbury (66 km from Bath) 5


E. Top 10 List of the Best Things to Do in Bath in 2024 (including close-by excursions)

To sum things up, these are the ten best sights we recommend to you when visiting Bath for at least three entire days.

🌍 CITY OF BATH 7

🌍 STONEHENGE (54 km away) 6

Roman Baths  6

Bristol (20 km away) 6

Royal Crescent 6

Bath Abbey 5

Pulteney Bridge 5

The Circus 5

Prior Park Landscape Gardens 4

Alexandra Park 4