10 Things to Do In Bath, U.K.

Bath is a historic city located in the southwest of England, known for its natural hot springs and 18th-century architecture. It’s a great destination for anyone looking to explore history, culture and natural beauty. Here are the 10 things you should absolutely do in Bath:

Visit the Roman Baths

This ancient Roman public bath is one of the best-preserved Roman remains in the world. The complex includes the Great Bath, the Temple of Sulis-Minerva and the Roman Bath House. Take a guided tour to learn about the history and significance of the baths, and see the impressive mosaics and sculptures.

Relax at the Thermae Bath Spa

Experience Thermae Bath Spa and its naturally warm, mineral-rich waters, just as the Celts and Romans did over 2,000 years ago. Thermae combines the ‘old and new’ using historic spa buildings blended with the contemporary design of the New Royal Bath. Relax during a two-hour spa session which includes full access to the 35.5˚ centigrade waters and flowing curves of the Minerva Bath. Or maybe a multi-sensory Wellness Suite session is more to your taste.  The open-air Rooftop Pool with spectacular views across the skyline of Bath is also a must do experience.

Feeling a bit peckish? The Springs Café has light snacks and drinks throughout the day and evening. Towel, robe, and flip-flops are provided. 2-hour spa sessions can be booked in advance or organised on the day.

Take a stroll around the Royal Crescent

The Royal Crescent is a row of 30 terraced houses that was built in the 18th century. It’s a great example of Georgian architecture and is considered one of the most iconic landmarks in Bath. Take a walk around the crescent to admire the spectacular architecture and enjoy the views from the Royal Victoria Park.

Explore the Bath Abbey

Bath Abbey is a Gothic-style church that dates back to the 7th century. The abbey has been a place of worship for over a thousand years, and it’s a great place to learn about the history of Christianity in Bath. Take a guided tour to learn about the history and architecture of the abbey, and climb the 212 steps to the top of the tower for panoramic views of the city.  This is a must!

Visit a museum

In the mood for a bit of culture? The Holburne Museum is a world-renowned art museum located in Bath, England. Founded in 1878, the museum is housed in a beautiful Georgian townhouse and boasts an impressive collection of art and decorative objects from the 16th to the 19th centuries. The museum is particularly renowned for its collection of paintings, which includes works by many of the most important artists of the time, such as Van Dyck, Stubbs, and Gainsborough.

One of the standout pieces in the collection is Van Dyck’s iconic portrait of Charles I, which is widely regarded as one of the most important works of art from the 17th century. The painting is remarkable for its realism and the artist’s ability to capture the king’s regal bearing, as well as the intricate details of his clothing and surroundings. Other notable works in the collection include Gainsborough’s portraits of the famous Bath socialites, such as The Shocker and The Beauties, which are considered to be some of his best works.

In addition to the paintings, the Holburne Museum is also home to an extensive collection of decorative arts, including porcelain, silver, and furniture. The museum’s porcelain collection is particularly impressive and includes pieces from the famous Meissen factory, as well as other famous European porcelain makers. The silver collection is also noteworthy, with pieces ranging from early silver tableware to elaborate presentation pieces from the 19th century.

The museum also has a strong commitment to education and outreach, offering a range of programs and events for visitors of all ages. The museum’s education department offers a variety of workshops and classes, as well as special events and activities for families. In addition, the museum’s library is a valuable resource for researchers, with a rich collection of books and manuscripts related to the history of art and culture.

Other galleries and museums include The Victoria Art Gallery, The Art Cohort, the Herschel Museum of Astronomy, Sally Lunn’s Kitchen Museum and the Museum of East Asian Art.

Take a boat trip on the River Avon – The River Avon flows through Bath, and a boat trip is a great way to see the city from a different perspective. You can take a leisurely trip on a traditional wooden boat, or a more adventurous trip on a canoe or kayak. The boat trips give you the chance to see the city from the water, and to admire the beautiful countryside that surrounds Bath.

Visit the Jane Austen Centre

The Jane Austen Centre in Bath is a museum dedicated to the famous author Jane Austen and her life and works. The Centre is located in the city of Bath, England, which was a significant place for Jane Austen and features in several of her novels. The Centre was established to celebrate her life and legacy, and to give visitors an insight into the world in which she lived.

Visitors to the Centre can expect to learn about Jane Austen’s life, including her family background, her upbringing, and her travels. The Centre also has exhibitions and displays on the Regency era, which was the period in which she lived and wrote. Visitors can see a reconstruction of a Regency drawing room, complete with original furniture and other artefacts from the time. The Centre also has a library of Jane Austen’s novels and other works, as well as a range of books and resources on the Regency era and Georgian England.

The Centre has a range of activities and events throughout the year, including guided tours, talks, and workshops. These events offer visitors a unique opportunity to learn more about Jane Austen and the Regency era and are well worth it if you get the opportunity to participate. For example, visitors can take part in a Jane Austen walking tour of Bath, which takes in some of the key locations mentioned in her novels, such as the Assembly Rooms, the Pump Room and Sydney Gardens.

Mary Shelley’s House of Frankenstein

Occupying four floors, Mary Shelley’s House of Frankenstein is an award winning, immersive multi-sensory visitor attraction charting Shelley’s unconventional life and the lasting legacy of her infamous creation. In 1816, Mary Shelley wrote much of the world’s first science fiction novel, Frankenstein, while living in Bath. Spooky and Kooky, the house exhibits unusual artefacts, ominous soundtracks, bespoke smells and special effects. One of the masterpieces is an 8ft animatronic creature, authentically reproduced for the first time exactly as Mary Shelley described.  The House also features two rooms dedicated to Frankenstein in popular culture, a small screening room and a Frankenstein-themed Escape Room.  For those fearless explorers out there, there is the option of a thrilling horror walkthrough experience in the basement.

Visit the Bath Fashion Museum

At the time of writing the Bath Fashion Museum is in the process of moving to a new location.  This is a huge undertaking and will take several years.  I think they hope to have the new location open and in operation by sometime between 2026 – 2030. Check their website before visiting.  The Bath Fashion Museum is a great place to learn about the history of fashion in Bath. The museum has a collection of clothing and accessories from the 18th century to the present day, and it’s a great place to learn about how fashion has evolved over time.

Take a walk in the surrounding countryside

Bath is surrounded by beautiful countryside, and a walk in the surrounding hills is a great way to enjoy the natural beauty of the area. The surrounding hills offer great views of the city, and you can walk along the Kennet and Avon Canal, which passes through the heart of the city.

Overall, Bath is a great destination for visitors looking to explore history, culture and natural beauty. With its Roman Baths, Royal Crescent, Bath Abbey, American Museum in Britain, boat trips, Jane Austen Centre, Bath Fashion Museum and the surrounding countryside, it offers a variety of activities to suit all interests.  If you are spending more than two days in Bath, daytrips that I would suggest from Bath are Stongehenge, which is a very famous prehistoric monument, Bristol, The Cotswolds or Glastonbury.