Planning to visit Bath soon, and not sure where to start? We’ve put together a list of the Best Things to See in Bath just for you! Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site for both the Roman Baths in the centre and for the stunning Georgian architecture that makes up the structure of the city itself, Bath is a hugely popular tourist destination all year round. Some visitors come for the history, some for the beautiful views, others for the shopping scene – there is something to do in Bath for everyone. And if you cannot wait to book your trip, you can reserve your place on our Day Tour to Stonehenge and Bath right now!
Sally Lunn’s
One of the most typical souvenirs that you can get in Bath is the so-called “Sally Lunn Bun”, a type of bread that has been served in the city for over three centuries. Located in the oldest house in Bath, Sally Lunn’s Eating House still serves this tasty delicacy to locals and tourists alike, made according to the original recipe from 1680. Visitors can enjoy a traditional English lunch in their historic tearoom, or buy bread to take home as a treat, then visit the Kitchen Museum to learn more about the story of this iconic bun and its maker, Sally Lunn.
Bath Abbey
Located in the beating heart of the city, Bath Abbey is a towering landmark and one of the main attractions of the city centre. A site of Christian worship for over 1000 years, the current Abbey church dates back to 1499, although it took over a century to be completed. Its structure is a masterpiece of stonework and masonry, with fan-vaulted ceilings and a stunning Western façade complete with two Jacob’s ladders. You can enter freely for prayer and reflection, or tourists can get tickets online or on arrival (£7.50 for an adult) to go in and admire the beautiful stained glass windows, light a candle for a loved one or join a tour of the tower to see the clock, bell chamber and the city from above.
Roman Baths Museum
As the most iconic tourist attraction in Bath–after all, the city is named for them–the Roman Baths receive more than one million visitors every year. They were first built by the Romans, taking advantage of water from the local hot springs to create a public baths complex that was in use for centuries. Nowadays, visitors can tour the baths and museum, learning about life and culture in Bath in the Roman period and admiring the pools, offerings and artefacts, but cannot enter the water. However, you do have the chance to try a sip of the water from the drinking fountain in the museum or the Pump Room, said to have magical healing properties that have been enticing people to the city of Bath for hundreds of years.
Pulteney Bridge
Spanning the breadth of the River Avon, Pulteney Bridge was built in 1774. To this day, it acts not only as a way to cross over the water, but also as a tourist attraction, since it is one of only four bridges in Europe to have shops across its span on both sides, and its design was inspired by similar bridges in Florence and Venice. You can browse the shops or sip tea in a café with the river rushing beneath you, making it a popular spot near the city centre. Moreover, many people like to take the stairs by the Eastern end of the bridge, emerging on the river bank for a relaxing water-side walk along the River Avon.
Guildhall Market
The Guildhall Market is the oldest shopping venue in the city of Bath, established around 800 years ago as a place for craftsmen to trade, although the current building was constructed in the late 1700s. The name itself, ‘guild’, comes from the German word for money. Nowadays, it is home to twenty or so unique local sellers who have permanent stalls, with everything from cheeses, to leather, to haberdashery. It is the perfect place to scour the shelves for souvenirs, either for yourself or your loved ones, and soak in the market’s charming atmosphere.
Shopping in the backstreets
This charming city is a veritable labyrinth, bursting with little shops, street food and cosy cafes tucked away in alleys. To make the most of your time in Bath, we recommend taking a stroll through the backstreets, where there is so much to discover: the Corridor, a covered street of shops selling everything from scarves to coffees to Cornish pasties; the Tea Emporium, where you can create your own signature blend of tea or coffee in their Victorian-style parlour; Sobey’s Vintage for finding gems of pre-loved vintage clothes; and so much more!
The Royal Crescent
Often called the finest example of Georgian architecture in Britain, the Royal Crescent was built in the late 1700s to house the most refined of visitors to the spa resort city. As the first urban crescent in Europe, it is part of the reason the city of Bath was given UNESCO World Heritage Status. It boasts a gorgeous view out over the cityscape, and many people like to relax with picnics on the sprawling lawn above Royal Victoria Park. Moreover, its beauty and grandeur have made it a popular spot for filming locations for various movies and TV shows, including Northanger Abbey, Bridgerton and many more.
Book your tour with us today!
No matter what you decide to do during your time in this lovely city, you are sure to have a great time. We hope this guide has been helpful and that you enjoy your visit. And if after reading this you just cannot wait to see these places yourself, come with us on our amazing Day Tour to Stonehenge and Bath. We hope to see you soon!
