First Time in Bath, UK – Bath Travel Guide
I remember my first time in Bath, I was in complete awe of the architecture… I’m talking jaw on the floor because every street, bridge, alleyway, and building… was gorgeous (no wonder it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site).
And then Bridgerton premiered on Netflix, transporting the city back to the Regency period and showcasing what it was like in the days of Jane Austen… and let’s not forget about the spin-off series, Queen Charlotte.
To top it all off, Bath is super easy to get to! If you want to take a day trip from London to Bath, it will take you under 2 hours to get here on a train.
First-Time Guide to Bath, UK
How to Get to Bath and How Long Should I Stay My First Time in Bath
Bath is a very accessible city, no matter where you are coming from.
But my best advice for getting to Bath is to avoid the tour buses from London. You have probably been researching for your London vacation and I’m sure you’ve come across the bus tours from London that will take you to Windsor, Stonehenge, Bath and a drive through the Cotswolds… just avoid them!
Why? Because you will not get enough time for your first visit to Bath! You will feel rushed and you’ll probably only get the chance to see the Roman Baths.
Only have one day? The Perfect One-Day Itinerary for Bath
By Train: The train station is Bath Spa. From London Paddington, the direct train takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes. If you are traveling from up north, the train from Manchester is about 3 1/2 hours with one change in Bristol and if you are staying in Bristol then it will only take you 11 minutes on the train.
By Plane: The closest airport is Bristol Airport and it’s about 45 minutes away. There is a direct bus from the airport to Bath or you can hop on the Bristol Airport Flyer Express to Bristol’s train station and then take the train to Bath.
By Bus: There are plenty of bus routes around the UK that will drop you off at Bath Spa. The National Express service from London Victoria to Bath Spa is budget-friendly and under 3 hours.
By Car: The M4 is the main motorway from London to Bath, if you are coming from the north or south then the M5 gives you easy access. You can use one of the three Park & Ride services around the city to avoid the higher-priced car park within Bath. If you are staying overnight, I recommend booking a hotel with a car park or a vacation home with a parking space.
Best Time to Go to Bath
To say that British weather is unpredictable would be an understatement… I’ve seen sparkling days in February and cold ones in July, so you never really know… and if you’re wondering if Bath looks good in the rain… yes, yes it does *wink*.
But overall, January and February will be chilly, but you won’t run into the tourist crowd.
The summer months give you the highest chance of getting great weather, but they will be busier. If you are flexible with your dates, I would try to avoid the British school holidays (end of July through August).
My favorite months are April through May and September through October, better known as the “shoulder season”. You still have a chance for some nice weather and the crowds won’t be overpowering.
The Christmas Market in Bath is one of the best in the UK, so it’s worth bundling up and visiting in November or December.
Things to Do on Your Trip to Bath
Bath Highlights
The Roman Baths are the highlight of anyone’s first time in Bath. The bathhouse was built by the Romans around 70AD on top of the natural hot springs and the original pipes are still intact! (Which is why you can’t paddle in the Great Bath).
Bath Abbey dominates the Bath skyline and for a small fee, you can explore the inside. The vaulted ceiling is a gorgeous and unique focal point of the interior, and don’t miss the two ladders of angels climbing up to the heavens on the facade as you enter the abbey!
Pulteney Bridge (and the weir) is the most recognized landmark in Bath. The bridge is one of four bridges in the world that have shops across its full length, you can’t even tell you are walking across a bridge!
Since you are in Bath, you might as well do as the Romans did and soak up the hot spring water. The Thermae Bath Spa is the perfect way to pamper yourself with a soak in the whirlpool in the Minerva Bath and the open-air rooftop pool or choose from one of the many spa treatments.
Pretty Gardens
You’re spoiled for choice when it comes to pretty parks and gardens around Bath.
The Parade Gardens are right next to the River Avon with a great view of Pulteney Bridge. They are also conveniently located close to the Roman Baths and Bath Abbey.
Sydney Gardens is right behind the Holbourne Museum and is the oldest park in Bath. Jane Austen used to frequent the park and often wrote about it in her letters… she even wrote about the Sydney Gardens in Persuasion (one of my fave Jane Austen novels) and Northanger Abbey!
If you want a bird’s eye view of the city, head to Alexander Park. The views over the city will blow your mind!
Georgian Architecture
If you are a fan of Georgian architecture, this is the place for you! But even if you know nothing about that period, the grand facades and detailed embellishments will still make you swoon Regency style.
You cannot miss the famous crescents during your first time in Bath!
The Circus is a large ring of houses, designed by John Wood the Elder in the mid-1700s, and used to be home to one of Nicholas Cage’s residences.
The Royal Crescent was designed and built by John Wood’s son, John Wood the Younger, in the late 1700s. The 30 houses that make up the crescent are said to be one of the finest examples of Georgian architecture.
Iconic Streets
You could walk down any street in Bath and call it pretty, stunning, or iconic, but these streets are exceptional. Whether it’s the architecture or the history… I’ve listed it here!
- Bath Street
- Royal Crescent
- Great Pulteney Street
- York Street
- Queen Street
- Beauford Square
- North Parade Passage
- Abbey Green
- Northumberland Place
Discover Jane Austen’s Bath
The Jane Austen Centre is a must-visit for any Jane Austen fan. Yes, it’s a little cheesy, but you learn a lot about Jane and her life in Bath.
The centre also houses the Regency Tea Rooms which is a nice afternoon tea if you are feeling a bit peckish.
After you’ve visited the Jane Austen Centre and finished your tea, why not treat yourself to a Jane Austen afternoon?
You can walk around the Sydney Gardens, which she frequently promenaded around, and pop by her family’s house in Bath, 4 Sydney Place. Jane also spent time living on Trim Street, Gay Street, and Queen’s Square.
Explore the Bath Assembly Rooms where Jane Austen would attend lavish social events, or indulge in sweet treats at the Pump Room Restaurant, just like Jane!
Walk along Great Pulteney Street, most likely a route that Jane took often to get into the city center, and do a little shopping on Milsom Street.
Explore Mary Shelley’s Bath
Jane Austen wasn’t the only novelist to reside in Bath; Mary Shelley lived in Bath from 1816-1817 where she wrote Frankenstein.
She lived at 5 Abbey Church Yard, which has since been demolished to extend the Pump Rooms in the late 1800s. You can visit the spot where her house was and read the plaque commemorating her writing Frankenstein “on this spot”.
I also find it fascinating that she lived on top of the Roman Baths before they were discovered! How crazy is that?
You can also head to Mary Shelley’s House of Frankenstein, which opened in 2021 and is conveniently located next to the Jane Austen Centre!
Learn about her life in Bath, her inspiration for Frankenstein, and the secrets she tried to hide from. There’s also Frankenstein memorabilia and a deep dive into the story.
The House of Frankenstein also has two escape rooms (I did the one in the attic and it was fantastic!) and a different kind of puzzle game called Body in a Suitcase where you get 45 minutes to figure out who was murdered and who the killer is… all from clues found in the suitcase.
Nightly Entertainment
Bath doesn’t go to sleep after dinner; in fact, it very much comes alive.
There are plenty of nightclubs around, including the chic Zero Zero and the popular Labyrinth. If clubs aren’t you’re scene, then there are plenty of pubs and cocktail bars open late.
If you want some live entertainment, check out the Theatre Royal or Komedia.
I went to the monthly cabaret show at the Komedia and it was amazing!
River Avon
The River Avon runs through the center of Bath and walking along the river banks will give you some amazing views of Bath. It’s also not as crowded, so you get a little peace and serenity in the bustle of the city.
Even if you only walk the small section from the Train Station (Bath Spa) to Pulteney Bridge on the east side of the river, you will still get some amazing city views.
If you don’t want to walk along the river, why not take a boat ON the river? I love seeing a city from the water. There’s something magical about getting a different perspective of a city.
There are plenty of choices for boat cruises:
- This Prosecco Boat Trip is the perfect addition to your first time in Bath itinerary! It’s an hour-long AND you get a glass of prosecco to enjoy in front of the weir.
- If you are not a planner, check out the Pulteney Cruisers, they don’t take bookings and you can hop on when you get there!
- Sir John Knill Boat Trips offer private group river cruises, perfect for a family day out or a girls’ trip!
Explore Countless Filming Locations
You’ll probably recognize Bath from the massive number of movies and TV shows that have been filmed here.
Bridgerton (and a few scenes in Queen Charlotte) was largely filmed in Bath. You can visit The Abbey Deli, which is the Modiste, the Holburne Museum, which is Lady Danbury’s house, or No. 1 Royal Crescent, which is the Featherington residence… to name a few.
Les Misérables filmed a scene at Pulteney Bridge, and the 2022 adaptation of Persuasion was largely filmed in the city, along with Vanity Fair and The Duchess.
The quirky crime series, McDonald and Dodds shows off the beauty of Bath, and Victoria Street made an appearance in an episode of Sherlock.
Where to Stay During Your First Time in Bath
You have plenty of options when it comes to staying the night in Bath, and there are plenty of budget and luxury options for every kind of traveler.
The Royal Crescent Hotel – If you want to stay in one of the famous Royal Crescent terrace houses, this is your chance!
The Gainsborough Spa Hotel – The hotel is perfectly located just around the corner from the Roman Baths and Bath Abbey. If you want a splurge in the middle of the city, then this is it!
The Ayrlington Guesthouse – A more peaceful getaway with eclectic rooms and friendly staff.
Hotel Indigo – A super cute boutique hotel with cozy rooms, a great location across from the Parade Gardens and next to the gorgeous St John The Evangelist’s Church
Hampton by Hilton Bath City – If you are looking for a budget-friendly hotel with clean rooms, friendly staff, and a great location, then the Hampton is a great choice.
Dukes Hotel – I HAVE to add this hotel because it’s in a great location (a little more peaceful than being directly in the city center) AND the exterior is a Bridgerton filming location!
Where to Eat and Drink
Bath has some fantastic places to eat and drink, so you are not spoiled for choice.
The Bath Bun: You have probably heard of the famous “Bath Bun” with the first reference being in 1763, Jane Austen also wrote about indulging in Bath Buns and how they were one of her favorites.
Sally Lunn’s: Also home to a famous bun in Bath, this one is more savory and a lot bigger. If you want a foodie experience, then order from the trencher menu. A trencher (or large bun) was used as a plate before plates were invented. There are several options on the dinner menu and they are sooooo delicious! *You need to make a reservation
The Abbey Deli: If you’re a Bridgerton fan, then you probably already know this location (it’s the Modiste!). This place is perfect to just pop in and grab a snack. You can also buy Bridgerton-themed teas if you want.
Pump Room: This is an amazing spot for afternoon tea. There are only two menus (morning brunch and afternoon tea). The elegant dining room is the perfect setting and the live music transports you back to Georgian England. I mean Jane Austen and Charles Dickens have been here; what more can I say?
Clayton’s Kitchen: This restaurant is between Queen’s Square and The Circus and it’s the perfect spot for lunch. Although it is a little pricey, their sandwiches are really good.
The Boater: Not only is this a great pub (and a lot bigger than it looks), but during the summer weekends, the beer garden turns into a vibrant cookout with a small BBQ menu to pick from. If you want to grab a freshly grilled burger, I recommend an early lunch so you can grab a seat outside!
I won’t get too detailed into the pubs (I’ll save that for another post), but my favorite pubs, filled with charm and a good vibe are The Raven, The Huntsman, Coeur de Lion, The Boater, The Crystal Palace, and Saracens Head.
Events in Bath
Like most cities around the UK, Bath has plenty of events throughout the year.
If you are a huge Jane Austen fan, then the Jane Austen Festival is for you! The event is always held during 10 days in September and there’s plenty of Regency-themed fun to participate in. It’s also really fun to visit during this time because you will see tons of people dressed up in their finest Regency wear walking around the streets.
The Bath Christmas market runs for a couple of weeks in November and December and is well worth a visit. The city is all decked out, and there are plenty of artisan stalls to explore.
Something is going on every month, whether it’s a comedy festival or a jazz festival, you can keep up to date on the VisitBath official website.
Are you heading to Bath soon? Let me know in the comments below what you have planned! And feel free to ask me any questions!
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