Bath is one of my favorite UK cities for a weekend getaway. I’ve visited three times, each trip revealing new treasures. Rich in history and culture, its Roman Baths draw countless visitors, and it’s no wonder the city became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987.

Today, DOYOUSPEAKLONDON invites you to discover the best ways to make the most of a few days in Bath!

Exploring the Roman Baths in Bath

I have to say, every time I’ve visited Bath the weather has been amazing, even when forecasts looked grim! My first tip for anyone planning a trip? Keep the faith! The sun will hopefully shine on your visit too.

Mentioning the Roman Baths already sets the scene: Bath is an ancient city. Around 60 AD, the Romans built a bathhouse complex and a temple for the healing goddess Sulis-Minerva, calling the city Aquae Sulis (‘the waters of Sulis’). The hot springs, however, were known long before that.

The Roman Baths sit in the heart of Bath, near the Abbey. Among the world’s best-preserved ancient Roman spas, they’re surrounded by stunning 18th- and 19th-century architecture.

The site features four main attractions: the Sacred Spring, the Roman Temple, the Roman Bath House, and fascinating Roman artifacts.

To make the most of your visit, I highly recommend purchasing fast-track tickets online. You’ll even get a 10% discount and skip the usual queues.

Every visit comes with an engaging audio guide (kids loved theirs too!). The museum also hosts family-friendly events, making Roman history fun for all ages. Plenty of initiatives to keep everyone happy!

The website is very user-friendly, packed with information and videos to help you plan your visit.

That covers the ancient Roman baths, but Bath also offers a modern spa experience at the Thermae Bath Spa.

At Thermae Bath Spa, you can soak in the natural thermal waters across different levels (don’t miss the rooftop pool with stunning views over Bath!) or unwind in the Wellness Suite with a variety of spa treatments and packages.

Booking a treatment in advance lets you skip the queue, but if you just want to use the spa facilities, be prepared for potentially long waits due to its popularity. Crowds aside, Thermae Bath Spa is absolutely worth a visit!

Discover Bath on foot: walking tour highlights

Bath is a delight to explore on foot. Wander its charming streets, quaint lanes, bustling squares, and enjoy live music at almost every corner during high season.

Bath offers all the amenities of a big city, yet retains the charm of a peaceful provincial town. I love wandering its meandering streets and getting delightfully lost along the way.

To truly soak in Bath’s atmosphere on foot, don’t miss these highlights:

1. The Abbey: Founded in the 7th century and rebuilt in the 12th and 16th, it’s one of the West Country’s finest examples of Perpendicular Gothic architecture. The interior is truly impressive…

2. Pulteney Bridge: Designed by Robert Adam in Palladian style and completed in 1774, its charm comes from the shops that line both sides. Walking across feels less like a bridge and more like a bustling shopping street.

3. The Avon Riverside: Just steps from Pulteney Bridge, a charming passage leads you down to the riverside. Stroll along the water, admire the historic buildings reflected in the Avon, watch the swans glide by, and enjoy the peaceful rhythm of the city from a unique perspective.

The Avon River winds around Bath’s town center, offering lovely views of the city and the nearby park. A perfect spot to pause and take in the scenery.

4. The Royal Crescent: Perched atop Bath, this iconic sweep of Georgian architecture, crafted from honey-colored Bath stone, is one of the city’s most stunning highlights.

The Royal Crescent is a stunning row of 30 terraced houses, designed by architect John Wood the Younger and built between 1767 and 1774, forming an elegant sweeping crescent.

5. The Circus: Also designed by John Wood the Younger, this historic street of grand townhouses forms a perfect circle with three entrances. While slightly less grand than the Royal Crescent, it’s a charming example of Bath’s Georgian elegance (see below).

Bath and Jane Austen: walking in the footsteps of a literary icon

Jane Austen lived in Bath from 1801 to 1806, during the city’s heyday as a bustling spa resort, attracting the fashionable elite of the era.

I wasn’t deeply familiar with all of Jane Austen’s novels, having read a few as a teen, but the Jane Austen Centre was a wonderful chance to discover her life, personality, and literary world.

Bath offers a variety of Jane Austen experiences: explore the Jane Austen Centre, join the 10-day International Jane Austen Festival each September, or book one of the many guided Austen-themed tours online. Whether you’re an Austen devotee or just love charming historic cities, Bath is the perfect place to wander its streets and soak in the Regency atmosphere!

Just a fun tip from the ‘language of the fan’, in case you can’t resist stepping back into Regency times and want some clever advice… 🙂

Bath’s five must-visit shops for every explorer!

One of the charms of Bath is its quirky, unexpected shops, offering everything from vintage toys to handcrafted treasures, perfect for finding a souvenir you can’t resist!

I had a few shops in mind before my trip to Bath, and I ended up falling for them all!

Here are my top picks you won’t want to miss:

1. The silver shop:

A gem of a shop run by passionate owners, with a jewellery room and gift area. The delicate, original creations are irresistible, and the friendly staff make choosing a treasure a joy!

2. Bath Aquaglass:

I’ve been fascinated by glass blowing since childhood. Watching artisans shape molten glass is pure magic. At the studio, you can catch a live demo, try a hands-on course, and browse a shop full of stunning artistic glass to take home.

3. Graham and Green:

Given my love for homeware and furniture, this shop was a must-see! A feast for the eyes and endless inspiration. Everything is worth taking home!

4. Mr B’s Emporium book shop:

Ahhh, my dream bookshop! Book lovers will swoon, and even the biggest skeptics might leave converted. This place is pure magic!

This bookshop is a true haven for readers: you are welcome to serve yourself a hot drink, sink into comfy chairs, explore curated book reviews, and let the passionate staff guide your next literary adventure. Have you ever experienced anything like this?

The kids’ section is irresistible, every little reader will want to linger all afternoon! I absolutely adore this place and left with a wagon full of books for the whole family to dive into!

5. Charlotte Brunswick chocolates

Chocolate lovers, rejoice! This famous shop tempts you with beautifully crafted, mouth-watering chocolates you won’t want to resist.

Charlotte Brunswick, Bath’s first and finest 18th-century chocolatier, still inspires today’s creations.
Will you resist tasting these delightful treats?

Delicious foodie places in Bath

No city tour is complete without stops to eat and drink! First up, a must for coffee lovers: Colonna & Small’s, where every cup is a journey into the world of flavour.

With a few UK Barista Champions among the staff, this iconic Bath café offers expertly brewed coffees from around the world. Small, stylish, and with a charming garden, it’s the perfect spot to kickstart a busy day!

Next up, two must-visit spots for a leisurely terrace lunch:

1. The Provenist – perfect for anyone who loves fresh, thoughtfully prepared dishes!

On a warm, sunny day, we savoured a refreshing salad and smoothie on the terrace, soaking up the peaceful atmosphere and gentle buzz of the place.

The Provenist is linked to the British interiors brand Neptune, whose shop next door lets you combine eating and shopping. The store is full of beautiful furniture and décor ideas (plenty to inspire, even if out of reach for now!).

2. Café Lucca: A serendipitous find while searching for ‘restaurant – terrace – Bath.’
And what a discovery, it was pure heaven!

Fresh Mediterranean-inspired dishes, friendly staff, and next door, a chic home furniture shop, ‘The Loft.’ Food and shopping, clearly a trendy Bath combo!

For a perfect afternoon treat, we visited Sally Lunn’s, the oldest house in Bath, famous for its secret-recipe buns that are simply irresistible!

We tried the famous Sally Lunn buns, both savoury and sweet. Light yet filling, they sit somewhere between brioche and bread. The buns are enormous, half a bun with salad is more than enough!

The café is tiny and always buzzing with visitors. We were lucky to snag a table for two, perfect for enjoying the iconic buns in peace!

Downstairs, a small museum and shop let you take home the buns. Temptation guaranteed, especially with their 4-for-3 offer!

Another must-visit is the Pump Room: an iconic neo-classical salon in the heart of Bath, complete with a fountain of hot spa water. Known for its incredible afternoon teas, it’s also perfect for breakfast or lunch. Just be sure to book ahead!

For a fabulous happy hour, head to Be at One and pick any cocktail from the menu—they’re all excellent! Can’t decide? Try the Espresso Martini… you might find yourself ordering a second!

For wine lovers, I highly recommend Le Vignoble. A cozy spot to savour carefully selected wines in a relaxed and charming setting.

Le Vignoble is a fantastic spot with a comfy lounge and an extensive selection of wines, beers, and ciders. They also host tasting classes for anyone eager to explore the art of fine drinking.

For dinner, I’m still dreaming of visiting Chez Dominique someday. A perfect excuse for another trip to Bath! With its award-winning cuisine and stunning Pulteney Bridge location, it’s on my list for next time.

I hope this post inspires your own Bath adventure. Please share your experience and favourite spots on DOYOUSPEAKLONDON if you go!

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To go further:
Roman baths: Abbey Church Yard, Bath, BA1 1LZ
website
The Thermae Bath Spa: The Hetling Pump Room, Hot Bath Street BA1 1SJ
website
Bath Abbey website
Jane Austen Center: 40 Gay St, Bath BA1 2NT website
The silver shop: 25 Union Passage, Bath BA1 1RD website
Bath Aquaglass (Glass blowing studio): 105 – 107 Walcot Street, BA1 5BW website
Graham and Green: 92 Walcot St, Bath BA1 5BG website
Mr B’s Emporium: 14-15 John Street, Bath, BA1 2JL website
Charlotte Brunswick: 3 Church Street BA1 1NL website
Colonna & Small’s: 6 Chapel Row, Bath. Website
The Provenist: One Tram Yard, Walcot Street, Bath, BA1 5BD
Website
Cafe Lucca: 1 Bartlett Street Bath, Avon BA1 2QZ
Website
Sally Lunn’s: 4 North Parade Passage, Bath BA1 1NX website
Be at One: 11 Brunel Square, Bath BA1 1SX website
The pump room website
Le Vignoble: 12/13 Milsom Place, Bath BA1 1BZ website
Chez Dominique website

See my other recommendations for England getaways here.

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