bath uk tour

THE 10 BEST Bath Tours & Excursions

• Historical & Heritage Tours
• Archaeology Tours
• Walking Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Chinese (Simplified)
• Likely to Sell Out
• Special Offers
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Stonehenge, Windsor Castle, and Bath from London

2. Stonehenge, Windsor Castle and Bath with Pub Lunch in Lacock

3. Stonehenge and Bath Tour from London

4. Inner Circle Access of Stonehenge including Bath and Lacock Day Tour from London

5. Stonehenge, Avebury, Cotswolds. Small guided day tour from Bath (Max 14 persons)

6. Stonehenge and Bath Day Trip from London with Optional Roman Baths Visit

7. Windsor Castle, Stonehenge and Bath Tour from London + Admission

8. Small-Group Day Trip to Stonehenge, Bath and Windsor from London

9. Cotswolds Experience - full day small group day tour from Bath ( Max 14 persons)

10. From Bath: Bridgeton Self Guided Walking Tour with an APP

11. Small Group Stonehenge, Bath and Secret Place Tour from London

12. Small Group Cotswolds Village, Stonehenge and Bath Tour from London

13. Roman Baths and Bath City Walking Tour

14. England in One Day: Stonehenge, Bath, the Cotswolds and Stratford-upon-Avon Day Trip from London

15. Windsor, Stonehenge and Bath Trip from London

16. Stonehenge & Bath Day Tour from London including Admission

17. Private Windsor Castle, Stonehenge, The City of Bath from London

18. Private Day Tours from London - Stonehenge Bath Cotswolds & More

19. Best of Bath Walking Tours - Georgian Tour

20. Small-Group Day Trip to Bath, Lacock and Stonehenge from London

21. Stonehenge, Bath ,Windsor Castle From London

22. Walking Tour of Bath with Blue Badge Tourist Guide

23. Stonehenge and Bath Day Tour from London with Roman Baths Option

24. 2 Hour Historic Walking Tour in Bath with An App

25. Stonehenge and Bath Day Tour from London

26. Stonehenge & the Cotswolds Including Admission from Bath

27. Fully Guided Bath Ghost Tours

28. From Birmingham Stonehenge and Bath Day Tour

29. Bath Tootbus Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Bus Tour

30. Stonehenge & Bath Private guided Tours

What travelers are saying.

• Mel H 1 contribution 0 4.0 of 5 bubbles Interesting Amazing tour our guide Joseph was extremely knowledgeable and made it very interesting. Would just like to point out you need a good pair of shoes though. Read more Review of: Roman Baths and Bath City Walking Tour Written April 24, 2024 This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

• Stonehenge, Windsor Castle, and Bath from London
• Stonehenge, Windsor Castle and Bath with Pub Lunch in Lacock
• Stonehenge and Bath Tour from London
• Roman Baths and Bath City Walking Tour
• Windsor Castle, Stonehenge and Bath Tour from London + Admission
• Mayor of Bath's Honorary Guides
• Bath Walking Tours
• Bath Insider Tours
• Wild Swim Bike Run
• Foot Trails
• River Adventures
• In & Beyond Bath
• Bizarre Bath
• Mad Max Tours
• Savouring Bath
• Bath Ghost Tours
• Photo Tours in Bath
• The Hidden Gardens of Bath
• Original Wild
• Great Western Airsports
• Bath Balloons
• Virgin Balloon Flights - Bath

Home » Travel Guides » United Kingdom » England » 15 Best Bath Tours

15 Best Bath Tours

Named after its famous Roman-era baths that have been designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites since the ‘80s, the town of Bath is one of England’s premier historic and recreation destinations.

With just shy of 90,000 residents, it’s small by big-city standards, but it’s located on a particularly beautiful stretch of the River Avon only about 100 miles west of London.

In addition to baths, the town features an abundance of traditional and contemporary eateries, as well as museums, galleries, and a number of fairs and festivals that are held annually.

Below are 15 of the best tours of Bath and the surrounding area.

1. Roman Baths and City Walking Tour

Bath Abbey is one of the area’s premier Roman-era attractions, and it features some of the country’s most impressive gothic architecture.

On this two-hour tour, guests and their guide will set out on foot to explore the baths and abbey while learning about the Romans’ cultural and historical traditions.

Tours also include brief stops at the Royal Crescent, several prominent homes built in the Georgian style, and Pulteney Bridge, which made a cameo appearance in a famous filming of Les Miserables.

Tours are available with morning and afternoon start times to accommodate those with different schedules.

2. City Boat Trip and Walking Tour

As a UNESCO World Heritage Site city, Bath draws tourists from all over the world.

This 80-minute tour allows guests to see the city from land and water while benefiting from their guide’s unique insights into what makes it such a special place.

Tours meet at a convenient location in central Bath, after which participants depart on a scenic river cruise followed by a leisurely walk through town.

Highlights include St. John’s Church, Half Penny Bridge, Bath Abbey, and Paradise Gardens.

For those who’ve just arrived, this tour would be a great way to see lots of attractions quickly and familiarize yourself with the town’s layout.

View Prices & Reviews

3. City Sightseeing Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour

For do-it-yourselfers and those who prefer not to commit to lengthy traditional tours, hop-on-hop-off tickets are both fun and economical alternatives.

One ticket gives guests access to two distinct bus routes, each of which offers a full list of attractions to explore.

Tickets are valid for 24 hours from the time of purchase, which means eager sightseers have an entire day to make the most efficient use of their time.

City Tour attractions include the Roman Baths and the historic Abbey that was the coronation site for the country’s first king.

Skyline Tour highlights include the Terrace Walk, Manvers Street, and the Holburne Museum.

4. Small-Group Tour to Stonehenge and Bath with an Oxford Professor

Tours that offer guests access to more than one of the county’s premier sites are great value for savvy travelers.

This small-group combo package has the distinction of being led by an Oxford professor and includes tours of both Stonehenge and Bath.

The Bath portion of the tour includes Pulteney Bridge, the Circus, and the Abbey, where guests will learn about each attraction’s significance and have time for questions and photos.

Then the group will make their way to Stonehenge, where they’ll enjoy skip-the-line tickets to one of the world’s most alluring and mysterious sites.

Tours include everything except meals and tips.

5. 25-Minute Boat Trip to Pulteney Bridge

From the comfort of a restored ‘60s river cruiser, guests and their guide will take to the water to see one of Bath’s most iconic attractions.

During the warm summer months, guests can bask in the sun on the deck as their skipper points out key sights on the way to historic Pulteney Bridge.

Tours wind their way past several canals that link to nearby cities. It’s common to see a variety of birds as well as North Parade Bridge, St. John’s Church, and Bath Abbey.

If the weather isn’t cooperating, participants can retreat indoors and relax with a coffee, beer, or glass of wine.

6. 1 ½-Hour Walking Tour with Blue Badge Tourist Guide

Stretching your legs and exploring the historic city of Bath couldn’t be easier for those who take advantage of this 90-minute walking tour.

As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the town of Bath is chock-full of significant attractions that are best explored with an official Blue Badge guide.

Tours include premier sites like the Royal Crescent, Circus, Queen Square, and the majestic Abbey. At each stop, guests will benefit from their guide’s unique local perspectives and insights.

Guests typically discover things that those on larger tours tend to miss, so don’t be shy about asking for suggestions for things to see and do later on.

7. Jane Austen Center Ticket

Though it’s not so well-known outside literary circles, author Jane Austen is Bath’s most famous deceased resident.

Her works have been favorites for generations, and there’s a museum in Bath that’s dedicated to preserving and promoting her legacy.

Guided tours of the Jane Austen Center are offered every 30 minutes; they’re given by enthusiastic local docents decked-out in Georgian garb, which makes for a truly memorable experience.

While on-site, guests will have the option of having their photo taken with a Jane Austen wax figure, sampling period food, or relaxing with a drink in the Regency Tea Room.

8. Short Orientation Walking Tour

Apparently, most visitors to Bath have pretty tight schedules, because short tours are more prominent than they are elsewhere.

For those who bore easily and value free time, that means lots of opportunities to see prominent attractions without dedicating big chunks of time to traditional tours.

This 50-minute walking tour focuses on Bath’s city center and is a great option for those with kids who’ve got short attention spans.

Plan on seeing the Roman baths, the Abbey, and Queen Square, and learning about what makes each so unique and significant.

Tours begin at the Quay Waterside and require a moderate amount of leisurely walking.

9. Canapés and Prosecco Boat Cruise

There may be no better way to spend a relaxing hour while in Bath than by relaxing on a laid-back river cruise while noshing delectable finger foods and enjoying a glass of Prosecco.

Tours are available in the morning and afternoon to accommodate those with varying schedules. They take guests past some of the city’s premier attractions, like the 17th century Bath Abbey, St. John’s Church, and Halfpenny Bridge.

Depending on the prevailing weather conditions, participants will have the option of both in and outdoor seating areas, and tours begin and end in a convenient location along the Quay.

10. The Cotswold

Though many visitors spend most of their time within Bath’s city limits, getting out into the countryside is a great way to see things from a different perspective.

The English countryside is characterized by rolling hills, quaint villages, and obscure historic attractions that are well worth checking out.

This full day excursion focuses on discovering the Cotswolds. As such, guests aren’t likely to run into buses full of camera-wielding tourists at every turn.

11. Ghost Hunters Silent Disco Guided Tour

Rumor has it that more than four decades ago, a young ghost hunter descended on Bath in an attempt to prove once and for all that the historic town harbored spirits from the past.

Sadly, his work was inconclusive, primarily because he met a mysterious and untimely death.

For those interested in picking up where he left off and listening to the music that was pumping through his Walkman’s headphones at the time of his death, this ghost hunters silent disco tour would be a great fit.

Tours are unique, fun, and eerie, and are open to groups of between 10 and 28 participants.

12. Cotswold Discovery Tour from Bath

Featuring historic villages, impressive castles, and one of the country’s most picturesque Abbeys, the Cotswolds are the perfect day-trip destination for those looking to get out of town for a few hours.

Tours begin and end at a convenient central location in Bath and include stops at attractions like Castle Combe, Bourton-on-the-Water, the tomb of King Athelstan, and the quaint market town of Malmesbury.

From their local guide, guests will learn about the region’s history, culture, and economy. They’ll visit a few filming locations for popular movies like War Horse and Dr. Dolittle, which was filmed in the area in the ‘60s.

13. Stonehenge Private Half Day Tour from Bath

Stonehenge is arguably England’s most unique archaeological site, and it’s just a short drive for day-trippers staying in Bath.

According to those in the know, the site dates back more than 5,000 years. Though it’s been studied for centuries, it’s still full of fascinating mysteries and unsolved riddles.

Along with their private guide, tour participants will learn about the world-famous landmark, get close enough to take stunning pictures, and maybe formulate their own theories as to why it was built in the first place.

The return trip winds its way through the impressive Salisbury Plain before ending back in central Bath.

14. Lunchtime Cruise to Riverside Pub

Scenic cruises along the beautiful River Avon are popular vacation activities for visitors to Bath.

This lunchtime cruise makes its way past many of the town’s most iconic attractions, including the junctions of Avon and Kennet canals, St. John’s Church, Bath Abbey, and Pulteney Bridge.

Along the way, the skipper will describe each attraction, while guests relax in comfy chairs with refreshing beverages.

When the boat has docked at Locksbrook Inn, guests will enjoy stunning riverside views from the comfort of their reserved tables.

Each guest also gets a complimentary drink to sip while they’re deciding what they’ll have for lunch.

15. Wells, Cheddar Cheese and Cheddar Gorge Day Tour from Bath

The small city of wells is home to one of the region’s most impressive cathedrals that dates back to the 13th century.

On this value-packed combo tour, guests will delve into the past while enjoying a number of prominent human-made, natural, and culinary centerpieces of the English countryside.

After Wells, guests will drive to the town that’s the birthplace of Cheddar cheese.

According to locals, it’s the world’s most popular variety. Guests will visit the last remaining cheese making facility in the area.

Before the drive back to Bath, the group will stop at Cheddar Gorge, which is consistently ranked as one of Britain’s most iconic natural attractions.

15 Best Bath Tours:

• Roman Baths and City Walking Tour
• City Boat Trip and Walking Tour
• City Sightseeing Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour
• Small-Group Tour to Stonehenge and Bath with an Oxford Professor
• 25-Minute Boat Trip to Pulteney Bridge
• 1 ½-Hour Walking Tour with Blue Badge Tourist Guide
• Jane Austen Center Ticket
• Short Orientation Walking Tour
• Canapés and Prosecco Boat Cruise
• The Cotswold
• Ghost Hunters Silent Disco Guided Tour
• Cotswold Discovery Tour from Bath
• Stonehenge Private Half Day Tour from Bath
• Lunchtime Cruise to Riverside Pub
• Wells, Cheddar Cheese and Cheddar Gorge Day Tour from Bath

Welcome to In & Beyond Bath

Prepare to discover the very best of authentic England. 

Join us on an intimate journey of discovery that combines your 'must-sees' with untouched, unseen, quintessential England.  Encounter breathtaking views, hidden gems, mysteries, remarkable stories, people & cuisine on an unhurried, personal & immersive adventure in the England that many dream of, but few experience.

"Highlight of our Holiday" - Alexis, London Ontario.

Discover extraordinary England.

"In & Beyond Bath was founded to enable curious, discerning travellers to discover the England that I – a former history and politics teacher and traveller – love and revere, shared with you in the way I would want my own friends and family to experience it."

Jules Mittra - Founder.

Signature Tours

Custom tours, tours from london, transfer-tours, chauffeur services.

Discover Stonehenge / The Cotswolds from Bath

Our ground-breaking Signature Tours combine your 'must-sees' with our hidden delights, making for a day filled with discovery & surprises. Each one combines incredible stories, food, landscapes, places, people & nature, off the beaten track, shared in a relaxed, engaging manner leaving you with memories you'll treasure for years to come.

Available as a private or shared experience for 2-8 adventurers.

What makes our experiences unique?

Our Founder, Jules, talks to RadioBath's Arts Show about what makes In & Beyond Bath unique...

The best tour I have ever been on! Hiring In & Beyond Bath was the best decision I made on my dream trip to England. Jules was easy to work with leading up to the tour, communicative and accommodating. He listened carefully to my interests and was...

The Best of the Best "My husband and I had an amazing time with Nigel on a full-day outing, truly discovering some hidden gems of the Cotswolds. This day was part of a 10 day holiday in England -- one in which we had an incredible time overall and saw some beautiful sights. However, I can honestly say that this tour by In & Beyond Bath stood out as the highlight of our trip."

Highly Recommended I took my mum and mother-in-law on this spectacular tour. Jules (and Phoenix) were superb guides. Jules has a natural, warm and engaging manner and made history really interesting. His easy conversational manner put us all at ease. The day flew by with all aspects of the tour being carefully thought through with a perfect balance of travelling, site exploring, walking, refreshments and...

Highlight of our Holiday "We booked the Stonehenge and Secret Somerset full day experience on May 25th. Our amazing tour guide Dan picked us up at the front door of our B&B in Bath and asked us a few questions to find out what we were hoping to see and we set off. I was surprised that my husband & I were the only 2 guests booked for the tour, along with Sara, who had just joined the company and came along too. It was like our own private tour for the day."

Excellent! "Our four member family toured the Cotswolds with a fun, knowledgeable and very energetic guide, Michael. We lunched in Lacock at a wonderful gastropub recommended by our guide and were very pleased with the food and service. We highly recommend this service."

Top Tours in Bath, England

• Historical & Heritage Tours
• Archaeology Tours
• Walking Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Chinese (Simplified)
• Likely to Sell Out
• Special Offers
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Stonehenge, Windsor Castle, and Bath from London

2. Stonehenge, Windsor Castle and Bath with Pub Lunch in Lacock

3. Stonehenge and Bath Tour from London

4. Inner Circle Access of Stonehenge including Bath and Lacock Day Tour from London

5. Stonehenge, Avebury, Cotswolds. Small guided day tour from Bath (Max 14 persons)

6. Stonehenge and Bath Day Trip from London with Optional Roman Baths Visit

7. Windsor Castle, Stonehenge and Bath Tour from London + Admission

8. Awesome Bath: Family Walking Tour

9. Small-Group Day Trip to Stonehenge, Bath and Windsor from London

10. Cotswolds Experience - full day small group day tour from Bath ( Max 14 persons)

11. Small Group Stonehenge, Bath and Secret Place Tour from London

12. Small Group Cotswolds Village, Stonehenge and Bath Tour from London

13. Roman Baths and Bath City Walking Tour

14. England in One Day: Stonehenge, Bath, the Cotswolds and Stratford-upon-Avon Day Trip from London

15. Windsor, Stonehenge and Bath Trip from London

16. Stonehenge & Bath Day Tour from London including Admission

17. Private Windsor Castle, Stonehenge, The City of Bath from London

18. Private Day Tours from London - Stonehenge Bath Cotswolds & More

19. Best of Bath Walking Tours - Georgian Tour

20. Small-Group Day Trip to Bath, Lacock and Stonehenge from London

21. Stonehenge, Bath ,Windsor Castle From London

22. Walking Tour of Bath with Blue Badge Tourist Guide

23. From Bath: Bridgeton Self Guided Walking Tour with an APP

24. Stonehenge and Bath Day Tour from London with Roman Baths Option

25. Stonehenge and Bath Day Tour from London

26. Stonehenge & the Cotswolds Including Admission from Bath

27. Fully Guided Bath Ghost Tours

28. From Birmingham Stonehenge and Bath Day Tour

29. Bath Tootbus Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Bus Tour

30. Stonehenge & Bath Private guided Tours

What travellers are saying.

• Mel H 1 contribution 0 4.0 of 5 bubbles Interesting Amazing tour our guide Joseph was extremely knowledgeable and made it very interesting. Would just like to point out you need a good pair of shoes though. Read more Review of: Roman Baths and Bath City Walking Tour Written 24 April 2024 This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

• Stonehenge, Windsor Castle, and Bath from London
• Stonehenge, Windsor Castle and Bath with Pub Lunch in Lacock
• Stonehenge and Bath Tour from London
• Roman Baths and Bath City Walking Tour
• Windsor Castle, Stonehenge and Bath Tour from London + Admission
• Mayor of Bath's Honorary Guides
• Bath Walking Tours
• Bath Insider Tours
• Wild Swim Bike Run
• Foot Trails
• River Adventures
• In & Beyond Bath
• Bizarre Bath
• Mad Max Tours
• Savouring Bath
• Bath Ghost Tours
• Photo Tours in Bath
• The Hidden Gardens of Bath
• Original Wild
• Great Western Airsports
• Bath Balloons
• Virgin Balloon Flights - Bath

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City Sightseeing Bath: Hop-On, Hop-Off Bus Tour

Activity schedule, key highlights.

• Inclusions & Exclusions

 10am to 5pm, every 15 to 30 minutes (depending on the route)

• Meeting Point You can board the bus at any of the route's stops. The favored stops are High Street , Dorchester Street , Grand Parade  and Royal Avenue .

You can hop off at any of the stops

• Explore the historic city of Bath with this flexible hop-on, hop-off bus tour
• Discover spectacular Roman and Georgian architecture, as well as the home of Jane Austen
• Hop on and off as you wish over 24 hours to discover the city at your own pace
• Visit attractions like the Roman Baths, Bath Abbey, the Royal Crescent and Heritage Vaults with ease
• Dig into a Free Discount Booklet filled with exclusive deals across attractions and experiences
• Validity: 12 months from the date chosen at the time of booking
• Both printed or smartphone vouchers are accepted!

Discover the breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage city of Bath, a treasure trove of historic architecture and literary inspirations, with this Hop-on, Hop-off Bus Tour from City Sightseeing. Hop on and off the bus as you wish over 24 hours, exploring this charming city at your own pace. Additionally, you can dig into a bunch of exclusive deals and discounts across attractions and experiences with your ticket!

The hop-on hop-off tour provides you the perfect opportunity to discover the main attractions of Bath, a beautiful Roman city nestled in the heart of the county of Avon, with two comprehensive routes and multiple strategic stops. The Roman Baths set against the spectacular rolling hills are a tourist's delight. Browse through a stunning collection of paintings, silver, sculpture, furniture and porcelain in the museums and spend fun-filled hours in the city's parks and amusement centres. With multilingual audio guides and a live English guide on board, you can rest assured that you won’t miss a thing!

Attractions Covered

• High Street
• Grand Parade
• Avon Street
• Terrace Walk
• Widcombe Hill
• Queen Square
• Brock Street/ Royal Crescent
• Royal Avenue
• 24-hour hop-on, hop-off ticket
• Pre-recorded commentary in English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Cantonese, Mandarin Chinese, Russian, Polish
• Free Booklet with deals and discounts for museums, restaurants, and local attractions
• Admission to attractions, unless specified

Useful downloads

Please note.

Voucher information: You can show your voucher on your smartphone (But if you’d rather print a copy – that’s fine too!)

Validity: 12 months from the date chosen at the time of booking.

Wheelchair accessibility: Yes

Bath is a functioning town and weather, traffic and events may occasionally cause disruption.

Timings and stops are subject to change.

Please keep the Student card if opt for the student option.

Customer Reviews

Edwina considine.

Easy online purchase Thanks

Danise McMillen

Very enjoyable and reasonably priced.

Andrea Elliker

The skyline was a very informative tour, relaxing and enjoyable with friendly. Drivers. The only downside was the bus delay. It was expected at 10.30 and arrived at 10.45. We also used the city tour 2 days previoisly and found the 2 complimented each itger well. We recommend using the ticket iver 24 hours, as we had a day's rest in between and had to pay twice as a result.

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Bath Itinerary – How to plan the perfect Bath day trip (includes map)

By: Author Tracy Collins

Posted on Last updated: April 19, 2024

Are you looking for the best one-day itinerary for the English city of Bath? In this article, you will find the perfect Bath day trip itinerary with all the information you need to plan your visit.

If you’re looking for day trip ideas from London, consider travelling to Bath. It’s only 100 miles to the west of London and is a charming city that can be easily experienced in a single day.

In 1987, Bath was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site, making it the only UK city with that prestigious distinction. The honour was not surprising, given Bath’s richly unique history and culture.

Visiting Bath – an overview

First stop — the roman baths, second stop — bath abbey, third stop — sally lunn’s eating house, fourth stop — the pulteney bridge, fifth stop —the circus and assembly rooms.

• BATH TRAVEL RESOURCES

Sixth Stop — The Royal Crescent

Decision time, seventh stop —the jane austen centre, eighth stop — the pump room, best tickets and tours in bath, one day in bath itinerary map, how to get to bath from london, where to stay in bath.

For the last 2,000 years, its natural thermal springs, which give the city its name, have attracted people looking to take advantage of the water’s medicinal properties. The Romans and Celts might have been the first to make the pilgrimage to Bath but they certainly weren’t the last.

Consequently, Bath is home to various historical attractions like the Roman Baths. It is also home to some of the most impressive Georgian architectural triumphs in the entire UK.

Lucky for visitors, Bath is a walking city, meaning its main attractions are all relatively close to one another and is therefore small enough to explore on foot.

What follows is a quintessential Bath day trip itinerary for a leisurely self-guided walking tour that will allow you to see all of the most popular sights.

Follow along, and we can help you make the most of your time in this fascinating and remarkable city. At the end of the article, there is also a handy map of this Bath itinerary.

Tip – If you prefer to take a tour we recommend this 2-hour tour which covers the Roman Baths, the best of Bath’s Georgian architecture, and its ancient heritage & vibrant modern culture. Or this hop on hop off sightseeing tour where you will learn all about Bath from the audio commentary aboard.

Bath itinerary – how to see the best of Bath in one day

The best place to begin your tour of Bath is in the city centre, where you will find perhaps its most famous attraction: the Roman Baths.

Dating all the way back to 70AD, the Roman Baths were a multi-building complex built on top of the region’s thermal springs. They were a popular place to gather not only for bathing but for socialising as well. Back in the day, if there was gossip to be discussed, it would likely be overheard within the walls of the Roman Baths.

Though today some of the Roman baths complex is in ruins, other sections are amazingly well preserved and can provide insight into how people lived and socialised. Walk along the 2,000-year-old pavements as you explore the changing rooms and plunge pools from days gone by.

There is also an interactive museum on-site appropriate for all ages which details the Baths’ fascinating history. There will even be a chance for you to sample the springs’ mineral-rich water if you are so inclined.

As it’s your first stop on the tour, it is crucial that you arrive at the Baths right as it opens, as it tends to get very busy as the day goes on.

On weekdays, they open at 10:00 a.m. but on weekends they open an hour earlier at 9:00 a.m.

Check online , as their hours will change on and around any holidays.

Just an easy, one-minute walk from the Roman Baths, is the 7th-century Bath Abbey, the parish Church of England. For at least 1,000 years, it has been a sight of Christian worship, having been ruined, rebuilt, reimagined and expanded many times in its history.

Today, it is a breathtaking structure with multi-story stained glass windows and soaring architecture that is truly a sight to behold. Though it is a working church, visitors can venture inside and admire its inspiring high ceilings and wide-open spaces. There are information placards throughout that explain the surroundings and detail the history.

If you’re up for it, climb the 200 plus steps up to the tower to see stunning views of the city and countryside beyond. Don’t forget to take plenty of pictures!

Though visiting the Abbey is free, a £5 per person donation is suggested upon entry.

If your legs are tired from that climb up and down the Bath Abbey tower, perhaps you’re ready for a little respite. Just a two-minute walk from Bath Abbey is Sally Lunn’s — a must-visit for any Bath one-day itinerary.

Relax for a while over some tea, cakes or maybe even one of their world-famous Bath buns — the light and airy local delicacy born right at this very teahouse.

At Sally Lunn’s, you’ll be able to soak in a little bit of the local history. The building itself is historic — its fireplaces and chimneys have been dated as far back as 1482 when it may have served as a dormitory for monks.

Eventually, the building became a bakery and in 1680, Sally Lunn herself appeared there looking for work. She was a Huguenot refugee from France and impressed everyone by baking her famous brioche-style buns that were destined to become famous.

When you’re finished enjoying yours, you can actually descend into the building’s basement and see the medieval oven used so long ago. It is part of a tiny kitchen museum that is well worth visiting, especially for those interested in culinary history.

Admission to the museum is free as long as you’ve eaten in the restaurant. Now that you’ve had your fill and are fully recharged, it is time to carry on to the next stop.

From Sally Lunn’s, stroll by the edge of the Parade Gardens and along the River Avon. In less than four minutes, you will have arrived at one of the most photographed bridges in the UK.

Built in 1769, it is a remarkable stone bridge that has built-in shops lining either side, one of the only bridges in the world with that feature. It is named for Frances Pulteney, the wife of an 18th-century landowner, William Johnstone Pulteney, who was at one time the wealthiest man in Great Britain.

Take your time exploring the bridge and poke around in all the quaint shops. When you are feeling like it’s time to get off of your feet, why not jump on a boat?

From the bridge, you can embark on a scenic, one-hour boat ride down the River Avon. The cruise glides along the Avon Valley toward the village of Bathhampton and then travels back again.

On the way you’ll see charming scenery, including local wildlife like kingfishers, herons and swans. These boat trips make quite the impression on most visitors. When you get home, if anyone asks you what to do in Bath, you’ll surely tell them that they should take a cruise!

If you prefer to have a guided tour around Bath it is possible to combine a walking tour with a cruise. Click here for more information.

Now that you’ve arrived back on dry land, it is time to make your way toward the Royal Crescent to see some quintessentially Georgian architecture.

Before you get there, however, and while you’re in an architectural frame of mind, it’s only a 10-minute walk to the Circus. The circus, like with elephants and acrobats? No! It’s a ring of identical Georgian townhouses designed by John Wood the Elder.

He started building them in 1754 but due to his untimely death, the project had to be finished by his son John Wood the Younger several years later.

These magnificent buildings are a monument to man’s ingenuity and are simply marvellous to admire, especially from the shaded park in their middle. While you’re there, consider taking a peek at the Assembly Rooms, which are only steps away.

They were designed by John Wood the Younger in 1769 as a venue for gala civic events like balls or concerts. They’ve been used for a variety of purposes throughout the years, including as a movie house in the 1930s. Today, they have been restored and are open for visitors.

The Assembly Rooms also house the Fashion Museum which contains a collection of historic fashion assembled and donated by Doris Langley Moore in 1963. For those fashion-minded individuals, the museum is well worth visiting.

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UK Travel Itinerary Planners Ebook – Buy here

After you’ve had your fill of the Circus and the Assembly Rooms, it’s only a five-minute walk to the Royal Crescent.

Originally called “The Crescent,” this Georgian architectural marvel gained its “royal” title in the late 1700s when Prince Frederick, Duke of York and Albany, visited the property and briefly stayed there. It probably also looked like a building fit for royalty, what with its 114 Ionic columns.

Today’s visitors will see 30 identical luxury townhouses that were built for the elite aristocracy of Bath. Over the years, their interiors have been refurbished and repurposed but their Palladian facades have remained unchanged.

They form a gracefully curving 500-foot structure that surrounds a lovely green park, making a dramatically large crescent shape.

For those curious about 18th-century living, why not venture into No. 1 Royal Crescent, a museum dedicated to capturing what it would have been like to live and work in one of these buildings back in the 1700s.

As the first townhouse completed, No. 1 Royal Crescent remains decorated, both upstairs and downstairs, exactly as it would have been back in the day, complete with furnishings and household objects.

Here’s where your “Bath in a day itinerary” gives you a choice. If by this point you are feeling exhausted, then by all means consider catching the sightseeing hop-off hop-on bus while at the Royal Crescent and heading back toward the Royal Baths where your tour began.

On the other hand, if you are up for even more sightseeing, then on your walk back you could squeeze in two more stops. The following two stops are for those who just can’t get enough.

A mere seven-minute walk from the Royal Crescent is the Jane Austen Centre, a Georgian townhouse dedicated to Bath’s most famous one-time resident.

The English novelist called Bath home from 1801 through 1806 when her father moved their family there. Apparently, she wasn’t all that happy about it initially, having felt on previous visits that Bath was a frivolous place overly concerned with socializing. Her feelings changed over time, of course, but it is easy to understand why the city gave her that first impression.

When she lived there, Bath was in its heyday of being a prestigious spa resort and social centre — offering countless balls and assemblies for those who could afford it.

Her time in Bath proved influential enough on the author that she set two of her novels there, Persuasion and Northanger Abbey .

At the Jane Austen Centre, visitors can learn about everything from the food, the fashion and the society during Jane Austen’s time. There are a variety of exhibitions about her writing and what Bath was like over 200 years ago.

You can wander the museum at your own pace but there are plenty of well-informed staff members who would be delighted to answer any questions.

Click here for tickets to the Jane Austen centre

You’ve now indulged in almost every aspect of your “One day in Bath itinerary” but haven’t had an opportunity for a little luxury. That must be remedied at once. The eighth and final stop on your tour is only a six-minute walk away at the Pump Rooms, very near the Roman Baths where your tour began.

The Pump Rooms have the distinction of being one of the most elegant venues in the city. Built in the 17th century for those elites who flocked to the area to enjoy the soothing mineral waters, today the Pump Room Restaurant is proud to offer the most delightful late afternoon tea in Bath.

Tickets to their Festive Afternoon Tea with Fizz are £34.50 per person, but haven’t you earned it after such a long walk?

Begin by toasting yourself with a glass of champagne and then take a good long look at the sumptuous spread offered by Searcy’s, renowned British caterers.

Shall it be the salmon tart, cucumber and mint finger sandwiches or maybe something sweet like the homemade buttermilk scones with jam and clotted cream? Maybe after the champagne, you’d prefer a bit of coffee or tea to wake you up after your long journey.

Regardless, a relaxing afternoon tea is a perfect end to a charming day spent enjoying everything that Bath has to offer.

Spending two days in Bath, a long weekend in Bath or looking for more ideas for your Bath itinerary? Find out even more of what Bath has to offer in my complete guide to places to visit in Bath!

Practical information to help plan your Bath day trip

The fastest and easiest way from London to Bath is by train. Leaving from the London Paddington Station, the shortest route will take a mere 1 hour 35 minutes to Bath Spa Station.

Other routes may require a change at Swindon or Westbury and thus may take a bit longer.

Prices begin at £12.60 but will be more expensive if you travel during off-peak times. Click here for train times and tickets to Bath.

Click here for my complete guide to travelling the UK by train

T ravel by Car

Driving your own car may take a little bit longer but it does offer you a great deal more flexibility when you visit Bath.

The trip from London will take approximately 2 hours 30 minutes depending on traffic. If you travel during rush hour, it could take significantly longer.

The fastest route is via Windsor but if you’re a pre-history buff, you could also travel via Stonehenge and spend a few hours exploring the mysteries of that ancient and popular site.

Be ready for a few tolls along the way. Also, keep in mind, parking within the city of Bath can be expensive.

The most economical way to get to Bath from London is by bus. Prices start at £5 one-way and it will usually take around 3 hours to get there.

All you need to do is go to Victoria Coach Station in central London and board the National Express which will arrive at the Bath Spa Bus Station.

Taking a Tour

If you prefer a more structured approach to your sightseeing, you could always book a tour. A tour may be more limited than the self-guided approach but that may be exactly what you are looking for.

Below is my selection of the best day tours to Bath from London (and one 2 day tour!)

Read more – How to visit Bath from London

• Stonehenge and Bath Full-Day Tour from London

Skip the long lines at Stonehenge and tour the Georgian city of Bath at leisure on this guided full-day tour from London.

• Full-Day Windsor Castle, Bath, & Stonehenge Tour

During this 11 hour tour, you are able to visit 3 major attractions in southern England including Windsor Castle , Stonehenge and the wonderful city of Bath.

• Stonehenge, Bath, Cotswolds, & Avebury Small Group Tour

Experience the Georgian splendour of Bath and the mystery of Stonehenge, as well as the picturesque village of Lacock (as seen in Pride and Prejudice and the Harry Potter movies ) during this full-day tour.

• Cotswolds, Bath, and Oxford: 2-Day Tour from London

This 2-day excursion takes you through the scenic Cotswolds and includes visits to the ancient stones of Avebury as well as the cities of Bath and Oxford.

If after reading this itinerary you think you would prefer to spend 2 days in Bath to really soak in the city sights and atmosphere you will need to find some accommodation.

There is a myriad of options in Bath to suit all travel styles and budgets including boutique hotels, luxury spa hotels, and B&Bs.

Some recommended hotels are:

• Best luxury spa hotel in Bath – The Gainsborough Bath Spa is a luxury 5* hotel and the only UK hotel to have access to naturally heated thermal waters within its Spa Village.
• Best mid-range hotel in Bath – Eight is a small independent boutique hotel in the centre of Bath
• Best budget option in Bath – Grays is a boutique B&B situated in an imposing semi-detached Victorian villa located 15 minutes from the centre of Bath.

Find more accommodation options in my Bath Accommodation Guide .

Read more about visiting Bath

You can find more information to help you plan your visit to Bath in my Bath Travel Guide .

Whether you plan to spend one day in Bath, a weekend in Bath (add the thermae bath spa to your Bath itinerary and enjoy the natural hot springs) or base yourself in the city and explore the surrounding areas you will find everything you need to know to make the most of your trip in my detailed guide to the city.

For more information about what to see and do in the South West of England my guide to the region includes lots of ideas and inspiration.

Find more inspiration for your travels in my England Travel Guide which includes information about what to see, where to stay, how to get around, travel tips, recommended reading and more to make the most of your trip.

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The Roman Baths collection contains thousands of archaeological finds from pre-Roman and Roman Britain. Find out more about the key objects in this section.

The gilt bronze head of the goddess Sulis Minerva is one of the treasures of Roman Britain.

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Self Guided Bath Walking Tour (12 Places Not To Miss!)

Last Updated on 12/03/2023

The city of Bath in Somerset, England is renowned for its incredible Georgian architecture. Many tourist from all over the world flock to Bath to admire this truly unique city. Here is the perfect Bath walking tour if you want to see all of the top architectural sights on a short visit.

In this guide you will discover the top things to see in Bath and how you can explore them on a self-guided Bath walking tour. This post outlines directions for the walking tour and incudes historic information about the sites, plus additional optional stops.

This post contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. Find out more  here .

Bath Walking Tour

Bath is a city that is renowned for its striking Georgian architecture. And if you visit the city, you don’t want to miss spotting some of the most incredible and inspiring buildings Bath has to offer. This self-guided Bath walking tour will take you through the city on foot so that you can see the best sights in a short space of time.

The tour will take you approximately 1 hour to complete, however, there are some additional, optional stops highlighted on the route if you want to fill a whole day in Bath. As you will be on your feet, make sure to wear comfortable shoes and don’t forget your camera!

The tour starts in the centre of Bath in Abbey Churchyard (BA1 1LY). If you would like a great audio tour to narrate your route, Visit Bath have a wonderful free World Heritage Audio Tour that you can download to accompany your journey.

12 Unmissable Things To See In Bath

Here are the top 12 unmissable things to see in Bath. These are the sights you’ll be visiting on this Bath walking tour. So grab your audio guide and get ready to explore!

Roman Baths

• Thermae Bath Spa and Cross Bath

Queen’s Square

The king’s circus, the royal crescent.

• Assembly Rooms

The Paragon

Milsom street, pulteney bridge, great pulteney street, grand parade, bath walking tour: the sights.

If you’ve only got a few hours in Bath, here is a self guided Bath walking tour so you can see the main sights. The route includes some recommended bonus attractions if you have more time in the city. The walking tour will take you approximately 1 hour to complete.

To begin the tour, head to Abbey Churchyard (BA1 1LY).

Start your tour facing the ornate West front of the Abbey. The Abbey was the heart of the medieval city. In the late 9th century, King Alfred built medieval Bath over the original Roman city, so there is very little evidence of the Roman inhabitants today.

The Bath Abbey that you see today is a Tudor Abbey that was rebuilt in 1502. It was one of the last Abbey’s built in England before the dissolution of monasteries.

Services still take place in the Abbey today throughout the week. You can go inside the Abbey to admire the impressive stained glass windows and incredible vaulted ceilings. You can also take a tour up the tower to see Bath from above!

Before you move on to the next stop on the tour, be sure to glance over at The Pump Room . It was a popular place to be seen in the 1790s, and was where you came to take the natural spa waters for your health. You can still try a glass of spa water from the fountain today.

With your back to the Abbey, walk towards Stall Street then turn left. Follow the street until you reach the entrance to the Roman Baths on your left and the large UNESCO seal on the floor.

The Roman Baths in Bath is one of the finest thermal spas of the ancient world. It was built about 2000 years ago around England’s only hot springs. If you have time, you can enter the Baths and enjoy audio guides and interactive displays, following in the Roman’s footsteps.

Outside the Roman Baths you will see a brass UNESCO symbol on the floor. The city of Bath is recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. This is due to the creative genuis of the architecture in the city.

If you stand with your back to the Baths and look down Bath Street, you can see a good example of this. Almost all of the buildings in Bath are built using the yellow Bath stone, which was considered a prestigious building material and gives the city a cohesive look.

With your back to the Roman Baths, walk straight ahead down Bath Street, until you reach The Cross Bath at the end.

Thermae Bath Spa and The Cross Bath

The Cross Bath was a popular venue to swim in the healing hot waters during the 18th Century. Today, it stands across the road from its more modern counterpart, Thermae Bath Spa . This building was built between 1999-2003 and is an example of a modern building in the middle of the historic city.

Before you move on, take a look at the building behind the Cross Bath. This is St John’s Hospital and it is an early example of palladianism architecture in Bath. It was built by the architect John Wood the elder. He was the first architect to introduce the palladianism style to Bath and it defined the way the rest of the city would look.

With The Cross Bar on your left, stay with the curve of Bath Street. Pass by The Little Theatre and continue on to Westgate Street. Turn left on Westgate Street and follow the road as it becomes Saw Close, Barton Street and ultimately Gay Street. Turn left into Queen’s Square, a square park with an oblisk at the centre.

Queen’s Square was the first great development by John Wood in the city. It began in 1729 and was completed in 1736.

Queen’s Square was designed as four rows of terraced houses around a central square garden. The goal was to make a row of terraced houses look like a country house as a means of attracting the wealthy to stay in the city.

Optional stop: The Herschel Museum of Astronomy is located just a short walk from Queen’s Square. It is dedicated to the many achievements of brother and sister William and Caroline Herschel, who were celebrated astronomers and talented musicians. William discovered the planet Uranus in 1781. Find it at 19 New King Street, Bath BA1 2BL.

Leave Queen’s Square via the same way you entered. Continue to follow Gay Street uphill until you reach The Circus.

The King’s Circus or simply, The Circus, as it is known, is an impressive and imposing set of three crecent buildings built to create a central circle. It was a creation undertaken in 1754 by John Wood and completed by John Wood the younger after his father passed away.

The design of The Circus echoes the colosseum, with its three tiers. It is another example of the palladianism architecture design in Bath. However, The Circus is also inspired by ancient British architecture including druid stone circles such as Stonehenge, which is indicated by the acorns along the top of the buildings.

Exit The King’s Circus via Brock Street, one street to the left of where you entered. Follow Brock Street until you reach the Royal Crescent.

The Royal Crescent is possibly the most iconic building in Bath. This sprawling crescent-shaped building is fronted by a beautiful park. This sweeping building was designed and built by John Wood the younger between 1757 and 1765.

Although built by John Wood the younger, the concept was likely created by his father. The idea was to create a row of terraced houses that felt like a country house. Unlike The Circus, this building is far less enclosed and feels like a stately home with a sprawling lawn, rather than an inner city appartment.

This building was designed for the wealthy who would visit for ‘the season‘. They would normally stay for a couple of months each year and could rent an entire house or a series of rooms.

Optional stop: No. 1 Royal Crescent has been restored to reflect what a Georgian house would have looked like during 1776-1796. You can book a ticket to take a glimpse inside and get a taste of how Bath’s wealthy visitors lived.

From Royal Crescent, return back down Brock Street, then take the far exit from The Circus, Bennett Street. Shortly after you leave The Circus, enter the pedestrian square on the right to find the Assembly Rooms.

Optional stop: As you exit The Circus on Bennett Street, you will pass the Museum of East Asian Art . It is the only museum in the UK dedicated to the art and culture of East and South East Asia. Their impressive collection consists of nearly 2,000 sets of objects.

The Assembly Rooms

As the city expanded, Bath required new assembly rooms. The Assembly Rooms were a place for social entertainment such as dancing and live performances. They were originally built by John Wood the younger, but were bombed during the second world war so have experienced significant restoration.

Optional stop: Inside the Assembly Rooms you will find the Fashion Museum . It features a world-class collection of contemporary and historic dress. Discover the evolution of fashion through the ages in these beautiful displays.

Return onto Bennett Street and follow it to the end where you turn left onto Lansdown Road. Cross the road and take Guinea Lane on your right, then turn right again onto The Paragon.

Optional stop : You can add a slight detour to your route to visit the Museum of Bath at Work . This museum tells the story of Bath’s working class at the centre of industry. It includes displays on Victorian ironmongers and engineering works, a soft drinks factory and even the story of mining that famous Bath stone.

The Paragon is an imposing row of 21 Georgian town houses built between 1768-1775. This road was one of the key entrance and exits into Bath, and it really sets the scene for visitors when they arrive in the city.

One building that really stands out on The Paragon is The Countess of Huntingdon’s Chapel. It is one of the few buildings in Bath in the gothic revival style. The Countess of Huntingdon was a Methodist who built the chapel as a means of eradicating sin from the city she felt had become far to decadant.

Optional stop: Inside The Countess of Huntingdon’s Chapel you will find the Museum of Bath Architecture . This museum delves into the history of Bath’s Architecture from the Romans, right through to modern structure and explores how they have been designed to complement each other.

Continue to follow the Paragon as it curves to the right, and cross the road onto George Street. Here, take the first left onto Milsom Street.

Shopping was a popular Georgian pastime. Laid out in 1761, Milsom Street was a key commercial area of the Georgian city, giving the wealthy visitors an opportunity to enjoy some retail therapy. Shoppers could pick up their essentials from milliners, drapers, and dressmakers, or visit a library of portrait artist.

Follow Milsom Street to the end and continue on as it becomes New Bond Street and curves to the left. When you reach Northgate Street turn right, then take the first left onto Bridge Street to reach Pulteney Bridge.

Optional stop: Victoria Art Gallery is a free public gallery that houses Bath and North East Somerset’s collection of paintings, sculpture and decorative arts. It houses over 1500 objects of art including a collection of oil paintings from British artists dating from 1700 onwards. It is located on Bridge Street (BA2 4AT).

There are very few buildings in Bath that were designed by architects who didn’t hail from the city. Pulteney Bridge is one of them though! It was designed by architect Robert Adam and is one of the very few bridges of its type in the country.

Pulteney Bridge is a rare example of a bridge with shops along either side. If you were stood on the bridge, it would be easy to think you were just on any regular street! Across the bridge is the new expansion to the city and the start of the neoclassicist architecture that began to develop in Bath.

Cross Pulteney Bridge, continue straight down Argyle Street and continue straight ahead at Laura Place to find yourself on Great Pulteney Street.

Optional stop: as you cross Pulteney Street, take the stairs down on the right-hand side. It will bring you out into the recreation ground. It is another great green space in the city to unwind and it gives you another beautiful view of Pulteney Bridge.

Great Pulteney Street is a wide street that was designed for promenading. These buildings reflect the newer style of architecture in the city; they are cleaner with fewer columns or decorations. However, they also mark the end of inner city development in Bath.

As the years went on, people were now wanting to live in Bath, rather than just visit. And residents wanted detached or semi-detached properties with gardens, rather than terraced houses.

Great Pulteney street was designed by Robert Adam as a set of streets for new area town, however it was built by Bath architect Thomas Baldwin. It was complemented by Sydney Gardens at the far end, a pleasure garden for daytime walking and evening entertainment such as fireworks.

Optional stop: you cannot help but spot Holburne Museum as you walk down Great Pulteney Street. This grand building sits at the far end of the street at the entrance to Sydney Gardens. It is home to the personal collection of Sir William Holburne, Bath resident and avid collector of silver, paintings, glass, porceline, furniture and more. As you pass, you can pop in and admire the grand collection in person.

Retrace your steps back down Great Pulteney Street, across Pulteney Bridge and take the first left onto Grand Parade, alongside the river.

This final stop on the tour is an opportunity to admire the landscape surrounding Bath. As the middle classes grew in Bath, they wanted to have detached and semi-detached houses and their own land. This saw the townhouse terraced buildings die out, to be replaced by urban villas on the hillsides surrounding Bath.

Bath is one of the few UNESCO World Heritage Sites to incorporate the whole city. The main reason for this is due to the unique way that Bath seamlessly incorporates the surrounding landscape.

Bath Walking Tour: Know Before You Go

When you visit Bath and take this Bath walking tour, there are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind. Here are my top tips for visiting Bath:

• Wear comfortable shoes! There is a lot of walking and Bath is a hilly city so you’ll spend a lot of time walking up and down hills. I learned the hard way and left with some pretty impressive blisters!
• Car parking in the city is expensive and gets busy. If you are travelling by car, arrive early to avoid disappointment. We parked in Avon Street Car Park (BA1 1UF) which was only a short walk from the city centre.
• When you end the tour on Grand Parade, follow it along the river and past the park to discover Dr Gelato . This impressive ice cream store has a great range of classic and experimental flavours. Make sure to try out their charcoal cone!

For more Bath inspiration for planning your trip, check out these resources:

Guided Tours of Bath

If you want to see even more of Bath following your self-guided tour, a guided tour from a local expert is a fantastic way to learn the hidden secrets of a city!

Bath has a wonderful selection of guided tours for you to try. Each one will show you a different aspect of the city – whether it is the dark, haunted back street or a fascinating stroll through the history of Bath.

Here are the best guided tours of Bath for you to enjoy:

• City Walking Tour with Optional Roman Baths Entry
• 1.5-Hour Walking Tour with Blue Badge Tourist Guide
• Bath Guided Ghost Tour
• City Sightseeing Bath: Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus Tour
• Short Orientation Walking Tour
• Ghost Hunters Silent Disco Guided Tour
• The Bad of Bath Walking Tour

Where To Stay In Bath

If you want to spend more than one day exploring the city, here are some great accommodation options for your stay.

Things To Do Near Bath

If you are planning an extended visit to the area, here are some of the other things to do near Bath to get the most out of your visit:

• Beckford’s Tower : is an impressive gold topped tower just outside of Bath. It offer stunning panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
• Cotswolds villages: Bath sits on the edge of the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). This region is made up of beautiful countryside and quaint villages that have a storybook feel. Read this guide to discover the prettiest villages in the Cotswolds .
• Castle Combe: when it comes to pretty Cotswold villages, Castle Combe takes the crown. In fact, Castle Combe is often described as the prettiest town in England! Read this guide to discover the perfect way to spend a day in Castle Combe.
• Malmesbury: this pretty market town in Wiltshire is your quintessential English country town. Complete with historic market cross, grand Abbey and sprawling gardens, it is well worth a visit to admire Malmesbury’s charm. Read this guide to discover the top things to do in Malmesbury.
• Dyrham Park: this stunning country house set in ancient deer park is a beautiful place for a gentle stroll. Dyrham Park is maintained by the National Trust and is just a short drive from Bath.

So if you are visiting Bath, be sure to bookmark this page or pin it using the pin below so you can visit these top sights on your trip!

Have you visited Bath? I’d love to hear about your visit! Let’s connect on  Instagram  and send me a DM and tell me what you loved most about this fascinating city!

Until our next adventure,

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P.S. Love it? Pin it!

If you like this Bath walking tour, be sure to follow  Get Lost on Pinterest . That’s where I’ll be sharing all my great  UK travel guides .

Hello, I’m Hannah! I’m a writer and photographer who loves experiencing the wonders of Yorkshire. My guides will help you escape from your daily routine by showing you that you don’t have to go far to find an adventure.

70 thoughts on “Self Guided Bath Walking Tour (12 Places Not To Miss!)”

I loved my trip to Bath two years ago, it’s such a magical city to walk around on foot. This is a fantastic guide that hits up all of the main attractions!

I’m so glad you like the guide! It is an incredible city and you definitely see the best of it on foot!

This post has brought back so many wonderful memories. Bath was one of my first solo travel trips when I decided I really needed to see more of my home country. I definitely should go back!

Bath is such a great city for a first solo trip! There’s definitely a lot to see and do there, I think you could easily fill multiple trips to Bath and still not see it all!

I’ve been to Bath before but missed a lot of great things to see. This guide is so detailed. I’ve saved it to refer back to when I get to visit again. Thank you so much!

There is so much to see in Bath, I think it definitely takes more than one trip to take it all in! I’m already dreaming of going back to see more of the city! I hope you’re able to visit again soon!

We are adding so many spots to the UK driving trip we want to plan. This self guided walk through Bath sure will give us a great look at the beautiful Georgian architecture. At the speed we go taking pics, we would probably need to plan more than one hour for sure. We would certainly want to see the inside of the Royal Crescent to see how the wealthy lived. Probably good to stay in Bath and do some day trips from there.

Haha I know what you mean about taking pictures! I faff for ages taking photos! i think we were speedier than usual because we met my brother while we were there and he didn’t have the patience to hang around while I took hundreds of photos! Bath is definitely a great place to stay while exploring the area. It’s really close to the Cotswolds, Stonehenge, Oxford and plenty of other great places to see. A UK driving trip sounds wonderful! I hope you have an amazing time!

I have been to Bath, but I missed many of these places so need to go back for sure! Thanks for this useful list, well done! 🙂

What a great excuse to go back! There is definitely a lot to see in Bath, I think it takes more than one trip to really take it all in. I’m already dreaming of going back for another visit. I hope you get back there someday soon!

What a great and comprehensive tour! Looks like a beautiful spot to explore 🙂

I’m so glad you like the tour! Bath is such an interesting city and the architecture is stunning!

I loved Bath so much! Whilst the entry fee to the Roman Bath is rather expensive, there are so many amazing spots to visit for free which is amazing! I’ve never tried a walking tour though that’s one thing I should try next time i visit a new place. I also totally missed that ice cream place, so that’s another reason to return 🙂

I was gutted because unfortunately the Roman Baths were closed when we visited due to Covid restrictions so that’s my excuse to go back! And for the ice cream…the charcoal cone was surprisingly delicious!

Bath is so beautiful. I didn’t get a chance to do many of these things especially the spots outside of bath. Thanks for the tips 🙂

It’s such a beautiful city! I could have spent much longer there! There is definitely a lot more than I managed to see! The surrounding area is so beautiful too, it’s hard to pick what to see when you’re so spoiled for choice!

This is so detailed!! Thank you so much. With this article I’d definitely be happy to do a self-guides tour 👏🏽

Thanks Elyse! I’m so glad you like it! I hope you get an opportunity to take a self-guided Bath walking tour soon!

I visited Bath a couple years ago but haven’t been able to go since – but with this post, I’m sure I’ll find a whole bunch of new things to see and do!!

Bath is a beautiful city isn’t it? There’s so much to see and do…I’m itching to go back too!

I visited Bath for 1 day only so I indeed missed most of these! I will pin your post for my next visit, thank you so much!

There is so much to see in Bath isn’t there! I’d love to go back too so I can see more of the city! Thanks for reading!

Bath looks like an awesome spot to visit! I’d love to check out some of these spots one day. Thanks for sharing!

Bath is such a beautiful city! I’d love to go back because many of the museums weren’t open when we visited due to the restictions. It would be nice to spend more time admiring the city, but it was lovely to walk around and take in all of the beautiful architecture! I hope you get an opportunity to visit soon!

It’s been so long since I visited Bath. I was a kid and probably not the best age to appreciate how truly beautiful a city it is. I’d love to go back now and explore and this is such a helpful guide to see all the major sites and everything that makes the city unique

I think I visited Bath as a kid once but I have no memory of it at all. It is definitely a city that we appreciate more as adults! I hope you get a chance to go back and see the sites!

I always thought Bath, was just the name of the hot springs there. I didn’t realize it was the name of the whole town! I also didn’t realize it was so close to the Cotswalds. We visited that area back in 2016, but went straight from the Cotswalds to Oxford. I would love to go back and tour this UNESCO site!

Ooh you will have been super close to Bath if you went from the Cotswolds to Oxford! It is a really beautiful city and well worth a visit. What a great excuse to come back and visit! I hope you get an opportunity to visit soon!

I love the idea of a walking tour… great opportunity to get your steps in!

Yes! You’ll definitely hit your daily step goal with this one! It’s such a walkable city and it is the best way to see the beautiful architecture!

I am really looking forward to visiting Bath someday and this post will be so helpful in planning our trip. Thanks!

I hope you get an opportunity to visit someday soon, Bath is such a beautiful city!

All I can think of is pride and prejudice! Lol thanks for sharing!!! This is a great walking guide!!

Haha! There are several Jane Austen tours in Bath too if you want a true Pride & Prejudice experience! I’m so glad you like the guide, thanks for reading!

I’ve heard so many good things about Bath! I’ll definitely reference this when I visit one day!

It’s a beautiful city, I definitely recommend visiting when you’re in the area! I really want to go back and spend more time there! I hope you have a wonderful visit when you go!

I appreciate your walking tour guides, so detailed with historical snippets included. A couple of photographs are particularly eye-catching: the one of The Pump Room with Bath Abbey in the background, and the second one of Pulteney Bridge. Awesome!

I’m so glad you like the walking tour! I always find the history of places fascinating and a tour was definitely the best way to take it all in! It’s such a picturesque city, the photos don’t even do it justice!

Thank you! I have been meaning to visit Bath for a long time and now I have a great list to start. I just love the historical origins of the city, can’t wait to explore it 🙂

Bath was on my list forever too before I finally managed to get there! I’d love to go back and spend more time there as we only had about half a day in the end. It was fascinating learning about the history of the city and its architecture. I hope you get a chance to visit soon!

I haven’t been to Bath, England yet but I *love* self-guided walking tours. I pinned this for later – thanks!

Ah I hope you get to Bath soon! It’s a beautiful city and well worth exploring. Thanks for reading!

When my husband & I travel we love walking everywhere. And I think we’d love to do this self-guided walking tour of Bath! That architecture is transporting!

Ah I love walking around destinations too…it is definitely the best way to see them and you often stumble on little gems you would otherwise miss! Bath definitely has some incredible architecture, I’ve visited plenty of pretty UK cities but none of them are like Bath!

I’m crazy for UNESCO World Heritage sites and your article makes it easy to see why Bath is one! Even back in the 1700’s there were some brilliant tourism minds developing this destination. I can’t wait to petsit my way back to Europe because Bath has now moved a few notches higher on my Bucket List. Thanks for the inspiration!

You always know you’re in for a treat with a UNESCO World Heritage site, don’t you! I love visiting them too and Bath is definitely worth exploring! If you end up pet sitting your way over to England I’ve got two fur-babies who would love to spend some time with you I’m sure!

I absolutely adore Bath! When I went I’m pretty sure I just aimlessly walked around but I no doubt missed some places.. wish I had this guide back then to have made sure I saw all the wonderful buildings and highlights of such a pretty place..

It’s such a beautiful city, isn’t it? Unfortunately, we only had about half a day in Bath so a walking tour was a great way to see the main sights in a short space of time. It was so interesting uncovering the history of these incredible buildings!

I actually much prefer doing a walking tour on my own rather than with a guide! Thanks for the comprehensive (and easy to follow!) post! I’ll def be using this whenever I get over the pond!

I completely agree! I love an audio tour as, between tracks, I can move at my own pace, pause to take photos and just do my own thing! It feels a lot less pressured than a group tour! I hope you get an opportunity to visit soon!

Can’t believe I missed walking along the Paragon when I was there! The abbey was also surrounded by scaffolding when I visited which was a shame. You definitely cover all of the main attractions in Bath!

The Paragon is definitely a little out on a limb in the city but it is well worth looping around that way to see it! What a shame you couldn’t admire the Abbey! It still had plenty of scaffolding on it, but luckily it was all around the side and back from the main entrance this time. What a good excuse to come back and see it properly though!

Bath looks so beautiful and I adore all of the points of interest you’ve included. Super helpful how you’ve shared the optional stops as well!

Bath is such a stunning city and I’m so glad you like the guide! I really want to go back and visit the optional stops and many attractions were closed during our visit due to Covid restrictions. The walking tour was a great way to see the main sights though in a short visit! It was a wonderful little ‘taster session’ for what Bath has to offer!

Bath always reminds me of Pride & Prejudice (the movie and the book!). Would love to visit someday!

There is a Jane Austen audio tour of the town too if you love Pride and Prejudice! Unfortunately we didn’t get time to try that one out but hopefully on our next visit! I hope you get a chance to try it out too!

Wooow. The architecture here is beautiful! The paragon was my favorite spot.

I hope to visit the UK soon! Definitely adding this city to my list!

Bath is such a beautiful city and the architecture is stunning. I hope you’re able to visit soon to see it in person!

I’m headed to England for a three-week workation this fall. I definitely want to visit Bath so this top 12 list and walking tour guide is perfect!

Ooh I hope you have a wonderful time while visiting England! Bath is such a beautiful city to visit, I hope you get the opportunity to soak up all these sights!

Bath really is such a beautiful town and for a walking tour! I’ve been to Bath but didn’t get the chance to see as many of these points of interest. I only saw the Roman Baths and Thermae Spa. I need to go back and spend more time here!

There is so much to see in Bath, isn’t there? I’m keen to go back as it was a bit of a whirlwind tour for us too and there are many other things we still want to see. Thanks to the lockdown regulations at the time we didn’t get the chance to visit inside the Roman Baths and I was gutted! I’m hoping to get back there again soon to see even more!

I have been to Bath so many times and yet have missed some of these every time! Will definitely be saving for when I go back.

There is so much to see in Bath, isn’t there? I’m keen to go back and explore even more of the city – there’s a lot that we didn’t get the chance to see the first time around!

Bath is definitely on my bucket list! What a beautiful destination, wow! 🙂

Bath is such a beautiful city, isn’t it? The architecture is spectacular!

I wish I had seen this a couple of weeks ago when we found ourselves exploring this area after one of girls got Covid and all of us were denied boarding for our cruise. We spent a day in Bath and had to do a lot of last minute research to find things to do.

Oh no! How disappointing you weren’t able to board your cruise! Although I think there are worse places to be stuck than Bath! It is such a beautiful city! I’m keen to go back soon and explore more of it!

Bath is one of my absolute favourite towns in England! Thanks for sharing such a detailed guide – this walking tour covers so much! Would love to go back and try out the route soon 🙂

Bath is such a beautiful place, isn’t it? I love the architecture! I’m eager to go back and explore even more! Thanks for reading!

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New 1984 stage adaptation to embark on UK tour

Ryan Craig’s version will debut at Theatre Royal Bath this autumn

A new adaptation of George Orwell’s dystopian novel 1984 is heading to the stage.

Written by Ryan Craig ( The Holy Rosenbergs , Our Class ) and directed by Lindsay Posner ( Noises Off ,  A View From The Bridge ), the piece will debut at Theatre Royal Bath from 20 to 28 September 2024, before embarking on a UK tour (with dates and venues still to be announced).

1984  was originally published in 1949 and has been described as “one of the most chillingly prescient novels of the last century”. It imagines a world, suffering under the influence of mass surveillance and totalitarianism ruled by a dictatorial leader (or symbol) known as Big Brother.

Craig’s other notable credits include Charlotte and Theodore ,  The Glass Room  and  Filthy Business .

Casting and additional creative team information will be revealed in due course.

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