If you’re planning a stay in Bath, you’re in for a treat. This beautiful UNESCO World Heritage city is packed with history, stunning architecture, fantastic restaurants and plenty of unique experiences, making it one of our favourite places to visit time and time again.
Whether you’re staying at our Georgian Gem Penthouse in the heart of the city or visiting Bath during a stay at one of our countryside cottages, there’s so much to see and do.
To help you make the most of your visit, we’ve put together ten of our favourite places to explore, along with a few local tips that we always recommend to our guests.
If you’re still looking for somewhere to stay, don’t forget to explore our luxury holiday properties or book direct with Handara and save on booking rates.
1. Step Back in Time at the Roman Baths
No visit to Bath is complete without exploring the Roman Baths, one of the best-preserved Roman bathing complexes in the world.
Built around Britain’s only natural hot springs, the site offers an incredible glimpse into Roman life, with ancient stone walkways, fascinating artefacts and the famous Great Bath at its centre.
Although you can’t swim in the baths themselves, it’s one of the city’s most iconic attractions and well worth visiting.
2. Relax at Thermae Bath Spa
After exploring the city, why not enjoy Bath’s famous thermal waters for yourself?
Thermae Bath Spa allows visitors to bathe in naturally warm, mineral-rich waters just as people have done for centuries. The rooftop pool is a particular highlight, offering spectacular views across Bath’s historic skyline.
It’s one of our favourite recommendations for couples enjoying a romantic weekend away.
3. Visit the Beautiful Bath Abbey
Standing proudly beside the Roman Baths, Bath Abbey is one of the city’s most recognisable landmarks.
Take time to admire its stunning Gothic architecture, colourful stained-glass windows and impressive fan-vaulted ceiling before climbing the tower for panoramic views across Bath.
Whether you’re interested in history, architecture or simply beautiful buildings, it’s a must-see.
4. Walk Across Pulteney Bridge
Often compared to Florence’s famous Ponte Vecchio, Pulteney Bridge is one of only a handful of bridges in the world lined with shops.
Take a stroll across the bridge before stopping to admire the picturesque weir below, one of the most photographed spots in Bath.
It’s also a great place to grab a coffee before continuing your day exploring the city.
5. Discover the Royal Crescent & The Circus
Few places capture Bath’s elegant Georgian architecture quite like the Royal Crescent and The Circus.
These iconic streets showcase the city’s rich history and are perfect for a leisurely walk. The large green space outside the Royal Crescent is ideal for relaxing on a sunny afternoon or enjoying a picnic.
If you’re interested in architecture or photography, this is one of the best areas in Bath to explore.
6. Learn About Jane Austen’s Bath
Bath played a significant role in Jane Austen’s life and inspired several of her novels.
The Jane Austen Centre offers fascinating exhibits about her time in the city, complete with costumed guides and insights into Regency Bath.
It’s a wonderful experience whether you’re a lifelong Austen fan or simply curious about Bath’s literary history.
7. Spend an Afternoon at the Holburne Museum
If you enjoy art, history or peaceful gardens, the Holburne Museum is well worth adding to your itinerary.
Housed in a beautiful Georgian building, the museum features an impressive collection of fine and decorative art alongside regularly changing exhibitions.
Afterwards, take a stroll through the surrounding gardens before heading back into the city.
8. Explore Prior Park Landscape Garden
Just outside the city centre you’ll find one of Bath’s hidden gems.
Managed by the National Trust, Prior Park Landscape Garden offers beautiful woodland walks, tranquil lakes and the famous Palladian Bridge overlooking the valley below.
It’s one of our favourite places to escape the busy city for an hour or two.
9. Catch a Show at the Theatre Royal Bath
Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or a longer stay, checking what’s on at the Theatre Royal Bath is always worthwhile.
One of the oldest theatres in the country, it hosts everything from West End productions and comedy shows to live music and family performances throughout the year.
10. Walk the Bath Skyline
If you’d like to experience Bath from a different perspective, the Bath Skyline Walk is one of the best ways to do it.
This circular route offers incredible panoramic views across the city while taking you through woodland, meadows and peaceful countryside.
It’s a fantastic option if you’re looking to balance sightseeing with a little fresh air.
A Few More Places We Love
If you have extra time during your visit, we’d also recommend:
- Royal Victoria Park: perfect for picnics and leisurely walks.
- Mary Shelley’s House of Frankenstein: an immersive attraction celebrating the famous author and her iconic novel.
- Victoria Art Gallery: home to an impressive collection of British art.
- American Museum & Gardens: stunning gardens and fascinating exhibitions overlooking the Limpley Stoke Valley.
- Sally Lunn’s Historic Eating House: one of Bath’s oldest buildings and the perfect place to try the famous Sally Lunn Bun.
- Open Top Bus Tour: a fantastic way to see Bath’s main attractions if you’re visiting for the first time.
Make the Most of Your Visit to Bath
One of the things we love most about Bath is that there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, shopping, relaxing at the spa or simply wandering the beautiful streets, it’s a city you’ll want to return to again and again.
If you’re planning your visit, we’d love to welcome you to one of our Handara holiday homes. Our Georgian Gem Penthouse is perfectly located for exploring Bath on foot, while Beckington Rustic Retreat and Saltford Cosy Cottage offer peaceful countryside escapes within easy reach of the city.
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