Things to do in Bath

All about Bath

When to visit

Bath is a lovely place to visit throughout the year, but expect cooler temperatures and a high chance of rain if you come between autumn and spring. The arts and literature are celebrated annually at the Bath Festival, held in late May. Summers are generally pleasant and warm, but rarely too hot—though expect crowds and long queues if you come in July or August.

Getting around

Bath is easy to explore on foot, and much of the city center is pedestrian-only, making it a great place for strolling. Both the Roman Baths and Bath Abbey are situated in this area, and the railway station is only a few minutes’ walk. Bath also has a hop-on hop-off bus service between major attractions, and First Bus offers public bus routes in and around the city.

Traveler tips

While you can’t bathe in the Roman Baths, you can soak in water from the same source at Thermae Bath Spa, a few minutes’ walk away. If you’re on a budget, skip a session at the sprawling Main Spa in favor of a soak at the smaller Cross Bath, or head over to the Pump Room restaurant, adjacent to the Roman baths, where you can drink a glass of the mineral-rich waters for a nominal fee.

---

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the city of Bath famous for?

Bath is famous for its beautifully preserved Georgian architecture constructed from locally-sourced stone, as well as its ancient attractions, most notably the UNESCO-listed Roman Baths. The city is a cultural center with a fantastic theater scene and has provided inspiration to countless literary figures, including Jane Austen.

How do you spend a day in Bath?

One day in Bath is enough to visit key attractions including the Roman Baths and the adjacent Bath Abbey. You’ll also have time to stop for a soak at the Thermae Bath Spa or wander over to famous architectural attractions such as the Royal Crescent and Pulteney Bridge.

Can you go in the Roman Baths in Bath?

Yes, you can go into the Roman Baths complex to see the baths, artifacts, and interpretative displays. Audio guides are also provided to visitors. Entering the waters, however, is prohibited for health and safety reasons. Visitors looking to soak can go to the nearby Thermae Bath Spa.

What else could you do at the Roman Baths besides bathing?

You can’t actually bathe in the Roman Baths; soaking in the waters here has been prohibited since the late 1970s. But you can arm yourself with an audio guide and learn about pre-Roman and Roman Britain through the bath complex’s interpretive displays.

Can you swim in the baths at Bath?

No, you cannot swim in the original Roman Baths, which have been closed to public bathing since the late 1970s. However, you can enjoy thermal waters from the same source at the nearby Thermae Bath Spa; this modern spa complex features indoor and outdoor pools, steam rooms, and massage services.

Is Bath worth a day trip?

Yes, Bath is worth a day trip. It’s easily accessible from London and other major UK destinations by train, and the city’s compact size and the short distance between key attractions such as the Roman Baths and Bath Abbey make it simple to navigate.

---