Known for its Georgian-style buildings, Bath prevails as one of the most beautiful cities in England. For well over 2,000 years, the city has attracted millions of tourists with its impressive architecture and history. Some of the most exciting attractions are its museums, natural thermal spas, and boutique shops.
The Roman Baths are remarkably well-preserved monuments of ancient England's religious spas. Nestled in the heart of the city, the baths are easily accessible by bus or train. The masterfully designed building stands as one of the most impressive historic sites in Northern Europe. Divided into four main features, the sites receive more than a million visitors each year.
Bath Abbey is one of the largest examples of Perpendicular Gothic architecture in England. The medieval church is in a cruciform layout and able to seat 1,200 people. An active place of worship, the impressive building hosts civic ceremonies, musical concerts, and lectures. Other notable places of interest inside Bath Abbey are the heritage museum in the cellar, the central tower, and its 617 wall memorials.
Spa culture in Bath has been around for thousands of years and is still something that people can enjoy to this very day. Just a few blocks away from Bath Spa train station, Thermae Bath Spa along Hot Bath Street is probably one of the most visited places in the city. Each guest has a wide array of relaxing services to choose from in Thermae Bath Spa. Aside from the regular spa services, there are two natural thermal baths in the building — an open-air rooftop pool and an indoor pool.
Notable for its prominent architecture, Pulteney Bridge brings a touch of Italian architecture to Bath. Inspired by the Ponte Vecchio in Florence, the planners applied the same design principle to Pulteney Bridge. Constructed with limestones, the southern facade takes the form of a temple-like central bay with lined shops and cafes on both sides. The bridge's elegant arches complement its surroundings, particularly when lit up at night.
The Circus in Bath is an elliptical street with large townhouses on the other side. Constructed by architect John Wood and his team, they were able to complete the iconic site in 1786. At the time, the structure leads as an example of Georgian architecture. An aerial view of the Circus reveals another feature of its design. Along with Queens Square and Gay Street, the layout forms a key shape — a masonic symbol usually found in Wood's design. Today, the Circus is teeming with great cafes, restaurants, and shops.
Visit the Jane Austen Centre and take a peek into what it would be like to live during the Regency times. As one of the most celebrated residents of Bath, the life of Jane Austen tells the story of fashion, food, and society at her time. Established in 2014, the center explores how Jane Austen’s life and novels influenced the city. Each visit will begin with a short introduction from one of the staff on-site. Then, guests are free to wander around the exhibits.
Created by a local businessman in the 1700s, Prior Park Landscape Garden led as an example of an "English landscape garden style" in Europe. Some of the impressive sights in the garden include a Palladian bridge, a Gothic temple, an ice house, and a lake. A five-minute walk from the garden leads on to the 10km circular trail. The pathway encompasses the nearby woodlands and an 18th-century structure that features panoramic views of the city.
A center for cultural appreciation, the Fashion Museum in Bath has nearly 100,000 historical garments and pieces. Founded by Doris Langley Moore in 1963, the museum showcases important changes in English fashion over the years. Located in the basement of the Assembly Rooms, the planners were able to pack the museum with a stylish punch within its limited space. Some of the notable exhibits include A History of Fashion, the Dress of the Year, and the Royal Women.
Located in Sydney Pleasure Gardens, The Holburne Museum is home to fine and decorative arts from the collection of Sir William Holburne. Founded in 1882, the museum holds many works of art from Gainsborough, Guardi, Stubbs, Ramsay, and Zoffany. The museum also provides a space for musical performances, creative workshops, and lectures. In pop culture, the museum was seen in many popular films and TV shows such as The Duchess, Change of Heart, and The Count of Monte Cristo.
Conveniently located near Guildhall and Bath Abbey, the Victoria Art Gallery is home to a wide array of paintings, sculptures, glassware, and decorative arts. Constructed to celebrate Queen Victoria's 60th year in power, the building strongly represents the queen’s successful reign at the time. Today, the galleries can be booked for exclusive events, An inspiring and unforgettable venue for wedding ceremonies and private views.
Admired as one of the most beautiful cities in England, Bath is home to many Georgian-style buildings. The city never runs out of impressive architecture and colorful history. For two millennia, Bath has attracted millions of locals and foreign tourists. Some of the most popular attractions are the Roman Baths, Pulteney Bridge, and the Prior Park Landscape.
The best time to visit Bath is between July and August. The warmest time of year is generally late July when the highest temperature is usually around 22°C and rarely dropping below 11.5°C at night.
Accommodation in Bath comes in wide variation, from the cozy bed and breakfasts in the city center to the grand country house hotels in the suburbs. Whether it be an overnight stay, a short break, or a longer holiday, it’s easy to find the perfect place to stay in the city.