Places to visit in Bath

Bath’s naturally warm waters have been enjoyed by the Romans, Celts and Saxons for millennia, so why not discover what the fuss is about by booking a session at Thermae Bath Spa? Submerge yourself in the steaming, mineral-rich waters of the spa’s rooftop pool, surrounded by views over the city, or check out the aromatherapy rooms below.

A Bath city break isn’t complete without good food, especially when the ingredients are sourced locally. Olive Tree is famous for just that – fresh seasonal dishes, with produce coming straight from the bountiful hills and farms surrounding Bath. Headed up by award-winning chef Chris Cleghorn, Olive Tree proudly claims Bath’s only Michelin star (yet) and serves up a choice of intriguing seasonal menus.

Follow in the footsteps of Penelope and co. on a Bridgerton-themed walking tour of Bath. While Netflix’s hit TV show (based on the books of the same name) revolves around London’s high society, much of Bridgerton was filmed in Bath. Join this two-hour romp around the city’s filming locations to discover how Bath was transformed into Regency London and hear all the behind-the-scenes gossip.

Embrace your inner artist with a stay at Abbey Hotel, an imaginative boutique hotel in the centre of Bath. Vibrant rooms that evoke the glamour of the building’s extraordinary past, inspiring wall art that honours old and new Bathonian talent, and a lively ArtBar (with its curated art collection and bespoke cocktail menu) are sure to get your creativity flowing.

Ramp up the romance stakes with an intimate supper at the award-winning restaurant and wine bar Corkage, which serves seasonal dishes such as crunchy arancini with Pomelado orange wine. If the weather is set to be favourable, why not opt for a table on the heated terrace and soak up the cosy atmosphere as you feast? Try fresh oysters with crisp English bubbly.

Follow your nose across the other side of the River Avon for a scrumptious breakfast of freshly baked pastries and breads, with lashings of hot coffee to wash it down. All Mokoko’s products are baked on site daily; the bakery is especially known for its sourdough, so consider picking some oven-warm sourdough treats to enjoy later, too.

The first Georgian townhouse in the world-famous Royal Crescent is now a living museum and one of the top things to do in Bath. Following a £5-million renovation, the house and its servant quarters have been restored to their full glory. Take a snoop around, uncovering some of the house’s secrets and stories through the knowledgeable volunteer guides in each room.

Bath’s eponymous attraction has been drawing in visitors for more than 2,000 years. The Roman Baths are built around Britain’s only hot springs and still flow with natural hot water. Explore the ruins and the baths themselves, walking on original Roman pavements and even taking a sip of the “healing” waters from the hot water spa fountain in the adjoining Pump Room Restaurant.

You can’t miss this kitsch seafood spot, which features a bathtub full of freshly iced fish on display in the window. In addition to its popular fish and chips offering, you can also feast on grilled seafood including oysters, mussels and even surf ’n’ turf. Soak up the marine-themed decor as you tuck in it’s like being at the seaside!

Ready for your final adventure? Finish off your Bath city break by heading out of the city to take on the Bath Skyline walk. This clockwise, circular route along six miles of waymarked footpaths reveals hidden valleys, tranquil woodlands and unparalleled views over Bath and the Blackdown Hills in the distance. We recommend doing it during the golden hour of sunset.