Bath, England is full of so many unique experiences, filming locations, cozy coffee shops, and beautiful historic buildings. It’s pretty much my ideal vacation spot. Honestly, I would love to go back to visit Bath and just sit in the coffee shops enjoying afternoon tea all day long.
I visited Bath as part of my Bridgerton tour of England, and I absolutely fell in love. Whether you’re a Bridgerton fan, a Jane Austen fan, or just enjoy history, there are plenty of amazing things to do in Bath that make it worth a visit!
Year visited: 2026
Time of year: April
What’s in this Article:
- Looking for somewhere to stay in Bath? I stayed at the Royal Hotel, right across from the train station. It was the perfect location for exploring the city, with comfortable rooms and friendly staff!
About Bath, England
Bath is a small city in England, with a population just under 100,000. The main tourist area of the city feels much like a small town, and is easy to walk around and visit all the best things to do in Bath.
Where is Bath?
Bath Spa is in the southwest of England, about 1 hour west of London. It is very easy to get to from London, either by bus or train. You can also take a guided day trip to Bath from London, if you prefer.
History of Bath
Bath has one of the oldest and most unique histories of any city in England, in my opinion. In ancient Roman times, it was established as a spa city, built up around the natural springs of bubbling waters that were believed to be beneficial for one’s health.
The Romans built a massive temple and bathing buildings around the springs, the ruins of which you can visit today.
During the Georgian era (think Jane Austen and Bridgerton times), the spa waters again became popular. Many elite families from that time would travel to Bath to “take the waters.” Several of Jane Austen’s books are set here (and she herself lived in the city for a few years), and many scenes from the early Bridgerton seasons were filmed on Bath’s streets.
Today the city is a popular tourist destination, with good reason. It is easily connected to London, overflowing with tea rooms and bakeries, full of history, and has ties to popular culture. Bath was one of my favorite places I’ve visited in all of England!
Things to Do in Bath, England
One of the things that is truly special about Bath, England is how many different types of attractions there are in such a small area. From historic buildings and museums to world famous pastries and (naturally) the only life-sized wax figure of Jane Austen, there is something for everyone here.
But of course, the most important and popular attraction is what the city gets its name for: The Roman Baths.
Visit the Roman Baths
The Roman Baths are THE site to see in Bath (I mean, the city is literally named after them!). I really enjoyed touring this museum and learning about how the site used to be used as a spa in ancient Roman times. It is honestly one of the most unique and interesting places I think I’ve ever visited.
And be sure to “try the waters” while you’re here (if you dare!). There is a small fountain hidden in the back corner at the very end of the tour, where you can fill a cup and taste the mineral water.
- Pro Tips:
- I visited the Roman Baths right when they opened, and was able to wander through much of the museum on my own. I also got photos without people in them.
- I spent about an hour here, but I did wander through quickly.
- You can book brunch or afternoon tea at the Pump Room included with your Roman Baths tour (I booked my own table in the Pump Room separately).
- You can also take a peek in the Pump Room at the end of your tour, even if you are not eating there. Instead of entering the gift shop, continue up the stairs to look inside the Pump Room.
Have Tea in the Pump Room
As I said above, you can visit the Pump Room in Bath at the end of your Roman Baths tour, even if you are not eating here. You can also book a morning brunch or afternoon tea included with your tour, or you can come here on your own.
I was so excited to visit the Pump Room, as a fan of Jane Austen (the rooms are featured prominently in Northanger Abbey). I would love to come for the Jane Austen afternoon tea, but since I already had an expensive (Bridgerton themed!) afternoon tea booked in London later, and because I wanted to have tea at the Jane Austen Centre, I just went with the “Morning Bakery,” which is just a pot of tea and a slice of cake.
This was a super affordable (and delicious) way to experience the Pump Room. It was so relaxing to sit and drink my tea while listening to the live music and imagine what it was like in Georgian times.
Take in the Stunning Bath Abbey
Just across from the Roman Baths is the Bath Abbey, and it is well worth a visit inside. The Abbey has been a part of this community for hundreds of years, though even before the present building was erected, Bath was home to a religious community. The earliest record of a convent in Bath comes from 675 AD, and it has been part of the city’s history ever since.
The current church building was first built in 1499, with several additions and restorations undertaken since then. The interior is absolutely stunning; I think it is one of the prettiest church buildings I’ve ever been in!
- Good to Know:
- You can buy tickets online ahead of time, or at the door. When I visited in April, I just bought a ticket at the door.
- You can also book special tours, like the Tower Tour.
- The Abbey hosts special performances throughout the year. When I was there, there was a rendition of Pride & Prejudice on, which would have been so cool to watch in that stunning setting!
Eat a Classic Bath Bun
Bath is also famous for “Bath Buns,” and Sally Lunn’s is the most famous place to get them. A Bath Bun is basically like a big fluffy tea cake; it is very light and airy.
You can order a traditional “cream tea,” which would be a Bath Bun with jam and cream, or you can get them with savory toppings for an actual meal.
If you don’t want to sit down to order, you can also buy a boxed Bath Bun from their gift shop downstairs. There is also a “museum,” but really it is just a view of the original kitchen from the 1600s.
Shop in the Guildhall Market
There are plenty of places to go shopping in Bath, as the streets are just lined with cafes and souvenir shops. But one of the most authentic (and fun) places to go shopping is inside of the Bath Guildhall, a historic market that has been a site for trading for over 800 years.
There are plenty of different shops available in here, from used books to leather goods to more cafes to try! It is definitely worth a walk through to explore the historic building and see all of the unique options inside.
Walk Across Pulteney Bridge
Pulteney Bridge is synonamous with Bath. If you look up pictures of the city, you will see lots of pictures of this iconic landmark right at the top of the page.
It is a fun bridge to photograph, and you can head down the steps to walk along the water and through the park on either side of the bridge. It is also lined with shops and cafes, making it a perfect spot for drinking a coffee or eating an ice cream with a great view of the river.
Wander through the Holburne Museum
On the other side of the bridge, at the end of Great Pulteney Street, is the Holburne Museum (or, as fans of Bridgerton will know it as, the Danbury House).
The Holburne is a gorgeous art museum, hosting various events throughout the year. They also have a garden and cafe around back that are lovely to visit, even if you don’t go inside the museum.
Tour Filming Locations
There are so many movies and series that have filmed in Bath, England. The plethora of historic buildings serve as the perfect backdrop for period pieces like Bridgerton or Jane Austen films.
I did a walking tour of all the Bridgerton filming locations in Bath, but there are plenty of sites to see for fans of other genres as well (see the what to read and watch section below!).
Visit No. 1 Royal Crescent
The Royal Crescent is one of the most iconic sites in Bath. It’s a perfect spot for taking social media photos (maybe dressing up in a Bridgerton themed dress??), but if you want, you can also go inside one of the homes and see what it was actually like to live here during Georgian times.
No. 1 Royal Crescent is the first house on the famous row, and is open as a museum to show what life was like in the 17/1800s. You can buy tickets online ahead of time, or just at the door, as I did. It takes about 1/2 an hour to wander through the museum (or longer, if you would like to listen to all of the audio guides).
Soak in a Spa
While you can’t soak in the Roman baths anymore, you can visit a spa during your trip to Bath. The most popular spa in the city is Thermae Bath Spa, where you can start to imagine what it would have been like to visit the city during its heyday, as you soak in the warm waters.
There is an open-air roof top pool with stunning views over the city, as well as an indoor thermal bath, steam room, and more.
See the Jane Austen Centre
Jane Austen is one of Bath’s most famous residents, having lived in the city from 1801-1806, and setting 2 of her novels here. There are lots of Jane Austen things to see around the city (you can even go on an Austen themed walking tour), but most notable is the Jane Austen Centre.
The museum is a lot smaller than I expected, but the actors are fabulous. Every tour begins with a presentation led by a different character (mine was Mr. Austen, Jane’s father). He gave us some history and inside information, and pointed out all the important things to see and experience in the museum, which you then go through on your own.
You can also visit the Regency Tea Rooms upstairs, with or without a ticket to the museum. I was able to get a table without a booking, but it filled up fast, so I would suggest booking a time if you can.
Relax in Bath City Parade Gardens
Along the river in the center of the city is the Bath City Parade Gardens. My first night in the city was unseasonably warm for April, and so many people were here relaxing along the water and enjoying the beautiful weather!
During the summer, there are also concerts and a cafe, making this an ideal place to sit down, relax, and truly enjoy just being in such a unique and historic city.
Explore Prior Park
Prior Park Landscape Garden is not in the center of town, so it is a bit more difficult to get to. They also have limited hours, and an entry fee, as part of the National Trust program (so don’t show up at 5 pm thinking you can get early evening photos here… Because the gates are locked).
It’s about a 25 minute uphill walk from the train station in Bath to the lower entrance. You can also take the No. 2 bus from Dorchester St. to the main entrance.
The park features the famous Palladian Bridge, one of only four in the world, which can also be seen on screen in Bridgerton. There is also a cafe, walking paths, and lots of activities for kids.
Visit the Assembly Rooms
The Assembly Rooms are currently closed and undergoing a major renovation. They are set to open sometime in 2027, and will house a Georgian museum, which I think sounds super fun to visit. I may have to plan another trip to Bath…
Any fan of Jane Austen will be familiar with the Assembly Rooms, as they were the site of many an evening ball. They were also used as a filming location for… many an evening ball in the Bridgerton series!
Peruse a Bookstore
There are several bookstores to peruse in Bath, but I particularly want to point out Topping & Company Booksellers. The well-stocked shop is housed in the historic “Friends Meeting House,” which is reason enough to step inside, not to mention the several floors and hidden nooks of books to explore!
I made friends with some fellow Brandon Sanderson fans here, who ensured me that Topping & Company was one of the best bookstores in the UK!
Where to Stay in Bath
Royal Hotel
I stayed at the Royal Hotel in Bath. The location was absolutely perfect; right across from the main train station, and easy walking distance to all of the sites!
The staff was very friendly, and the room was so clean and welcoming. I had a small room, but it was just for one person, and was the perfect size for me. Not to mention the extra tea and goodies they left in the room for me! And the price was affordable!
Duke’s Hotel
The Duke’s Hotel in Bath is just down the street from the Holburne Museum, and was also used as a filming location for Bridgerton. It’s a beautiful historic building that would make a great base for exploring Bath.
Abbey Hotel Bath
A bit more expensive, the Abbey Hotel Bath is a historic, boutique hotel with uniquely decorated rooms. It is centrally located close to all the best things to do in Bath, and as easy walk from the train station. The walking tour that I did met out front of this hotel.
Day Trips from Bath, England
Stonehenge
Stonehenge is about an hour from Bath. A lot of day trips from London will include both Stonehenge and Bath, but you can also take a day trip to Stonehenge from Bath.
You can visit on your own, or join one of several guided tours, like this tour from Bath to Stonehenge and the Cotswolds.
Cotswolds
Bath is right on the edge of the popular region known as the “Cotswolds.” It’s a great base for exploring the region on your own, or you can join a guided tour from the city to some of these quaint villages.
London
London is a one hour train ride from Bath. Many people visit Bath as a day trip from London, but you could also do the opposite! (Perhaps you want to visit a couple of these Bridgerton locations in London during your visit to Bath).
Either way, London and Bath are easily traveled between, whether on a guided day trip, or by bus or train on your own.
What to Read & Watch Before Visiting Bath
Jane Austen
Anything by Jane Austen is good to read (and watch!) before coming to visit Bath, but particularly Persuasion and Northanger Abbey, good portions of which take place in Bath.
Bridgerton
Read the Bridgerton books (I especially love these deluxe collector’s editions!!!), and of course watch the Netflix series before visiting the city where it was filmed.
7 Dials
Netflix just made an adaptation of this Agatha Christie novel, starring Martin Freeman and Helena Bonham Carter, which was partly filmed in Bath. You can recognize popular spots such as Abbey Green Square and Pulteney Street.
Frankenstein
Another famous novel with ties to Bath is Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein. Shelley wrote the novel while she was living in Bath in 1816/17.
And now you can visit the new museum and/or escape room: The House of Frankenstein!
Wonka
The Timothee Chalomet movie that tells the backstory of the famous chocolatier was filmed all over England, including scenes in Bath.
Any other questions?
If you have any more questions (or suggestions) about things to do in Bath, England, please feel free to email me or share them in the comments below!
Planning to visit Bath?
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Julia is a travel blogger with a Bachelor’s Degree in photography from Indiana Wesleyan University. She worked as a professional photo-retoucher for seven and a half years, before leaving the company to work in the travel industry. She now works at a historic 1800’s hotel. When she’s not working, she’s reading fantasy novels or classic literature, and planning trips to magical destinations.
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