The city of Bath in the United Kingdom is a charming destination and truly a perfect day trip outside of London. It has a rich history that dates back to Roman times. And even to this day, the ancient Roman Baths are a draw for tourists as is the Thermae Bath Spa which houses the only natural thermal hot springs in Britain in which you can bathe.
I first visited Bath when living in London as a child and returned in recent years to reacquaint myself.
The city itself is actually a UNESCO World Heritage Site given its history and architecture. The city has been beautifully preserved and therefore it is frequently featured in period pieces – most famously the popular series Bridgerton on Netflix which I am so excited returns this week for Season three.
In fact, the very first scenes of Season one of Bridgerton are shot in Bath on Alfred Street, on the famed Royal Crescent and down Bath Street.
A Day In Bath UK
A day trip is the perfect opportunity to get a taste of Bath. It’s a small city so you can cover a lot of ground in a small amount of time.
A walk about in Bath in certain areas does feel like going back in time. You’ll find cobblestone streets, beautiful buildings in the Georgian architecture styled and crafted from the pale, local stone aptly named “Bath stone”, and beautiful parks.
Where Is Bath UK
Bath is located West of London in Somerset. It’s South of Bristol and nearby other popular UK destinations including Stonehenge and The Cotswolds.
You can easily take the train to Bath from London. It takes about one hour twenty minutes and on most days trains run about every hour. You don’t need to buy your tickets in advance but you may want to consider doing so if you plan to go on a weekend. The Bath train station is right downtown in the city centre and therefore you can begin to discover Bath easily by foot upon arrival.
Things To Do In Bath UK
Cinnamon Buns at Landrace Bakery
The darling Landrace Bakery in Bath is a must when you visit. The upstairs is airy and bright and serves up a small menu of dishes or you can opt for a coffee and one of their delicious cinnamon buns. They were served warm when I visited and I have to say I completely devoured it!
Visit The Holburne Museum
The building this museum is housed in happens to play the home of Lady Danbury in Bridgerton but the art inside is also worthy of seeing, too.
See the Pulteney Bridge
One of the most picturesque places in Bath this is a must-see for a photo opp. Stroll the shops on either side and note that the Pulteney Bridge is one of only four bridges in the world to have shops across its full span on both sides.
Have Afternoon Tea
For your lunch during your day trip might we recommend an afternoon tea instead? Equally as filling and perfectly British to do so. Just be sure to skip the touristy Pump Room. While it allows you to get a viewing of the Roman Baths, the afternoon tea there is quite abysmal.
Instead you may want to consider Sally Lunn’s Historic Eating House & Museum. This is Bath’s oldest house that dates back to the 15th century!
See the Bath Abbey
You must see the historic Bath Abbey while in town. The Abbey Church of Saint Peter and Saint Paul, more commonly referred to as Bath Abbey, is a parish church of the Church of England and a former Benedictine monastery. It is absolutely stunning.
Visit Beauford Square
Beauford Square, consisting of 13 houses, plus four apartments and two commercial units was featured heavily in Bridgerton and it is easy to see why.
Beauford Square dates back to 1730 and is neighbors with Bath’s Theatre Royal which itself features a gorgeous facade. It’s the perfect photo opp.
Royal Crescent and 1 Royal Crescent
The Royal Crescent is an absolutely beautiful street overlooking a green park and is a must-see when you visit Bath. Take a stroll in this quiet neighborhood and be sure to pop by 1 Royal Crescent if a fan of Bridgerton. The exterior is used to portray the home of The Featheringtons.
The Royal Crescent itself is also regularly featured throughout the series.
I much preferred this part of Bath vs. the historic old downtown city centre. This part of town is more residential and tranquil and definitely worth exploring.
Visit Royal Victoria Park
The beautiful Royal Victoria Park was first opened in 1830 by the then 11 year old Princess Victoria, seven years before she ascended to the throne. Fun fact: it was the very first park to carry her name. Now it is home to a dog park, picnic tables and plenty of beautiful paths on which to stroll.
Pop into Bath Old Books and Persephone Books
Of course this town steeped in history has some wonderful booksellers and these are two of my favorites I visited. Picking up a book at either would make for a perfect souvenir.
Persephone Books in particular has been a publisher and bookseller since 1999 and they reprint mainly women writers from the early twentieth century.
There is also Topping & Company which also has outposts in Edinburgh and London.
Tour the Victoria Art Gallery
This public art museum in Bath, Somerset, England. It was opened in 1900 to commemorate the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Victoria. It is a Grade II* listed building and houses over 1,500 objects of art including a collection of oil paintings from British artists dating from 1700 onwards.
Take a picture of The Circus
No, not that kind of circus. The Circus in Bath refers to a historic ring of large townhouses which form a circle with three entrances. Designed by architect John Wood, the buildings were constructed between 1754 and 1768 and today it is regarded as a pre-eminent example of 18th century Georgian architecture.
Visit the Jane Austen Centre
Immerse yourself in the Regency era when you visit this small museum chronicling the life and legacy of the famous writer Jane Austen. The museum also features a small tearoom on sight.
Every year Bath is also home to a Jane Austen festival if that’s your sort of thing!
Drinks at The Bath Distillery Gin Bar
No trip to England is complete without a bit of gin in my opinion and the charming Canary Bar at the Bath Distillery is the perfect spot to do it. They serve hundreds of types of gins. Yep, hundreds.
Take a Walking Tour
Consider taking a walking tour. There are one focused on certain chapters of history and of course some dedicated to seeing the sights from Bridgerton’s filming, too. The Abbey Deli is a spot featured in the series as the seamstress’s shop.
Get a Treatment at Thermae Bath Spa
You can indulge in a treatment or a dip in the historic and famed hot springs thermal waters while in Bath.
Visit the Fashion Museum Bath
For fashion fans, consider a visit to the Fashion Museum Bath. It is currently moving locations but once re-opened you’ll be treated to a variety of amazing historical garments and select special exhibits.
Bath UK Itinerary
8:30AM: Depart London’s Kings Cross
10:00AM: Coffee and buns at Landrace Bakery; see Pulteney Bridge
11:00AM: Visit Holborne Museum
12:30PM: Afternoon tea
1:30PM: Visit Beauford Square, The Circus, Royal Crescent and shop at Bath Books
3:30PM: Visit the Victoria Art Gallery
5:30PM: Stroll Abbey Street, Bath Street and visit the Bath Abbey
6:30PM: Drinks at the Canary Bar
7:45PM: Train back to London
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Have you done a day trip to Bath? I’d love to hear what you thought!
Love Bath! I used to live in Bristol, but would head over on a regular basis. A friend recently visited Persephone Books, and made this reel – https://www.instagram.com/reel/C4Ka6ZfMf9r/ – which made me want to take a trip home!