How to Spend a Day in Beautiful Bath, UK
It was a love story that began instantly. I had been drawn to the English countryside for many, many years. Long before I had even visited Europe for the first time as a teenager, I felt a strong pull to England.
After an early morning flight to London, I hopped on a train heading west to Bath. Known for its famous Roman baths, Georgian architecture, and Jane Austen, Bath is a stunning city, rich in history and romance.
Recommended Reading: England Travel Diary: Part One
Just an hour and a half train ride from London, Bath is the perfect day trip or weekend adventure whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, with friends or family. Here are just a few of the many ways in which to spend a day in beautiful Bath:
Morning
Start your morning early with a long stroll through Bath. One morning, I woke up as the sun was rising and made my way over to the gorgeous Royal Crescent. As I walked through The Circus, I was greeted by the most beautiful song of a blackbird, perched upon the sun-drenched Bath Stone.
An early morning walk around the Royal Crescent is a real treat as no one else is out and you get the whole place to yourself (which is quite unusual just a few hours later). If the weather permits, sit on the lawn and enjoy the serenity of those peaceful moments in such a stunning place.
As the city of Bath begins to wake up, stop into one of two Boston Tea Party locations for a delicious breakfast/brunch.
Afternoon
To really enjoy Bath, one of the most beautiful cities in the United Kingdom, head over to Prior Park Landscape Garden, south of the city center. This 18th-century landscape has the most beautiful views looking out over all of Bath. Walk across the Palladian Bridge, one of only four Palladian bridges of its design in the world.
There are few places I’ve ever visited as beautiful and elegant as Prior Park. In the warmer months, you’ll find the lush pasture filled with wildflowers. It’s the perfect place for an afternoon picnic or simply to walk around and enjoy the views. Prior Park is reachable by foot or by bus.
Making your way back to the city center, walk along the iconic Pulteney Bridge on the River Avon. Built in 1774, it is one of the most admired structures in Bath. There are lots of lovely streets in this area to wander along, allowing you to tuck in and out of many local shops.
If you’re feeling hungry at this point, there are plenty of restaurants and cafes nearby. I recommend wandering through the Guildhall where you’ll find some cute shops and eateries. Or, check out Society Cafe just across the street for a coffee, treat, and people watching.
Perhaps you’re craving afternoon tea and want to enjoy one of Bath’s famous buns. You’ll find Sally Lunn’s and Bath Buns nearby as well where you can stop in for a sweet treat.
Step inside the incredible Bath Abbey and if you have time, buy tickets for the Tower Tour (the last tour is usually around 4 pm). Here, you’ll find the best bird’s-eye view of the entire city. Since 757 AD, three churches have occupied the land where the Abbey is today. I’ve been inside many churches, abbeys, and cathedrals, and must say, Bath Abbey really took my breath away.
Evening
As dusk approaches, head next door to the Roman Baths, which you cannot miss.
Known for its sacred healing waters, the Roman Baths allow you to walk in the steps of the Romans who built the complex in 75 AD. Enjoy the phenomenal views as the steam rises over the hot thermal water. Have a wander beneath the city where you’ll find ancient ruins, the Sacred Spring, and fascinating interactive museum.
If you’d like to avoid the crowds and see the Roman Baths lit by torchlight, visit in the evenings. I arrived about two hours before closing. By the end of the tour, I had nearly the entire complex to myself. It felt pretty magical to be walking next to the water, the torches aglow, as the heat of the water warmed my face on that chilly evening.
For dinner, head to the The Scallop Shell, a lovely fish and chips and seafood grill with a light, beautiful two-story interior.
Oh, and if you’re looking for hotel recommendations, I’ve personally stayed at the Z Hotel twice now and love it. Though the rooms are quite small, it’s the best price you’ll find for staying right smack in the city center.
One day is truly not enough time to explore all that Bath has to offer. I’ll be posting a longer itinerary for those of you who can’t wait to explore more of the beautiful streets of this historic city. Bath is my favorite city I’ve ever visited.
Perhaps it’s the Jane Austen influence that makes you feel as though you’re walking through the pages of Persuasion. Perhaps it’s those golden-hued buildings that look equally as stunning in the rain as they do in the sunshine.
I hope you enjoy every moment of your visit to Bath!
For more of my UK and European travels, be sure to follow me over on Instagram @ChelseaDinen
