Bath is a wonderful, magical and marvelous place steeped in history, sandstone and tea. It is a phenomenal place to visit while in England with amazing shopping, architecture and numerous locations to sight see. Believe it or not the entire city center is extremely walkable too. Even the farthest sightseeing points aren’t more than 15 or 20 minutes and I did that with a travel backpack on.
So with that here are my top 5 things you have to see and do while prancing around Bath for a day:
1. GO TO THE BATHS
Bath is famous for, you guessed it, it’s baths! These are historically public bathing places built by The Romans over 100 years ago. The Roman Baths now house a museum, attached spas and open bathing hours for both under ground pools and rooftop baths as well. You can go for the whole day if you so please but if you’re looking to see more of a Bath than just a Bath they also offer 1-2 hour passes as well, which are also more affordable anyways.
2. Visit the Royal Crescent, Circus and Gardens
Out of the main center of town there is a row of houses designed by architect John Wood The Younger in the 1700’s. It is one of the UK’s greatest examples of Georgian Architecture. While many notable people have lived here it is now a combination of museum, flats and offices all with classic Georgian gardens on the back. Similar to this is The Circus, a circular feat of architecture built hundreds of years ago with an extremely unique construction. Also in between The Circus and The Royal Crescent there is a large lawn and park across the way with beautiful gardens and places to sit and relax.
P.S. down the road from the circus is the Jane Austen Center in case you’re a fan.
3. Tour a brewery, have a local pint, eat a scone with tea
Bath also is known for it’s tea and scones, a typical thing to expect in an old English city. There are numerous coffee shops, tea houses and unique quaint restaurants in and around the shopping district. If you’re feeling fancy and looking for a view have some pastries while over looking the Pulteney Bridge in the Bridge cafe. Also there is a famous old open air market that is actually placed inside that has vendors offering everything from textiles to gelato and jewelry. But if the day is growing late and you’re looking for something hardier there are a number of local pubs that offer great foods and full bars. They have great local craft beers and brews offered along with your typical selection of welsh, cornish and english beers. One place I highly suggest is a famous place entitled Bath’s smallest Pub because it is in fact, Bath’s Smallest Pub. Warning do not plan to sit inside if traveling with a large backpack.
4. The Pulteney Bridge
After you’ve eaten your fill make sure to wander over to the famous Pulteney Bridge. It has beautiful architecture, small shops all around it, great views and an extremely interesting river filtration system underneath that is a sight to see.
5. Catch a Show at The Komedia
The nightlife in Bath is hip and trendy. While there are some great bars and lounges to go to I would highly suggest catching a show at The Komedia if possible. This event center is Bath’s premiere concert, comedy and entertainment club. Almost every night of the week there is awesome talent coming in and out of this place. The club itself is affordable, intimate and interesting. It has extremely accommodating and friendly staff as well as two different bars for you to get drinks while inside at your event.
Overall Bath is an insanely beautiful place with friendly people, awesome architecture and amazing history mixed with fun, hip and modern culture. Happy travels, meet you in Bath!
Lilliana Chalfant 