Bath has become my Christmas destination each year as my mum moved here about 14 years ago, so we now happily get to look out at the beautiful snowy scene on the hilltops and get to go on a walk through the town with the neighbours dog, something we look forward to all year.
Bath has plenty to do for anyone, whether its embracing the rich history or taking part in some wild activities, I’ve tried to list it all so you have plenty of options.
1) See The Roman Baths
This is easily the biggest attraction to the area, as you can admire the spectacular Roman Temple and the Great Bath, where people would socialise and relax. You might want to pick your timing carefully, as this attraction gathers a million visitors each year. You can also try the spa water, with many stories and folktales around the supposed benefits. But one warning, it does taste pretty eggy and gross.
There are guided tours every single day, taking place at 5 different time slots: 10, 11, 1, 2 and 3pm. You can have up to 16 people on a tour. The tour takes 2 hours long, but if you’re just going yourself then you might not need this long.
2) The Royal Crescent
You will see so many posh buildings where you can imagine royalty lived, but none are quite as glamorous in Bath as on the Royal Crescent. The curved street with greenery in front is one of the most famous images of the city. Utilising Georgian architecture, no.1 is actually open to the public, with guided tours available.
There are 30 townhouses in total, while you might recognise these illustrious buildings from Bridgerton or Persuasion. The buildings did face some damage from WWII, but they managed to restore them and keep them intact fortunately.
3) Bath Abbey
The Bath Abbey is an Anglican parish church in a Gothic style, renovated in 1499, but originally built in the 7th century. It’s also a great location for winter visits, as they often have a Christmas Market right outside. It’s also a very quick walk from the Roman Bath’s, meaning both can be ticked off in a single afternoon. The stained glass windows are a popular photo point for many tourists.
You can go on the Tower Tour, involving 212 steps (earning your lunch), where you will get panoramic views of Bath. The Abbey is open from 10am-4pm, but has reduced hours on Sundays (1-3pm).
4) Pulteney Bridge
This one you will see as you walk along the canal, as highlighted above, but it is the front image used on every travel guide of Bath. It crosses over the River Avon and was built to help connect the thriving Bath with the land on the other side of the River which was less developed. It’s certainly an iconic scene, being featured in movies such as Les Miserables.
The bridge was actually inspired by Florence’s Ponte Vecchio concept, while there are a number of small independent shops and cafes nearby that you can also enjoy. Not to mention the great shots of the ‘waterfalls’ (not sure how much they can qualify as a waterfall, but I’m calling them that).
5) View From Camden Road
Whenever we’ve finished eating and fancy a stroll, we always head over to Camden Road, as it sits upon the hill and offers unbelievable views across Bath. This photo simply doesn’t do it justice.
It will take you around 15 to 20 minutes to walk here from the centre of town, or you can take a bus over. You can look out at the honey coloured terraces, while trying to work out what each building in town is.
6) Afternoon Tea
I do love an afternoon tea. From the traditional sandwiches, to the tasty desserts and little quiche, the food is spot on for me and the drink goes down a treat, especially if you upgrade to a prosecco version.
This can be booked at a number of venues, most with minimal notice, including the Bath Run, the Bath Priory, the Ivy, Regency Tea Room, Hands Georgian Tea Room and the Pump Room, just to name a few. There are probably around a further 20 venues that offer afternoon tea, so you really are spoilt for choice.
If you want to arrange this for the weekend, make sure to book it in advance. Also, if you’re going to a more formal venue, do dress smart as you may otherwise find yourself the only person dressed down.
7) Thermae Bath Spa Rooftop Pool
Oh you heard me right, a rooftop pool that allows you to overlook the whole town and available in the evening up until 9:30pm, meaning you can watch sunset on the rooftop. Of course, while you are here you can book any of the spa activities available, from a massage to an afternoon tea.
It’s also the only place in the UK that offers the minerally rich waters to bathe in like in the roman times (of course, I don’t think the Romans bathed on the rooftop, but that’s besides the point). They will provide towels, robes and even flip flops, so don’t worry about bringing everything along.
8) Walk Along The Canal
As I mentioned, we love walking through Bath, with so many great views and sights to see and one of the most popular walkways is along the canal. You can even pop into a pub for a pint once you feel you’ve done enough walking. If you really feel like you want to learn about the city in greater detail, you can actually book tours that will take you along the canal.
My mum often takes the route towards Bathampton, starting at Holburne museum and stretching around 2 miles.
9) West Country Games
This is an activity more suited to larger groups, but a great one for those looking for a bit more adventure and excitement. There are nine mini games you will have to compete in, including the likes of welly wangling and drunk pub skittles, before they crown the champion.
Popular nowadays with hen and stag groups, this is also often utilised by team building games for corporations and birthday parties. The games last a couple of hours, but do need to be booked in advance.
10) Hot Air Balloon Ride
I’ve highlighted a number of great attractions and sights which you can walk into or around, but why not have a completely different perspective to your average tourist? This is a great activity for anyone who doesn’t have an extreme fear of heights, while you can even posh it up and get a champagne balloon ride. The balloons normally take off in the Royal Victoria Park.
You should be looking at around £205 per person, so this certainly isn’t a low cost option, while the flight time is around 45-60 minutes. I would love to book this in some day, it might scare the hell out of me, but it would be such a spectacular experience.
11) It’s A Knockout
I do love an inflatable assault course and there aren’t many more famous in the UK than It’s a knockout or Xtreme Games. This is another activity that does need to be booked in advance, while you should aim to arrive there around 12:30. Whether you’re in a big group or in a couple, this is worth looking into. It’s not so great for families however, as the minimum age is 18.
They actively promote fancy dress (you don’t have to ask me twice), while expect the games to all take 2-3 hours and cost around £50pp.
12) Picnic in Victoria Park
The location I highlighted the hot air balloon rides take off from, this is a 57 acre area right next to the Royal Crescent. You should certainly head to the botanical gardens to admire it in all its beauty, formed in 1887. The park itself was opened earlier in 1830 by Princess Victoria, who was only 11 years old at the time.
You could always head into Bath’s guildhall market to get some tasty treats before heading to Victoria Park. There were so many happy families here on my visit, not however on the day where I took the photo when it was on/off rain showers. There is a toilet nearby, as well as a cafe, plus it’s free to enter and open all year round.
13) Hop On Hop Off Bus
I became an avid fan of these in Prague, as we booked it for 2 days and managed to explore the whole city with these great guided bus tours. All of the key locations are included, such as the Bath Abbey, Roman Baths, Royal Crescent and Heritage Vaults.
So you can sit on the bus, look out and play the audio commentary and learn everything about this beautiful city. On top of it all, they also provide you with a booklet of discounts and deals at certain restaurants and shops around town.
14) Holburne Museum
This grade 1 building hosts a vast collection of art, located on Sydney Pleasure Gardens. There is also a garden café for you to sneak off to for a quick coffee after looking around the museum. If you didn’t know from the name, the museum is based around the art pieces of Sir William Holburne.
Found at the end of Great Pulteney Street, the art pieces are dated from between the 17th and 19th centuries, while the building isn’t too big, therefore it should take around an hour to see everything.
15) Treasure Hunt
A slightly more tipsy option, the treasure hunt is all based around the mobile adventure app which is quick and easy to download and sets out a number of challenges for you to complete. Of course, you will have to stop at plenty of pubs, so this one might suit a group looking to get a bit merry.
The teams are normally made up of 2-6 people, while you will have to look for clues around the famous streets and landmarks. You will also be asked questions and given points each time you get them right. While app-based is the most common, there are also hosted treasure hunts with an actual guide if you’d rather the real-person aspect over a digital cheaper option.
16) Bath City Farm
It has become a tradition for me and Raquel to visit a farm or anything animal focused while visiting any town or city in the UK. Well the Bath City Farm offers free entry, plus it is a great family based activity.
The 37 acre farm hosts a number of different animals, including goats, chickens and pigs. They also run a number of events throughout the year, so make sure to take a close look over their site to see if there is anything worth booking for your visit.
Found on the hillside above Twerton, on Kelston View, you can admire the great views around, plus once you’ve seen enough animals then you can relax at the cafe to enjoy some homemade desserts.
17) Indoor Go-Karting
This high speed, adrenaline fuelled activity will suit anyone looking to escape the tourist traps and try something a little different. You can turn up, but you should book it in advance, as they often have a fair few stag groups attending, meaning it can get pretty booked up.
The minimum age is 16, however rest assured you don’t need a driving license to have a go. This is a great activity to fit around your plans, considering it opens at 9am and often stays open until 11pm. You have TeamSport in Avonmouth, M4 Karting in Chippenham and Mini Moto Gran Prix, all of which are technically just outside of Bath, so this one comes with a caveat that you will need to drive over.
18) Jane Austen Museum and Tour
Easily the most illustrious resident to Bath, Jane Austen was an 18th century novelist who wrote such classics as Pride and Prejudice & Sense and Sensibility. It almost feels wrong to visit Bath without seeing anything around the English novelist and one great option is the Jane Austen Centre, with a great exhibition in place.
You can book a tour or alternatively download the audio guide for you to walk around and listen to. The guides inside are in costumes matching the clothing of those days, while there are even life sized waxworks inside. Right at the top you will find the team rooms where you can enjoy some afternoon tea or a coffee.
19) Fashion Museum
Not one for everyone, but a great visit for those who have a keen interest in fashion, especially of times goneby. Started by Doris Moore, there are now more than 100,000 fashion pieces available to see, including pieces by Versace, McQueen, Ralph Lauren and Armani. The museum opens at 10:30am and stays open until 5-6pm, depending on the day, while it is located in the Assembly Rooms.
20) Southgate’s Summer Installation
This changes each year, back in the past it was a thousand colourful umbrellas, this year it’s a kaleidoscopic ceiling of rainbow ribbon strips. The installation normally setup from mid-May through to around September time. I will look to update this recommendation with the next year exhibition as they announce it.
21) Guildhall Market
This indoor market has been standing since the 19th century, with 20 stall holders offering everything from jewellery to tasty treats. This is a great place to pick up a souvenir for someone back home, allowing you to get something a little less cheesy and a little more unique and spectacular. Of course, this also makes for a great place to stop for lunch.