Many of our guests like to visit the World Heritage city of from Bristol to Bath for the day. The easiest way to do this is to jump on a train at Bristol Temple Meads station and take a 12 minute journey to Bath Spa station which is just a five minute stroll from the Roman Baths. The same journey by car can easily take 50 minutes to an hour, and then you still need to find somewhere to park, so we recommend you leave the car behind!
Once you arrive in Bath you are spoilt for choice on things to do!
Bath Roman Baths
Nose world famous hot springs date back even before Roman times, and have long been a place to bath. Unfortunately you can’t actually bath in the waters today, but do visit the Thermea Spa next door for a swim visit from Bristol to Bath is complete without stepping back in time and visiting the Roman Baths, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Theand a spa experience! The Baths are open every day except 25 and 26 December, and check their website for opening times and entry prices.
The Pump Room, Bath
Treat yourself to breakfast, lunch or afternoon tea at the Pump Room which is part of the Roman Baths complex. Expect elegance and wonderful cream teas and live music from a pianist or the Pump Room Trio. Make sure you don’t leave without tasting the hot spa water! Be warned, with 43 minerals it’s not to everyone’s taste! Booking is recommended.
Thermae Bath Spa
Opened in response the demand for a hot spa in the centre of Bath, this modern spa building is a combination of historic and modern buildings and is right next door to the Roman Baths. The land is owned by the council, and the operated by YTL Hotels. You can visit for a 2 hour spa session which gives you access to the open air roof top pool where you get the most stunning view over the city of Bath.
There are a host of additional packages and treatments on offer, such as the Twilight Package, the Cross Bath, hot stone therapy and a treatment of the month. The spa sessions cannot be booked in advance unless you are a group of 8 or more, or if you are booking a treatment (which we recommend). There are a limited number of spa sessions allowed each day, so the spa never gets too busy, but is may mean you have to wait at busy times.
Bath Abbey
Originally founded in the 7th century with a number of rebuilds and restorations Bath Abbey is a beautiful structure and well worth a visit. The Tower is 49m high and you can take a tour up the 212 steps to the roof where you get a fantastic view over the city.
Pulteney Bridge
If you are visiting Bath make sure you don’t miss Pulteney Bridge, one of only four bridges in the world to have shops across its full span, on both sides. The bridge which crosses the River Avon was completed in 1774 and is constructed in Bath Stone. A good place to get a photo is from Grand Parade, Bath before heading onto the bridge to enjoy a bit of retail therapy and some refreshment in the shops one the bridge.
Sally Lunn’s Historic Eating House
Stop for some refreshment at the Sally Lunn Eating House in one of Bath’s oldest buildings dating back to mediaeval times! Make sure you try a Sally Lunn bun, a teacake that you have toasted with butter, and that was first recorded in 1780.
The Royal Crescent
Take a stroll along Bath’s Royal Crescent. Built between 1767 and 1774 this sweeping row of 30 terraced houses is the epitome of Georgian architecture.
Visit a museum
Being a city with such a variety of history, Bath has its fair share of museums to visit. The Bath Postal Museum, the Museum of Bath Architecture, the Fashion Museum, the Museum of Bath at Work and the Herschel Museum of Astronomy to name just a few!
The Jane Austen Centre
Located on Gay Street, the Jane Austen Centre houses a permanent exhibition celebrating the life of Bath resident Jane Austen. The centre is popular with visitors who also like to visit the Regency Tea Room and gift shop.
Bath Christmas Market
If you are visiting Bath over the festive season you are in for a treat. Soak up the spicy smells and warm inviting atmosphere that Bath Christmas Market provides. With over 200 chalets, adorned with twinkling lights and offering a host of Christmas gifts and foodie treats, you are sure to have a magical time!