- Last Updated on April 10, 2024
While you could spend days strolling around this grand historic city, you can see everything you need to see in 1 day following this Bath itinerary. Do these activities in the order listed to maximize your time.
ABOUT BATH: Bath is a beautiful Georgian (Neoclassical) town just 90 minutes by train from London. The town was founded by Romans at the site of healing natural hot springs. In medieval times, it was an important city for the wool trade. In the 18th century, it became the trendy getaway it continues to be today. If you’re looking for a place to combine with a trip to London, this is it. While you can easily visit Bath as a day trip from London, we recommend spending at least a couple of nights here if you can. It is also a great jumping off point for day trips to Stonehenge and/or the Cotswolds (see below).
Table Of Contents - Bath Itinerary
STAR RATING KEY:
★★★ Top priority
★★ Highly recommended
★ Worthwhile
No Star – Skippable if not interested
Bath Itinerary
1 Day in Bath
City Walk
The most important thing to do in this cute city is walk around! The easiest way to see the major walking sights is by doing the free walk sponsored by the city. This will get you around town and make sure you see the Circus and Royal Crescent – the two most architecturally important streets. This walk takes two hours and is completely free, tips are not accepted. The tour leaves just outside the Pump Room at 10:30am and 2:00pm every day except Sunday, when they only leave at 10:30am. No need to reserve, just show up 15 minutes before the start time. Check the website for updates.
Cost and Hours: Free. 10:30am and 2:00pm Monday to Saturday, 10:30am Sunday.
Website: www.bathguides.org.uk
Meeting Point Address: Searcys at the Pump Room, Stall St, Bath BA1 1LZ, United Kingdom
Roman Baths
This is the most important historical sight in Bath. These hot springs have kept Bath relevant for nearly 2000 years. This museum allows you to see how the Romans turned these natural hot springs into traditional Roman baths for public use. This is a must-see. Advance reservations strongly recommended, as time slots do sell out.
Cost and Hours: £27 per person. Family tickets available online which will save you money if you’re traveling with children. Your ticket comes with a good audio guide which talks you through everything.
Hours vary, so check the website before going. Generally, open from 9:00am-6:00pm. Open until 10:00pm in August.
Website: www.romanbaths.co.uk.
Bath Abbey
This 500-year old medieval Abbey is a late Gothic wonder of fan vaulting and stained glass. Also a must-see.
Cost and Hours: Free to enter the church, but if you want to climb the tower you’ll have to pay £10. There are guided tours of the abbey floor, which are well worth the £8, as they take you through the history of the three churches that have stood on this spot. Unfortunately, these are unpredictable and often not offered at all, so inquire as soon as you get in to see if one is starting soon.
Website: www.bathabbey.org
Address: Bath BA1 1LT, United Kingdom.
Canal-side Walk
This walk is a beautiful, peaceful, easy stroll along one of the most picturesque canals in Britain. It also encompasses the Pulteney Bridge, which is another must-see sight in Bath. There are two ways to do this walk:
Free Pulteney Estate Guided Walk
This option is best for those who prefer a group guided experience, but is only available Tuesdays and Thursdays at 11:00am and only between May and September. Check the website for updates.
Website: www.bathguides.org.uk.
On Your Own
This is the way to go for those who prefer sightseeing on their own, or who simply want to linger on a romantic walk or take photos without a bunch of other people around. The Canal and River Trust has put out a very useful circular path map (click here) of this exact walk on their website, which we definitely needed, as it is not that easy to find the path without guidance.
If You Have Time, Add To Your Bath Itinerary
There are many museums in Bath worth checking out if you have more time, including the Fashion Museum, Museum of Bath at Work, and Victoria Art Gallery. However, you probably don’t have time for all those. If you have time for only one additional activity in Bath, we recommend the No. 1 Royal Crescent.
No.1 Royal Crescent
This is a former residence on the most famous street in Bath. A visit here gives you a look into what life was like in Georgian times.
Cost and Hours: £13 per person. Open daily 10:00am-17:30pm.
Website: no1royalcrescent.org.uk
Practical Info
Getting Around Bath
Bath is small – everything is reachable on foot. There is no need for a car here.
Day Trips From Bath
Stonehenge & Cotswolds Day Trip
Stonehenge is one of the great wonders of the world and on many travelers’ bucket lists. It is amazing to see, and is definitely worth a visit. That being said, it is not that easy to get to, and can be a bit underwhelming compared to the effort of getting there. That is why we recommend combining Stonehenge with a visit to the Cotswolds to get the most out of your day. Click here for our detailed itinerary for this day trip.
Cotswolds Day Trip
If you love the Cotswolds and are not interested in visiting Stonehenge, we recommend a full day Cotswolds experience that is worth your time. It is a small group tour with a max of 10 guests allowed, and the guides are knowledgeable and fun. It is well worth the cost of $86 per person. Click here for details and booking.
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