For over 2000 years, the small Somerset city of Bath has attracted tourists to its hot thermal baths. It is a compact city ideal for taking a walking tour or visiting one of the many museums. The city is also a UNESCO world heritage site with a wealth of independent shops. In 2018 Bath attracted over six million visitors and tourism added over four hundred million pounds to the local economy.
Bath parks
Bath is blessed with beautiful parks as well as a canal and a river if you want some exercise during your visit.
Royal Victoria Park
Marlborough Lane BA1 2DG
Royal Victoria Park covers 57 acres and includes Bath’s botanic garden and a superb children’s adventure playground and café. It was opened by Queen Victoria herself in 1830 when she was just eleven. They hold regular events.
Parade gardens
Parade Gardens BA2 4B
Parade gardens are in the heart of the city with stunning views of the River Avon and Pulteney bridge. There is a small charge in the summer (£2.00) but that includes the use of the deck chairs. There are toilets and a coffee kiosk and in the summer they are noted for their flower displays and band concerts.
Sydney Gardens
Sydney gardens Sydney Place Bathwick BA2 4DP
Sydney Gardens are one of the few remaining Georgian pleasure gardens. They are situated just a short walk from the city centre behind the Holburne Museum and have direct access to the Kennet and Avon canal. They are currently being restored with money from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
Bath is nestled in the Avon valley between the Cotswolds and the Mendips in the cider apple growing county of Somerset.
If you are feeling more energetic you might like to tackle the six mile Bath skyline walk which provides splendid views of the nearby hills or cycle the thirteen miles along a disused railway track that has been converted into a cycleway to Bristol.
Museums and Galleries
Bath has several museums and galleries that are well worth visiting.
The Roman Baths
The Roman Baths attract over a million visitors a year making it one of the most visited heritage attractions in the United Kingdom. The thermal Springs still flow with natural hot water.
No. 1 Royal Crescent
Each room offers a snapshot of what life was like for those who lived and worked at Number 1 Royal Crescent in its Georgian heyday. The house contains contemporary furniture.
The Fashion Museum
The fashion museum is housed in the former assembly rooms and has a world-class collection of historic and modern costumes. You can dress up in Georgian attire for Instagram worthy photos.
The Jane Austen Centre
The Jane Austen centre is situated on the same street as she lived for part of her time in Bath and provides a glimpse into her life. Her later novels Persuasion and Northanger Abbey were set in the city. You will find costumed guides and even a waxwork of Jane herself. If you enjoy dressing up in regency style you will find bonnets, top hats and parasols. It also has a regency tearoom.
The Holburne museum
The Holburne Museum is a lovely art gallery situated in a beautiful Georgian mansion. Fun fact it was used as Lady Danbury’s house in Bridgerton. it was opened in 1892 by Sir William Holburne, an aristocratic art fanatic whose extensive collection makes up the core of the museum’s holdings. It holds masterpieces by artists such as Turner, Stubbs and Gainsborough.
The Herschel Museum
Once the home of brother and sister William and Caroline Herschel this fantastic museum highlights their significant astronomical achievements. You can find rooms filled with their personal possessions and William’s homemade telescopes and musical instruments.
The American Museum
The American museum has a large collection of American decorative and domestic art. The grounds have a replica of George Washington’s garden at Mount Vernon as well as new formal gardens by top American landscape artists.
Plan your visit
A brief guide to Bath history
My family have had a long association with Bath. My father went to school in the city and I grew up close by. However, it is only since I retired that I have become interested in its history. I hope through my blog I will be able to offer some suggestions for tourists beyond the guidebook.
Bath tourist office has details of hotels and sightseeing tours.
Bath is famous for its well preserved Roman baths but it markets itself as a Georgian city thanks to its fine houses built of honey coloured limestone. If you would like some of my suggestions for walking tours .
Details of free walking tours can also be obtained from the tourist information office.
If you would prefer to see Bath on two wheels you can hire bikes from Green Park Station.
Bath is also famous for its music and literary festival and its Christmas market held every year in the streets surrounding Bath abbey.
Famous residents
Bath is proud of its association with Jane Austen who lived in the city for a few years though I am not sure that she was very happy there. If you like her work you can find out more at the Jane Austen centre.
Another famous resident was William Herschel who was an organist in the city. He was also a keen amateur astronomer and working with his sister Caroline he discovered the planet Uranus while living in the city. I recommend visiting the house where he lived which is now a museum and marvel at the telescopes he made himself. herschelmuseum.org.uk/
If you leave the centre of the city I recommend a visit to Prior Park a national trust garden or for a more unusual museum how about visiting the museum of Bath stone.
One thing not to do is try the spa water, it tastes foul.
The small print
Some of the images on this page are used with permission from VisitBath.
I am an affiliate of getyourguide and I will earn a small commission if you book an activity through my link.