Bath is synonymous with luxury and relaxation. A sanctuary where people have come to replenish their body and soul for centuries.
From the Roman Baths to the blissful countryside beyond, every inch feels suited to serenity. Enjoy all it has to offer with our guide to the tranquil spa city.
Roman grandeur and Georgian elegance
Thousands of years after they were first built, the city’s Roman Baths still stand tall.
You can walk around the grand stone buildings, which feel almost temple-like with their tall columns and archways, or check out the schedule of events, from romantic dinners to exercise classes.
Around the corner, on the aptly-named Hot Bath Street, is the functioning Thermae Bath Spa. Relax in the mineral-rich waters, which are heated deep under the surface of the earth, choosing from the scenic rooftop bath or the atmospheric Cross Bath courtyard.
Like the Romans, the Georgians also fell in love with the charming setting of Bath, pouring much time and effort into developing the city.
The River Avon flows lazily through, punctuated by the picturesque stone arches of Pulteney Bridge. Built during the 18th century, this crossing is a beautiful spot to take a photo of the waterfront. During the summer, locals spill onto the grassy banks, whiling away the afternoon with picnics and a good read.
Indeed, the love of literature runs deep in Bath, once home to celebrated author Jane Austen. Head to the grand houses of Queen Square to see where she stayed – or visit the Jane Austen Centre for an enchanting exhibition.
Royal crescents and stunning parks
When the sun is shining, go for a stroll in Royal Victoria Park, where flowerbeds bloom and every hedge is perfectly-coiffed.
Bordering these peaceful gardens are two of the city’s most desirable streets. Georgian terraces sweep around Royal Crescent in an almost perfect half-moon shape, embellished with large sash windows and striking columns.
You can even head inside No 1 Royal Crescent to see the restored Georgian interior in all its splendour.
Just a few minutes down the road, meanwhile, The Circus is another curvaceous landmark, providing a circular sweep of houses looking out onto a central lawn.
Off the beaten track
Classical Georgian extravagance is one part of Bath, but you can also find quietly charming relics nestled in and among the finery.
Sally Lunn’s Historic Eating House is a quaint, blue-fronted cafe in the oldest house in Bath, serving buns, sandwiches and steaming cups of tea. A few streets away, The Little Theatre offers a vintage portal into the 1930s with its quaint surroundings, screening everything from independent films and family movies to cult classics and ballet.
When evening draws in, settle down for a show in the Theatre Royal. From the outside, this Grade II listed building looks modest. It’s only when you walk into the auditorium that this intimate theatre reveals itself, with crystal chandeliers, a gold-painted roof and deep red velvet curtains keeping the audience rapt in anticipation.
When you hire a car in Bath, you can relish some of the most picturesque pockets of Britain.
