Bath is a lovely city in the UK that has been popular with visitors for a long time. One of the main reasons people love it is because of its stunning Roman-built baths. Besides the spas and springs, Bath is known for its beautiful Georgian architecture and many parks.
It is located in the southwest of the country, surrounded by the picturesque countryside of Somerset. In addition to the charming buildings and green spaces, there are also interesting museums and galleries that focus on the Georgian period.
Bath offers a diverse dining scene and plenty of cultural events and tourist attractions, making it a city that has something for everyone.
12. Herschel Museum of Astronomy
This amazing museum used to be the home of William and Caroline Herschel, and it now preserves their historic house and celebrates their important achievements in astronomy. Inside the museum, you can explore rooms filled with their original belongings and items from that time period.
The Georgian townhouse has also been beautifully restored and showcases fascinating old telescopes and equipment that the Herschels used for their experiments. The Herschel Museum of Astronomy was opened in 1981 and offers a variety of interesting artifacts and exhibits about the famous British brother and sister astronomers.
While they both studied the stars, it was William who became famous for discovering Uranus with his homemade telescope in 1781. In addition to viewing their musical instruments, visitors can watch a short film about the Herschels and take a relaxing stroll through their charming garden.
11. No. 1 Royal Crescent
Located near the Circus and the museum, the Royal Crescent is a well-known and frequently photographed spot in Bath. At one end of this row of buildings is No. 1, a house museum that gives a glimpse into what daily life was like during the Georgian era. It was constructed between 1767 and 1774 and showcases some of the most impressive Palladian architecture in the UK, featuring ionic columns and a central Doric doorcase.
The interior of the museum is just as captivating, with its restored rooms adorned with beautiful furniture and period pieces that provide insight into how both the wealthy and their servants lived in the 18th century. A visit to No. 1 Royal Crescent offers a truly immersive experience and is highly recommended for anyone interested in the history and heritage of the city.
10. Holburne Museum
The Holburne Museum is a great place to see a large collection of fine and decorative arts. It is located just a short walk away from the city center and is surrounded by the beautiful Sydney Pleasure Gardens.
Inside the museum, there are many different types of artwork on display, including bronzes, ceramics, paintings, portraits, and Roman glassworks. The museum first opened in 1882 and is named after Sir William Holburne, who was an aristocrat and a lover of art. His extensive collection is now the main attraction of the museum.
As you explore the museum’s impressive Neoclassical building, you will see masterpieces by famous British artists like Turner, Stubbs, and Gainsborough. The museum not only has beautiful gardens to explore but also hosts concerts, lectures, and other cultural events.
9. Prior Park
Prior Park is a very popular and beautiful place located in a small valley that overlooks Bath. It is only a five-minute drive from the town center. The gardens at Prior Park were carefully designed between 1735 and 1750, and they are a joy to explore. The gardens have charming pockets of woods and a stunning Palladian bridge.
Everywhere you look, there is amazing scenery and natural beauty. The estate used to be a deer park before it was transformed into a magnificent garden by poet Alexander Pope and landscape gardener Capability Brown. They created cascading lakes, lush green spaces, grottos, a Gothic temple, and ornamental vases scattered throughout the garden. The most impressive feature, however, is the Palladian bridge, which is one of only four of its kind in the world.
8. Royal Victoria Park
One of the most beautiful places in the city, the Royal Victoria Park, is conveniently located next to the Royal Crescent. It was opened in 1830 by a young Princess Victoria. The park is enormous and features lovely paths, flowerbeds, and playgrounds. There are also lush green areas and impressive old monuments.
Both locals and tourists love this park because it offers a variety of recreational activities such as tennis, golf, running, jogging, and cycling. You can also explore a delightful botanical garden and visit a replica of a Roman Temple. The park hosts various cultural events and festivals throughout the year, adding to its charm.
7. Roman Baths
The Roman Baths, located in the center of town, are exceptionally well-preserved. These baths were constructed by the Romans around two thousand years ago, but the current buildings that surround the hot springs were built in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries.
Inside the complex, visitors can discover beautiful pools, intricate mosaics, sacred springs, statues, and even a visible caldarium. Additionally, tourists can explore the on-site museum, which provides a fascinating history of the baths.
The museum showcases various ancient artifacts and engaging exhibits that explain the importance of the archaeological discoveries and the bathhouses themselves.
6. The Circus
The Circus is a group of beautiful townhouses that are arranged in a circular pattern and surrounded by trees on a lawn. These houses were built between 1754 and 1768 and were designed by architect John Wood, the Elder, who took inspiration from Stonehenge. The townhouses are divided into three equal sections and are three stories high.
Each house has a stunning facade with layers representing different styles of classical architecture. The friezes on the buildings are decorated with various designs including triglyphs, serpents, and masonic symbols. The rooftops of the houses are adorned with detailed stone acorn finials.
The Circus is located just a ten-minute walk to the north of the city center and is definitely worth visiting as it is one of the finest examples of Georgian architecture.
5. Royal Crescent
The Royal Crescent is a famous and important sight in Bath with a beautiful curved row of houses. It is considered one of the best examples of Georgian architecture in the UK. The houses have a uniform appearance with columns and a specific style of roof. They were built between 1767 and 1774 by John Wood, the Younger.
Many of the houses are still used as full-size homes, but some have been turned into apartments. There is also a hotel and spa in the area. No.1 house is now a museum that provides information about the history, architecture, and people of the area.
4. Fashion Museum Bath
Just a short distance from the Circus, there is the Fashion Museum Bath. It is home to a vast collection of clothes and costumes, ranging from the 16th century to the present day. You can admire beautiful dresses, gowns, embroidered shirts, and tail-coats from the Georgian era.
The museum was established in 1963 and now resides in the impressive Assembly Rooms of the city. Inside these magnificent galleries, you can explore fashionable attire for men, women, and children, as they proudly display over 30,000 items.
Beyond observing the well-dressed mannequins, you even have the opportunity to dress up in Georgian clothing and have your picture taken with the Royal Crescent as a backdrop.
3. Jane Austen Centre
Just a short walk away from the museum, you can find the charming Jane Austen Centre situated to the north of the city center. Inside, there is a permanent exhibition that offers an intriguing glimpse into the life and influence of the famous author, as well as her connection to the city and how it shaped her writing.
Although Jane Austen lived in Bath for only five years between 1801 and 1806, the lively social scene and picturesque countryside had a significant impact on her later works, like “Persuasion” and “Northanger Abbey,” which were inspired by the city.
Located within a beautiful Georgian townhouse, the center showcases displays and artifacts from her time in Bath. Visitors can also encounter costumed guides and even a waxwork figure of Jane Austen herself.
2. Pulteney Bridge
The Pulteney Bridge is a special bridge that has shops on both sides. It is located in the historic area of town and is one of only four bridges like this in the world. The bridge is made of strong stone and is 45 meters long. It goes over the River Avon and has beautiful Palladian style architecture.
It was named after a rich family who paid for it to be built. The bridge was finished in 1774 and the architect was inspired by similar bridges in Italy. Besides looking at the bridge and taking pictures of the weir below it, visitors can also go to the shops and cafes on the bridge. During the summer, people can also take boat trips from the bridge.
1. Bath Abbey
One of the top attractions in Bath is the gorgeous Bath Abbey, located in the center of the city near the Roman Baths. It is a medieval church that showcases stunning Gothic architecture with towers and turrets. The current cathedral was built between 1499 and 1616, although a church has been on the same site since the seventh century.
The exterior of the Abbey is impressive with its buttresses, battlements, pinnacles, and parapets. However, the real highlight is its elegant interior. Inside, there are beautiful stained-glass windows and touching wall memorials. The nave of the church is particularly famous for its amazing fan vaulting.
Best Time to Visit Bath
Bath is most popular to visit during the summer when the weather is warm and sunny and people are on vacation. July and August have temperatures averaging around 20 to 21 degrees Celsius, which is perfect for exploring the Roman-built baths and enjoying the parks and spas.
However, this is also the busiest and most expensive time of the year, with hotels, bars, and restaurants filled with people. The city has a lively atmosphere during this period, especially due to events like the Bath Carnival. Additionally, you can go for hikes in the beautiful Somerset countryside surrounding Bath.
Spring and autumn are also great times to visit. From April to June and September to October, the temperatures range from 12 to 19 degrees Celsius. These seasons have fewer crowds, allowing you to fully enjoy your time in town and participate in exciting events like the Bath Festival and Jane Austen Festival.
Prices also tend to rise during this time, as well as during Easter, other public holidays, and weekends. Outside of these months, Bath is relatively quiet as the winter brings dark and rainy days.
However, there is an increase in visitors during December due to the city’s gorgeous Georgian architecture and the festive Christmas lights, creating a magical ambiance.