Bath is less than 90 minutes from London by train – and feels like stepping 300 years back in time. This UNESCO World Heritage city, with its honey-hued crescents and colonnades, immediately evokes the atmosphere of a period drama.
Surrounded by culture, Bath is known for its literary connections, romantic setting and historic architecture. It’s also famous for its ancient Roman baths and is home to the only natural thermal hot springs in the UK, now accessible through a modern spa experience. Bath also offers a wide range of museums and galleries, as well as a lively city centre filled with independent shops and restaurants. Here are our picks of what to see and do.
2,000 years of history at the Roman Baths
The Roman Baths is one of the best-preserved Roman sites in the world. Constructed around 70 AD, the complex served as a grand Roman bathing and socialising centre. Even today, over a million litres of natural hot spring water flow through the site daily, reaching temperatures of around 46°C.
Today The Roman Baths offer numerous photo opportunities, including views across the Great Bath with the surrounding Georgian architecture in the background.
Once inside, it feels almost cinematic – as if stepping into a historical film set. Technology has been used effectively to enhance the experience: in several areas, screens display reconstructions of what the site would have looked like, helping visitors understand the scale and function of the ruins. There are also projections and costumed interpreters throughout the site.
Unfortunately bathing is no longer permitted here – partly because the water still flows through the original Roman-era lead pipes, and partly due to safety concerns following the discovery of harmful microorganisms in the 20th century. However, you can try the natural mineral water from Bath at the fountain located near the exit/souvenir shop of the Roman Baths.
Britain’s only natural thermal spa
To complete your experience of Bath’s spa culture, visit Thermae Bath Spa. This is the only place in the city where you can bathe in its naturally warm, mineral-rich waters, much like the Celts and Romans did over 2,000 years ago.
Thermae Bath Spa combines historic spa buildings with contemporary design. A typical visit includes a two-hour session with access to the open-air rooftop pool, offering panoramic views across the Bath skyline.
There is also a wellness suite featuring a range of steam rooms, an infrared sauna, an ice chamber and the Minerva Bath – a large indoor pool with water maintained at 35–36°C.
The atmosphere is designed for relaxation, with soft lighting and calm surroundings. The rooftop pool, in particular, offers a striking experience, especially in colder months when the contrast between the warm water and cool air adds to the setting.
Towels, robes, slippers and lockers are provided. The spa is an adults-only space, and phones are not permitted, encouraging a quiet, distraction-free environment. We highly recommend it!
Jane Austen & afternoon tea
Bath has strong connections with Jane Austen, who lived in the city and featured it in novels such as Northanger Abbey and Persuasion.
A visit to the Jane Austen Centre is a good way to explore this connection. The experience begins with a short introduction from costumed guides, followed by an exhibition where visitors can learn more about Austen’s life, her writing, and film adaptations of her work.
For a more interactive experience, you can dress in Regency-style clothing, with a wide selection available. This is a popular photo opportunity and adds a playful element to the visit.
The centre also offers Mr Darcy’s Afternoon Tea, featuring finger sandwiches, cakes, and warm scones served with clotted cream, along with a selection of loose-leaf teas – the most splendid way to finish the experience.
Stay at Hotel Indigo Bath
Hotel Indigo Bath is set within an 18th-century Georgian terrace. It is ideal for those looking for central accommodation while still enjoying a quieter setting, located on a tucked-away cul-de-sac.
Each room reflects aspects of Bath’s history and character, with several themed styles including “Romance & Mischief”, “Literary Hideaway”, “Architectural Beauty” and “Garden”. The “Romance & Mischief” rooms draw inspiration from Bath’s historic social season, with rich colours, velvet furnishings and playful design details referencing gambling culture and romantic intrigue.
The “Architectural Beauty” rooms focus on Georgian design, featuring symmetrical patterns, traditional artwork and high ceilings. Large windows overlook the quiet street, and design elements reflect the elegance of the period. Some rooms are even located in the building’s original underground vaults, showcasing exposed brickwork, vaulted ceilings and a blend of historic structure with modern comfort, including underfloor heating and contemporary furnishings. It’s also worth noting that Hotel Indigo Bath is included in the Michelin Guide, and the minute you go inside you’ll know exactly why.
Shopping in the Shires Yard
Shires Yard, opened less than a year ago and directly fronts Milsom Street, which has a fashionable history and has been part of Bath’s food and cultural reputation since the 1770s. In Georgian times, this grand shopping street became renowned for its restaurants, shops and social scene; and was home to some of the earliest ‘retail showrooms’ in the UK.
Back then Shires Yard was operating as a working stable yard that would transport goods and art from Bath to London. Now after a significant reconstruction, visitors are able to discover an array of independent businesses, with a focus on new British heritage and west country talent.
For something more contemporary, visit the Bramley store here. Founded in 2009 by Chloë Luxton, Bramley is a British wellness brand inspired by the English countryside.
Its products are made in Somerset and are stocked in a range of hotels, pubs and retailers across the UK, including major department stores. The Bath store offers a chance to explore the full range, including skincare, bath products and seasonal collections.
The shop itself is thoughtfully designed, often featuring seasonal installations and product displays, with testers available to try.
Image credits: © The Roman Baths Bath, Thermae Bath Spa, Jane Austen Centre, Hotel Indigo, Shire Yard, Bramley
