Bath is full of historical facts like these, and they seem more like wild fantasies than attainable realities. However, to this day millions of travelers desire such wild pleasures.
The timeless beauty of honey-colored Georgian architecture, romantic cobblestone streets to surviving Roman baths, meeting rooms, and more means that these images of the past are accessible.
Bath has been firmly imprinted in the minds of the British public, and today throughout the world, as one of the most important cities marking Britain’s cultural identity. Visitors to Bath can experience quintessential British culture, tackle Britain’s history head-on and delight in a wonderful culinary scene, as well as relax in the famous thermal baths that give the city its name.
Jane Austen
As Jane Austen said in her novel Northanger Abbey-“I truly believe that I will always be talking about Bath”-. In fact, ever since Bladud, legendary king of Britain, supposedly cured his pigs of leprosy in a hot spring and later founded this town in 863 people have traveled from all over to relax and recover in the waters.
From the Romans to the Georgian elite, Bath became the place to see and be seen. Elite society, of which Austen mingled, waltzed nights in the Assembly Rooms, paraded in the Pump Room in search of eligible husbands while strolling in pleasure gardens like The Sydney Gardens.
Bath is full of historical facts like these, and they seem more like wild fantasies than attainable realities. However, to this day millions of travelers desire such wild pleasures. Jane Austen not only extolled the wonders of London in her novels but also of this beautiful Bath town. The timeless beauty of honey-colored Georgian architecture, romantic cobblestone streets to surviving Roman baths, meeting rooms, and more means that these images of the past are accessible.
Best time of year to visit Bath
From a local’s point of view, the best time to visit Bath is between September and October.
The summer months are often flooded with thousands of tourists and a plethora of large tour buses. The roads are full, there are queues at the best sites running for miles, and it is almost impossible to relax.
How to move in Bath
The most convenient way to reach Bath is by train, especially if you are coming from the south from places like Cornwall or London. This way you will get an affordable direct train ride or take a National Express bus that travels to Bath every day
Bath Abbey
Proudly located in the city center of Bath.
Rich in history with stunning architecture, the church imposingly dominates the scene and mesmerizes thousands of people who visit it every day. Admission is free, although they welcome donations. Inside the Abbey are extraordinary examples of Perpendicular Norman Gothic architecture and architectural evidence from the Anglo-Saxon period.
Roman Baths
Most likely the “in” attraction in Bath, the Roman baths.
As one of the best-preserved Roman remains in the world, you will find an interactive museum filled with artifacts and videos of Romans, as well as archaeological excavations of the original baths. With a bit of imagination, you will be transported back in time and experience Roman life for yourself.
Tickets start at £14, but with them, you get an audio guide, an optional guided tour and the opportunity to try the natural thermal water.
Pump Room
To enjoy Bath like an 18th-century English lady, you will have to go to the Pump Room to try their delicious afternoon tea. Its opulent interior design speaks volumes about the aristocracy that once socialized here.
If you are a Jane Austen fan, then you will be happy to know that this was the building where she and other elite members of society met, enjoyed lavish entertainment, and gathered to drink the therapeutic waters.
Pulteney Bridge
The Pulteney Bridge is an interesting bridge and the surrounding area is a really nice place to walk.
Before crossing the bridge, you can relax in Parade Gardens. Then, after crossing the bridge, you will see a staircase that will take you down to the river walk.
There are also cheap boat tours that run regularly if you prefer that to walking and they pick you up from the bottom of the stairs.
