Bath

Bath is one of the most beautiful cities in South West England and can be described as unique. For two thousand years, this town has played an important role in the history, culture and architecture of the United Kingdom. It is famous for its hot springs, well-preserved Roman baths and elegant Georgian architecture, all of which have made it one of the most impressive historical cities in Europe.

History of Bath

The history of Bath throughout its various periods is of interest to both Britons and tourists alike.

Antiquity and the Roman period

The history of the city began in the 1st century AD, when the Romans founded a spa and named it Aquae Sulis, in honour of the goddess who was believed to have healing properties inherent in the springs. The Romans built a grand complex of baths and temples around the hot mineral springs, which attracted people from all over Great Britain.

The Middle Ages

After the Romans left, the city continued to develop. In 973, Edgar was crowned the first monarch of united England at Bath Abbey. During the Middle Ages, Bath was an important centre of trade, particularly in wool and textiles. Later, Christianity took root there: the Normans founded an abbey, making it part of the Diocese of Bath and Wells.

Renaissance and early modern period

In the Elizabethan era, Bath became famous as a health resort. In 1590, Queen Elizabeth I officially granted Bath city status. During this period, people began to flock here to improve their health and enjoy their leisure time.

The 18th century — the golden age of Bath

Bath flourished in the 18th century. The presence of hot springs turned it into a fashionable resort for members of high society. The most influential architects of the time, John Wood the Elder and John Wood the Younger, designed magnificent streets, squares and residential complexes in the Palladian (Georgian) style, such as The Circus and Royal Crescent. Wealthy travellers came to the city for its healing waters and to participate in social life.

UNESCO and the present day

In 1987, Bath was included in the UNESCO World Heritage Site, in its entirety. This was made possible by its Roman heritage, 18th-century architecture and historical significance. In 2021, Bath received a second entry on the World Heritage List as part of the Great Spa Towns of Europe.

Today, the city is not just an open-air museum, but also a living space: tourists stroll through the old streets, visit the Roman baths, admire the unique architecture and, of course, bathe in the thermal waters at the new Thermae Bath Spa.

Bath is the only city in the United Kingdom to be included in its entirety on the World Heritage List. The thermal springs located on its territory have been used by people for over 2,000 years. Bath's architecture has influenced urban planning and style throughout Europe. The city has inspired such prominent writers as Jane Austen and has remained an important cultural centre for centuries.

Popular tourist attractions

Among the most popular tourist attractions are museums and cathedrals, gardens and parks, and concert halls.

Museums and cathedrals

The city has a large number of museums and cathedrals, which promise an informative tour.

The Roman Baths

A museum with exhibits about Roman baths, built on the site of Britain's only hot spring. Visitors can see the ruins and treasures from the spring, the water source itself, and take a walk along the ancient stone paths around the pool. The museum and Roman baths are presented interactively: various Roman heroes are projected onto the walls, accompanied by a narration of their history.

No. 1 Royal Crescent

A historic house museum illustrating life and living quarters in the Georgian era. The building was constructed between 1767 and 1774 and features Palladian architecture with Ionic columns and a Doric doorway in the centre. Inside are recreated rooms with period furniture and objects showing how wealthy people and their servants lived in the 18th century.

American Museum & Gardens

This museum is located in the Georgian mansion Claverton Manor. Its exhibits are decorative art objects from America. Temporary exhibitions on American culture are held here. The permanent collections tell the story of America through patchwork, folk art and furnishings, highlighting 2,000 years of American history.

Fashion Museum Bath

A museum dedicated to contemporary and historical clothing and costumes. Its exhibitions feature 150 dressed figures demonstrating the transformation of styles in fashion from the late 16th century to the present day.

The Museum of East Asian Art

A unique museum located in the centre of Bath, England. It functions as an independent educational centre, whose main goal is to introduce people to the art and cultures of East and Southeast Asia. The museum opened in 1993 thanks to Brian McElney OBE, who spent most of his life in Hong Kong and amassed an impressive collection of East Asian art. It houses over 2,000 objects, ranging from ancient ceramics and jade to bronze artefacts and bamboo carvings, covering a period from around 5000 BC to the present day.

This is the only museum in the UK entirely dedicated to the art of East and Southeast Asia.

The museum regularly hosts temporary exhibitions, events and cultural programmes. For example, Japanese tea ceremonies and Lunar New Year celebrations.

Victoria Art Gallery

The Victoria Art Gallery is Bath's main art museum. It is located in a historic building, which was constructed in 1897 according to a design by John McKean Brydon. The institution began operating as an art museum in 1900.

The building has Grade II status, is a protected architectural site, and its façade is adorned with a statue of Queen Victoria. The gallery has over 1,500 works of art:

• paintings;
• sculptures;
• decorative art objects.

The museum's collection covers the period from the 17th century to the present day. The exhibits include works by famous British artists such as Thomas Gainsborough, Thomas Jones Barker, and Walter Sickert. The gallery hosts not only permanent but also temporary exhibitions, educational programmes, and informative events for different age groups.

Bath Abbey

The last large church of the Middle Ages preserved in England. It is located in the central part of the city, next to the Roman baths. Its western façade is crowned with towers and battlements, and the interior impresses with its stylish decoration.

Gardens and Parks

The first thing tourists arriving in Bath are advised to do is visit the local gardens and parks.

Royal Victoria Park

One of the largest and most famous parks in Bath, England, it has existed since 1830 and was named after the future Queen Victoria, who participated in its opening at the age of 11. It was the first park named after her, and it quickly became the centre of public life in the city.

The park covers approximately 57 acres (23 hectares) and is a green space next to the Royal Crescent. It includes sports and recreation areas: tennis courts, a skate park, croquet and mini-golf courses, playgrounds and picnic areas. Festivals, concerts, carnivals, the Easter Funfair and seasonal events are often held here, and in winter there is an open-air ice rink.

The park has botanical gardens, ornamental lakes, duck ponds and walking paths. The symbol of this place is the Victoria Column, a memorial obelisk in honour of the future queen's coming of age.

Alexandra Park

Alexandra Park is located on a hill above the city and has been open since 1902, its opening coinciding with the coronation of King Edward VII. It is a slightly elevated area with lots of trees, a green recreation area and panoramic views of Bath and the surrounding hills.

The park is popular with those who enjoy walking in the fresh air and picnics, and is ideal for sports and walking pets. Alexandra Park offers a magnificent view of the city and its architecture, especially at sunset.

The Botanical Gardens at Royal Victoria Park

A picturesque part of Royal Victoria Park, laid out as a separate garden. The Botanical Gardens have existed since 1887. The gardens were created to showcase the diversity of plants on limestone soils, bringing together rare shrubs, trees and flowers in one place. They cover several hectares, where you can stroll along winding paths, admire the rock garden, pond and bridges, and breathe in the scent of roses. There is also a replica of a Roman temple here. It is a quiet, cosy space, perfect for a leisurely stroll, relaxation or small outdoor events.

Sydney Gardens

One of the oldest parks in Bath, created in the 1790s as a so-called ‘pleasure garden’. It was originally called Bath Vauxhall Gardens.

It is the only surviving park of its kind in the UK: it featured attractions, mazes, grottoes, walking areas and even fireworks displays at the end of the 18th century. The park was very popular with residents and visitors to the city, including the famous writer Jane Austen. Today, Sydney Gardens is a green space with trees, lawns and flower beds, offering the opportunity to walk or cycle along the Kennet and Avon Canal.

Parade Gardens

These riverside gardens are right in the centre of Bath, opposite Pulteney Bridge and the River Avon, with magnificent views of the river and the surrounding architecture. The gardens were originally laid out in 1709 as part of the city's system of recreational areas and traditional walking routes. Over the years, they have served as a place of relaxation and cultural encounters for visitors to the resort town of Bath.

Parade Gardens is known for its flower arrangements and well-kept lawns. In the warm season, musical groups often perform here, and various events are held.

Places of entertainment

Residents and visitors to the city will never be bored – Bath has many places for entertainment.

Kennet & Avon Canal

A picturesque canal in the south-west of Great Britain, passing through the countryside and the city of Bath. An excellent place for walking and cycling, boat trips, and a popular location for outdoor recreation.

Thermae Bath Spa

A modern spa complex with hot springs just like in ancient Roman times. It includes a rooftop pool with views of the city, saunas, and spa treatments for guests. These are the only natural thermal baths in Great Britain.

Mary Shalley’s House of Frankenstein

An interactive museum dedicated to Mary Shelley and her novel Frankenstein. Located in Bath, where the writer lived and worked. Inside, there are exhibitions, special effects and horror elements. An unusual museum that will be of interest to history lovers.

Concert halls

Art and culture lovers should check out the local concert halls.

The Forum

A large concert hall in Bath. It hosts rock, pop and alternative music concerts, as well as club nights. The building was once a cinema.

Komedia

A popular venue for stand-up shows, comedy productions, concerts and club nights. It is renowned for its cosy atmosphere and varied programme.

Theatre Royal

A historic theatre in the city centre, founded in the 18th century. Its repertoire includes plays, musicals, opera and ballet, and it also serves as a concert venue.

Ustinov Studio

A small stage at the Theatre Royal. It specialises in contemporary drama, experimental productions and chamber concerts.

Bath Pavilion

A multi-purpose venue near the River Avon. It serves as a venue for concerts, exhibitions, festivals and other public events.

Popular places among city residents

City residents love to spend time in beautiful locations within the city limits.

Bathwick Meadows

A green space in the eastern part of the city, adjacent to the River Avon. This place is ideal for walks, picnics and contemplating nature. It also offers beautiful views of Bath and Bath Abbey. Local residents often go for morning runs here and simply relax in the fresh air.

Bath Skyline Walk

A stunning walking route offering incredible views of Bath and its surroundings. It is approximately 6 miles (10 km) long. The route passes through green areas, forests and hills, allowing you to enjoy not only nature but also historical views of the city. An excellent location for active weekend recreation.

Queen's Square

One of Bath's central squares, built in the 1720s. A beautiful place to admire the historic architecture, locals love to meet here.

The square is surrounded by elegant buildings and often hosts various cultural and social events. It is a popular place to relax in the shade of the trees and watch city life go by.

Sport

Bath is one of the cities actively developing sport.

Football clubs

The city has several football clubs that have achieved some success.

Bath City Football Club

The oldest football club in Bath, founded on 19 July 1889 as Bath AFC, later renamed Bath City. The team plays its home games at Twerton Park and is known by the nickname ‘The Romans’. This season, it is competing in the National League South, the sixth tier of English football.

Bath City Youth FC

A football club for children and teenagers from Bath and the surrounding area. It has many young players in different age groups. The club's mission is to develop skills, team spirit and a love of football. It is part of the local football community and often participates in youth leagues.

Odd Down A.F.C

The full name of this amateur club is Odd Down Football Club. Its history began in 1901, and it is based in the Odd Down area of the city. The team plays its home matches at Lew Hill Memorial Ground and participates in regional leagues under the auspices of Somerset County FA.

Larkhall Athletic F.C.

A football club from the Larkhall area, founded in 1914, playing in Southern League Division One South. The team's home matches are held at Plain Ham Arena. The club is nicknamed ‘The Larks’ and is an important part of the local football culture.

Rugby teams

The rugby teams in Bath are also quite strong.

Bath Rugby

A professional rugby club from Bath, playing in Premiership Rugby. The club was founded in 1865 as Bath Football Club and has since been considered one of the most successful in the country. It plays at The Recreation Ground stadium in the city centre. Bath Rugby has never left the top division and has won numerous national and international trophies, including the European Challenge Cup and Premiership Rugby.

Team Bath Rugby

Team Bath Rugby is the University of Bath's rugby team, whose student representatives play various types of rugby (15-a-side, 7-a-side, Touch and Rugby League) at different levels of competition, including BUCS Super Rugby. The players include both beginners and experienced athletes, women and men. Many graduates continue their sporting careers in professional rugby.

Bath Saracens RFC

Bath Saracens RFC is an amateur rugby club founded on 13 March 1947. It is a local team from Bath that plays in the North West regional leagues, where participants of all levels can train and take to the field on Saturdays. The club has an active social life.

Stothert & Pitt RFC

Stothert & Pitt RFC is another rugby club with a history dating back to 1903, founded on the outskirts of Bath, Somerset, competing in the Tribute Somerset Premier regional competition, which is at the 8th level of the English rugby system. The club's nickname is The Cranes.

Stadiums

The full development of sport in the city would be impossible without stadiums.

The Recreation Ground

The second name of this stadium, ‘The Rec’, is a rugby ground adjacent to the river near Poultini Bridge. Amateur and local sports clubs train and compete here.

Twerton Park

A football stadium located in the suburb of Twerton in Bath, built in 1932 on the site of the former Innox Park. The home team of the stadium, which has four stands, is Bath City F.C..

Well-known companies

Not only sport flourishes in Bath, but also business, with many large companies located in the city.

L&C Mortgages

L&C Mortgages is a brokerage company specialising in mortgage lending. It provides services throughout Great Britain but is based in Bath. L&C provides commission-free mortgage advice to home buyers and investors across the UK. The company is one of the leading online mortgage brokerage firms with hundreds of advisors and a large volume of loans issued.

Bath Building Society

Bath Building Society is a financial community that has been in existence since 1904, serving members throughout Great Britain. It is a kind of local bank focused on savings and mortgages. It offers a variety of financial products, from deposit accounts to specialised mortgage programmes, including options for first-time buyers and student loans. This small organisation focuses on personal service.

Bath Bus Company

Bath Bus Company is a transport company that began in 1997. Initially, it specialised in open-top sightseeing buses operating in Bath, but over time, its range of services expanded to include tourist routes to Bristol and Cardiff and the Air Decker bus line between Bath and Bristol Airport. The company has become known for its interesting tours and sightseeing trips around the city, which it conducts using new eco-friendly buses. Until the end of 2025, the company belonged to the RATP Dev group, after which it was transferred to the operator FirstGroup (via First West of England).

Bath Aqua Theatre of Glass

Bath Aqua Theatre of Glass, also known as Bath Aqua Glass, is an independent art glass studio founded in 1996 in Bath. The company produces unique glass products, inspired by Roman creations, offering stained glass windows and commemorative artefacts.

The studio became part of the creative quarter of Walcot Street, attracting tourists and collectors from all over the world. In 2025, production moved to Kingsdown, but the firm remains an important part of the Bath art scene.

Famous residents of the city

Many famous people are associated with Bath:

1. Jane Austen — one of Great Britain's most famous writers, who lived with her family in Bath from 1801 to 1806. The writer took an active part in the social life of the city and described it in her works, such as Northanger Abbey and Persuasion.
2. Beau Nash was the unofficial head of the resort's social life, organising balls and entertainment, turning it into a fashionable place for the aristocracy.
3. William Beckford was a wealthy writer, collector and patron of the arts who lived on Lansdown Crescent. It was he who built Beckford's Tower, which served as his library and refuge.
4. Napoleon III was the former President and Emperor of France, who lived on Great Pulteney Street for a time during his exile.
5. William Wilberforce was a famous British politician and abolitionist who lived on Great Pulteney Street in Bath.
6. Hannah More — an 18th-century writer, poet and social activist who also lived in Bath and was active in literary circles.
7. Mary Berry — legendary TV presenter and cook, born in Bath, attended local school before becoming a judge on the popular show The Great British Bake Off.
8. Indira Varma is an actress known for her roles in Game of Thrones and other series, born and raised in Bath.
9. Jacqueline Wilson is the author of the Tracy Beaker children's books and other bestsellers, born in Bath.
10. Scott Sinclair is a professional footballer who was born in Bath and played for the under-21 youth teams and at the Olympic Games.
11. Henry Fielding was an outstanding English novelist (Tom Jones) who lived in Bath and wrote some of his works in the city.

Interesting events

The city hosts many interesting events that attract both locals and tourists.

Bath Christmas Market

Bath Christmas Market is a market that operates in the run-up to Christmas, taking place in Bath City Centre from late November to mid-December. The city streets are decorated for the holiday, and more than 250 wooden chalets offer festive goods ranging from gifts and drinks to street food and local crafts.

Bath International Music Festival

A music festival held in the city from 1948 to 2016. Its programme included performances in genres such as jazz, classical, world and folk music. In 2017, the festival merged with the Bath Literature Festival to create a new multi-arts cultural event, The Bath Festival.

Bath Foodies Festival

A memorable food festival held in Royal Victoria Park in Bath, England. Over several days (usually in early September), food and drink lovers gather here to taste delicious dishes from around the world, listen to music and watch chefs perform. The programme includes live cooking shows featuring MasterChef Champions and Michelin-starred chefs, baking masterclasses, and food and drink tastings.

Bath Fringe Festival

An annual arts festival held in Bath in late May and early June. It began in 1981 as an alternative to more formal music and arts events, seeking to showcase everything that inspires creators without strict boundaries. The festival lasts about two and a half weeks and includes theatre productions, live music of various genres, comedy shows, dance performances and performances. The main idea of the festival is to give artists and performers the opportunity to show their work in a variety of spaces around the city, from theatres to pubs and open spaces.

Jane Austen Festival

This is an annual festival celebrating the life and work of Jane Austen. Its programme includes events inspired by the works of the famous writer: tours, costume performances, theatre performances and lectures. One of the features of this festival is that the costumes of the participants recreate the era depicted in the writer's books.

Bath's urban infrastructure

Bath's urban infrastructure deserves special attention.

Public transport

Bath has a well-developed public transport system: there is a central bus station with routes around the city and to nearby towns such as Bristol, Wells, Devizes and other destinations. Most buses run from the centre, and public transport stops are conveniently located near the main attractions.

The main railway station is Bath Spa railway station, on the Great Western Main Line, which connects the city with London Paddington, Bristol Temple Meads and other major destinations. In addition to regular buses, the region also has a WESTlink service, which offers flexible on-demand buses that can be booked via an app or by phone.

Popular shopping centres

Among the most popular shopping centres in the city are:

1. SouthGate Bath — a large modern centre with more than 50 shops and restaurants, parking, and traditional city architecture.
2. Green Park Station — a historic former station building that now hosts markets, including the Farmer's Market, as well as shops and cafés.
3. Milsom Place & Milsom Street — a stylishly designed area featuring boutiques, global brand stores and restaurants in picturesque corridors and courtyards.

Universities

Let's also say a few words about the higher education institutions in Bath, among the best universities are:

1. University of Bath — a large university known for its programmes in science and engineering, with a well-developed social and sports programme. It is included in the list of the most prestigious universities in England with high academic ratings.
2. Bath Spa University is a university with a focus on the humanities, arts and design, whose students take an active part in the cultural life of the city.

Bath universities are significant elements of Bath's educational and cultural infrastructure.

Hospitals

The Royal United Hospital, a large medical facility located in the Bath area, provides emergency care, delivers babies, offers paediatric and surgical services, and provides a range of other services. In addition, there are private and specialist medical centres, such as the Bath Clinic, which provides diagnostic, outpatient and other services.

The city also has hospitals such as St Martin's Hospital, which provides psychological and support services, and historic medical facilities such as St John's Hospital (an architecturally significant building that also retains some of its medical functions).

Hotels

There are plenty of good hotels in Bath with many positive guest reviews:

1. The Gainsborough Bath Spa – a luxurious spa hotel in the city centre.
2. The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa – an elegant hotel next to the historic Royal Crescent.
3. Hotel Indigo Bath by IHG – a stylish mid-range hotel in the centre.
4. Apex City of Bath Hotel – a popular city hotel with reasonable prices.
5. Hampton by Hilton Bath City – a comfortable hotel, ideal for travellers.
6. The Bath Priory – an elegant country estate that functions as a hotel.

Restaurants

There are many noteworthy restaurants in Bath. Here are a few examples:

1. Sotto Sotto – a famous Italian restaurant.
2. The Circus Restaurant – a restaurant offering a European menu.
3. Crescent Restaurant & Bar Bath – modern cuisine in the city centre.
4. Sanremo The Italian Restaurant – specialises in classic Italian cuisine.
5. Edesia offers South American dishes.
6. The Elder Restaurant – boasts an original gastronomic menu.

Taxis

Taxis and hire cars are available in Bath at any time of the day, especially near Bath Spa railway station and the central streets. They can be found at taxi ranks or called via apps and local transfer services. It is convenient to wait for a taxi right at the station or in the city centre, and many drivers work with popular online booking services.

The starting fare is approximately £3.4–3.9 during the day and up to £4.5 at night. The cost for each additional metre (mile) increases gradually, but on average it is considered to be between £1 and £1.4 per kilometre within the city limits.