Are you thinking of visiting Bath anytime soon? You can expect a fabulous experience, since Bath is one of the most historic cities in the UK, synonymous with its iconic Georgian and Roman heritage.
First-timers who are fond of architecture and history will fall in love with Bath, which offers a glimpse into fascinating cultural heritage while giving you access to all the historic marvels expected as part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
[PS: Also read our article on 10 Best Places To Visit in Arunachal Pradesh]
Table of Contents
List of Attractions in Bath for History Lovers
There are several attractions that you can explore in Bath during your visit. Some of the must-visit places include the following:
1. Roman Baths- Discover this Ancient Roman Site with a Hot Spring & Museum
You’ll love exploring the Roman Baths, which were built sometime around 70 AD as a socialising cum bathing complex. Picture 1,170,000 litres of steaming spring water going up to 46°C, filling up the site each day to date.
Then think of the natural hot springs of Aquae Sulis, an interactive museum, and ancient pavements that take you deeper into the fascinating world of yesteryears. Interestingly, a temple of the Goddess Sulis Minerva was also built alongside these baths, while you can stroll through several well-preserved Roman artefacts and ruins here as well.
2. Bath Abbey- Explore the Famous Gothic Church with its Tower Views
Bath Abbey is a famous Gothic church with its iconic tower, where you can capture lifetime panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. It’s still a place of worship in use while also housing a fascinating heritage museum in the vaults.
Several events also take place here from time to time. You’ll fall in love with the mesmerising architecture with the cruciform shape, fan-vaulted ceiling, and side galleries. Climb up the 212 steps to the tower and take in the ceiling and clock face for a unique experience.
The vault museum offers rich glimpses of the history of the Abbey, including models of former churches, relics, and intriguing sculptures.
3. The Royal Crescent- Iconic Georgian Architecture & Museum
Check out this beautiful example of stunning Georgian architecture, with its crescent-shaped row of 30 charmingly terraced homes that were designed by John Wood the Younger. Of course, No.1 Royal Crescent, the easternmost property, has been turned into an interesting museum that gives you a wonderful glimpse of domestic life in Georgian settings, complete with the below stairs and above stairs interior themes.
Built between 1767 and 1774, this Palladian Revival masterpiece also contains several paintings, furnishings, and artefacts for you to explore, including the ha-ha or ditch created to prevent animals from coming into the grounds and the 114 Ionic columns. It’s one of the key attractions behind Bath getting the UNESCO World Heritage status.
4. The Circus- Roman-Inspired Circular Georgian Street
You will be enthralled once you set your eyes on this fabulous Georgian masterpiece. Finished in 1768 and built as per John Wood the Elder’s design, this circular street draws inspiration from the Colosseum in Rome, as per local lore.
It has three equal terraces with 33 mansions creating a circle and overlooking a grassy area with plane trees. There are three curved segments of Grade-I listed townhouses with three entrances in total.
This is arguably the most coveted residential address in Bath and still retains the grandeur and architectural splendour of the Georgian period.
5. The Jane Austen Centre- Get Fascinating Insights on Your Favourite Author
Did you know that Jane Austen lived in Bath? The city pays tribute to its most famous resident with the one-of-a-kind Jane Austen Centre. It gives you a glimpse of what life would be like in Regency times, complete with the society, food, fashion, and everything that inspired Austen’s iconic novels.
Marvel at the fabulous Georgian townhouse that accommodates the centre, while checking out the interesting exhibits and dressing up in period costumes with top hats, bonnets, dresses, fans, and shawls.
You can also take fun photographs here and visit the waxwork portrayal of what Austen would have looked like, based on eyewitness descriptions and a sketch done by the author’s sister Cassandra.
Once done, go up to the Regency Tea Room for a quintessential afternoon tea experience. You’ll also find a charming Gift Shop on the ground floor for souvenirs.
6. Pulteney Bridge- 18th Century Marvel with Stunning Views
This is one of the biggest landmarks in Bath, built by Robert Adam in the Palladian style and dating back to the 18th century. One of the most unique features of the bridge is the shops lining both sides throughout its entire span, which is rarely seen worldwide.
The bridge was commissioned by the well-known Pulteney family to link Bath with their land across the Avon River. You’ll love the design with its pediments, small domes, and plasters, along with the fabulous restaurants here.
Take photographs of the stunning landscape from several vantage points on the bridge and come back refreshed!
7. Holburne Museum- Rich History Coupled with Art
Love art? Head to the Holburne Museum in Bath that was founded as the city’s first public art gallery way back in 1882. It offers a fabulous collection around the works bequeathed by Sir William Holburne, including 18th century British portraiture and a lot more.
You’ll find several artists like Thomas Gainsborough represented here along with paintings, sculptures, porcelain, and silver work, and a lot more. Temporary exhibitions are held from time to time, while the Grade-I listed museum building is also a sight to behold!
8. Sally Lunn’s House- Visit One of the City’s Oldest Houses
How about a trip to one of the oldest houses in Bath, going back to around 1482? Sounds exciting, right? Your delight quotient will go up even more when you learn that it is none other than Sally Lunn’s Historic Eating House & Museum.
This is where you’ll discover the amazing story of Sally Lunn, the Huguenot baker who came to Bath in 1680 and her famous bun recipe! Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and afternoon tea experiences are all available here today, complete with the iconic Sally Lunn bun and other traditional English fare.
There’s also a charming downstairs kitchen cum museum worth checking out here. Dig into the tempting buns with jam and butter, and also the delicious pies here, and come back satiated!
9. Bath Assembly Rooms- Immerse Yourself in Georgian Social Life
The Bath Assembly Rooms are basically a Grade-I listed heritage building that is a part of the UNESCO World Heritage trail. You’ll be able to immerse yourself in the Georgian social life of yesteryears at this fabulous venue with its Upper or New Rooms where people met and enjoyed teas, balls, gambling, and concerts.
You can also check out the Great Octagon and Ball Room here at this spectacular building, which was designed in 1769 by John Wood the Younger. Do note that there are often temporary closures for renovation or restoration work.
10. Beckford’s Tower- Get the Finest Views of Bath from a 19th Century Tower
Beckford’s Tower is a Grade-I listed neoclassical masterpiece that is now a museum and was once home to the famous author and collector William Beckford. Built between 1826-27, it offers arguably the best views of Bath from its amazing Belvedere Tower. It was made to be a treasure house originally and contains Beckford’s vast collection of books, art, and furniture.
Best Places to Stay in Bath for Easy Access to Historic Sites
Booking serviced apartments in Bath is recommended for your upcoming trip to the city, since they offer more space, flexibility, and privacy than hotels along with more affordable rates for extended stays. You’ll find them in some of the top places across the city that are well-connected to several historic sites. These include the following:
- City Centre– This is right near the Bath Abbey, Roman Baths, Royal Crescent, and other landmarks
- Larkhall– You’ll love the cafes, independent stores, and restaurants in this area, with its more community-oriented vibe
- Lansdown– It’s the right option for gorgeous city views, walks, and architectural beauty, near Beckford’s Tower and many other attractions
- Bathwick– Right on the outskirts, it offers a more relaxed vibe with easy access to countryside attractions
- Widcombe– With its tree-lined avenues and commercial zones, this one is a convenient location for tourists in Bath
Conclusion
As you can see, Bath is a treasure trove of fabulous historical and cultural attractions that you will love exploring. If you’re planning a trip anytime soon, make sure you book your accommodation in advance. Platforms like TheSqua.re are ideal choices for finding a wide range of apartments across the city at affordable rates. Here’s to enjoying a wonderful time ahead in Bath!