Living in Bristol, we’re very lucky to live so close to Bath and it makes such a great day trip. It’s a 10-minute train ride from Bristol Temple Meads or you can use one of several Park and Rides. The Georgian architecture is truly beautiful – there’s a reason why many a film crew have been sighted here! This guide only scratches the surface of what this charming city has to offer, but I hope it creates a great starting point for exploring.

Must-see spots 

If it’s your first time in Bath then there are some must-see spots to tick off:

• Bath Abbey & Abbey Square – enjoy the buskers in the picturesque heart of the city.
• Royal Crescent & The Circus – some of the most serene picnic spots you’ll find, ideal for soaking up the historic architecture.
• The Roman Baths – one of the best preserved Roman remains in the world, it’s well worth the money to explore this fascinating historical site.
• Bath Guildhall Market – a 19^th century indoor market with a lovely range of food stalls, book stalls and gift shops.
• Pultney Bridge – one of only four bridges in the world to have shops along its full length on both sides.

The Roman Baths

Food

• Taylor’s Bagels – worth the walk for delicious bagels.
• Milk Bun Deli – from the team behind the tasty burgers of Milk Bun in Clifton, Bristol, here’ll you find delicious sandwiches with flavourful fillings on freshly baked milk bread.
• Society Café – there are two branches of this lovely café in Bath, serving delicious hot drinks and pastries.
• Mrs Potts Chocolate House  – as well as a café, this location offers wonderful chocolate making workshops which make a great gift.

Enjoying Taylor’s Bagels in the Circus

Places

• Bath Saturday Antique and Flea Market – this small market has a great range of traders.
• Thermae Bath Spa – not to be confused with the Roman Baths, this modern spa has multiple different pools, steam rooms and treatment rooms. The rooftop pool is a particular highlight with great views of the city while you soak in the thermal waters.
• The Holburne Museum – a beautiful Georgian building housing a collection of 18th century artwork, with a striking modern glass café at the back overlooking Sydney Gardens.

Shops

• Botanica Studio – a great selection of houseplants and knowledgeable, friendly staff.
• Minerva Art Supplies – jampacked full of art materials.
• Berdoulat – one of the most beautifully designed and curated homewares shops I’ve ever stepped into, also offering interior design services.
• Topping & Company Booksellers – books galore in a stunning setting.
• Meticulous Ink – beautiful letterpress stationery which is handmade on site.

Botanica Studio

There’s still plenty more for me to discover, such as Victoria Art Gallery which is free to visit. I’d love to soak in the views across the city from Alexandra Park and Prior Park, the latter of which is a National Trust site with Palladian bridges. Foodwise I’d like to try Rosa’s Thai, Solina Pasta, Beckford Canteen, Landrace Bakery and Landrace Upstairs. There’s a bit of a wait for the new Fashion Museum Bath, due to open in 2030. If you are planning a visit, remember that Bath can get very busy especially during weekends and holidays, so try to visit in low season where possible.

I’d love to know if you’ve got some suggestions of more places in Bath I should visit?

Alexa

P.S If you enjoyed reading this post, why not take a look at A Day in Bristol: Visitor’s Guide and Edinburgh Travel Guide.

Header photo: The Circus