The 8 Best Things to Do in Bath, England [2024]: Top picks!

Bath is an old city with that unforgettable European charm. This historical place is the largest city in Somerset county in England. 

The Roman founded the town in the 1st century A.D., aspiring to use the natural hot springs as a spa. So, the Roman Baths that Bath is so well-known for are why the city was established in the first place. 

Bath is a city where travelers can spend days exploring. Its rich Roman history makes it the perfect U.K. travel destination for history lovers. Furthermore, famous people, like Jane Austen and William Herschel, once called Bath their home. 

If you're planning a trip around the U.K., you may be interested in visiting places like London and Edinburgh. If you're also hitting up Bath, here are some of my top favorite things to see and do around the city.

What is Bath, Somerset known for?

As the name suggests, Bath is best known for its 2000-year-old Roman Baths and Georgian architecture. Many people also know the city as the home of the famous British writer Jane Austen. 

Bath is a location of many fascinating museums, for example, Bath Fashion Museum, No. 1 Royal Crescent, and Hershel's Museum of Astronomy. 

Free Sights to see in Bath

If you're exploring the U.K. on a budget, there are many free things to do in Bath.

For instance, strolling through the old streets of Bath city center and window shopping won't cost you anything. However, you will be in awe of its beauty, and that's definitely worth the walk!

Bath is also the location of numerous fascinating museums. You're lucky because most museums in the U.K. have no entry fee! One of the best museums to visit is Holburne Museum, an art gallery in Sydney Pleasure Gardens. It is home to fine and decorative arts built around the collection of Sir William Holburne.

Another beautiful, free attraction you should visit is Bath Abbey. This tourist attraction is a cathedral with the most magnificent examples of Gothic architecture in the U.K. The cathedral's interior is coved in intricate artwork and must-see when visiting Bath. Admission is free, but donations are always accepted. 

What if it rains in Bath?

If you have traveled to England, you'll experience at least one rainy day during your trip. After all, the U.K. is famous for its persistent rainy days. 

Fortunately for you, Bath isn't short of things to do on a rainy day. Have lunch at a local pub, for example, The Raven. 

Visit the fantastic museums Bath has to offer, like, The Museum of Bath at Work, Victoria Art Gallery, Herschel's Museum of Astronomy, and No.1 Royal Crescent. 

You can also spend a few hours relaxing at the Bath Thermae Spa. While a historic city known for its outdoor charm, Bath is also full of fun indoor activities!

8 Top Things to do in Bath: My Favorites

8. Visit the Annual Bath Christmas Market

Held every year from late November to mid-December, the Bath Christmas Market is an event you need to see. Bath's streets, with their Georgian architecture and the charming chalets with twinkling fairy lights, will warm you up even on the coldest winter evening. 

Soak up the festive atmosphere and shop for seasonal, handmade presents, food, and drinks from more than 170 individual chalets! 

7. Taste a Delicious Burger at Schwartz Bros

Have you walked around the historic Bath streets and felt like you need a break? It's time to grab a gourmet burger at Schwartz Bros. 

Located 3 minutes from the Roman Baths, it is a go-to takeaway place for many locals and makes superb fast food. Sure, it may not be as cheap as Mcdonald's, but it is well worth it.  

6. Explore Beautiful Alexandra Park 

Alexandra Park, named in honor of Queen Alexandra, was opened in 1902. Located across the river from the city center on the top of Beechen Cliff, Alexandra park offers its visitors an outstanding view of the whole city and surrounding suburbs. 

Best of all? It is free of charge! 

5. Experience English Tradition at The Raven

Are you craving a traditional British experience? You should visit the Raven pub, located in the city's heart! The Raven is a classic old English pub specializing in delicious pies and sausages. To complement the food, the pub offers its customers an ever-changing selection of ciders, real ales, and wine. 

The Raven is all about authenticity and a cozy atmosphere, which you will appreciate even more during the fall and winter. 

4. Visit the Jane Austen Center

Jane Austen was a famous 18th-century English writer best known for her published novels. From 1801 to 1806, Jane Austen called Bath her home. 

The Jane Austen Center allows visitors to explore the life of Jane Austen during the Regency Period, her work, and how living in Bath affected the writer. 

The museum has successfully combined entertainment and educational elements, making it an exciting experience even for younger visitors.  

3. Relax at the Famous Roman Baths

Immerse yourself in history and visit why the city of Bath exists: the Roman Baths. The complex was built in 60-70AD and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. On the site, you can learn about the significance of the baths to our Roman ancestors. 

Pop in to see the Great Bath and the Roman Temple. Nowadays, you can't swim in the baths. Still, you can taste the mineral-packed spa water from a specific water fountain. If you want more guidance when exploring the baths, there are lots of paid tours offered, including combination tours that allow you to walk the entire city and the Roman Baths.

2. Stop By Hershel's Museum of Astronomy

Herschel's Museum of Astronomy is a small museum located at 19 New King Street. It was the home of astronomer and musician William Herschel and his sister Caroline. 

The Herschel Museum of Astronomy is dedicated to the many achievements of the Herschels, distinguished astronomers, and musicians.

In 1781 Hershel, using a telescope of his own design, discovered the planet Uranus. His research helped to double the known size of the solar system. 

1. Try Out Rowing at the Bath Boating Station!

Are you up for an adventure? Visit the Bath Boating Station, where you will have a chance to do rowing, canoeing, and punting along the river Avon. It offers a whole different viewpoint of Bath than walking around the city. 

An interesting fact for you: some of the boats offered for hire are over 100 years old.

If you have spare time left in Bath after exploring the city, go for it!

Plan Your Trip to Bath With Pilot!

Now that you have a better idea of all the exciting things to do in Bath, all that is left is to plan your perfect trip. Don't forget, there are also lots of quick ways to see many areas of Bath, including hop on and off bus tours or guided day tours from London.

All these options mean you'll need to get organized when planning! Have you thought of using Pilot to plan your trip hassle-free?