Bath, a UNESCO World Heritage city nestled in the rolling hills of Somerset, is one of the most beautiful small cities in England. With its grand Georgian architecture, Roman heritage, and buzzing food and arts scene, it’s ideal for a weekend escape.
This guide blends classic highlights with a few personal recommendations to help you make the most of your time.
Step Back in Time
Start your weekend with a visit to the Roman Baths, one of the best-preserved ancient bathing complexes in the world. Built nearly 2,000 years ago, the site offers a glimpse into the past with steaming pools, temple ruins, and a museum. Go early if you want to beat the crowds.
Next door, for something special, enjoy a spot of brunch or a traditional afternoon tea in The Pump Room, where musicians play beneath chandeliers and everything feels very Jane Austen.
Explore on Foot
Bath is wonderfully walkable, and there’s no better way to get your bearings than on a walking tour. You’ll take in highlights like Bath Abbey, Pulteney Bridge, the Circus, and the Royal Crescent, learning the history behind the golden stone buildings along the way.
If you’re visiting students at the University of Bath at Claverton Down, the walk is pretty steep so you may be better to bus up and walk down. Bathwick Hill offers sweeping views over the city. Or take a wander through Royal Victoria Park, a vast green space just behind the Royal Crescent, where locals picnic, play tennis, and stroll among trees and flowerbeds.
Views and Food with a Twist
Speaking of views—one of the best places to enjoy them is over a leisurely lunch at the Hare & Hounds on Lansdown Hill – very conveniently located if you are heading to Bath Racecourse and a only a mile from the city. This friendly pub has a car park, and serves lovely food with a panoramic backdrop of the Charlcombe Valley. If visiting in summer, there’s a stretch tent in the garden with a pizza oven. This is a great option if you’re in town to visit kids at the university or college!
In the city centre, head to Green Park Station Market, a converted railway station now home to artisan food stalls and indie traders on a Saturday morning. Try a cruffin from Pullins Bakery—it’s a croissant-muffin hybrid with a hint of marmalade – very naughty but totally delicious!
Of course, no trip to Bath would be complete without trying a Sally Lunn bun. This pillowy roll is baked to a secret recipe dating back centuries and served in the oldest house in Bath.
Get into the Spirit of the City
If you’re visiting during rugby season, see if Bath Rugby have a home game at The Rec. The stadium sits right in the centre of the city, and a match here is a real local experience—whether you’re into rugby or not. The crowd’s energy is infectious, and it’s a great way to soak up the atmosphere (especially with a pint in hand).
In the evening, you’ll find no shortage of pubs—from The Crystal Palace to The Huntsman—as well as cocktail bars and quality restaurants. For something a bit different, OPA offers a lively, late-night Greek-meets-nightclub vibe at the weekends. Located in the basement of a Georgian building right on the River Avon, you emerge from a pavement stairway to a vaulted stone ceiling. There’s also a riverside garden, although we visited in February after a night at The Rec.
Relax and Recharge
To wind down, head to the Thermae Bath Spa, where you can soak in naturally warm, mineral-rich waters just as the Romans once did. The rooftop pool, with views over the spires and rooftops, is the ultimate way to relax before heading home. You can book a 2 hour session to use the rooftop pool and Minerva Bath. Friday at £42.50 (at time of writing) is slightly cheaper than Saturday/Sunday sessions.
Practical Tips
Parking in Bath can be tricky, and expensive, especially on weekends so remember to factor this in. The Charlotte Street car park (£18.90 to £24.00 for 24 hours) is a good central option—large, easy to access, and within walking distance of most sights. If you don’t mind a short uphill walk, you may find free parking on Weston Road near the park, just past the Royal Crescent, near The Marlborough Tavern.
Getting there: Bath is about 90 minutes from London by train, or just 15 minutes from Bristol. If you’re driving, plan your parking in advance.
Where to stay: Bath accommodation can be pricey, especially on a Saturday night. There are the usual hotel chains as well as upscale boutique hotels in converted Georgian townhouses, and some good Airbnbs, depending on your style and budget.
Sara visited Bath in February 2025.
Image at top: Unsplash, Sung Shin
