A weekend in Bath is a perfect choice to combine history, pampering at the Spa, excellent food, and a touch of romance. It won’t take you long to find out why Bath is one of the most romantic places in the UK.
Great Britain is – alas! – famous for its unstable weather, and during my short break in Bath, I could hardly believe my luck. Unexpectedly, Bath welcome me at the end of September with a perfect, cloudless azure sky and unusual warmth. Sitting in the car driving me from Bristol airport, my forehead glued to the window, I watched the smooth hills flowing, feeling a thrill of anticipation.
I set foot in Bath, and it was love at first sight. I was glad to have time to visit the main sites but also to enjoy and savor the atmosphere.
Surrounded by verdant rolling hills, Bath is deep-rooted in history and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987. The Romans, attracted by the hot springs, founded Bath in the 1st century AD. By the end of the Middle Ages, the baths were poorly maintained. However, during the Elizabethan era, Bath was revived as a Spa city. During the 18th Century, Bath got its current urban design. The elegance of the Georgian houses integrating with the landscape marked the renaissance of the city, which became a fashionable destination for the English high society.
Classic English literature buffs might remember that Jane Austen lived in Bath from 1801 to 1806, at a time when the British high society flocked the city. Bath celebrates Jane Austen at the Jane Austen Centre with a few commemorative plaques, although according to some historians, these were not very happy years.
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A perfect weekend in Bath: What to see and do
How to spend two days in Bath depends on your arrival time, the season, and the weather. It’s also up to your tastes and what you like most. You certainly won’t want to miss the must-see in Bath, while you might decide to skip other attractions. What counts is having a good time, and Bath has all the ingredients to spend a couple of unforgettable days. Furthermore, you’ll soon find out that there are many romantic things to do in Bath.
Read further about the many activities and start planning an unforgettable weekend in Bath.
Visit Bath’s Roman Baths
I always say that you haven’t seen Milan if you don’t visit the Duomo, and the same applies to Bath’s main attraction. If you don’t have enough time for a weekend break and only have a day trip to Bath, then let the Roman Baths be your first visit.
The Romans called the site where they built the baths Aquae Sulis, the waters of Sulis, from the Celtic divinity Sul, who they identified with Minerva, the goddess of wisdom, arts, and war. Even if you don’t have the chance to visit Rome, you can get a taste of the Romans’ unique architectural mastery throughout Europe. Indeed, Bath’s Roman Baths are one of the best-preserved Roman sites in Northern Europe. Furthermore, they marked the beginning of the city’s history as a Spa. The baths, neglected during the Middle Age, were returned to their splendor and significance in the 17th Century.
I walked along the entranceway overlooking the Great Bath and could see and feel the magnificence of the Romans Baths immediately. This entrance was built later and offers a scenic perspective of the pool, with its emerald green water, surrounded by columns running all around, and on the background at the opposite side of Bath’s Abbey. Nothing was spoiling the view, making it a picture-perfect spot.
Although the Great Bath is the highlight of the site (and likely, the most photographed spot in the city), you need to spend some time walking across the different rooms. To get an immersive experience, listen to the audio guide and read the very informative panels. That way, you’ll be able to fully understand the extent of the Romans’ architectural and engineering genius.
Marvel at the Bath Abbey
Gothic is a beautiful architectural style, and it’s interesting to see how differently it developed and was interpreted across Europe. Bath Abbey, built in the 16th Century, is a beautiful example of the late Perpendicular style, somehow similar to the French Flamboyant gothic, like the gorgeous church of Saint-Maclou in Rouen, France.
The ample windows typical of the late Gothic architecture make the interior of the Abbey much lighter than earlier churches, enhancing the gracefulness of its elegant pillars and the stunning decoration of the vault, looking like intricate and delicate lace.
Don’t miss visiting the bell tower and sitting behind the clock while listening to the excellent young guides telling informative and entertaining stories.
Take the Hop-on-Hop-off bus, and get a taste of Bath and its surroundings
I snubbed hop-on-hop-off buses for years as I deemed them way too touristy to my taste. However, I found out that they might be a good solution to get an overview of a city, especially if you don’t have much time. I still have mixed feelings and believe that they’re an excellent option in some cities, less in others. For example, in Milan, the city where I live and which I love, it’s not an activity I would recommend since the itinerary is not that interesting at the end of the day. If you happen to visit Cape Town, in South Africa, you should definitely take it. And the hop-on-hop-off bus in Bath is an excellent option to discover the city, which I thoroughly enjoyed.
Admire the Royal Crescent and more Georgian architecture
There’s no place in Bath like the Royal Crescent to admire one of the finest examples of Georgian architecture.
Designed by British architect John Wood the Elder, the Royal Crescent was built between 1767 and 1775. The large curved facade opens on an ample manicured green lawn that overlooks Royal Victoria Park, marking a brilliant integration of the building with the landscape. I had a stroll in the late afternoon when the setting sun enhances the local golden-colored Bath stone, used to build most of the elegant buildings.
The beautiful Royal Crescent has been a location for several period drama TV series and films. These include The Duchess (2008) and, more recently, the highly acclaimed series Bridgerton.
Are you a Bridgerton fan? Check out this 2-hour walking tour of Bridgerton locations!
The Circus, also designed by John Wood the Elder, is another Bath landm<ark. Looking at the Circus, with its four houses forming a circle around a lawn, you can understand the strong influence of ancient Roman and Italian Neo-Classical architecture on the Georgian style.
Enjoy Bath buskers and street performers
Aside from its beauty and elegance, Bath impressed me with its lively atmosphere. Sometimes, Spa towns are a bit dull. In many cases, visitors are mostly older people interested in the hot springs’ therapeutic benefits and looking for relaxation and quiet. However, that doesn’t apply to Bath, where you stumble into musicians and other street performers at every corner.
I had a lovely time resting now and then on a bench, listening to different music genres, looking at the beautiful buildings, and people-watching.
Relax at the Thermae Bath Spa
A weekend break to Bath wouldn’t be complete without treating yourself to a bit of relaxation and pampering at Thermae Bath Spa.
After all, Bath is the only city in Great Britain where you can bathe in natural hot spring water in four baths: the Cross Bath, the Hot Bath, the Minerva Bath, and the open-air rooftop pool from which you have beautiful aerial views of the city.
Did you know? The word Spa derives from the Latin’ Salus per Aquam’, meaning ‘health through water.’
Wellness at the Thermae Bath Spa means enjoying the natural hot springs and more. There are also steaming rooms, saunas, a relaxation room. And if you want more pampering, you can choose between several treatments. Massage, hot stones therapy, body care, facials, and lots more.
Take a stroll at Pulteney bridge and have a riverside walk
A weekend in Bath must include a stroll around the beautiful Pulteney Bridge, another iconic landmark. Actually, the bridge was built in the 18th CenturyCentury in neo-Palladian style following the designs of Robert Adam. He inspired himself with Ponte Vecchio in Florence and the Rialto Bridge in Venice. Indeed, Adam mostly followed Andrea Palladio’s drawings for the Rialto Bridge, rejected at the time. It became one of the four bridges in the world which houses shops on both sides.
To get the best views of Pulteney, take a walk in the lush Parade Gardens. To come back, follow the pretty river walk along the Avon on the opposite side.
Discover Bath’s mouthwatering food scene
Italians can be rather picky about food when traveling abroad, and I found the Bath food scene impressive. I tasted terrific Vietnamese food at Noya’s Kitchen. I also savored contemporary British cuisine at Ivy Bath Brasserie. And I totally loved the creative vegetarian dishes at Acorn Vegetarian Restaurant. The plates are a feast for the palate and the eyes.
If you like gelato, you must stop at Swoon. It’s as delicious as in the best gelateria in Italy!
How does a weekend break in Bath, or a short romantic stay, sound?
*****
Useful information to plan a weekend in Bath
How to get to Bath
The closest airport is Bristol, which has direct flights from/to several cities in the UK and Europe. Bristol Airport has a regular bus service to Bath (every 30 min.), and the journey takes about 50 minutes.
Additionally, you can easily travel from London to Bath by train. The journey from Paddington takes about 90 minutes; thus, it’s easy to plan a weekend in Bath. Check the timetable and buy your tickets here.
Getting around in Bath
The city is relatively small, and you can walk around everywhere in the city center. If you don’t have much time or you don’t feel like walking too much, the Sightseeing bus is the best option since it allows you to hop off and on at the best spots.
Where to stay in Bath
There are many romantic hotels in Bath where you can have an unforgettable weekend break.
I stayed at the No. 15 Great Pulteney, a quaint boutique hotel with a unique character close to Pulteney Bridge and the Holburne Museum.
The Bath Priory Hotel and Spa is a luxurious country house surrounded by a beautiful 4-acre estate, less than 2 miles from Bath Abbey. It features a lovely spa and a favorite restaurant.
Located in the Royal Crescent, the 5-star Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa is decorated in the style of the 18th CenturyCentury. The hotel features an award-winning restaurant, a cocktail bar, a gym, and a beautiful spa overlooking a landscaped garden.
Only 100 m from the Roman Baths and 200 m from Bath Abbey, the
Gainsborough Bath Spa – YTL Hotel features a naturally heated spa, a restaurant, and a bar.
Find more hotels in Bath -> HERE
Where to eat in Bath
Noya’s Kitchen – This is the place to go if you like Asian and Vietnamese cuisine. At this cozy small joint, you’ll discover Noya’s dishes, lovingly prepared with seasonal ingredients and local products. Indeed, you’ll soon find out that they’re a feast for the eyes and the palate.
The Ivy Bath Brasserie – Savour contemporary British cuisine in an elegant setting.
Oak Organic Vegetarian Restaurant – A small and cozy restaurant, serving delicious vegetarian dishes made from the best fresh local products. The colors and presentation are beautiful.
Guided Tours
Here are a few selected tours that are worth looking at:
Roman Baths and Bath City Walking Tour (approx. 2 hours)
Walking Tour with Blue Badge Tourist Guide (90 Minutes)
Small-Group Bath Walking Tour and Avon River Cruise (80 minutes)
Prosecco Boat Trip (approx. 1 hour)
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I was invited by Visit Britain, Visit Bath, and Visit Bristol to discover the beauty of Bath and Bristol. All opinions, as always, are my own.
Note: This post contains affiliate links to carefully selected products and services. That means that if you make any purchase, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
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