Bath is a captivating city with a rich history, stunning architecture, and a vibrant atmosphere. In this guide, we’ll take you on a journey through the best things to do in Bath City Centre. Let’s dive in and discover the best experiences this charming city has to offer.
Must-Visit Attractions in Bath City Centre
💡Bath Abbey
Bath Abbey is a historic church nestled in Bath City Centre. It’s definitely a must-visit in Bath because you will be enchanted by its awe-inspiring Gothic architecture and the array of experiences it offers.
Bath Abbey, officially known as the Abbey Church of Saint Peter and Saint Paul, has a rich history dating back to the 7th century. Its stunning exterior features intricate stonework, towering spires, and magnificent stained glass windows that create a kaleidoscope of colors inside. As you enter, the grandeur of the abbey’s interior will leave you in awe.
Taking some time to explore the abbey’s interior is definitely worth it. Admire the vaulted ceiling, adorned with intricate carvings and decorative details. Marvel at the beautiful stained glass windows, which depict biblical scenes and saints, filling the space with a heavenly glow. Don’t miss the opportunity to see the impressive fan vaulting in the nave.
One of the highlights of visiting Bath Abbey is the chance to climb the tower. Ascend the winding staircase and be rewarded with sweeping panoramic views of Bath’s picturesque cityscape. From the top, you’ll be able to spot iconic landmarks such as the Roman Baths, Pulteney Bridge, and Bath’s charming rooftops.
Bath Abbey is also renowned for its exceptional music program. If you’re lucky, you might have the chance to witness a choir rehearsal, where the heavenly voices fill the abbey with melodious harmonies. The abbey’s magnificent organ, with its majestic pipes, adds an enchanting element to the musical experience.
Let’s experience Bath Abbey’s musical scene through the video first.😊
💡Roman Baths
Roman Baths is a another attraction in Bath City Centre which offers a glimpse into the Roman era. You can immerse yourself in a journey back in time as you explore this remarkable bathing complex.
The Roman Baths, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, holds a significant place in history. Dating back to Roman times when Bath was known as Aquae Sulis, these baths were once a bustling social hub and a place for relaxation and healing. Today, they stand as a testament to the city’s rich past.
As you wander through the well-preserved ruins, you’ll discover the various sections of the complex. Start with the Great Bath, the centerpiece of the site, where you can witness the grandeur of the ancient bathing pool. Take a moment to imagine the Romans enjoying the warm, mineral-rich waters, surrounded by lavish architecture.
Explore the Temple Courtyard, where the Romans worshipped their deities and sought divine blessings. Admire the intricate statues and architectural remnants that once adorned this sacred space. Learn about the fascinating rituals and beliefs that were an integral part of Roman culture.
At the hot and cold rooms, you can gain insight into the Roman bathing practices. Discover the Hypocaust, an ingenious underfloor heating system that allowed the Romans to enjoy the baths at their desired temperature. Marvel at the engineering prowess that made these ancient baths a marvel of their time.
The Roman Baths also house a museum, where you can delve deeper into the artifacts and archaeological finds from the site. Unearthed treasures such as Roman coins, jewelry, and everyday objects provide a glimpse into the lives of the people who once frequented these baths. A visit to the Roman Baths is an immersive experience that transports you to a different era.
💡Royal Crescent
The Royal Crescent is a true masterpiece, known for its stunning Georgian architecture and graceful curvature. As you wander along the crescent-shaped row of 30 terraced houses, you’ll be truly amazed.
The Royal Crescent Museum, located within No. 1 Royal Crescent, offers a glimpse into the life of a Georgian resident. Step inside this meticulously restored townhouse and explore its lavishly furnished rooms, showcasing the opulent lifestyle of the period.
The surrounding Royal Victoria Park offers a picturesque setting to appreciate the magnificence of the Royal Crescent. It feels great to take a leisurely stroll through the park’s manicured gardens, or find a cozy spot to relax.
💡Pulteney Bridge
You may recognize Pulteney Bridge as the backdrop for a pivotal scene in the 2012 film adaptation of Les Misérables, where Javert’s fateful act takes place.
Designed in 1769 by the esteemed architect Robert Adam, Pulteney Bridge stands as one of the most photographed examples of Georgian architecture in the city. What sets it apart is its unique distinction as one of only four bridges in the world with shops lining both sides of its full span.
Pulteney Bridge’s classical design features pediments, pilasters, and charming leaded domes at either end. Though the shops are small and the roadway not wide, the bridge’s opening in 1770 was nothing short of a revelation. Today, it stands as one of the world’s most beautiful and romantic bridges, best admired from the vantage point of Parade Gardens and the crescent weir.
While exploring Pulteney Bridge, you’ll discover an array of enticing offerings. Indulge in delectable cuisine at the diverse range of restaurants, browse through independent shops that line the bridge, or even visit Bath Rugby Club’s official merchandise store. Additionally, regular boat trips depart from here, whisking you upriver to Bathampton and beyond.
Cultural and Entertainment Venues in Bath City Centre
✨Theatre Royal Bath
Georgian Theatre Royal in Bath has been enchanting audiences since its construction in 1805. The Main House of the Theatre Royal offers a year-round program that showcases top-quality drama, including acclaimed West End productions, opera, comedy, dance, and regular Sunday concerts.
Within the Theatre Royal, you’ll also find the Egg Theatre, a dedicated space designed for children, young people, and their families. It offers a wide array of engaging productions and interactive experiences, fostering a love for the performing arts from an early age. Adjacent to the Egg Theatre, the Egg Café provides a cozy spot to relax and enjoy refreshments.
For those seeking cutting-edge performances, the Ustinov Studio is a must-visit. With a focus on UK premieres and contemporary drama, comedy, and music from visiting companies, the Ustinov Studio consistently presents thought-provoking and innovative works.
The Theatre Royal hosts a range of regular events throughout the year, including the Summer Season and a cherished traditional family pantomime during the festive Christmas season. These events add to the theater’s vibrant calendar and provide memorable experiences for audiences of all ages.
✨Komedia Bath
Komedia Bath is a unique venue dedicated to live entertainment. It is nestled within a beautifully restored Grade II listed former Beau Nash cinema, and offers an unmatched lineup of events throughout the year.
Komedia Bath boasts two fully flexible, well-equipped performance spaces. The Main Auditorium, featuring three levels, offers excellent sightlines and close proximity to the audience. It serves as the perfect platform for electrifying performances, accommodating audiences of up to 780 people.
With over 400 events annually, Komedia Bath caters to a diverse range of tastes. From comedy and music to cabaret, kids’ events, club nights, and everything in between, there’s something for everyone within these historic walls.
One of Komedia Bath’s standout events is the weekly comedy extravaganza, Krater Comedy Club. Taking place every Saturday, this is your chance to witness some of the best UK and international stand-up comedians, including the stars of tomorrow, right in the heart of Bath. Each show features three top comics and a talented compere, ensuring an evening filled with laughter.
What’s more, every Krater Comedy Club ticket grants you free entry into Bath’s biggest club night, The Big Disco, allowing you to dance and party into the early hours.
✨The Holburne Museum
The Holburne Museum is a institution that showcases the grandeur and history of Bath. From Renaissance treasures to masterpieces by Gainsborough, the collection offers a diverse and captivating journey through art history. With continually changing temporary exhibitions, even regular visitors can always discover something new and exciting.
Go upstairs and delve into the themes of eighteenth-century culture presented through porcelain, paintings, and sculptures. In the former ballroom, silver and china are elegantly displayed as if arranged for a banquet, shimmering under the glow of a crystal chandelier.
Just across the hallway, you’ll encounter the impressive collections of Sir William Holburne, the museum’s founder. Here, you’ll gain insight into Sir William’s artistic preferences, with a notable presence of Golden-Age Dutch works and miniature objects such as gems and portrait miniatures.
On the top floor, explore the pieces from the Golden Age of British painting, which celebrate Bath’s history as a fashionable and artistic spa city. Works by renowned artists such as William Hoare and Thomas Gainsborough, who resided in Bath, grace the walls alongside canvases by Zoffany, Ramsay, Stubbs, and others.
Additionally, The Holburne Museum embraces its dog-friendly environment, allowing dogs on the ground floor. The Garden Café provides indoor and outdoor seating, and adjacent Sydney Gardens offers a delightful space for your furry friends to roam and frolic.
✨Victoria Art Gallery
Victoria Art Gallery is an esteemed public art museum in Bath, where a treasure trove of paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts awaits.
Within the gallery’s care, you will find a remarkable assortment of masterpieces. Among them is an original Tudor portrait of Henry VIII, created in the style of Holbein, which provides a unique glimpse into the Tudor era. The collection also boasts works by renowned artists such as Thomas Gainsborough, Thomas Barker, Gillian Ayres, Walter Sickert, Paul Klee, and Grayson Perry. Each artwork tells a story, capturing the essence of its time and the artist’s vision.
Green Spaces and Parks in Bath City Centre
🌳Parade Gardens
Parade Gardens is a beloved park located next to the picturesque River Avon in Bath. It is renowned for their floral displays and scenic riverside views. Whether you’re seeking a leisurely stroll through manicured gardens, a peaceful picnic, or simply a moment of tranquility, Parade Gardens offers a serene and inviting atmosphere.
Parade Gardens is not only a place of natural beauty but also a hub of cultural activity. During the summer months, the park hosts a variety of events and concerts in its charming bandstand.
Parade Gardens also caters to families and children with special entertainment provided during the summer months. Little ones can enjoy fun activities, and the park offers deck chairs for relaxation and leisurely moments.
🌳Prior Park Landscape Garden
Prior Park Landscape Garden is located near the bustling city centre of Bath. This garden was created in the 1700s by Ralph Allen, a local entrepreneur, and is a testament to the beauty of its time.
One of the highlights of Prior Park is its iconic Palladian bridge, a remarkable architecte dating back to 1755. Inspired by the renowned Italian architect Andrea Palladio, this bridge is one of only four of its kind in the world.
Aside from the garden’s own wonders, Prior Park Landscape Garden offers proximity to the Bath Skyline, a six-mile circular route that encompasses a wealth of natural and historical treasures. Along this route, you can discover beautiful woodlands, meadows, an Iron Age hill fort, Roman settlements, 18th-century follies, and awe-inspiring views that will leave you mesmerized.
🌳Sydney Gardens
Sydney Gardens is Bath’s oldest park and a registered Grade II listed historic park and garden. Nestled near the Holburne Museum, this serene green space offers a tranquil retreat in the heart of the city.
Sydney Gardens was meticulously planned and laid out by architect Harcourt Masters in 1795, making it a significant part of Bath’s history. During the late 18th and early 19th centuries, it became a popular gathering place for fashionable visitors to the city, including members of the Royal family and the renowned author, Jane Austen, who resided directly opposite the gardens at number 4 Sydney Place.
As you explore Sydney Gardens, you’ll encounter beautifully landscaped areas featuring majestic trees, shrubberies, lawns, and vibrant flower beds. The park also offers amenities such as tennis courts and a children’s play area, providing fun and leisure for families and individuals alike. Throughout the summer months, Sydney Gardens continues to be a source of entertainment, hosting cinema screenings and theatrical performances.
One of the notable features of the park is the Kennet and Avon Canal, which gracefully runs through Sydney Gardens. The wide towpath along the canal is perfect for leisurely walks or bicycle rides, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the scenic beauty of the surroundings. Elegant iron bridges span the canal, providing picturesque views and adding to the park’s charm.
Conclusion
As we wrap up our guide to best things to do in Bath City Centre, we hope you’ve enjoyed uncovering the many delights this captivating city has to offer. So, plan your trip, pack your curiosity, and get ready to create cherished memories in this enchanting destination. Bath City Centre awaits, ready to captivate and inspire you with its timeless charm.
FAQ
The Roman Baths, Bath Abbey, The Royal Crescent and Pulteney Bridge are must-visit landmarks in Bath City Centre.
Yes, there are various guided tours that cover different aspects of Bath’s history, architecture, and culture. Popular options include walking tours, ghost tours, and boat tours on the River Avon.
Yes. Here are some famous events or festivals in Bath:
- The Bath Christmas Market: A popular annual market featuring festive stalls and entertainment.
- The Bath International Music Festival: A celebration of music with performances by renowned artists.
- The Bath Literature Festival: A literary event showcasing talks, readings, and workshops.
