Bath In One Day: 10 Top Things To Do

Bath is a quaint city in the South West of England and a UNESCO World Heritage; it is a cultural town filled with incredible cultural activities, walking tours and things to do during the time of day trips or for a weekend. In this post, you’ll know all the best things to do in Bath in one day if 24 hours (or less) is all you have to visit this beautiful city.

Bath is the perfect getaway for a weekend or a day trip (for example, from Bristol)! It is one of the quaintest cities in England well known for its unique heritage.

Bath is famous for Jane Austen, the Roman Baths Museum, the Thermae Spa, the Pulteney Bridge, Bath Abbey and more!

Today, I share my 24-hour itinerary of the best things to do in Bath in one day.

Bath In One Day: Travel Guide

I visited Bath several times on different day trips (one being to see their fabulous Christmas Market).

As stated above, during my first trip to Bath, I didn’t get the chance to visit the Roman Bath; I said I would return to do so, and I did when I lived temporarily in Bristol!

I thought I’d walk you by and list all the things you can do in Bath in one day for those who wonder what to do in Bath in one day and more with tips and spots to see what I gathered during all those different times in Bath. It is very easy to create a Bath 1 day itinerary out of this listing of things to do and see in Bath.

I adore this city, one of my favourite cities in the U.K. so far; if you’re still on the fence about visiting Bath, I 100% recommend it to you!

Even more, it’s an easy day trip if you’re visiting Bristol. And speaking of Bristol, you can take many fantastic day trips from there!

Now that we are ready, here is everything you need to know to plan your Bath in one day itinerary.

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What To Do In Bath For A Day

Explore the famous Roman Baths Museum

If you’re wondering whether it’s worth visiting the Roman Baths if you only have one day in Bath, the answer is a resounding yes!

The Roman Baths are a must-see, and a thorough visit typically takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. This duration is largely due to the audio guide, which is both free and available in several languages. The guide offers detailed information about each room, including its purpose, architectural features, and historical significance, making the experience truly captivating.

Understanding the intricate history and workings of the Roman Baths enhances the visit, providing a richer appreciation of this remarkable ancient site. It would be a missed opportunity not to delve into the fascinating past of one of Bath’s most iconic landmarks.

The Roman Baths are easily one of the main attractions of the city. It’s worth visiting if you’re visiting Bath in one day as it is one of the city’s highlights and carries so much history.

Also, though the queue might be a little off-putting at first, especially if you’re short on time, visit early to avoid the line. It is a fascinating place to visit to understand more about the city’s history, and it’s truly amazing to see what they used to do with the area back in the day.

Side note: At the end of the visit, you can taste the water from the Roman Bath, which is said to cure you of all kinds of diseases – but it’s lukewarm, and it tastes horrible. You’ve been warned, but it’s still fun to try when visiting the Roman Bath.

Fees: General £15 | Student £13,75

You can book tickets in advance either on The Roman Bath’s official website or get your ticket with an audio book tour on GetYourGuide.

Visit & Climb Bath Abbey

Located right next to the Roman Baths,  the gorgeous Gothic-style Abbey of Bath was built from 675 (foundation) to 1530.

You can visit the inside of the Abbey to the top after climbing 212 steps (for a £10 fee). These steps are steep and narrow, and the climb is typically done as part of a guided tour. When you reach the top, you’re rewarded with a stunning panoramic view of Bath and the surrounding lush countryside.

On one side of the Abbey, you can spot the Temperance fountain, which encouraged people to drink water instead of alcohol in the past.

The Temperance Fountain in Bath was built in 1885. It was part of a wider temperance movement in the 19th century, which advocated for the reduction or elimination of alcohol consumption. As I stated above the fountain was a symbol of the movement, providing clean drinking water as an alternative to alcohol which was more widely consumed as clean and safe drinking water was not always readily available.

Several street artists are often around the Abbey performing and entertaining people.

Visit Queen Square

Georgian houses surround Queen Square, a charming and historic spot in the heart of Bath.

At the centre of the square stands an elegant obelisk, erected in 1738 to commemorate the visit of Frederick, Prince of Wales. The square itself is an ideal place to unwind, whether you’re sipping on a freshly brewed coffee or indulging in a sweet treat from one of the nearby cafés.

And if you’re visiting during autumn (fall) the golden leaves create a picturesque contrast against the timeless Georgian architecture and this is quite a pretty instagrammable facade.

Walk Around The Royal Crescent

The Royal Crescent is one of Bath’s most iconic landmarks, the 30 grand Georgian houses that overlook a vast expanse of lush green lawns are an impressive sight.

Designed by architect John Wood the Younger in the 18th century, this architectural masterpiece perfectly captures the elegance and symmetry of the Georgian style that is so representative of England.

Also, in recent years, the Royal Crescent has gained even more attention due to the global popularity of the Netflix series Bridgerton. This stunning location served as a backdrop for the show’s glamorous scenes, further solidifying its status as a must-see destination if you’re a fan of the show or simply enjoy beautiful architecture.

It is the perfect setting for a leisurely stroll, a spot of people-watching, or a few memorable photos.
And I have some beautiful quotes about England to caption your photos!

Stroll Around Royal Victoria Park

A short stroll from the Royal Crescent, you’ll find Royal Victoria Park, making it a natural next stop on your day trip through Bath. Spanning 57 acres, this beautiful park offers a serene escape from the city’s bustling streets, with something for everyone to enjoy.

The park features a small lake—though it might feel more like a pond, at least that is what I thought of it but it adds a charming touch to the landscape.

The area is teeming with life, from the lively ducks swimming in the water to the adorable playful grey squirrels darting through the trees.

Chill in Parade Garden

Nestled in the heart of Bath, the Parade Gardens offer a tranquil escape with their meticulously manicured lawns, vibrant flower beds, and stunning views of the River Avon.

This idyllic park is an inviting spot to relax and take in the city’s historic charm, where Bath’s rich heritage and natural beauty come together beautifully.

If you prefer not to pay the small entry fee of £1.50 for adults, you can still enjoy a lovely view of the gardens from the surrounding streets, just as I did.

Check out the Famous Pulteney Bridge

If there is one famous landmark in Bath that you must see during a one-day visit, it’s the Pulteney Bridge. This stunning structure is arguably one of the most iconic and photographed sites in Bath’s city centre. Its elegant architecture, combined with its picturesque setting along the River Avon, creates a breathtaking landscape that’s hard to miss.

For a different view, take a stroll along the riverbanks to appreciate the bridge from various angles, there are so many amazing places around the areas to take beautiful photos of the bridge.

Designed by the renowned architects Robert and James Adams in 1773, the Pulteney Bridge has undergone several changes due to factors like flooding and modifications to the various shops that line it.

Despite these alterations, it was officially designated a historical building in 1936, leading to a meticulous restoration of its original design.

Bath Guildhall Historic Indoor Market

Just a short walk from the Pulteney Bridge and not far from Bath Abbey is the historic Bath Guildhall Market. This indoor market is a nice stop if you’re spending a day in Bath. It offers various goods, from high-quality leather products to fresh food and souvenirs.

The Guildhall Market has been an important trading hub for over 800 years, and its rich history adds to the charm of the bustling market atmosphere. Whether you’re looking to pick up a special gift or simply soak up the vibrant ambience, this market is a perfect stop on your Bath itinerary.

The market is open from Monday to Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; however, the shops have their own opening hours.

Check Out The Circus

The Circus is another of Bath’s iconic landmarks. Designed by the same architect behind the Royal Crescent, John Wood the Elder, The Circus features a striking circular layout with three distinct segments. This architectural marvel is a perfect complement to the Royal Crescent, offering a graceful, rounded design that contrasts beautifully with its counterpart.

At the centre of The Circus stands a majestic tree, which serves as a harmonious focal point and enhances the overall aesthetic of the space. Strolling around The Circus is a delightful experience, allowing you to fully appreciate the symmetry and elegance of one of Bath’s architectural gems.

Situated nearby on Gay Street, this charming museum celebrates the life and works of Jane Austen, who lived in Bath for a time. It offers exhibits on her novels and the Regency period, along with a delightful tea room.

Another noteworthy place of interest close by is the Pump Room is an elegant venue where you can sample the famous Bath water, enjoy a traditional afternoon tea, and take in the historic ambience.

Jane Austen Centre 

Have you ever heard of the book (or movie) “Pride and Prejudice”?

If so, you might know that Jane Austen, the celebrated author behind it, lived in Bath. The Jane Austen Centre, located in a Georgian townhouse on Gay Street, is dedicated to exploring her life and works. It offers a glimpse into Austen’s time in Bath, where she wrote several of her famous novels.

Although we didn’t visit the Centre ourselves—being too tired as the day went on—it’s a well-known attraction in Bath and well worth a visit for fans of Austen and her literary legacy so I think it’s worth mentioning.

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Where To Eat In Bath?

CORNISH PASTY 

Cornish Pasty shops are everywhere, and we were very curious about them. We went for a traditional Cornish Pasty; it was much yummier than I thought!

They’re originally from Cornwall, but many shops sell them in Bath and Bristol. So if you’re in England, try them; the miniature version makes a great snack!

HANDMADE BURGER & CO

More recently, in February, I took another day trip to Bath with a friend, and we had a delicious burger with sweet potato fries for lunch and a chocolate milkshake for my friend. As the title state, the burgers are all handmade with fresh products, so if you fancy some burgers for lunch, it’s the place you need to hit.

SALLY LUNN’S BUNS 

Another very famous food to eat in Bath is the Sally Lunn Buns. The buns are made of dough with egg and cream and are perfect for afternoon tea. It’s a famous stop for tourists and locals in Bath.

It says they were brought to England during the 16th by an immigrant named Solange Luyon, who was known as Sally Lunn, hence the name of those yummy sweet buns.

How To Get To Bath?

Let’s move on to some helpful information to plan your journey to Bath for your day trip!

Journey From Bristol Temple Meads To Bath Spa

The easiest way to reach Bath is to get to Temple Meads to Bath Station. It is a few minutes away, 12 minutes, to be more precise.

The anytime return ticket costs £8,60. If you take an off-peak return, it’s around £7.
But the train isn’t the only way to go to Bath; a cheaper option would be to take the 39 or X39 bus. One way is £1,90. It takes around 35-40min.

BAth one day trip from London

To reach Bath from London the easiest and fastest is to take the train. Bath is one hour and a half away from London by train, so not too bad for a day trip!

An off-peak ticket return costs £79; however, buying them on a cheap train in advance can cost you around £53.

Arriving at Bath Spa

Once you get off the train station, you can get to the city centre in less than 5 minutes.

You can find many shops/Bakeries to do souvenirs/clothing shopping or enjoy a nice meal and a snack.

The famous Bath Stone the city buildings are made of gives the city this quaint charm (it’s even more beautiful during the Christmas market; the stone glows with the lights!)

The town’s atmosphere is very relaxed; it feels perfect for walking around and enjoying yourself, especially when you come from a bigger city like Bristol or London. Bath is not a small city but has a more chill atmosphere. The ideal plus would be to treat yourself to a massage/spa, but sadly, I did not have the budget. Oh boy, I’d have loved to!

Most of the famous locations in Bath are close to each other, so you can organise yourself to build your walking tour around the city.

However, if you want to have a real guide, there are organised walks around the city.

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Conclusion On Bath One Day Trip

This is everything on my What To Do In One Day in Bath list! With this, you can get a good idea of how much it’s possible to see and then adapt your itinerary for your day trip.

However, one thing I would have liked to do but didn’t have time as it’s entirely away from the city’s centre on foot is Prior Park Landscape Garden  – saving it for next time!

A day in Bath is a great addition to your itinerary if you’re visiting the South West of England.

I still think I’ve seen/visited a lot – and walked almost 20km, so a nice day trip to Bath! Every hot spot in the city is within walking distance, so you don’t need public transportation, which makes visiting Bath easy. Plus, taking your time while you see, not just rushing around to check off everything on your list, is more enjoyable.

So, as I mentioned at the beginning of this post, I recommend you visit Bath even for just one day if you can; it’s worth it!

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What To Do In Bath In One Day

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✈ Best Travel Ressources To Plan Your Next Trip

✈ How To Find Flights?

– Skyscanner; it is a good comparator for finding the cheapest flights.
– Google Flight is also a good help when it comes to comparing flights.

✈ Where To Book Accommodations?

– Booking.com: plenty of options and ways to get discount the more you book.

✈ Best Sites To Book Activities

My go-to website when I need to book an activity is GetYourGuide when I can’t get a ticket directly on the website or if it’s easier to go through them.

– Klook if you need to book more than just activities and would like to get everything from the same website—(i.e. transport cards, car rental, hotel…).

✈ Other helpful travel resources

– Radical Storage: If you need a place to keep your luggage for an extended period when you travel, I recommend using them. It was a great help when we needed a place to keep our luggage safely while we left the city for a few days.
– TheTrainline: If you love to travel by train like me, then TheTrainline needs to be your go-to website for train travel in Europe. It is very reliant and easy to use.

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