Top Things to do in Bath
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Top 10 Free Things to do in Bath, England
Known for its restorative wonders, Bath was once the home of Jane Austen. Sure, you could attempt to conjure up this elegant city by reading Pride and Prejudice in your tub, but as Bath has a lot more history than your bathroom (we assume, anyway) you'd be missing out. A stroll through Bath is like visiting an open-air museum, with roughly 5,000 buildings in the city drawing notice for their architectural merit. After your stroll, soak in the natural hot waters of the Thermae Bath Spa, once a favorite of the Celts and Romans.
Restaurants in Bath
1. Bath Botanical Gin Distillery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 24 reviews
Gin Distillery and Herbal Apothecary situated in the heart of Widcombe, Bath. We sell our signature No.1 Gin, alongside seasonal Fruit Gins, Herbal Elixirs and Herbal Teas, all distilled and created by in store. Inspired by the seasonal abundance of the south west, we use locally sourced and often hand picked ingredients to create our products. Tasters of the whole range are available to try.
Reviewed By Don_G_Wright - Vancouver, Canada
Tucked around the corner from Widcombe’s main street (a small village within Bath) this little shop is worth a visit just to see the amazing copper pot still and chat with the proprietor about crafting gins and herbal elixirs. You can also taste the straight and infused gins, my favourite had been steeped in red chiles, yum! Hours are limited, so check the website so you don’t miss out!
2. Royal Victoria Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,220 reviews
Opened in 1830, Royal Victoria Park is a visual delight with shady tree-lined avenues and towering mature trees encompassing botanical and woodland gardens.
Reviewed By annettelaurie - Plymouth, United Kingdom
This beautiful Park and botanical gardens is sometimes left out of things to do in bath because it sits outside the city wall, adjacent to the Queen Charlotte car park. However, it is just stunning, with lots of node to Queen Victoria. There is a golf course in the middle somewhere, beautiful lawns to sit on, the botanical gardens, arboretum trees, Victorian lodges and so much more. There is parking towards it which is of a reasonable cost and is free on bank holidays. Outside the entrance of the Canada Gate, there is down the path a little way the Military War Memorial – also worth a visit, since you pass it to get into the city centre. We use this park to walk through when we visit as it is so lovely and only two minutes outside the city centre.
3. Pulteney Bridge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,890 reviews
One of only three bridges in the world lined with shops, this exquisite 18th-century bridge is one of the most admired structures in Bath.
Reviewed By philipt582
For those who are familiar with the film Les Miserables in which Javert, played by Russell Crowe, jumped to his death, will be delighted to discover that the bridge of Javert's demise is actually located in Bath . It is, I suggest, best approached via the toe path along the river. As you round the bend the bridge springs into view. If you continue to the bridge, you can ascend the stairs and emerge on the bridge to discover a wide range of interesting shops and cafes. Well worth exploring, without the need to visit Paris.
4. Royal Crescent
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4,005 reviews
Designed by John Wood II (1767-75), the Royal Crescent is comprised of thirty houses, shaped like a half-Colosseum, which uses a gigantic series of Ionic columns on high bases.
Reviewed By elliepatts - Nottingham, United Kingdom
The Royal crescent is just a must when visiting bath, a perfect photo opportunity and a nice walk through an abundance of Georgian scenery. We didn’t realise that you had to pre book tickets to enter the museum located at number one but after spending a couple of nights in Bath, most sought after attractions are requesting that visitors pre book so I would recommend doing so to ensure you don’t miss out!
5. Little Solisbury Hill
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 58 reviews
Believed to be the site of King Arthur's decisive victory, Battle of Mt. Badon, this high hill overlooks scenic Bath.
Reviewed By Chappy62Ulvo - Barrow-in-Furness, United Kingdom
No eagles, but we did see a buzzard! Walked out of Bath along the canal towpath to the George at Bathampton, left the canal and crossed the rail/road/river bridges to London road then started climbing Solsbury lane from Brow Hill in Batheaston. It gets quite a steep (for a road) climb, particularly near the end, but well worth it for the short hop up on to the hill top and the views to the south and west. Don't forget to have the Peter Gabriel classic ready on your iphone playlist, for when you stand looking at the view with your heart going 'boom, boom, boom', mainly because of the climb!
6. Milsom Street
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 218 reviews
Historic street in Bath that is lined with charming shops and restaurants. Milsom Street in Bath, Somerset, England was built in 1762 by Thomas Lightholder. The buildings were originally grand town houses, but most are now used as shops, offices and banks. Most have three storeys with mansard roofs and Corinthian columns. Numbers 2 to 22 are grade II listed. The bank at number 24 was built by Wilson and Willcox and includes baroque detail not seen on the other buildings. This shopping area right in the centre of Bath is a great place to find top fashion designers, department stores and quirky retailers. At the heart of Milsom Street is Milsom Place, a lively courtyard perfect for both shopping and socialising. Here you’ll find an array of one-off designer shops and high-street flagship stores including Hobbs and Cath Kidston, plenty of pop-up ventures, and a selection of cafes and restaurants.
Reviewed By piyalis52
Milsom Street is home to new modern shops but it still looks like it must have when Jane Austen traipsed down it. The front wall of the public lending library is still the same. You can lose yourself in Austen's world sitting here and dreaming.
7. Holburne Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,162 reviews
With an impressive collection of fine and decorative art, this newly transformed Museum, with Garden Cafe, is situated in lovely grounds and is set to become Bath's must-see attraction. Open daily, admission £12.50/£7. 10am to 5pm (11am on Sundays)
Reviewed By bsandrs - Portsmouth, United Kingdom
We have visited the Holburne on several occasions in the past to see specialised exhibitions such as Peter Blake. Being in Bath just before lockdown we were pleased therefore to revisit and enjoy the Grayson Perry presentation. On a dry, sunny morning it was good to walk down Great Pulteney Street and sit in the tented garden cafe enjoying coffee before entering the galleries. The items on display from the earlier years of the artists work were very impressive and well presented. Staff were welcoming and knowledgeable. Covid restrictions were carefully observed and made for a very enjoyable visit. We will, no doubt, be back in the future
8. Alexandra Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 366 reviews
Acquired by the city of Bath in 1896 and opened in 1902, this city park is located on top of Beechen Cliff and is a popular area for walking, picnicking and relaxing.
Reviewed By 589nedh - Portland, United States
Beautiful views of Bath. Bring a telephoto lens for your camera to get some great shots. But, I gotta tell you, the hike from downtown to the top of the hill is near vertical. In fact, I would say a ladder might be easier. There's even this teaser of a sign near the top that says "only 40 steps left". Sure, if you count 10 paces per step. But don't worry... there are great views at the top... and benches. And the walk down is way easier.
9. Bath Street
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 810 reviews
Reviewed By lovetrav_9 - Old Colwyn, United Kingdom
This is one of our favourite streets to stroll down in the UK. The architecture is superb and there are plenty of shops and cafes/restaurants to choose from. It really is full of character and history. We were very fortunate on our recent visit to have lovely weather which made the stroll even more pleasurable. Bath is a lovely friendly city to visit and one we never tire of.
10. Botanical Gardens at Victoria Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 276 reviews
Located on the north side of Bath's Victoria Park, these gardens were constructed in 1887 and today displays a huge variety of plants spreading over nine acres of its scenic landscape.
Reviewed By idopam
My family and I spent a lovely time wandering about the garden which has wonderful trees and plants. It is very well kept and a perfect place to relax and enjoy the surroundings. Well worth a visit.
