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This wonderful city draws visitors back like a magnet year after year. Great days out
Bath offers an abundance of things to do with days out and top attractions for the whole family to enjoy. Don’t miss
Our top things to see and do when visiting the region. Shopping
Shopaholics will love this city for its eclectic mix of boho-chic boutiques, highstreet staples and quirky independents.
Prior Park Landscape Garden. See p23 “ T he Roman Baths are one of the UK’s most popular heritage attractions, and welcome a million visitors a year”
days out, P14
Tyntesfield. See p14
Bath is a foodie’s paradise with a host of fantastic restaurants, cafés and pubs – so make sure you bring a healthy appetite.
Only here for the weekend? Fear not! Here are some ideas for a memorable short break. Culture Club
Culture vultures assemble! Bath offers the perfect mix of galleries, museums, exhibitions and festivals.
The night-time economy in this city is thriving, packed with clubs, pubs, bars and live music venues.
Although Bath has more than enough to keep you busy, a journey further afield can make for an exciting new adventure.
A final look at this beautiful region – Bath Spa University.
We fitted wigs in Wigan Gave grants in Glasgow Taught yoga in Yeovil
And got men talking about cancer in Brixton
Wherever you are, we do whatever it takes to help people living with cancer.
These are examples of services that we’ve delivered. Macmillan Cancer Support, registered charity in England and Wales (261017), Scotland (SC039907) and the Isle of Man (604). Also operating in Northern Ireland. MAC19926
This wonderful city draws visitors back like a magnet year after year
Welcome, visitor!
Welcome to the city of Bath – a famed World Heritage Site. Bath is internationally renowned for its breathtaking beauty, unique Georgian architecture built from the distinctive honey-coloured ‘Bath stone’, its sublime landscape setting, Roman archaeology, natural hot springs, and its many centuries of colourful spa culture.
Bath also has a long history of creative genius. It celebrates the work of notable architects John Wood the Elder and Younger; entrepreneur Ralph Allen, mine owner and Mayor in 1742, and also the Postmaster responsible for the first cross-country service; astronomers William and Caroline Herschel, who discovered stars, comets and the planet Uranus; and also Admiral Arthur Phillip,
First Governor of New South Wales, Australia, among many others who left their legacies for us all to enjoy today.
Over the centuries, Bath has inspired writers, painters and 18th-century fashionistas, as well as providing the backdrop for countless novels, films and television programmes – most recently the hit Netflix series Bridgerton
The combination of art and science, creativity, imagination and invention show that Bath, as a city, offers an excellent visitor destination. With the many fine hotels, a compact and connected centre with a wealth of museums, fantastic eateries, musical and theatrical entertainment, shopping and sporting facilities, you’ll be spoilt for choice. ■
The Abbey Church of Saint Peter and Saint Paul, commonly known as Bath Abbey
Bath offers an abundance of things to do with days out and top attractions for the whole family to enjoy
Great days out
The chances of getting bored in Bath are slim. There’s plenty here to keep you satisfied, whether you want to relax and enjoy some pampering, throw yourself into adrenalinefuelled outdoor activities, escape into nature or learn about the city’s rich history.
You could easily spend your whole visit enjoying the city centre, but there are fantastic sights within easy striking distance if you’re happy to venture further afield.
Bath is the only UK city to be designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site and its historical attractions are a fantastic place to start your sightseeing.
The very heart of Bath is packed with unmissable architecture, including the
Bath has unmissable architecture, including the famous Royal Crescent
famous Royal Crescent and The Circus.
Head first to the Bath World Heritage Centre where you can find out more about the city’s history through a series of interactive exhibits set amongst Roman remains.
The Roman Baths are one of the UK’s most popular heritage attractions and welcomes about a million visitors through its doors every year. You may end up queuing if you visit during peak season, so try and visit on a weekday instead, particularly outside of July and August.
The Roman Baths site showcases a range of Roman bathing and leisure facilities, along with part of the religious complex. Browse displays of Roman and Celtic objects found
The Royal Crescent is a row of 30 houses designed by John Wood, the Younger between 1767 and 1774
locally and see building models and projected images of Roman characters. Tailor-made children’s audio guides help bring the attraction alive for younger visitors, while costumed characters will guide you through Roman ways of life.
If you fancy some serious Roman-style pampering, Thermae Bath Spa is famous for its mineral-rich bathing waters, aromatic steam rooms and pampering treatments. The main spa is the New Royal Bath, which fuses glass, stone, light and water to create a stylish, contemporary space. You can enjoy views from the beautiful open-air rooftop pool and refuel in the spa’s health-conscious Springs Café Restaurant.
About a 45-minute drive from Bath is the wonderfully compact yet attractionpacked city of Wells, which is home to a lively marketplace, stunning Wells Cathedral and the neighbouring Bishop’s Palace & Gardens.
Widely considered to be one of England’s most beautiful cathedrals, Wells Cathedral incorporates striking architectural features such as the famous Wells Clock, which is the second oldest clock mechanism in Britain.
The Bishop’s Palace & Gardens has been home to the Bishops of Bath and Wells for more than 800 years. The palace is surrounded by a gorgeous moat (complete with resident swans), and visitors can cross a flagstone drawbridge to walk under the portcullis.
The Holburne Museum is one of Bath’s great Georgian buildings, only ten minutes’ walk from the centre of town and set within five acres of grounds which were once enjoyed by Jane Austen.
Experience critically acclaimed exhibitions of historical and contemporary art, lectures, concerts, workshops and events against a backdrop of renowned 18th-century portraits, Renaissance bronzes, ceramics, silver and embroidery. The Garden Café serves fresh seasonal lunches and locally-sourced ice cream.
Visit the Jane Austen Centre, which is housed within a period building right in the centre and learn about her years living in the city and how they influenced her writing.
When you’re feeling peckish, you could wander over to the famous Sally Lunn’s Historic Eating House & Museum for your lunchtime refreshments. Housed in one of Bath’s oldest houses, this property showcases the original kitchen used by the legendary Huguenot baker Sally Lunn to create the very first Bath bun – which you can still enjoy there today.
Mary Shelley’s House of Frankenstein is the first horror experience dedicated to the author and her most infamous creation. Shelley
wrote the majority of this timeless classic whilst living in lodgings situated in Abbey Churchyard, Bath, in 1816. This atmospheric, fully immersive attraction lets you unearth her complex life and experience the story of Frankenstein, as relevant today as it was 200 years ago.
If you’re a fan of the hit Netflix series Bridgerton, you can take in the sights with Brit Movie Tours as they show you around the filming locations on a two-hour promenade through Bath’s beautiful and historic streets.
Or you could book a Bath Adventures ‘Bath & Bridgerton with Music’ tour, where you’ll be given over-ear headphones as a guide takes you through Bath, sharing locations, behind-the-scenes gossip and music from the show. Alternatively, the two-hour Bridgerton Experience from Bath Walking Tours is led by a Blue Badge Tourist Guide with in-depth knowledge of the city.
Yes, Bath is stunningly beautiful and full of historic gems. But outdoorsy types will be just as satisfied in this bucolic part of the l
L The Roman Baths I The Bishop’s Palace & Gardens
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Nestled in the heart of historic Bath, The Salamander is a quintessential British pub that combines traditional charm with a vibrant atmosphere. Renowned for its exceptional food and warm hospitality, this hidden gem is a favourite among locals and visitors alike.
Our expertly crafted menu features hearty pub classics and innovative dishes, all made with the finest locally sourced ingredients. Indulge in our mouth-watering Sunday roasts, savour our succulent burgers, or delight in our seasonal specials that highlight the best of British cuisine. Vegetarian and vegan options are also available, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
Pair your meal with a fine selection of ales, craft beers, and ciders, carefully curated to please every palate. Whether you’re looking to unwind after a day of exploring Bath’s iconic landmarks or seeking a cosy spot for a weekend gathering, The Salamander offers the perfect setting.
Join us at The Salamander – where great food, excellent drinks, and good company come together in the heart of Bath. Your perfect pub experience awaits!
world. Get out of the bustling city and you can explore caves and nature parks and a enjoy whole host of wholesome activities.
If you want to escape the city crowds, the National Trust’s Bath Skyline walk offers elevated views over Bath and the Mendips along six miles of way-marked footpaths, through woodland and pretty wildflower meadows. You could stop off along the way at the American Museum & Gardens, housed in the very impressive Grade 1-listed Claverton Manor.
Stunning National Trust properties within easy reach of Bath include Prior Park Landscape Garden, Dyrham Park and Tyntesfield. Less than three miles from the city, Prior Park is an 18th-century Palladian house, built in Bath stone and designed by John Wood the Elder in the 1730s and 40s for entrepreneur and philanthropist Ralph Allen.
Its landscaped gardens and beautiful Palladian bridge are the main draw. Set in a sweeping valley, the gardens incorporate a natural play area, where children can let off steam climbing trees, balancing on logs and building dens.
Slightly further afield in South Gloucestershire, Dyrham Park is a baroque 17th-century country house set in an ancient deer park, about nine miles from Bath. There’s
plenty to keep families occupied here too, particularly during the school holidays.
Tyntesfield is an ornate Victorian Gothic Revival house with extensive gardens and parkland. The garden and estate balance faded beauty and function with an abundance of nature. The flower-filled terraces, empty lake, extensive woodland and productive kitchen garden are great fun to explore.
It’s well worth taking a trip to spectacular Cheddar Gorge, which is just over 20 miles away from central Bath. Britain’s highest inland limestone gorge incorporates dramatic 450ft cliffs and stalactite caverns, offering superb opportunities for rock climbing and caving.
While you’re exploring this world-famous Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, look out for herds of wild goats clinging precariously to tiny rock ridges, and visit Gough’s Cave, the burial place of 10,000-year-old ‘Cheddar Man’, once home to hunter-gatherers.
About 20 minutes’ drive from Cheddar, Wookey Hole Caves is another of the region’s favourite family attractions. It is home to the UK’s largest cave system, which visitors can explore. These impressive limestone caves have been used by humans for around 45,000 years, demonstrated by the discovery of tools from the Palaeolithic period, along with l
Tyntesfield: a Victorian Gothic Revival country house and estate near Wraxall
Take just 30 minutes to enjoy one of our blissful treatments:
1. Sound Bath: Let the soothing vibrations wash over you, melting away stress.
2. SOMA: Dive into deep relaxation with our SOMA Breath experience.
3. VR Meditation: Take a virtual journey to tranquility without leaving your seat. It’s a mini-vacation for your mind!
Whether you’re here for a day or a week, treat yourself to a moment of blissful calm. It’s the perfect way to enhance your Bath experience!
Looking for a unique way to unwind during your stay in our beautiful city? The Soul Spa invites you to experience relaxation like never before! 2 Hetling Court, Bath BA1 1SH 01225 318226 www.thesoulspa.co.uk
Minerva Vineyard Tour and Tasting
We’re so excited to welcome you to the Vineyard.
If it is an intimate and personable experience, you’re looking for... Join me at Bath’s Corston Vineyard Estate, just a ten-minute drive from the bustling city centre.
Our experience takes place in our new gorgeous Vineyard tasting tent. It all starts in the Vineyard, where our acclaimed “Minerva” was created. An English Sparkling Wine was honoured with the prestigious Decanter Award in 2023.
You’ll embark on a journey alongside the wine, tasting its evolution from its humble beginnings and youthful vigour to its ultimate destination as a rich, terroir-driven sparkling wine brimming with character and allure.
During the tour, guests will hear about the journey so far and try what the Romans would have tasted in their wine in the Middle Ages.
Guests will savour a delightful wine journey accompanied by a symphony of flavours. Each sip will be complemented by a selection of local cheeses, artisanal charcuterie, and freshly baked bread, enhancing the essence of the wines tasted.
and Airbnb
Bradford on Avon is filled with heritage, history, and picturesque views. Nestled in the Avon Valley on the edge of the Cotswolds, it offers the perfect blend of nature, retail, and architecture, just a short train journey from the World Heritage city of Bath.
Once you arrive, the hustle and bustle disappear, just in time
for you to leisurely explore the distinctive Georgian architecture, wander along the charming footpaths of Tory, enjoy a boat trip on the Kennet & Avon canal, or relax with a picnic in one of the beautiful green spaces.
For history lovers, the town’s rich industrial heritage is evident in its impressive mill buildings. If you’re looking for a more relaxed
way to enjoy the town, you’ll find independent shops and awardwinning restaurants, cafés, and pubs, featuring locally sourced ingredients for that unique BoA experience.
Whether you’re exploring by foot, canoe, or bike, we’re sure you’ll have an unforgettable visit. To learn more, visit bradfordonavon.co.uk
Climb to the base of Britain’s tallest spire for breathtaking views of Salisbury. Includes admission to Salisbury Cathedral and Magna Carta on the day of your tour.
www.salisburycathedral.org.uk Book online for the best price.
©Timbrell’s Yard
fossilised animal remains.
If you’ve animal-loving kids in tow, the Bath area has some excellent, family-friendly attractions. A trip to Bath City Farm, where you can meet the many friendly animals, won’t cost you a penny. Some seven miles from Bath, Avon Valley Adventure & Wildlife Park is a 90-acre site offering a huge range of attractions, including animal-handling sessions and wildlife enclosures.
If you’re looking for a full day of fun, Longleat packs in a whole host of wild attractions. Sign up for the Safari Drivethrough and you can brave Lion Country, Tiger Territory, the Big Game Park and Cheetah Kingdom. Or you could choose to hop out of your vehicle for a walking safari, where you can get up close to ring-tailed lemurs and giraffes.
If you get high on adrenaline, there are track experience days available at Castle Combe Circuit. Less than 20 miles away from Bath, this circuit opened just 18 months after Silverstone, in the summer of 1950 – making it one of the longest-established circuits in the UK. A Rally Drive Experience Day will really get your blood pumping, and there are special kids karting sessions for ages 10 to 15.
For something entirely different, book a hot air balloon experience with First Flight.
This independent operator offers a range of packages including group flights, cider and cheese flights and even proposal flights, complete with champagne and flowers for the lucky person. Depending on the launch site, First Flight covers Bath, Bristol, the Chew Valley, Mendips and the Somerset levels.
There are loads of fabulous attractions both in and nearby Bath, from historic houses to stunning parks to marvellous museums. Your main difficulty will be deciding which places to visit – and which to save for next time! ■
L Longleat Safari Park, Warminster I The American Museum & Gardens at Claverton Manor
DON’T MISS
Our top things to see and do when visiting this picturesque region
1
Get stuffed
With a plethora of unique eateries, the city of Bath has plenty of fine dining restaurants, cafés and the best afternoon tea. The Olive Tree is the only Michelinstarred restaurant in Bath, with an award-winning wine list and a reasonably priced Mediterraneaninfluenced menu. Other notable restaurants include Menu Gordon Jones and the 3AA Rosette Dower House Restaurant.
2
Bath Skyline Walk I
If you want to escape the city crowds and enjoy some peace and quiet, take yourself on the National Trust’s Bath Skyline walk. This excursion offers elevated views over Bath and the Mendips along six miles of way-marked footpaths, through woodland and pretty wildflower meadows. Well-behaved dogs are also welcome on the Bath Skyline walk.
3
Shop ‘til you drop
The city of Bath is a shopper’s paradise with everything from bigname stores and one-off independent boutiques to malls and picturesque passageways. The city is also great for lovers of vintage shopping. And while it’s often bursting at the seams with tourists and pedestrians, the council’s strategy to make Bath a more walkable city means an increasing number of
shopping areas are blissfully car-free.
4
Live like a Bridgerton
If you’re a fan of the hit Netflix series Bridgerton, you can take in the sights with Brit Movie Tours as they show you around the filming locations on a twohour promenade through Bath’s beautiful and historic streets. Alternatively, you could book a Bath Adventures ‘Bath & Bridgerton with Music’ tour,
where you’ll be given overear headphones as a guide takes you through Bath, sharing locations, behindthe-scenes gossip and music from the show.
5
Pamper yourself k
Bath’s long history as a spa centre, which began as a result of the amazing, natural hot springs here, is as important today as it ever was. If you fancy some serious Romanstyle pampering, Thermae Bath Spa is famous for its mineral-rich bathing waters, aromatic steam rooms and pampering treatments. The main spa is the New Royal Bath, which fuses glass, stone, light and water to create a stylish, contemporary space.
6
Sally Lunn’s Made popular more than 300 years ago, Sally Lunn’s
world-famous briochelike teacakes are a Bath speciality. Housed in one of Bath’s oldest houses, Sally Lunn’s Historic Eating House & Museum showcases the original kitchen used by the legendary Huguenot baker Sally Lunn to create the very first Bath bun – which you can still enjoy there today.
7
Celebrate Jane Austen
Jane Austen knew Bath as a thriving spa city, popular with the fashionable set. There are plenty of ways to experience the English novelist’s Bath, including The Jane Austen Centre which is housed within
a period building right in the city centre. Fans of the famous writer and her literary classics can learn about her years living in the city and how they influenced her writing.
8
Relax in gardens & open spaces I Bath is blessed with some wonderful parks and green spaces including Prior Park Landscape Garden, Sydney Gardens and Royal Victoria Park. The Green Flag Awardwinning Royal Victoria Park was opened in 1830 by the 11-year-old Princess Victoria, and, lying right next to the famous Royal Crescent, it gives visitors the chance to appreciate the sweeping architecture from its well-kept lawns.
buildings and bridges are a legacy of its popularity as a spa town. The Royal Crescent perfectly captures the beauty of the Georgian style. Just take a walk around the city and you’ll be dazzled by its architecture at every turn.
10
Take a trip to the theatre
Bath is blessed with some wonderful parks and green spaces including Prior Park Landscape Garden
9
Admire Georgian architecture
Bath’s gorgeous Georgian
For such a small city Bath has a huge number of theatres, including The Theatre Royal, one of the oldest and most beautiful theatres in Britain. It’s also home to comedy great John Cleese and actor Anthony Head, star of BBC series Merlin. ■
SHOPPING
Shopaholics will love this city for its eclectic mix of boho-chic boutiques, high-street staples and quirky independents
Bath is in many ways a shopper’s dream – it’s conveniently compact, largely pedestrianised, and home not only to one-off boutiques as well as well-known high-street brands. And while it’s often bursting at the seams with tourists and pedestrians, the council’s strategy to make Bath ‘the UK’s most walkable city’ means an increasing number of shopping areas are blissfully car-free.
You’ll find all the independent shops your heart desires in Bath, whether you’re into vintage, quirky homewares or designer goods. Many shops support local designers, artists
Milsom Place is a small shopping centre full of innovative brands
and food producers – giving you the chance to pick up some unique products in a truly elegant setting.
Start at Milsom Place, a small, covered shopping centre where you’ll find several innovative brands. Pick up elegant and ethical French-inspired womenswear and accessories at Biggie Best; and designer footwear at Chanii B.
Just off Union Street, The Corridor is one of the world’s oldest indoor covered arcades, designed by architect Henry Goodridge and built in 1825. It’s home to a good mix of small
j Milsom Place, shopping centre
I Topping & Company Booksellers, York Street
independent retailers, alongside some wellknown household names.
Feeling sporty? Head to Running Bath for the ultimate in active gear. Or for timeless fashion classics including footwear and accessories, browse the wares at Flock Bath. This is also a good area for a pit stop and refuel – The Corridor’s charming Society Café has built up a reputation for coffee and cake (including gluten-free pastries).
Independent retailers
A short stroll away from The Corridor, you can take in lovely riverside views from Pulteney Bridge. Designed by Robert Adam in a Palladian style, this historic Bath landmark incorporates shops right into its structure and is home to several tiny independent retailers, including Pulteney Bridge Flowers, and Nigel Dando, who stock and source exquisite jewellery from around the globe.
Close to the Guildhall is the Nicholas Wylde flagship designer jewellery store. Wylde began his career here 30 years ago and is one of the few designers in the world with his own patented diamond cut.
Established in 1898, Mallory is one of the country’s oldest family-owned and run jewellers, now in its fifth generation. Renowned for its bespoke commissions,
Mallory also sells exclusive Swiss timepieces, including Patek Philippe and Rolex.
Over on Green Street, SP Green offers beautiful collections of diamonds, gemstones, engagement rings and much more. You can expect exceptional service and high-quality handmade jewellery at competitive prices here.
Near Bath Abbey on Northumberland Place is Gold & Platinum Studio, an independent jewellery studio and workshop. The Studio displays beautiful pieces and offers a design space where jewellers can work on bespoke commissions with their clients. Alongside the jewellery made on-site, they also showcase jewellery from leading British designers.
Exquisite jewellery
The Silver Shop of Bath sits less than a hundred metres from the Abbey and the Roman Baths, in a quaint lane which Jane Austen described as “this interesting passageway”. This family-owned business offers a combination of exquisite jewellery and inspired gift ideas.
On York Street, you’ll discover Topping & Company Booksellers – an independent bookshop that has served the city’s literary scene for many years. Come here to pick up l
Homewares & Interiors Art, gifts, ceramics & more
Sustainable
Ethical – Handmade
10 Margaret’s Buildings, Bath BA1 2LP www.homefrontinteriors.co.uk 01225 571711 | info@homefrontinteriors.co.uk @homefrontinteriors
ICARUS
Icarus Jewellery is an independent silver jewellery shop located in the heart of Bath, in an unbeatable location, on Pulteney Bridge.
Visit us to see our unique, handmade collection of high quality, different yet timeless silver jewellery.
Jacks of Bath is a family run luxury tourist gift shop in the heart of the world heritage city of Bath, selling a combination of essential souvenirs and high-end British classics. We are passionate about gifts and souvenirs, from t-shirts to British handmade teapots and from magnets to mugs, we have it all.
We can be found nestled in the very heart of the city centre, opposite the famous Pump Rooms and iconic Roman Baths that gave the city the renown that it still holds today.
8 Abbey Churchyard | Bath | BA1 1LY E. jacksofbath@hotmail.co.uk www.jacksofbath.com
3 Pulteney Bridge BA2 4AX 01225 463 693 • info@icarusjewellery.com WhatsApp number: 07376416833 • www.icarusjewellery.com icarusjewellery
Open Monday-Saturday 9:30am- 5:30pm. Sunday 10am-5pm
SILVER JEWELLERY
Both Farmers’ and Antiques markets are regularly held at Green Park Station
collectable books, such as signed first editions from prize-winning authors, or attend ad-hoc book events.
Persephone Books in Edgar Buildings is also a great bet, especially if you’re after something rare. They reprint neglected fiction and non-fiction by mid-20th-century (mostly) women writers.
Directly across the road from the weir is the distinctively domed Guildhall Market. It’s been serving the locals from its current home since at least the 16th century and today you can pick up all sorts of treasures, ranging from books to jewellery to handbags to fine cheeses.
Most eclectic streets
If you fancy digging out some unusual garden features, homeware or bric-a-brac head to diverse Walcot Street, the artisan quarter of bohemian Bath. This is one of the city’s most eclectic streets, where you can buy a bike, a designer fridge, hats, vintage clothes and artisan food, all within a few minutes’ walk of one another – amongst many other things. If you’re visiting Walcot Street at the weekend, pop into the Bath Saturday Antique & Flea. It’s the perfect place to work on your bartering!
The Bath Vintage & Antiques Market is held on the last Sunday of every month, from
The Bath Chocolate Company offers a beanto-bar viewing experience
8.30am to 4pm at Green Park Station. Hunt for curiosities, prints, sculptures, picture frames, garden décor, textiles, lighting, vintage and retro fashions and lots more.
If you enjoy a quality brew, choose from more than 200 different types of tea from all over the world at Teahouse Emporium on Union Passage. The store also sells a range of beautiful teapots, infusers, strainers and mugs as well as artisan hot chocolate blends.
Close by, on Railway Street, is The Bath Chocolate Company, which offers a bean-tobar viewing experience and produces unique single-origin chocolate.
Just around the corner, near Bath Abbey, you can buy one of the city’s favourite treats – traditional, hand-made fudge. At Fudge Kitchen you can watch as staff hand-make this sweet treat using an old recipe dating back to 1830. Flavours range from time-tested l
and traditional to devilishly different – think ginger spice, Eton mess, lemon drizzle and millionaire’s shortbread – plus several dairyfree and vegan-friendly options.
Sniff out The Fine Cheese Co. at number 29 Walcot Street for a selection of more than a hundred types of cheese and other deli items, including Tuscan salami and delicious truffle butter. The company’s café is at number 31 for delicious toasted sandwiches, fancy Parisian macaroons and endless other gourmet treats. You can also book in for tastings or even take a short course at the Academy of Cheese.
Bath Farmers’ Market
If you’d rather browse a whole load of goodies in one place, try out Saturday morning’s Bath Farmers’ Market. Fresh, seasonal produce is sold directly by the people who produce it, usually based within a 40-mile radius of Bath. The stalls are set up at Green Park Station near the River Avon, and sell all sorts of enticing wares, with traders changing from week to week.
Expect to find organic and non-organic vegetables; unusual meats, such as rose veal, venison and game; award-winning local cheeses; fresh fish; sweet and savoury pies; hand-made chocolates; seasonal soups; freshly baked bread and sweet pastries; fruit
juices and cider; and nutritious vegan and vegetarian food.
If you’re hunting for souvenirs or gifts, head over to The Roman Baths shop on Stall Street. It’s crammed full of quirky Bath-themed products, like tea towels and mugs, alongside restorative water from Bath’s hot spring and locally made crafts and jewellery.
In the same area of town, you’ll find classic souvenirs at Jacks of Bath. This family-run tourist gift shop sells Bath-themed t-shirts, teapots and mugs alongside British classics such as Union Jack purses and handbags.
Stained-glass studio
Waller & Wood, on Box Road, sells ceramics by artist Gary Wood and original painted clothing and scarves by Carole Waller.
Bath Aqua Glass – a traditional glassblowing and stained-glass studio – has a shop in the city centre, but it’s at their base on Walcot Street where you can see some glassblowing in action. The company’s Glassblowing Studio offers interactive demonstrations. You can also sign up for glass-blowing classes.
A relatively new name on Walcot Street is Tilian Kids boutique, an ethical, eco-friendly brand providing sustainable clothing and high-quality gifts for babies and small l
The Farmers’ Market at Green Park Station
I am an established independent designer Goldsmith with over 35 years experience. Offering high-quality, beautifully designed jewellery from my workshop in the heart of Bath
I am a local girl born in Bath, so to honour this amazing city I have designed and created a Memories of Bath range.
It’s not just for our lovely visitors to be able to take the wonderful memories they have made away with them, it’s for local people who are proud of their heritage. Ideally if you are going off to uni or have met that perfect someone who lives on the other side of this wonderful world, you can wear your Bath-inspired jewellery to keep loved ones back home close to you
Jody Cory Goldsmiths retail outlet, is also home to wonderfully inspired work by many local and national designers. When visiting the beautiful Georgian City of Bath, the store overlooks the Bath Abbey and Roman Baths, so be sure to pay us a visit!
NATURAL REMEDIES
children. Most of its products have a Global Organic Textile Standards certificate, which means they’re free from harmful chemicals and made from organic cotton.
Beautiful furniture and home accessories are the USP of Neptune, where items are inspired by traditional craft as much as modern making and are often made using natural materials.
Antique shops
One of the city’s most highly respected antique shops is a 15-minute walk from the centre, on Lansdown Road. Antique Textiles & Lighting specialises in period textiles, fans, lighting and other antiques dating from the 17th century through to the early 20th century. It’s well known in the area for the high quality of its stock and the specialist knowledge of its owner, Joanna Proops.
Close by, located in St Margaret’s Buildings, is Berdoulat, a super stylish interiors store and design firm which sells kitchen and tableware, furniture and a range of decorative products, from linen cushions to soap.
Art lovers should make a beeline for the nearby Hidden Gallery. Whether you’re a seasoned collector searching for the next prized addition to your collection or a firsttime buyer exploring the world of art, you’ll
feel at home here.
Many shoppers come to Bath for its selection of quirky independent shops and markets, but that doesn’t mean you should ignore the high street offerings. If it’s familiar brand names you’re after they’re in plentiful supply, both in the city centre and outside.
The obvious places to launch your shopping mission in the city are on Milsom Street, Union Street and Stall Street, which together run virtually in a straight line through the city centre. From those well-known shopping streets, you can venture off pretty much in any direction to be rewarded with other worthwhile finds. The area is dotted with established chains, such as Vinegar Hill, H&M, Rieker, Marks & Spencer and Lush.
Department stores
Here you’ll also find a branch of the House of Fraser department store, and Gieves & Hawkes. Known for its heritage, bespoke tailoring and flagship store at No.1 Savile Row in London, Gieves & Hawkes is a luxury British brand that is dedicated to the pursuit of excellence.
In contrast, the clean, contemporary design of the SouthGate area is home to the city’s newest and largest shopping area, situated next to Bath Spa railway station.
Union Street; the obvious place to launch your shopping expedition
Despite being modern, the Georgianinspired buildings fit in well with their surroundings. The area houses many of the UK’s most popular high-street names, including fashion retailers, tech stores and places to eat and drink.
If you love your fashion, you’ll be happy in this part of town. You can browse a huge selection of top clothing retailers including Hollister, Office, Lululemon, The North Face, Levi’s, Pandora, and FatFace. Or you could treat yourself to some chic Italian cosmetics and make-up at Kiko Milano, and Gadget lovers can find plenty to satisfy their tech appetites at the Apple Store.
Restaurants and Cafés
When you need to refuel, there are plenty of restaurants and cafés where you can kick back and relax. Chains include Comptoir Libanais for healthy Lebanese cuisine; Tapas Revolution for Spanish; PizzaExpress and Prezzo for Italian cuisine. You’ll also find Caffè Nero, Nando’s, Giraffe and Gourmet Burger Kitchen. If all those chains get a bit much, there’s a handful of independent eateries in this area, such as Juno, which is known for its sourdough pizzas and killer burgers.
If you fancy heading further afield and you’re hankering after some designer labels,
Clarks Village is home to 90 renowned brands offering up to 60 per cent off every day
get out into the Somerset countryside to Clarks Village. This lively village is home to some 90 renowned brands offering up to 60 per cent off RRP every day.
Fashion retailers
Retailers on site include Barbour, Ben Sherman, Calvin Klein and White Stuff. As well as getting your fashion fix, you can take a break in one of the restaurants and cafés and wander the spacious landscaped gardens. For families with little ones, the centre offers the perfect pit stop – St Arthur’s adventure outdoor play area, where the kids can climb, slide, swing, and play.
Bath certainly packs a punch when it comes to shopping. There are endless opportunities to bag a bargain or a special one-off piece, whether you’re into vintage clothing, jewellery or high-street looks. ■
Clarks Village, Somerset
EATING OUT
Bath is a foodie’s paradise with a host of fantastic restaurants, cafés and pubs –so make sure you bring a healthy appetite
It’s no secret that the West Country has a reputation for superb food, and Bath is one of the region’s gastronomic hubs. Fresh local produce, award-winning restaurants, cosy bistros and fashionable gastropubs all help to make the city an ideal destination for a fabulous foodie break.
Bath is particularly well known for its modern British cuisine, and restaurants pride themselves on
sourcing as many local ingredients as they can. But if it’s international cuisine you won’t be disappointed. You’ll find everything from Japanese to Greek to Indian.
You can find excellent cuisine from all over the world in Bath, but it’s particularly renowned for British and European fare, often crafted using seasonal, local ingredients.
Bath’s fine dining scene is as elegant as its architecture. If you
want to dress up and have a special night out, there’s a whole host of restaurants willing to oblige.
For British – and European – inspired fine dining, the awardwinning Menu Gordon Jones is unmissable. Featured on many prestigious foodie lists, this intimate restaurant focuses on serving impressive, exciting food with an element of surprise. The restaurant’s set taster menu is an
Enjoy a seasonal British menu in Art Deco surroundings at Browns
excellent option for first-timers, with organic and biodynamic global wines to pair with each course.
For fine dining without the formality, The Olive Tree is the only Michelin-starred restaurant in Bath, with an award-winning wine list and a reasonably priced Mediterranean-influenced menu.
The menu has been designed by award-winning Head Chef Chris Cleghorn, who honed his skills as the protégé of a trio of worldrenowned Michelin-star chefs (Heston Blumenthal, Michael Caines and Adam Simmonds), so you can expect something special.
The Royal Crescent hotel is home to Montagu’s Mews, where awardwinning Head Chef Martin Blake and his team serve award-winning dishes created with passion. Overlooking green and pleasant gardens, hotel guests and nonresidents can enjoy a wide range of delicious freshly prepared food from ‘farm to fork’ menus, all made with fresh, local and sustainably sourced ingredients.
The Roseate Villa offers an intimate dining experience, serving meals prepared with fresh, local and seasonal ingredients. Its Henrietta Bar is perfect for a light meal, delectable afternoon tea, a Sunday brunch or an intimate date with a loved one.
If you fancy dressing up and heading for the rolling countryside, six miles from Bath you can indulge in food cooked to perfection by Michelin-star chef Hywel Jones and his team at Restaurant Hywel Jones at Lucknam Park Hotel and Spa. With an à la carte and a gourmet menu to choose from, you’ll be transported to a bygone era once you’re seated in the sophisticated dining room.
If you love wine as much as (or more than) your food, make your way to Le Vignoble, which was awarded Travellers’ Choice from Tripadvisor in 2022, and was a finalist in the Drinks Retailing Awards 2021. They serve small plates of French tapas, sourced from the famous Rungis market in Paris, to accompany their selection of wines, which can be bought by the
glass or bottle. Wine lovers can even serve themselves using an Enomatic self-service wine machine!
Clayton’s Kitchen is a perennial favourite for local foodies and discerning travellers. Robert Clayton, the restaurant’s Chef Patron since its inception in 2012, creates uncomplicated dishes that explore and showcase the freshest and very best ingredients. He’s inspired by Mediterranean and modern French cuisine.
The Circus Restaurant is a chic, yet relaxed place perched on the corner of The Circus. It serves modern European food complemented by old-world wines. Chef and owner Alison Golden uses carefully selected ingredients, and cooks them simply, respecting their essential flavours. Most of her recipes are gluten-free.
Meat lovers can enjoy succulent steaks of the finest provenance at The Herd Steak Restaurant, which uses locally sourced meat from Aberdeen Angus and Hereford Crosses, reared in Coulston and aged for 21 to 28 days in Devizes. Open for lunch and dinner, this family-run restaurant is widely regarded as Bath’s best steakhouse. If you fancy eating at a wellestablished, unpretentious gastropub, the Marlborough Tavern is well worth a try. Conveniently located near Royal Crescent, it’s a great place to stop if you’re sightseeing in the area. Popular with
tourists and locals alike, this muchloved pub is spacious and upscale yet casual, with seating both indoors and out.
The Moorfields, in Oldfield Park, is open all day, every day for coffees and breakfast, drinks and a menu packed with freshly prepared, crowd-pleasing favourites.
The Abbey Hotel Kitchen prides itself on using top-quality local produce. It’s particularly good for afternoon tea – you’ll get to enjoy a selection of sandwiches and classic Victoria sponge, among other sweet treats.
Town+House on Thomas Street has an enthusiastic team bringing inspiration from around the world to the city’s food scene. Alongside the eclectic à la carte menu it serves up Sunday roasts, weekend brunches and an excellent value set menu.
Browns Bath is set in a listed building which was formerly a magistrates’ court and police station and has an imposing entrance large enough for a horse-drawn carriage. The interior takes inspiration from the 1920s and is full of Art Deco touches. Alongside the high ceilings and huge windows overlooking the Abbey, the refurbished brasserie and bar provides a stunning backdrop to enjoy the seasonal British menu, extensive cocktail list, wine and champagne.
Not far away, you’ll find Square Grill – Bath’s only grill house l
Fine dining without the formality: The Olive Tree
Pane E Vino Café & Restaurant
Situated just behind the famous Royal Crescent in St. James Street/Square
Serving Breakfast • Lunch • Coffee
Wine • Small Plates • Plus Friday Night
Happy Hour and Saturday Nights Dinner all with an Italian flair.
5-6 St James’s St, Bath BA1 2TW 01225 698063
We’re
Clayton’s Kitchen is a perennial favourite for local foodies and discerning travellers. Robert Clayton, the restaurant’s Chef Patron since its inception in 2012, creates uncomplicated dishes that explore and showcase the freshest and very best ingredients. He is inspired by Mediterranean and modern French cuisine. Robert ensure that every dish is prepared, cooked and presented to perfection.
Robert was born in Cleethorpes in 1970. After training at Grimsby College of Technology, he became commis chef at Ménage a Trois in 1988. He soon moved to perfect his art by working with Nico Ladenis at Chez Nico, which held the three Michelin stars.
Robert became Head Chef at Huntsrete House Hotel and received his first Michelin star in 1995, becoming one of the youngest chefs ever to do so. In 1997, he moved to head up the kitchen at the Bath Priory, where he achieved another Michelin star, which was maintained for his seven year stay.
and piano bar. This is the perfect location to enjoy those special moments or occasions. With a modern menu featuring popular dishes from around the world, you’ll find something for everyone here.
Nearby Pulteney Bridge, Edesia is Bath’s only independent South American restaurant, offering authentic cuisine and cocktail-filled bottomless brunches. When night falls you can head to the downstairs party bar, Bibesia.
Same-Same But Different is laid back and informal, and the menu is full of tempting treats. Come at breakfast for a full English, granola or avocado on toast, or fill up on artisan sandwiches at lunchtime. You can also enjoy a simple snack of fresh homemade cake and organic fairtrade coffee.
Like many cities, Bath has a nice line in upmarket fast-food restaurants. You can grab mouthwatering burgers, shakes and cocktails at tiny neighbourhood eatery Burgers and Barrels in Victoria Buildings. Or seek comfort in a well-established chain such as
Gourmet Burger Kitchen.
Schwartz Bros has branches on both Walcot Street and Sawclose and has a well-deserved reputation as one of Bath’s finest burger joints. The menu offers excellent variety, including hamburgers, chicken burgers and vegetarian and vegan options, plus a wide range of sauces and toppings. They use nonhydrogenated, non-GM rapeseed oil for frying and all the beef can be traced back to its farm of origin.
The cosy Oak on North Parade Passage is an eatery and grocer specialising in organic, biodynamic and sustainable ingredients, many of which are grown in their own chemical-free market garden, just outside the city. This lovely bistro opens for lunch and dinner in one of Bath’s oldest buildings, serving up an ever-changing menu of plant-based dishes accompanied by natural wines.
Bath hosts many foodie events throughout the year, including Pub in the Park: Music and Food Festival, a three-day celebration of excellent food, world-class
chefs and great music; Bath Vegan Festival, which features interactive workshops, stalls, caterers, cookery demos, yoga and children’s activities; and The Great Bath Feast, a free event which celebrates the best locally sourced food and drink.
If you’re a cheese fiend, local-food tour company Savouring Bath offers award-winning food and drink tours which cover every aspect of Bath’s food culture, from gin tasting to food heroes and culinary history.
Bath is known for its inventive restaurants serving locally sourced British menus, but international cuisine is well represented here, too. You’ll find restaurants serving tasty food from across the globe.
A popular little place to eat fantastic Greek food is Jars Meze, located just around the corner from the Victoria Art Gallery. On weekend evenings, it’s usually bursting at the seams, so it’s sensible to book a table well in advance, but it’s well worth it for the atmosphere, delicious food and reasonable prices.
You should also reserve a table l
Clayton’s Kitchen is a perennial favourite for local foodies and discerning travellers
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at Sotto Sotto, a top choice for classic Italian dishes with a contemporary twist. Just moments away from the Roman Baths, this is a small vaulted-cellar restaurant, where the menu is packed with simple yet enticing dishes, ranging from pistachio-crusted rack of lamb to fresh-grilled swordfish with roasted vegetables – but just remember to leave room for the tartufi di cioccolato (handmade truffles).
Antica gives you everything you would expect from your favourite local Italian, and more. You’ll feel like you’ve reunited with long-lost friends at this unmissable, familyrun restaurant. The menu offers fresh and delicious options, as well as generous portions, and caters for vegans, vegetarians, dairy and gluten-free diets.
Its owners have also opened Portofino Oyster Bar & Fish Restaurant, offering the freshest, finest locally sourced seafood in Bath. Whether it’s one-off specials
Antica gives you everything you would expect from your favourite local Italian, and more
from the day’s landings, or the massive sharing seafood platter the menu has something special for everyone.
Dough Pizza is a casual Italian restaurant with branches in The Corridor and Kingsmead Square. It’s a little more unusual than your standard pizza joint – it offers pizzas with a choice of 12 different bases, including sourdough, hemp turmeric and five gluten-free options.
Bosco Pizzeria is a neighbourhood Italian restaurant bringing you classic, regional and seasonal Italian cooking. Meat lovers can get stuck into a meat feat pizza while vegetarians can opt for a pizza Carciofi – a mouth-watering combination of wood-roasted artichokes, tomato, fior di latte mozzarella, taleggio and grana padano.
Boho Marché, the restaurant, bar and lounge at Francis Hotel Bath, serves a fusion of Moroccan and Mediterranean cuisine in a stunning dining room evoking l
Antica; an unmissable family restaurant
the vibe of Marrakech. The beautiful terrace is also open for al fresco drinking and dining.
For tasty and filling Turkish cuisine, get down to Cappadocia Restaurant on Newmarket Row, which serves hearty grills and meze. Its sister eatery, Bodrum BBQ, is situated just a few doors along.
A creative menu of modern and classic Indian cuisine is available at The Mint Room, a stylish, contemporary restaurant with a reputation for great service and food. You can expect innovative dishes using local, free-range ingredients, served in sophisticated surroundings.
The people behind The Mint Room have also launched a sister restaurant Bandook – a modern, casual dining, Indian street food restaurant. You’ll find this quirky restaurant tucked away in Milsom Place fusing traditional Indian street food dishes with modern twists and original creations.
Giant Indian murals dominate
the spacious interior at The Grand Eastern, an award-winning northern Indian restaurant housed above a bank within a splendid three-domed Georgian building. The dining room itself started out in 1824 as a rather impressive meeting hall, but today customers – including many celebrity guests –can enjoy a wide range of tandoori and Balti dishes and some lessobvious curry options.
For a more rustic Indian experience, tuck into wholesome street food without spending a fortune at Chaiwalla, a tiny eatery on Monmouth Street, just around the corner from arts-andentertainment venue Komedia. You can expect a generous portion of tasty, freshly prepared food – it’s so good that you might have to join a queue! If you’re a veggie, you’ll find plenty of pleasing options here.
A welcome addition to the Asian-food scene is pioneering Sri Lankan street food restaurant The Coconut Tree, which offers smaller
tapas-style dishes embracing plants, fish and meat. The abundant menu offers something for everyone, including hot butter calamari and fried spicy cheese cubes.
Hondo Sushi and Bath Sushi are central options offering authentic Japanese cuisine. At Bath Sushi, all the food is prepared fresh to order, and while this means you may have to wait a little while for your meal, you can enjoy watching it all being prepared right before your eyes.
Giggling Squid is part of a dynamic chain of quirky restaurants that focuses on simple, rustic Thai tapas. Alternatively, on a balmy evening, you could enjoy Thai food (including several gluten-free options) al fresco at the friendly and very central Thai Balcony. Seating is limited, so it’s worth booking ahead.
Gourmets, casual diners, fast food fans and adventurous eaters will all feel right at home in Bath. The city offers a diverse range of foodie experiences to satisfy every palate. So dig in and enjoy! ■
The Coconut Tree; a pioneering Sri Lankan street food restaurant
Only here for the weekend? Fear not! Here are some ideas for a memorable short break
WEEKENDER
DAY ONE
Start the day with a walk through Bath Abbey in the centre of the city and marvel at its beautiful architecture. Then pop into The Jane Austen Centre before refuelling at the world-famous tea and eating house, Sally Lunn’s.
Nearby you’ll find the city’s amazing, steaming Roman Baths. These fascinating baths, where 46ºc spring water gushes from the earth, are the very reason why Bath exists at all and the Roman remains of Aquae Sulis are on display.
Unique eateries
Now, it’s time to pick one of the many unique eateries in the city for a light lunch – try The Coconut Tree, Clayton’s Kitchen or Bosco Pizzeria.
Next, check out some of the exhibitions at the Victoria Art Gallery, Bath’s largest gallery. Rest your feet and wind down with afternoon tea at The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa or the Pump Room Restaurant.
Then sample the delights of the state-of-the-art Thermae Bath Spa and its open-air rooftop pool. This has amazing views over the city and is the only place in the country where you can bathe in natural thermal water.
Finish the day with fine dining in one of Bath’s many restaurants before taking in a show at the Theatre Royal or a film at the tiny, Art Deco, Little Theatre Cinema.
DAY TWO
Start the second half of your trip with a walk along The Circus and the Royal Crescent. You can snatch a fascinating glimpse of Georgian life at No.1 Royal Crescent – one of the city’s grandest addresses, which you might recognise from Netflix’s hit show Bridgerton.
Stroll on through to Royal Victoria Park and the Botanical Gardens before returning back to
the city centre for lunch at one of Bath’s many cafés and restaurants.
Spend the afternoon wandering around the many shops and galleries in Bath. Union Street, Stall Street and Southgate are where you’ll find the usual high-street stores. But what Bath is best for are the quirkier, more specialist shops centred around Quiet Street and Walcot Street.
Vintage lovers can find the perfect dress or hat at The Yellow Shop, on Walcot Street, while on New Bond Street you will find highend fashion store Anthropologie.
Start the second half of your trip with a walk along The Circus and the Royal Crescent
Stroll across Pulteney Bridge to find even more wonderful boutiques and one-off shops to explore. Or, have a coffee at the café near the bridge to look down at the river.
Finish your trip with a hearty meal before returning home. The Olive Tree is the only Michelinstarred restaurant in Bath, with an award-winning wine list and a contemporary Mediterraneaninfluenced menu. Given the high quality of the dishes, this three-AARosette restaurant offers excellent value for money. ■
Royal Crescent; snatch a glimpse of Georgian life
Culture vultures assemble! Bath offers the perfect mix of galleries, museums, exhibitions and festivals
Culture Club
Over the centuries, Bath has inspired writers, painters and 18th-century fashionistas, as well as providing the backdrop for countless novels, films and television programmes – most recently the hit Netflix series Bridgerton. It’s world-famous for its spa heritage and splendid Georgian architecture and has developed a lively contemporary cultural scene to boot.
Whatever time of year you visit, there’s always something going on in Bath, whether you want to catch a production at one of the
city’s theatres, listen to an up-andcoming band at a sweaty gig or check out an exhibition at one of the city’s many art galleries.
To see work by some of the best contemporary artists in the country, pay a visit to the annual Bath Art Fair, which takes place in February or March each year at Bath Pavilion. You can find original paintings in all sorts of media, plus ceramics, jewellery and sculpture from more than 80 of the nation’s leading independent artists, all under one roof. The artists themselves are on hand to talk about their creations.
Many famous painters have lived and worked in the city, particularly during its 18th-century heyday. English portrait and landscape painter Thomas Gainsborough (1727-1788) moved to Bath to live at number 17 The Circus, where he attracted a fashionable portrait clientele.
Check out his works at the public Victoria Art Gallery, a grand Grade 2-listed 19th-century building which displays paintings, sculpture and decorative arts from the 17th century through to the present day. Alongside Gainsborough, you’ll find
Victoria Art Gallery; paintings, sculpture and decorative arts in a Grade 2-listed Victorian building
the likes of Thomas Jones Barker and Walter Sickert.
Further paintings by Gainsborough can be found at The Holburne Museum. The Holburne was Bath’s first art gallery, and houses fine and decorative arts built around the private collection of Sir William Holburne (1793-1874).
Other artists featured in the collection include Francesco Guardi, Allan Ramsay, George Stubbs and Johan Zoffany, and the museum also hosts temporary exhibitions, free performances, creative workshops and family events. Contemporary art installations and exhibitions complement the already impressive offering.
One very distinct museum in Bath is the Museum of East Asian Art, housed in a restored Georgian townhouse just steps away from The Circus. It’s the only museum in the UK dedicated solely to artefacts originating from East and Southeast Asia and is home to a treasure trove of 2,000 objects – including an
extensive jade collection, ceramics, bamboo carvings and bronzes dating from around 5000BC to the present day.
Another modern gallery that’s worth a browse is Art Salon, where you can view and purchase pieces created by established and emerging talent in both art and furniture.
Beautiful Bath Abbey provides the largest concert venue in the city, staging plenty of organ recitals and concerts every year, while The Forum, a 1,700-seat Art Deco venue, hosts regular gigs and shows.
But for the best in new local and global acts you have to make it to Moles, a deliciously dark and atmospheric venue which has been championing new musicians since 1978. Over the decades this nighttime venue has witnessed the sights and sounds of Radiohead, The Smiths, Eurythmics, Oasis, Bastille, Mumford & Sons and Ed Sheeran, amongst countless others.
The people of Bath love a festival, and popular celebrations include Bath Mozartfest, FilmBath, Bath
Fringe Festival, Bath Children’s Literature Festival and the Bath Carnival – an annual extravaganza that radiates joy, celebrating diversity and artistic expression in the heart of Bath’s cultural calendar.
The Bath Festival is relatively new to the festival scene. It’s a captivating celebration of literature and the arts, uniting worldrenowned authors, thinkers, and musicians in a vibrant tapestry of discussions, readings, and performances. Against the stunning backdrop of Bath’s historic charm, this annual event ignites intellectual curiosity and artistic inspiration, inviting all to indulge in cultural delights.
The city’s five leading theatres –Theatre Royal, Ustinov Studio, The Egg, The Rondo Theatre, and The Mission Theatre – attract worldrenowned companies and directors and together host a lively and varied programme of events.
Probably the most popular of the leading theatres is the Theatre Royal. This historic gem wows l
The Holburne Museum; Bath’s first art gallery
Krater Comedy Club tickets start at just £17.50 & include FREE ENTRY to The Big Disco after the show!
with its elegant architecture and stages a captivating array of plays, musicals, and ballets. It remains a cultural cornerstone, delighting audiences with theatrical brilliance.
So incredible are Bath’s architectural treasures that the whole city has been awarded UNESCO World Heritage status. Wander the streets and you can marvel at glorious Georgian buildings, visit the famously wellpreserved Roman bathhouse and explore the city’s relationship with literary superstar Jane Austen.
The Roman Baths are probably the city’s most famous attraction, and, together with The Pump Room, receive more than a million visitors a year. The original temple was constructed between AD 60-70, and the bathing complex was gradually expanded over the next three centuries. Later, in the 17th century, claims about the curative properties of the springs triggered Bath’s popularity as a spa destination during the
Georgian era.
Fancy combining some culture with some greenery? Head to Green Flag Award-winning Royal Victoria Park, which is only a few minutes’ walk away. Opened in 1830 by the 11-year-old Princess Victoria, it was the first park to carry her name, and, lying right next to the famous Royal Crescent, it gives visitors the chance to appreciate the sweeping architecture from its well-kept lawns.
This curved strip of elegant townhouses which makes up the Royal Crescent is widely regarded as one of the greatest examples of Georgian architecture anywhere in the UK, with its Georgian stone façade remaining much as it was when it was first built between 1767 and 1774.
Fans of religious architecture should head to Bath Abbey, where they can grab a few moments of peace and tranquillity away from the madding crowd. This striking structure dates to the 7th century
and blends several architectural styles – but is particularly praised for its Perpendicular Gothic architecture.
As you explore the Grade 1-listed building, look out for the medieval angels that decorate its exterior; the impressive ceiling with its fan vaulting; and the 617 wall memorials and 847-floor stones.
The Abbey also hosts regular world-class choir performances, organ recitals and lunchtime concerts throughout each year, some of which are free to attend.
Once you’ve finished exploring its cavernous halls, outside in Abbey Square there are plenty of cafés where you can relax with a coffee and enjoy some people-watching while listening to the local buskers.
Bath epitomises cultural richness with its Georgian architecture, Roman heritage, and vibrant arts scene. Museums, festivals, and theatres thrive here, uniquely combining history and contemporary creativity. ■
The Roman Baths; probably the city’s most famous attraction
The night-time economy in this city is thriving, packed with clubs, pubs, bars and live music venues
After dark
If
Rammed with chic cocktail bars, characterful pubs and vibrant live venues, Bath is just as atmospheric at night as it is by day. Many night spots are tucked away in the city’s most memorable buildings, with vaulted, underground cellar bars for cosy winter evenings and leafy beer gardens for balmy summer nights. Bath isn’t exactly short of live entertainment. You’ll find something to suit your every mood, from comedy clubs to indie music venues to raucous karaoke nights. All you have to do is get out there and explore!
Some venues offer an impressive mix of entertainment, including Bath’s leading live venue, Komedia – five-time winner of the Chortle Award for Best Venue in the West and Wales. Housed in an immaculately restored Grade 2-listed former-Beau Nash cinema, it hosts more than 400 events each year, and is particularly well known for its two big Saturday-night events – the weekly Krater Comedy Club, and Motorcity, a monthly soul, funk, disco and rock-themed party billed as Bath’s biggest club night. There’s also a superb selection of other live
entertainment, including cabaret, gigs and film screenings.
If rabbits, top hats and card tricks are more your vibe, you can marvel at award-winning magicians in the intimate surroundings of Krowd Keepers: Magic Theatre, a tiny 35-seat theatre housed in The Ale House. These one-woman or one-man shows usually feature some genuinely impressive closeup tricks and stage effects and are excellent value.
Afterwards, you can move downstairs to Sleight Bar – popular with stag and hen parties, and other
whisky is your tipple, seek The Hideout in the historical lanes of Tudor Bath
groups – for a few cocktails and some more close-up magic.
Karaoke fans can join the party crowd at The Cork, a fun-loving venue with two bars, two vaulted party-pod booths, a conservatory and a large al fresco terrace and a wide mix of cheesy hits and classic belters to choose from. The venue serves a full, varied range of wines, cocktails, hot beverages, real ales, cider and craft beers, plus an extensive list of whiskies, Bourbons and rums.
Fans of folk music tend to flock to the St James Wine Vaults. This warm and welcoming pub has a great atmosphere and hosts regular open-mic nights and live bands, particularly folk and jazz artists, as well as a weekly charity quiz night. They also have a pool table and traditional board games.
Perhaps the most famous of all of Bath’s live music venues is Moles, which over the years has hosted countless big names such as Bastille, Mumford & Sons, Radiohead, Ed Sheeran and The Smiths, alongside fresh local talent. With its long-standing reputation for supporting exciting, up-andcoming local and international bands, it’s well worth checking out. In between live gigs, the in-house club nights cover a great range of genres, from indie and alternative to house and hip-hop.
The most famous of all of Bath’s live music venues is Moles
Real ale lovers can track down some great live acts and DJs at The Royal Oak, which won the City Pub of the Year 2017, 2019 and 2023 awards from Bath & Borders CAMRA. With free entry and reasonably priced drinks, this is a genuinely independent pub that’s down to earth yet heaps of fun.
Bath’s best-known gay and lesbian club is Mandalyns, which has a retro feel and incorporates both a dance-floor area and a quieter ‘snugg’ in the back bar, where you can kick back, talk and even play traditional board games. It’s open daily and hosts weekly events, regular fundraisers and a drag queen cabaret once a month.
Set in an elegant Georgian townhouse, Sub 13 may look like a standard cocktail bar, but in the vaults beneath is a lively late-night club decked out with lavish leather booths. Spread over three floors, it has several different rooms and dance floors including a gin bar and a VIP lounge.
Tivoli Cinema
If you’re after something a little more laid back, visit Tivoli Cinema, for good times and film thrills. This boutique picture house has stateof-the-art projections and cool interiors. Kick back day-throughnight, sip coffee or a cocktail and sink into a plush velvet armchair to savour the movie.
You won’t run out of options on a night out in Bath. You’ll find traditional pubs, hip cocktail joints and raucous bars showing bigscreen sports. Best of all, they’re all within easy walking distance of one another.
Relaxed and atmospheric, The Dark Horse has a well-deserved reputation as one of Bath’s finest cocktail bars, so much so that it’s worth booking a table in advance. They champion local, raw ingredients whenever possible to create their extensive menu of cocktails, including some interesting and unusual mixes.
Beneath Bar, in The Botanist, is where Bath’s night owls gather to sip apothecary-inspired elixirs while enjoying music from late-night l
Moles has a reputation for supporting local bands
Basement
Nestled away in a Georgian cellar, Circo is the go-to destination known for amazing cocktails and decadent decor. Indulge in the best of both worlds, a captivating hybrid destination that seamlessly blends the sophistication of a cocktail bar all week, with the energy of a nightclub on Friday & Saturday nights. As the sun sets and the atmosphere electrifies, our venue transforms into a haven for those seeking an unforgettable night of dancing with our Circo After Dark DJ Nights.
DJs and saxophonists in atmospheric vaulted rooms. With an emphasis on botanical blends, there’s an interesting collection ranging from traditional favourites to rarer concoctions.
Gin lovers should get straight down to The Canary Gin Bar, home of the Bath Gin Company. The Jane Austen-inspired menu features cocktails that celebrate the author’s heroes, heroines and villains, with some intriguing combinations, all of which are beautifully presented.
If whisky is your tipple, The Hideout, hidden away in the historical lanes of Tudor Bath, boasts an impressive range of Scottish single malts, as well as an eclectic array of international tastes and flavours.
Lively Circo Cellar Bar is equally sophisticated and is a popular venue for celebrating parties and other special events. The décor is chic, luxurious and beautifully lit, and they offer an extensive cocktail menu.
If you’re looking for a quirky night spot, drop into Opium Bar, tucked away in the underground vaults of a stunning building near Pulteney Bridge. Enter the incensefilled bar and you’ll find an off-beat, stylish venue mixing modern, Victorian and Renaissance styles with ease. You can get stuck into classic cocktails, fine wines and
world beers. Or, if you’ve got some time on your hands, sign up for one of their cocktail masterclasses.
If you prefer a good glass of wine, Le Vignoble is an unpretentious wine bar that encourages you to taste and discover new varieties. The menu focuses on small producers and unusual wines with a real story behind them.
The Grapes in Westgate Street is one of only seven surviving examples of Elizabethan architecture in Bath. Originally a townhouse, this lively city centre watering hole was voted Best Bar in 2020. It hosts regular weekly live music and DJ sessions and offers a varied menu of locally produced drinks and cocktails.
If you want to sink a pint in an old-fashioned pub, try the welcoming, co-operatively owned Bell Inn, which is perched on the edge of the city centre. This awardwinning free house and music venue stocks real ales and is owned by some 500 of its customers, fans and workers. Shareholders and celebrity supporters include Robert Plant, Peter Gabriel, The Stranglers and Glastonbury Festival founder Michael Eavis. You can tuck into wood-fired pizza, get stuck into a game of bar billiards or play chess, backgammon or table football.
To enjoy a pint in grand surroundings – behind Bath’s
oldest façade – head over to The Huntsman. This smart, old citycentre pub is housed in a striking Grade 2-listed building, which was built between 1748 and 1750. Less than half a mile away, The Raven of Bath is a top place for a pie and a pint in friendly, old-fashioned environs. Also nearby, you may be able to squeeze into the historic Coeur de Lion, Bath’s smallest pub, for a drink and a classic British pub meal or a rustic baguette.
For another dose of Bath’s heritage, Hall & Woodhouse bar and restaurant is housed in a stunning former auction house, and is spread across three floors, each designed around the auctioneer Woodhouse family. The Pantry has long bench-style seating for a relaxed atmosphere, while the Copper Bar is built from the old brewing coppers from Hall & Woodhouse Brewery in Dorset. There’s also a lovely rooftop terrace.
Local craft beers
More classic pub fare is on offer at The Bath Brew House in the heart of the city centre, where you can sip on local craft beers, watch sports or take a tour of the microbrewery. There’s also a beautiful back garden to sit in on a sunny day.
The Boater’s lovely riverside garden, next to Pulteney Bridge, is an equally nice summertime retreat. A favourite amongst beer lovers, this pub offers several cask ales and draught lagers, plus a great choice of global craft beers, ciders, spirits and wines.
If you want to watch a game on a big screen, there’s nowhere better than Belushi’s. As well as a large main screen and 12 other TVs, there are individual booths where you can catch an event with a group of friends on your very own TV. There’s no sporting hierarchy here as there’s space to show different sports at the same time.
It’s easy to try several places in Bath without wearing yourself out, thanks to its compact city centre. So, whether you’re looking for a sophisticated night out or a mellow evening chatting over a pint, you’re in for a real treat! ■
Le Vignoble, Milsom Street
Although Bath has more than enough to keep you busy, a journey further afield can make for an exciting new adventure
Time to explore
In every direction from Bath there are places just waiting to be discovered. City hopping is also easy from Bath with Bristol, Cheltenham, Gloucester and Cardiff all just a short drive or train ride away.
Smaller, nearby places include Bradford-on-Avon, situated on the River Avon; the charming small city of Wells with its beautiful cathedral, and the picturesque Cotswold villages of Castle Combe, Stow-onthe-Wold, Bourton-on-the-Water, and Tetbury are utterly charming.
One of the most beautiful villages in the area is Lacock. Owned by the National Trust, this picturepostcard village has been used as the backdrop for various TV/film period dramas, including the BBC’s Pride and Prejudice while the abbey featured in the blockbuster Harry Potter movies.
Other towns worth exploring include Salisbury – home to the famous ancient stone circle of Stonehenge. A trip to this monument could easily be combined with a visit to the larger stone circle at Avebury.
With the Bristol Channel nearby, there are a number of coastal towns worth visiting. Clevedon has retained its Victorian elegance and includes a stunning pier; Portishead, another Victorian seaside town, is home to a new marina development providing over 400 berths for boats and yachts; and then there’s Weston-superMare with its traditional seaside attractions, miles of clean sandy beach, and a promenade boasting superb views over the Channel.
Other seaside destinations worth exploring from Bath include the surfing beach of Porthcawl in South Wales, or the beach resort of Weymouth in Dorset.
The Cotwolds, Mendips and Quantock Hills are all within easy reach of Bath and offer impressive views and interesting activities for the more energetic. Other natural sites not to miss include Wookey Hole Caves and Cheddar Gorge and Caves.
For those feeling a little more adventurous, there are three national parks within striking distance of Bath: Exmoor and Dartmoor national parks in Devon and the Parc Cenedlaethol Bannau Brycheiniog (formerly the Brecon Beacons National Park) in South Wales.
Great family destinations out of Bath include Longleat. Regarded as one of the finest examples of Elizabethan architecture in Britain, Longleat House is magnificent with impressive interiors and a wonderful collection of paintings, treasures and heirlooms. Longleat packs in a whole host of wild attractions including a Safari Drive-through.
Between Bath and Bristol you can find the fabulous Dyrham Park, a 17th-century National Trust property set in huge grounds, with pleasant gardens, delightful ponds and a massive deer park.
Another nearby National Trust property is Tyntesfield, a unique Victorian house and estate set in unmissable gardens. And if you like gardens, Westonbirt, The National Arboretum, is just a short distance from Bath in Tetbury. Home to one of the most spectacular tree gardens in the world, the arboretum has a collection of more than 2,500 different tree species.
In Bristol itself, you’d be a fool to miss a trip to see the SS Great Britain which rests in the original dry dock in which she was built, and is open to the public as one of Bristol’s major visitor attractions. ■
Dartmoor National Park, South Devon
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