15 Best Things To Do In Bath, England (plus tips for solo travelers)

Fascinated by the history and the Roman baths that gave it its name, Bath had been on my list of places to visit for years.  A UNESCO World Heritage city wrapped in stunning Georgian architecture, of the many places I’ve traveled on my own, Bath quickly became one of my favorite destinations.

A UNESCO World Heritage site, Bath itself has plenty to keep you occupied, it’s also perfectly positioned for day trips to Stonehenge, Avebury, and other enchanting destinations in Somerset, England.. Here are my recommendations for the best things to do, including itineraries, day trips, and practical tips from two visits.

How far is Bath from London

By train, Bath is only an hour and a half from London

If you arrive in the UK via London Heathrow, take the train to London Paddington Station and then transfer to the Bath Spa Train.

By bus I recommend the National Express bus for about the same price or slightly less than the train and you won’t need to transfer. I took the bus from Bristol to Heathrow and found it very comfortable, affordable, and convenient. 

Bath Spa Train 

The  Bath train station is only a short walk into the city centre, and it’s entirely flat. Also, note that portions of the city center are closed off to automobile traffic at certain times of the day. But don’t worry, nothing is far away.

Hire a transfer tour

Hire a guide to pick you up for a transfer tour, as I did. You can visit a UNESCO site along the way and get the low down on Bath. Plus it’s a great idea to have someone pick you up when you’ve just flown thousands of miles and you arrive at 7:00 am (as many flights from the USA do) without any sleep. 

Of the many places I’ve traveled on my own, Bath is one of my favorites. It’s a small city which makes it easy to get around on foot. Public transport is also a great way to travel in the area.  Everyone speaks English. For me, language has never been an issue when meeting people, but when asking for directions it is easier if you both speak the same language.  

 

15 Best Things To Do In Bath (solo or not)

The Roman Baths

The main attraction in Bath is the ancient Roman Baths, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987. Over 2,000 years ago the Romans discovered the natural hot springs bubbling up in the area that is now the historic center of Bath. They established a religious site there in honor of the goddess Minerva, called Aquae Sulis.

The Roman reservoir survives intact below the present water level. Later, the Victorians added the bathhouse structure you see surrounding the pool. Now filled with greenish water, it is not suitable for swimming. In the 18th century, the pump room was added. The original complex was much larger than what you see in photographs.  

You can explore the history of the baths via the excellent exhibits in the museum. Plan to spend about two hours there. Fun fact: the springs that feed the baths continue to produce 250,000 gallons of water per day! 

Before you leave the museum there’s a fountain where you can taste the water that comes from the springs. For years the Victorians drank this water, as it was reputed to heal many maladies. 

The Roman Baths are part of the larger settlement which you can explore on your own or with an audio guide. I found it just as interesting as I expected it to be, and museums are perfect for spending time on your own.

Jane Austen Centre

Though Jane Austen is much celebrated in Bath, she only lived there for a few years. However, two of her novels were set in and around Bath, so the city is a mecca for Jane Austen fans. The house she lived in with her family is a private residence marked by a small plaque at 4 Sydney Place across from the Holburne Museum.  

The Jane Austen Centre is a gorgeous example of  Bath’s Georgian architecture. The museum includes costumes, writing implements of the period, and attendants in the period wardrobe. 

Royal Crescent

Be sure to visit No. 1 Royal Crescent for a look into life during Jane Austen’s day.  The building is notable as a Grade 1 listed building and the finest example of Georgian architecture in the United Kingdom. If you like visiting film locations you’ll be thrilled to know that the exterior is also featured in the series Bridgerton. 

If you geek out for Jane Austen, be sure to bookmark the Jane Austen festival, hosted in Bath from 11- 20 September 2026. It’s a great way to meet other female solo travelers, too.

The Royal Crescent is an upscale luxury hotel. Check out rates on Expedia here. 

Afternoon Tea

Speaking of afternoon tea, if you’d like a really elegant experience, try this quintessential English tradition at the Roseate Villa, built in the late 1800s. It’s a five-star boutique hotel located just minutes from the Pulteney Bridge. The weather was perfect the day I was there as you can see from the photograph, so I enjoyed my tea in the garden.

My favorite feature of English tea is the scones with Cornish clotted cream. Be sure to leave room for that.  I’m certain Jane Austen would approve.

The Pump Room

Another popular spot for tea is the Pump Room overlooking the Roman Baths. It’s a beautiful room with live music open seven days a week.  And yes, I felt perfectly comfortable stuffing my face all by myself.  Reservations are highly recommended.

Thermae Bath Spa

Spa experiences are always a good idea.  I can’t think of a more perfect place for a solo traveler to enjoy the thermal  baths than the Thermae Bath Spa.  The various treatment rooms offer infrared saunas, a cold plunge, a traditional sauna room, and my favorite, the celestial relaxation room, created in honor of William Herschel who discovered the planet Uranus while living in Bath. 

You’ll no doubt want to rush to the rooftop pool for the gorgeous views. I don’t blame you! It’s a highlight of the experience. There’s also a beautiful indoor pool with lounge chairs. Fun fact: the very same springs that feed the Roman baths supply water to the Thermae spa. 

Need to know: There are changing rooms and lockers. You will be provided a robe and slippers, but you should bring your swimsuit. 

River Avon Boat Tour

I always plan several tours when I visit a new city because it’s an easy way to meet people while learning about the destination.  The Bath Adventures City Boat Trips and Walking tour included a thirty-minute cruise on the River Avon.  The cruise takes you from Bath Quay to Pulteney Bridge. 

Along the way, a guide will point out sites along the River Avon, and give you a bit of history, too. You’ll pass the Half Penny Bridge, St. John’s Church with the highest spire in Bath, and the old mill. You’ll also get a great view of the Pulteney Bridge and the weir. Following your river cruise, a local guide takes you on a 50-minute walking tour of Bath. I found this a fun way to immerse myself quickly in the city, and the guide offered many insider tips.

Ghost Tour 

Haunted tours are a fun way to learn about a city and meet new people. In a city as old as Bath, you can imagine there are plenty of spirits hanging around. Check out this  haunted Bath tour with Get Your Guide. 

Bath Abbey

Whether you’re religious or not, a tour of the Abbey is a must. There are free tours available, which I recommend; you may get lucky, as I did, and the guide will be funny as well as knowledgeable.  Even if you don’t take the guided tour, the Abbey’s Discovery Center is an easy way to begin learning its long and tumultuous history. 

The fan-vaulted ceiling is spectacular, drawing your eyes heavenward as intended. Then there’s the stained-glass windows commemorating the crowning of King Edgar, the first King of all England in 973. He was also known as Edgar the Peaceful. Yes, King Edgar’s coronation took place at Bath Abbey.

For a bird’s eye view of the city, climb the 212 steps to the bell tower. Note that entrance to the Abbey is free but if you want to visit the tower, you’ll need to pay and book the tower tour before you enter the abbey.  Plan to spend an hour just for the tower tour.  The Abbey also has a lovely gift shop.

Sample local cheese

Did you know that Somerset County is where cheddar cheese originated…and it is still made there today?  If you love cheddar cheese (and who doesn’t), you’re in the right area.  A good place to try it, and other delicious cheeses is The Fine Cheese Co. They specialize in unpasteurized cheeses you cannot find anywhere else.

Two great cheese producers in the area are Westcombe and Montgomery. They are both excellent examples of English clothbound cheddar…and they are very different. Try them both and see what you think.  The Fine Cheese Co. will have them both, plus several others to taste. 

Book a day trip with In & Beyond Bath and save 10% with this link

 Day Trips from Bath

Stonehenge and Avebury UNESCO sites

One simply cannot visit Bath without visiting Stonehenge or Avebury (or both) if time allows. A Unesco World Heritage Site and part of the larger landscape, Stonehenge is the most famous henge circle, while Avebury is the largest in the world. At Avebury, associated sites include West Kennet Avenue, West Kennet Longbarrow, Silby Hill, and the Sanctuary. 

Avebury is far less known, therefore in some ways, it is more enjoyable to visit. There are no barriers around the stones so you can wander among them. You don’t need to book in advance,  and the only fee is for parking. There’s also the village, which is enclosed within the stone circle, and a lovely church dating as early as the 12th century.

If you go to Stonehenge, I recommend you book your visit through a guide. There’s a lot to be said for someone who knows how to navigate through the car park and the crowds, plus all the history that is known about Stonehenge. And, as I mentioned earlier, joining a group tour is one of the easiest ways for a solo traveler to meet new people. I used In & Beyond Bath and continue to book with them whenever I’m in southwest England. 

Why are these monuments so important, and what makes them Unesco World Heritage Sites? According to the Unesco website, 

“The boundaries of the property capture the attributes that convey Outstanding Universal Value at Stonehenge and Avebury. They contain the major Neolithic and Bronze Age monuments that exemplify the creative genius and technological skills for which the property is inscribed. The Avebury and Stonehenge landscapes are extensive, both being around 25 square kilometers and capture the relationship between the monuments, as well as their landscape setting.”

Cheddar Gorge and the Mendip Hills 

 Have you guessed that Cheddar Gorge is where cheddar cheese originated? It’s true. But, there’s more to this area than cheddar cheese, though it is worth stopping in the village for a taste at Cheddar Gorge Cheese Co., the only producer that makes the cheese in the village, and ages it in the caves.

An area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Cheddar Gorge, and Mendip Hills would make an excellent day trip. Located about an hour from Bath, you can go caving, hiking, biking, and rock climbing. It’s the only gorge in the UK.  The landscape is very similar to the area around Avebury. You can read more about Cheddar Gorge in my article about Somerset.

Best Time To Visit Bath

Spring and fall are the best time to visit for fairly reliable good weather without the crowds of summer.  However, give me a chance and I’ll go any time. It’s that special. 

Bath for Solo Travelers

• • Tours and group activities are easy ways to meet people
  • Museums and attractions are perfect for solo exploration
  • Afternoon tea alone is totally normal and enjoyable
  • Bath feels very safe for independent travel

Stay

Bath has a wide range of options from hostels to luxury boutique hotels. If you go in the winter or very early spring like March or April, you’re likely to get a better rate than May through October.

On the lower end try YHA Bath. Check  Booking.com

A mid-range hotel I have stayed twice is the Apex City of Bath hotel. It is right on the edge of the historic center so it’s very convenient. It’s also only a ten-minute walk from the train and bus station. The hotel is a good value in my opinion, at a little over 100 pounds per night, offering a full breakfast buffet plus items to order off a menu, bar service, an indoor pool, and a concierge.  However, this is not the place to stay if you’re looking for a Georgian townhouse vibe. You can check rates on Booking.com here (affiliate) and Hotels.com here.

A more luxurious option would be the Royal Crescent of the Roseate Villa, where I took afternoon tea. You can check rates on Booking.com  And Expedia.com 

My trip to Bath was partially sponsored by Visit Bath. All opinions are my own.