The Cross Bath is the ideal place for relaxing and unwinding. A site steeped in history, this ancient bathhouse dates back to the 18th century and has been restored over the years to preserve its architecture. Visitors come here for an open-air bathing experience with private hire possibilities—the perfect peaceful retreat away from the city's attractions.
Constructed in the 18th century as a venue for balls and other events, the Bath Assembly Rooms are among the city's most resplendent examples of Georgian architecture. There are four main rooms in total (Great Octagon, Ball Room, Tea Room, and Card Room), and today, they're used for everything from private parties to university graduation ceremonies.
One of Bath’s most popular parks, the riverside Parade Gardens are located in the heart of the city, steps from Pulteney Bridge, Bath Abbey, and the Roman Baths. First laid out in the 18th century, and now a Grade II-listed landmark, the gardens are celebrated for their floral displays, bandstand, memorials, and summer programming.
Located in the center of Bath, the striking 19th-century St. John the Evangelist Church stands out in a city best known for its Georgian architecture. This Roman Catholic church is built in a Gothic Revival style, so expect stained glass windows, stone pillars, and a spire that stands at a whopping 222-feet (68 meters). The vaulted interior features statues of saints and still hosts daily masses.
One of Bath’s most charming museums, the Museum of Bath Architecture traces the city’s built history, from the medieval era to the modern day. UNESCO-listed Bath is celebrated for its Georgian architecture, and the museum’s collections provide an ideal primer for exploring, showcasing everything from paintings and artifacts to a 1:500 scale model of the city.
Housed in an elegant 19th-century building that was originally a library, Bath's Victoria Art Gallery showcases a stellar collection of paintings, sculptures, decorative arts, and ceramics, dating from the 15th century until modern times. Highlights include a Tudor portrait of Henry VIII and the Lichfield Clock, an intricate musical clock.
The Museum of Bath at Work reveals 2,000 years of Bath’s working history. Housed in a former industrial site, it showcases reconstructed workplaces and workshops, from furniture-making to ironmongery and Victorian engineering work. Visitors can see detailed exhibits and watch demonstrations on 19th-century soft drink manufacturing and bottling, offering a glimpse into the city’s diverse industrial past.
A must-see for fans of Jane Austen, this elegant public park—known as a “pleasure garden”—opened back in 1795 and encapsulates the Georgian style for which Bath is known. With tranquil paths and elegant views overlooking the Kennet and Avon Canal, it is easy to imagine Austen heroines like Anne Elliot or Catherine Morland having a stroll here.
For millennia, Bath’s mineral waters have been reputed for their healing powers, and the grand Royal Mineral Water Hospital building—known locally as “the Min”—reflects that long-standing medical history. A listed landmark in the heart of Bath’s UNESCO-listed center, the building is no longer used as a hospital, and is now being redeveloped into a luxury hotel.
A top shopping destination and one of Bath’s most iconic streets, Milsom Street is renowned for its Georgian architecture, luxury boutiques, and independent stores. Visitors flock here to see charming courtyards, indulge in some retail therapy, and enjoy the vibrant café scene. It’s the perfect spot to eat, drink, and shop to your heart’s content in a picturesque setting.
Henrietta Park, a charming nature spot near the center of Bath, was opened to mark Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee. Spanning 7 acres (3 hectares), it offers a serene escape with its scented roses, winding paths, and garden that honors King George V. This picturesque park is ideal for a peaceful stroll and a tranquil escape from a day of exploring.
The home of Bath Rugby since 1894, Bath’s Recreation Ground—known locally as “the Rec”—is considered one of the country’s most idyllic rugby grounds. Located right in the city center along the banks of the River Avon, it’s also a publicly accessible green space, and is used for other sporting events, festivals, concerts, and more.
Active Reality is a futuristic virtual reality gaming world in Bath that works well as a rainy-day activity. Here, visitors can use advanced technology to participate in multi-player games in the virtual world. As a player, you can run, walk, and jump while immersed in a world where you battle zombies and robots—a fun option for groups visiting Bath.
