Itineraries for Your Trip to Bath
1 Day in Bath for First Timers
For a small city, Bath packs a major punch. Founded by the Romans in the first century AD as Aquae Sulis—and still home to the stunningly well-preserved Roman Baths—Bath is alive with ancient splendor. The city was a major hub in the Middle Ages. In the Georgian era, the honey-colored buildings, now its visual signature, were added. Little wonder that Bath is the only city in the UK to be designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
As a Londoner, I love that Bath is less than two hours away by train, making it a great stop for day trips or getaways. Here’s how you can fit in all the highlights in one day.
If you only have time for one thing, make it the Roman Baths—Bath’s namesake and claim to fame for thousands of years.
The weather can be changeable and frequently overcast—bring your boots, brolly, and layers.
The best way to acquaint yourself with Bath is on a walking tour. The city’s narrow, cobblestoned streets and accessible scale make exploring on foot ideal. Follow your guide on a private walking tour to the city’s top highlights, from the Royal Crescent to Bath Abbey and Pulteney Bridge. Alternatively, book a Bridgerton walking tour of all the local filming locations made famous on the screen.
After dining at one of Bath’s cozy tea rooms, explore the city’s most famous landmark: the Roman Baths. It's among the world’s best-preserved Roman ruins and contains thousands of archaeological finds that date from pre-Roman and Roman Britain. The extensive complex includes treatment rooms and open-air bathing facilities with steaming thermal waters. Listen to an audio guide to learn about life more than 2,000 years ago.
After a hearty pub dinner, it's time to lean into the town's more macabre side. Set off after dark on an interactive ghost tour. You’ll see the city’s best-known sights and hear stories about unexplained happenings, spooky encounters, and the bloody history that pervades them. Or, head to the Thermae Bath Spa to dip into Bath’s mineral waters and admire city views from the open-air rooftop pool.
