The warm mineral water of the Roman Baths rises from the ground at a steady 46 degrees Celsius, just as it has done for two thousand years, and the steam that drifts across the ancient stone is the same steam that rose when Roman feet splashed in these same pools. Bath is the most beautiful small city in England. A UNESCO World heritage site, its perfectly preserved Georgian streets, the best preserved Roman baths in northern Europe, and deep connections to Jane Austen combine to create one of the most architecturally harmonious urban landscapes in the world. But Bath is not just a museum piece. It is a living city with a thriving food scene, excellent shopping, and a calendar of festivals that draws visitors year round. Here are the essential activities that make Bath worth more than just a day trip.

The Roman Baths: Two Thousand Years of History

The Roman Baths are the obvious starting point, and they are every bit as impressive as their reputation suggests. The complex, built around the natural hot springs, includes the Great Bath, the Roman temple, and a museum that houses some of the finest Roman artefacts in Britain. The audio guide, voiced by Bill Bryson, is excellent. The museum tells the story of the spring, the Roman settlement of Aquae Sulis, and the goddess Sulis Minerva to whom the temple was dedicated. The bath itself is no longer open for swimming, but the museum has been designed so that you can walk around the edge of the Great Bath and imagine the Romans doing the same. Book your tickets in advance, especially in summer. The queues can be long, and the baths are at their best in the early morning before the crowds arrive.

The Thermae Bath Spa: Bathe in the Hot Springs Today

The Thermae Bath Spa is the only place in Britain where you can bathe in naturally heated mineral waters. The rooftop pool, open to the sky, offers a view across the city that is spectacular at any time of day but especially at sunset. The water is warm, soft, and rich in minerals. Floating on your back, watching the spires and rooftops of Bath against the sky, is one of the most relaxing experiences in England. The spa also has an indoor pool, a steam room, and a range of treatment rooms. The rooftop pool is the highlight. Book in advance, especially on weekends. The spa is not cheap, but the experience is unique and worth the price. A two hour session gives you enough time to swim, relax in the steam room, and enjoy the rooftop views.

The Royal Crescent and the Circus: Georgian Architecture at Its Finest

The Royal Crescent is a sweeping curve of thirty identical Georgian townhouses designed by John Wood the Younger and completed in 1774. It is one of the great architectural statements of the eighteenth century. Number 1 Royal Crescent is a museum that has been restored to its original condition, allowing you to see how the wealthy residents of Georgian Bath lived. The Circus, a circular street of townhouses designed by John Wood the Elder, is equally impressive. The three segments of the Circus represent the three classical orders of architecture, Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian, stacked one above the other. The lawns in front of the Royal Crescent are the perfect spot for a picnic. The view from the Crescent across the valley to the hills beyond is the view that Jane Austen would have seen when she lived in Bath.

Jane Austen’s Bath: Following in Her Footsteps

Jane Austen lived in Bath from 1801 to 1806 and set two of her novels, Northanger Abbey and Persuasion, in the city. The Jane Austen Centre on Gay Street provides an excellent introduction to her life and work. The costumed guides, the exhibition on Bath in Austen’s time, and the tea room with its period appropriate refreshments make for an enjoyable visit. The annual Jane Austen Festival in September draws enthusiasts from around the world who dress in Regency costume and parade through the streets. The festival includes walking tours, talks, and a grand ball. Even outside the festival, you can follow in Austen’s footsteps by visiting the Pump Room, where she socialised, and the streets and crescents that she described in her novels. Bath in Austen’s time was the fashionable resort of English society, and the city’s Georgian architecture provides the perfect backdrop for imagining the world of her novels.

Shopping and Dining in Bath

Bath has an excellent shopping scene, from independent boutiques in the covered market to high street brands in the SouthGate centre. The Guildhall Market, dating from the eighteenth century, offers artisan food, crafts, and antiques. The food scene in Bath has improved dramatically in recent years. The Olive Tree, a Michelin starred restaurant, offers modern British cuisine with local ingredients. The Pump Room, where Austen herself dined, serves afternoon tea in a magnificent setting. The Sally Lunn’s Eating House, one of the oldest houses in Bath, serves the famous Sally Lunn bun, a large, light brioche that has been baked on the same site since the seventeenth century. The local produce, including Bath Soft Cheese and Bath Gin, is excellent. Bath is a city that rewards slow exploration. The best approach is to wander without a fixed plan, letting the elegant streets guide you from one discovery to the next.

Have you bathed in the rooftop spa, walked the Royal Crescent, or followed in Jane Austen’s footsteps through the city?

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