Come and explore Bath Attractions as it’s an excellent destination for any history buff or lover of Jane Austen. From the Roman era to the Regency times of Jane Austen, Bath has something for everyone.
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If you are travelling around the United Kingdom, the best way is by car. Not only do you get to see more but you will find more hidden gems that the average traveller doesn’t see.
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Bath Attractions
The following are the Bath attractions I did when I spent a day in Bath. I hope that you are inspired to visit after reading about them.
Roman Baths
If you love your Roman History, then the Roman Baths are the place for you. Walking through, you feel fully immersed in the Roman days, and you learn so much more about their lives through video and artefacts.
I arrived just after it opened in the morning, which would be the best time to come if you don’t like crowds as this is a very popular attraction.
An audio guide is included in your ticket price, and you could spend a good couple of hours exploring the site and learning about how the Romans lived.
The Temple Courtyard is now in ruins, although there is a suspended walkway that will take you over it.
The Courtyard was where sacrifices were made at the great altar, and prayers to Sulis Minerva were made.
Videos are projected against the walls helping you to imagine what life was like during Roman times in most rooms.
This is such an interesting attraction, and you could spend a couple of hours or more here. Like I said earlier, if you want to avoid the crowds, get there early, and that should also give you time to take it all in.
Hours
1 January – 9 February 2024
Monday to Friday: 10 am – 6 pm (last entry 5 pm)
Saturday and Sunday: 9 am – 6 pm (last entry 5 pm)
19 February – 29 February 2024
Monday to Friday: 10 am – 6 pm (last entry 5 pm)
Saturday and Sunday: 9 am – 6 pm (last entry 5 pm)
29 March – 1 April 2024
9 am – 8 pm (last entry 7 pm)
10 February – 18 February 2024, 1 March – 28 March 2024, 2 April – 19 July 2024 & 1 September – 31 December 2024
9 am – 6 pm (last entry 5 pm)
20 July – 31 August 2024
9 am – 10 pm (last entry 9 pm)
The Roman Baths is open every day except 25 and 26 December.
Prices
Check their website for prices when you are visiting.
Bath Abbey
Restorations are undergoing inside and outside Bath Abbey, but that doesn’t mean you can’t see the magnificence of what is inside this building.
You can enter for free, but a donation of £4 is strongly encouraged. Only half of one side is under restoration, so there is still plenty to see.
This is the last of three churches built on this site, with the present Abbey being restored between 1864-1874 by Sir George Gilbert Scott. He was also responsible for the wooden ceiling being replaced with the amazing stone fan vaulting that is there today.
Bath Abbey is well worth the look if you love architecture.
Hours and Prices
Click here to see opening times and prices.
Pulteney Bridge and River Avon
Designed by Robert Allan in 1770, the Pulteney Bridge is only one of four bridges in the world that have shops across it.
It is not only just a shopping destination but one of the most photographed spots in Bath, as it spans the River Avon.
There are riverside walks where you can enjoy the views along the river. A private garden is on the city side, but you have to pay to walk through. If you go closer to the bridge on the city side, you get a better photo from the footpath.
Victoria Art Gallery
The Victoria Art Gallery is a free museum right across the road from the Pulteney Bridge and has free entry. If you bought the online museum saver ticket, it would get you into the special exhibitions.
Upstairs on the first floor are two galleries. In the large gallery, you can find paintings from the 15th Century through to modern art.
Once a month, on a Wednesday, there is a free guided tour of the main gallery. It is where you can learn about the stories behind the works of art.
In the small upper gallery is a collection of Georgian and Bohemian glasses, British porcelain and pottery dogs.
Downstairs is where you have exhibitions you pay to see. They change regularly, and some are for sale.
Hours
Tuesday – Sunday, 10.30 am-5 pm. Last entry 4.30 pm.
The Gallery is closed on Mondays, with the exception of Bank Holiday Mondays.
The Upper Gallery is closed for conservation work.
Prices
| Ticket type | Until 14 April 2024 | 26 April – 29 September 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| Adult (Age 19+) | £7.00 | £10.00 |
| Student (Full-time with valid I.D) | £6.50 | £9.00 |
| Senior (Age 65+) | £6.50 | £9.00 |
| Child (Age 6-18) | £2.50 | £3.50 |
Fashion Museum and Assembly Rooms
The Fashion Museum and Assembly Rooms show not only what Bath fashion was like during Jane Austen’s time but how fashion has changed over the past 300 years.
The collections of men’s and women’s clothes held here are incredible. Even the gowns from the 1700s look as though they were made yesterday.
Men’s, women’s and children’s clothes are represented throughout the ages, as well as gloves, shoes, bonnets and hats. The audio guide is part of the ticket price and details all the garments in the collection. You can also dress up and see what you would like in a period costume.
Free guided tours also give you a more detailed description of the collections and last 30 minutes.
You can walk through the Assembly Rooms admiring Georgian architecture and stunning chandeliers. It’s no wonder that two of Jane Austen’s books were turned into films here as well as many more period films.
Now I wouldn’t say I’m that interested in fashion, but I did enjoy walking through this museum. Although I appreciate all the work and detail that went into the clothing of the day, I am even more thankful that I live today, comfortably, in jeans and a t-shirt.
Hours
Tuesday – Sunday, 10 am-5 pm. The last entry is at 4 pm.
The Fashion Museum is closed on Mondays, with the exception of Bank Holiday Mondays. The Museum is closed on 25 and 26 December.
Prices
Adult (19+) £10.00
Student/Senior (65+) £9.00
Child (Under 18) £7.75
Family from £22.00
Number 1 Royal Crescent: The Georgian House
An excellent example of Georgian architecture and upper-class home is No. 1 Royal Crescent.
When you first enter the house, you are treated to a video on Henry Sandford and his life here.
There are volunteers in every room, giving you their in-depth knowledge of Georgian times and Henry Sandford.
Every detail of the furnishings is authentic to the late 18th Century, even down to the decorative food.
There are three floors to explore as well as the basement which has the servants’ hall, kitchen and housekeepers’ room.
In Henry Sandford’s bedroom, you are afforded the best views of Royal Crescent.
This is an excellent way to see how the aristocrats lived. The enthusiasm of the volunteers is infectious, and you feel as though you’ve stepped through another time.
Hours
Tuesday – Sunday
10 am – 5.30 pm
Last entry 4.30 pm
Prices
Feb 1st 2022 – June 30th 2022
- Adult £11.00
- Child (5-15) £5.50
- Under 5s Free
- Family (2 Adults up to 4 children) £24.00
- Concession (Senior, Student) £10.00 (Senior, Student)
Jane Austen Centre
I left the best for last, and if you are a fan of Jane Austen and her time in Bath, then the Jane Austen Centre is the place for you.
A detailed talk and exhibition await you, where you will learn all about the life of Jane Austen, especially here time in Bath. From paintings and sketches to information boards, you can immerse yourself in Regency England, even getting a chance to dress up in Regency costume. If dressing up is not to your style, maybe writing with a quill and ink is before you leave.
On the top floor is the Regency Tearoom, where you can enjoy tea, coffee, cakes and sandwiches. The staff are dressed in Regency period dress, adding to the atmosphere of a refined afternoon outing in Bath during the time Jane Austen would have been there.
You can enjoy the Tearooms without paying for the exhibition if you choose. To find the menu click here.
Hours
Sunday to Friday 10 am – 5 pm, Saturday 10 am – 5:30 pm
Prices
- Adult Ticket Online – £12.50
- Senior Ticket Online (60 years or over) – £11.50
- Child Ticket Online (6 – 16 years) – £5.50
- Student Ticket Online – £10.50
- Family Ticket Online (2 adults and up to 4 children) – £35
You can find the link here to book online.
Where I Stayed
If you love Jane Austen and Roman and Georgian History, then Bath is the city for you and YHA Bath is only a short walk from all the attractions.
When I arrived it was a drizzly couple of days, but inside was warm, comfortable and welcoming.
You do have to keep an eye out for the driveway as it is hidden, but when you do, you’ll be pleasantly surprised at the grounds and house that will greet you.
Facilities
- Café
- Contactless payments
- Cycle store
- Dining room
- Evening meals
- Free on-street parking
- Garden/grounds
- Intermittent mobile coverage
- Kitchenette
- Near the airport/bus/train
- Outdoor seating
- Restaurant/Licensed bar
- Shared drying room
- Shared laundry room
- Shared lounge/TV
- Unlimited breakfast
- Vending machines
- Water refill station
- Wheelchair accessible
- WiFi
How To Get Here
YHA Bath is on Bathwick Hill in Bath. It’s a half-hour walk to the Roman Baths from here, all downhill.
How To Book
If you would like to stay at the YHA Bath, click on the link and get ready to start your adventure in the historic city of Bath.
Conclusion
Bath is a beautiful city full of history to satisfy everyone, especially if you add the fans of Jane Austen. You can spend as little as a day seeing your favourite spots or longer exploring more of Somerset.
Just an hour away is Cheddar Gorge, with its caves and prehistoric history. You can read more about my time in Cheddar Gorge here.
If you want to check out UK passes and what you should get for where then read my blog on Explore the UK with Passes.
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Links
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Travel Resources
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Did You Like This Post? Then Pin It!
I’m a big Jane Austen fan and have wanted to visit Bath for a long time, and I’m hoping I can finally go next year so I’ll save your recommendations! All the architecture looks so beautiful!
You would love Bath, Julia. The buildings, the history and especially the Jane Austen centre. I hope that you enjoy it when you go.
I’ve always wanted to visit Bath. Definitely pinning for future reference!
I’m glad that you enjoyed it, Taylor.
Love your photos of Bath and the beautiful buildings. The Victoria Gallery art museum and Bath Abbey would definitely be on my list of places to see. But the Great Bath and the roman ruins would be fascinating.
Thanks, Tania. It’s so easy to walk around all the attractions and you would love it.
Ah, so many memories came flooding back right from your first image. That, and a bunch of fabulous things we missed in Bath.
I’m glad that it brought back good memories and hopefully, you’ll come back one day and see the sights you missed.
Just brilliant! I’ve love to visit Bath.
Thanks, Alison, I hope you do.
This is such a great post, what beautiful architechture 🙂
Thanks, Ann. I love the Georgian architecture and fashion and it’s in abundance here.
Wow! Stunning photos, especially of the Abbey. Bath is definitely on our bucket list now! Thanks for the great post.
Thanks, Susan. I’m glad that you enjoyed it.
I see we missed a great deal when we went to Bath, although we saw quite a bit. Lovely photos!
Thanks, Alma. I always hear of places I’ve missed after I’ve left, it just gives me an excuse to go back.
This makes me sad and happy at the same time! I sooo long to see Bath, and I’m sad that I’ve been to England so many times and not gotten there, and now who knows when it will be possible. Still, immersing myself in your tour was a delight. The fashion museum would be a highlight for me for sure, and the royal crescent, and Jane Austen Centre. I’d definitely while away some time in the tea rooms soaking up the atmosphere. Also you’ve prompted me to go searching for a film I’ve seen before but now would like to see again – Becoming Jane. Have you seen it.
Alison
I’m glad that you liked the post, Alison. I’m sure that in the next year or two we’ll get back to normal, but it’s the wait that’s the hardest part. I’m a Jane Austen fan as well and this is definitely the town you want to visit to get that connection with that time as well as the Roman era. I hope you get to visit one day soon and enjoy it as much as I did.
Amazing. I visited Bath 20 years ago but just for a few hours. I have always wanted to return and now I know I must. I saw the Roman baths but I am so intrigued by the Jane Austin center and the Fashion!!! Oh!! I love a good Jane Austin quote and I am sure I would love all of this. I hope I can return in the next year.
Thanks, Laureen. I was the same as you and only saw the Roman Baths the first time I went, so I hope that you can go back and see more this time.
Read this post again and have come to the conclusion that one can spend ages in Bath and still not see everything, but then it is a great excuse to go back again.
Thanks, Alma. I definitely would go back to Bath. I always learn of something that I missed in a city/country and have the excuse to go back again.
Wow that seasonal price list is quite interesting! I love Bath. Haven’t been there in years. Will have to go back!
Thanks, Heather. Bath was one of my favourite places with so much to see and do, so you should return.
I have never been to Bath nor thought about visiting it, but I’ll definitely be adding it to my life of places to see! Thanks for sharing.
Thanks, Shreya. I hope that you enjoy it when you get there.
I visited Bath in 2008 and have found memories. I didn’t know about the Jane Austen connection at the time. Nice photos by the way!
Thanks. It is a nice, friendly town with so much history to explore.
I’ve traveled to the UK only once, and regret spending most of my time in London. 🙁 This sounds so amazing and charming. I am certainly a fan of Jane Austen, and would enjoy visiting the centre. Thanks for sharing!
You’re welcome, Kia. I hope that you get to go back and explore Bath one day.
The Roman Baths look like a very interesting place. The entrance of Bath Abbey looks magical!
It is a magical place, Yanitza, as it will take 2000 years into the past when the Romans were in England.
What lovely things to do around Bath. The view of the river Avon is gorgeous. And cow butter, who would’ve thought?
It is a step back in time, Karen. Imagine how much time it took to get a table presented like this numerous times a day.