Bath is a historic city in England that is known for its Roman baths and 18th-century Georgian architecture. The city is located in the Avon Valley, about 156 kilometers (97 miles) west of London, making it a perfect day trip to Bath possible! So here is an epic one day in Bath itinerary for you!
One Day in Bath Itinerary: Plan a Day Trip to Bath
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It is not difficult to understand why Bath ranks high on the list of one the most loved cities of England, right up there alongside Oxford.
Apart from being a popular spa retreat for the socialites since the 18th century, the stunning Georgian architecture of that time is another mega draw that attracts visitors in hordes to this UNESCO World Heritage site.
If you are curious to know why this city was considered so special by such contemporaries as Jane Austen – the famous British novelist, who choose to live here during its heyday, then dive down straight into this perfect Bath one-day itinerary which will unveil one of the most beautiful places in England.
One day in Bath England: Bath in a day (Snapshot)
- Breakfast at Society Cafe
- See the Roman Baths
- Visit the Bath Abbey
- Lunch at Sally Lunn Teahouse or the Abbey Deli
- Visit Jane Austen Centre
- Photograph The Royal Crescent
- Hang out at the Prior Park Landscape Garden
- See the Pulteney Bridge and Parade Gardens
- Relax at the Thermal Spa
Planning a day trip to Bath from London United Kingdom
Bath lies just 156 kilometers (97 miles) west of London and is best accessible by train from Paddington Station which takes just an hour and thirty-five minutes. It costs about £12.60.
Driving by car, via Windsor, takes about two and a half hours but offers more flexibility.
The most economical way is by the National Express bus (which costs about £5) from Victoria Coach Station which usually takes three hours to arrive at the Bath Spa bus station.
For a more structured approach to your one day in Bath, you can book a tour from London which will cover Stonehenge and Bath without you having to stand in long lines for admission to the popular attractions. Here is a day tour we recommend
Recommended tours and excursions in Bath England
Pro tip: Late March to June is the peak tourism season. During the month of May, the city comes to life because of the Bath Festival. Expect many public events and street festivals at this time of the year. Winter starts from December to February, when crowds thin out and prices dip a bit.
Read: 4 day London itinerary
Bath one day itinerary: Arriving in the city
For over two centuries, the natural mineral springs, which incidentally gave the city its name, have drawn visitors looking to take advantage of the water’s medicinal properties.
Fortunately, all the hotspots in Bath are close to each other and can be easily explored on foot. This quintessential Bath day trip itinerary will help you to make most of your limited time in this remarkable city.
This itinerary is crafted assuming you have arrived in Bath a day earlier, as the first train arrives at Bath station only by 10:30 am which can significantly rob you of valuable time. Alternatively, you can drive down to Bath to reach there early on the morning of your trip.
When you arrive, head straight down the Terrace Walks to the Bath Information Center. You will find excellent sources of information here from tickets, and timings to maps of the area (we have also included a handy Google Maps in this article for you). The staff will go out of their way to ensure your time spent in Bath is memorable.
Breakfast at Society Cafe
More of a lifestyle concept than a coffee shop, the Society Cafe in Bath is one of the most loved and widely appreciated spots to enjoy some delicious coffee. Owners Jane and Adrian have created a perfect space where people could do their own thing or socialize.
As coffee is their signature beverage, especially because it is sourced from the best coffee farms worldwide, the house coffee changes four times a year.
- Address: Kingsmead Square
- Hours: Monday to Saturday: 8:00 am to 4:00 pm | Sunday: 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
See Roman Baths
Dating back to 70 AD, the Roman Baths are perhaps the most famous attractions in the town. Some sections are amazingly well-preserved and provide wonderful insight into how people socialized and lived 2000 years ago.
Once you have explored the changing rooms and plunge pools you can visit the interactive museum which showcases every detail of Bath’s fascinating history and even get to taste the mineral-rich water.
The tearooms in the Pump Rooms were the centre stage of all social events in Bath for two centuries. You must spend time here to enjoy a snack or afternoon tea in this neo-classical salon.
For the Baths alone, set aside 2 hours – ideally, 10:00 am to noon.
- Address: Abbey Church Yard, Bath
- Hours: Weekdays from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm. And weekends from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm. The last entry is at 5:00 pm
- Admission fee: £27.50 for adults (weekends), and £25.50 for adults (weekdays). Students and Senior (65+) are £26.50 for weekends and £24.50 for the weekday
- You can also get a family voucher for £55.00 for an adult and 2-4 children (the same is £50.00 for weekdays). For 2 adults + 1 child, it is £63.00 to 69. And 2 adults + 2-4 children it is .£70 – £77.00
Tickets must be booked online in advance. Visitors with additional access needs can book dedicated 15 minute slots booked through the Group Bookings team at least 48 hours in advance.
It is crucial to arrive here as soon as the complex opens as it tends to get very crowded as the day goes on. After dark, the Baths are lit up and the place looks very atmospheric.
Visit the Bath Abbey
Spend an hour strolling around the abbey which lies right next door to the Roman Baths. We recommend pausing and taking a look at the window that depicts the crowning of the first king of England, King Edgar.
Then enter the Abbey to soak in the beautiful ambiance. Reflect for some moments inside the Border Chapel and pray at one of the chaplains.
Marvel at the 4000 pipes that make up the Klais organ which is absolutely stunning and explore the newly opened North transept and admire the stained glass windows. Don’t miss the vaulted fan ceiling.
If you wish to understand Abbey’s past, then chat with a volunteer there. Before exiting, you can visit the Abbey shop and browse through the wide selection of Christian books, souvenirs, and music albums.
- Address: In between Pulteney Bridge and Thermae Bath Spa
- Hours: 10:00 am to 5: 30 pm (As a working church, the times may change. Check before you go)
- Admission Free: A donation of £5 expected
Lunch break at Sally Lunn Teahouse & Museum or The Abbey Deli
After visiting the top two attractions in Bath, we suspect you will be craving a bite to eat. There are dozens of options within walking distance of the baths and the abbey.
In fact, just a two minute walk will bring you to Sally Lunn, the most famous and oldest remaining teahouse in Bath established in 1482. Their special offering here is the Sally Lunn Bun, which is more like a French brioche than a bun.
Another option is to head to The Abbey Deli, famed as the Modiste, as featured on the NetFlix series Bridgerton. When you are here, you have to opt for their afternoon tea and cake, and see Madame Delacroix’s dress shop in person!
The Abbey Deli is located only a minute away from the Bath Abbey.
Visit Jane Austen Heritage Centre
The Jane Austen centre focuses on the life and works of the famous novelist through an interactive experience wherein guides dressed in regency attire and exhibits bring visitors closer to Jane Austen.
This is a family friendly attraction and can be completed in an hour’s time, thereby making it a perfect stop for your one day in Bath.
The Regency Tea room on the second floor offers 17 types of leaf teas along with a selection of locally baked cakes and pastries. We found the seating a bit tight, so the late afternoon is the right time. Avoid lunchtime unless you have booked a table.
- Address: 49, Gay St, Bath
- Hours: Daily from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
- Admission: Adults’ entry fee is £12.50. Senior and students are £11.50. Family Pass (of 2 adults and kids) starts at £35. Get your tickets here
Photograph The Royal Crescent
An arduous climb from the city center will bring you to a sweep of houses lined in a rhythmic curve. This is The Royal Crescent, one of the most photographed spots in England and the best example of Georgian architecture.
The museum here shows how the rich and famous lived in Bath in the 18th century.
You can enjoy quality time in a spectacular setting with afternoon tea for two at the Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa, which is a tourist attraction in its own right. As you dine on tasty baked scones and traditional Bath buns, you can order your choice of piping hot tea.
Pro Tip: On the right side is an old-fashioned signpost in black and gold. Perfect for a photo shoot.
Address: The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa. 16 Royal Cres, Bath BA1 2LS, United Kingdom
Hang out at the Prior Park Landscape Garden
Currently, the Prior Park Landscape Garden is undergoing an exciting restoration project but a little exploration will uncover hidden architectural surprises.
Plan to spend about thirty minutes here to relax and explore the park’s best known feature, the Palladian Bridge of 1775 – the last of three of its kind in existence in England.
- Address: Ralph Allen Dr
- Hours: Every day from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Prior Park Landscape Garden is about 25 minute walk from the Abbey. When traveling from the Royal Cresent it will take 45 minutes on foot.
Pro Tip: When pressed for time, you can skip the Prior Park Landscape Garden for the gardens near the iconic Pulteney Bridge.
See the Pulteney Bridge and Parade Gardens
There is another famous landmark that has to be ticked off on your one day Bath itinerary.
For that, you have to make your way to the River Avon to see the graceful arches of the Pulteney Bridge spanning the river. Built by William Johnstone Pulteney in 1771, the Pulteney is the second oldest bridge lined with shops after Ponte Vecchio in Italy.
There is a beautiful riverfront walkway at the back of the bridge which is perfect for a stroll. And adjacent to it are the Parade Gardens. These gardens have an entry fee of 1.50 pounds.
Relax at the Thermal Spa
The best way to end your day and care for the aching legs is by visiting any one of the local spas and immersing yourself in the thermal baths.
There are many in the area, but we strongly recommend Thermae Bath Spa as it has two natural baths, an open air pool on the roof, steam rooms, an ice chamber, and a relaxation room with a choice of over 50 spa treatments and packages.
- Address: The Hetling Pump Room, Hot Bath St, Bath BA1 1SJ, United Kingdom
- Hours: 9:00 am to 8:00 pm
- Admission costs: £37-£42 for two hours depending on the day of the week
Pro Tip: This is the last stop on the one day Bath itinerary. Plan to get to the Spa by 6:30 pm, so that you have at least 1.50 to 2 hours there. The complex closes at 08:00 pm.
When you are on a day trip to Bath, you might have to skip this depending on the train schedule. Or you can visit during the day when you are at the Roman Baths.
If you are driving or can manage an overnight stay then it is soooo worth heading to the Spa in the evening.
Dinner time in Bath
There are some good outlets for dining in the city center. If you are a wine lover try the impressive wine list at Corkage or if you prefer traditional English fare head to The Elder.
There is also an excellent Italian restaurant, Sotto Sotto near the Roman Baths.
Where to stay in Bath UK?
If you do decide to spend a night in Bath there are plenty of options. If you are looking for budget accommodation then some other centrally placed hotels include Bath YMCA and St Christopher’s Inn Bath.
The Gainsborough Bath Spa is a luxury five-star hotel and the only one in the UK having access to a natural thermal spa within its property. Check availability here
Grays Boutique is another B&B option located in an imposing Victorian villa hardly 15 minutes from the city center.
One Day in Bath England Itinerary: Sightseeing Map
More Things to Do In Bath in one day
Every traveler has different choices when visiting a new place. The top places of interest have been outlined above but there are plenty of other things to do in Bath.
Hire a Bath Narrowboat – Sydney Wharf, Bathwick Hill
Spend time experiencing the magic of the Avon canal cruising in a Bath Narrowboat. Each boat holds six to ten people and is perfect for getting close to wildlife, historic towns, and country pubs on either side of the canal system.
2-hr Bridgerton walking tour – From £15 per person
This two-hour walking tour will take you past locations of the Netflix adaptation of Bridgerton with a certified guide.
Starting from the Abbey Churchyard, hear behind-the-scenes snippets of this well-known TV show shot in Bath. After walking, relax with a tea at the Holbourne Museum cafe or head to Sydney Gardens. Book the tour here
Sydney Gardens – Sydney Pl, Bathwick
Sydney Gardens date back to 1795 and is the only remaining Georgian garden in the UK. The garden features waterside walks, woodland, tennis courts, and the Temple of Minerva.
The place is just a short walk from the city center and can be approached via Great Pulteney Street. These gardens are open throughout the year and have no admission fee.
The Assembly Rooms – Bennett St, Bath
For the fashion-minded individuals, the Fashion Museum and the Assembly Rooms are a must-visit spot. Step inside them and let your imagination run riot as you drift back in time when these rooms were full of fashionable and eminent people dancing and playing cards.
The Assembly Rooms are known all over England as a place to be seen as well as entertained. They are open from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.
Day trips from Bath United Kingdom
Time permitting, here are some day trips from Bath which you can consider:
Stonehenge:
Stonehenge remains a mystery even today as archaeologists still wonder how these stones were lifted up without the use of technology.
In fact, some of them were transported from Wales, 200 miles away. This mind-boggling structure is a UNESCO World Heritage site and attracts millions of visitors each year.
- Distance/ time taken: 55 minutes. 34 miles via A-36
- Hours: 9:30 am to 5:00 pm
- Admission fee: Varies by off-season/Standard/Peak months. For an adult, it is £19.50/£21.50/£22.80
- Day tour option from London to Bath and Stonehenge
In addition, special access tickets can be booked for entry outside the regular hours at 5:30 am, 8:00 am, or after 6.30 pm when visitors can actually walk among the stones. However, these tickets need to be booked months in advance as they are grabbed up instantly.
Cheddar Gorge:
Enjoy a day trip from Bath walking through the largest gorge in England, less than an hour by car from the city center.
Located on Mendips Hill, an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, a walk on the rim of the 400 feet deep and 3-mile long Cheddar Gorge ensures breathtaking views of the hills and the village of Cheddar.
- Distance/time taken: 50 minutes. 30 miles
Bristol:
To experience quintessential British charm, Bristol is an incredibly fun place to visit from Bath. Discover the Stoke Croft neighborhood and its intriguing cafes, street art, vintage stores as well as the most iconic British landmark – The Suspension Bridge.
- Distance/time taken: 12 minutes by train
Cardiff:
A day trip to the Welsh capital is a perfect excuse to get out of Bath and learn a bit about the city’s history. Visit the imposing Cardiff Castle, the National Museum of Cardiff, or if you are there on a Sunday, head to the Farmer’s Market to sample the best local produce.
Hire a bike to ride the Taff Trail or zoom to Cardiff Bay for some heart-stopping white water rafting.
- Distance/time taken: 1 hour and 15 minutes. 54 miles via M4
Castle Combe:
Castle Combe is a village in the Cotswolds region of England. It is known for its picturesque setting and has been used as a filming location for several movies and television shows.
The village has a population of approximately 1,000 people. Castle Combe is a popular tourist destination, and there are several historic buildings and sites to see in the village.
Was one day in Bath enough?
To be honest, one day gives ample time to visit all the attractions of Bath and soak up in the Georgian architecture, providing you arrive the night before or very early on the morning of your day trip.
That said, if you could squeeze in another day, you can do a short trip to some neighboring places or take your time and relax in the thermal baths.
Additional travel tips for one day Bath England itinerary
Here are some more travel tips for Bath England.
Sightseeing tips
When you are wandering through the lanes of Bath, keep an eye for the famous blue plaques on the homes which tell that famous people lived here once.
Also, remember that Bath is a hilly city, so make sure you wear comfortable walking shoes!
Safety tips
Bath is a safe destination and the risk of any violent crime is extremely low. Pickpockets here are known to work in teams so stay alert and keep all valuables out of sight. Keep an eye on your drink when in the bar and if there is an emergency call 999 for assistance.
The most important piece of advice is to get good travel insurance for protection against theft, illness, injury, and cancellation.
Budget tips
Most of the sightseeing in Bath on a day trip can be done for free if you are not entering the complex premises like the Pulteney Bridge. When visiting the Roman Baths, Abbey, museums, and Spa do set aside £100 per person. It will be about £35+ for the Baths and the Abbey.
In terms of accommodation, with rooms starting at £80, Bath is not exactly a budget destination. Thankfully many budget hotels provide free breakfast.
You can eat for cheap if you stick to fish and chips (£6) or eat at the many Indian or Thai outlets for £8. On an average, you should keep aside £115 per day for your trip to Bath if you are traveling double.
So that’s a wrap! Bath is a beautiful city with a rich history. There are plenty of things to see and do, making it the perfect destination for a day trip or a weekend getaway.
Whether you’re interested in exploring the Roman Baths or just want to relax in a rooftop pool, there’s something for everyone in Bath. So, what are you waiting for?