The UNESCO World Heritage site of Bath is one of Britain’s most popular travel destinations.
With top attractions including its Roman Baths, Abbey, museums, and iconic Georgian architecture and history, it’s no wonder that the city attracts over six million tourists every year.
However, that’s not all this gorgeous city has to offer.
Keep reading to discover the top attractions in Bath that are sure to keep everyone happy, young and old, as chosen by the team here at Cobb Farr.
1. Bath Abbey
If you only visit one Bath attraction, make sure it’s the stunning Gothic Bath Abbey.
With its beautiful stained-glass windows, honey-coloured stone, fine fan vaulted ceiling and outstanding feeling of light and space, it’s no wonder that this Bath attraction welcomes over 420,000 visitors every year.
Sometimes known as ‘the Lantern of the West’ for its huge windows, legend has it that it was built in 1499 after Bishop Oliver King had a vivid dream where angels climbed up and down ladders between earth and heaven and a voice saying, “The crown should plant an olive tree and the king restore the church.”
Whether or not you believe this is true, this historic abbey offers a moment of stillness in a chaotic world.
Visit Bath Abbey and enjoy a guided tour of the main building or its bell chamber, clock face and roof for the most amazing views. There is a steep 212-step climb, but there is a place to rest part of the way up, and it’s definitely worth the effort.
Address: Bath BA1 1LT, England
2. The Roman Baths
Perhaps one of Bath’s most famous attractions, The Roman Baths, were built by the Romans in 75 BC to offer local residents a place to socialise, relax and rejuvenate.
Boasting water that contains 43 different healing minerals, a temperature that stays at a constant 46.5°C and 1,170,000 litres of steaming hot water every day (hot bath temperature), it’s no wonder that this attraction in Bath was voted Britain’s most romantic building.
Attracting more than 1.3 million visitors each year, you can also visit the extensive Roman ruins and interactive museum to be transported back to Roman times, walk on ancient pavements and visit the historic changing rooms and tepid plunge pools.
While you can get a free guided tour, we highly recommend that you pick up the free audio guide and make your own way around the Roman Baths. Available in twelve languages and with a version for children, it will bring the history of this Bath attraction to life.
Planning to visit? Make sure you book your tickets ASAP to avoid disappointment.
Address: Abbey Churchyard, Bath BA1 1LZ
3. No 1 Royal Crescent
Ever wondered what it would be like to live on Bath’s Royal Crescent during the 18th century? Visit No.1 Royal Crescent to bring history to life!
This is a museum that has been lovingly decorated and furnished exactly as it would have been during the late 1700s and they have recently added an immersive experience that uses film and sound to bring these times to life.
With ten beautiful display rooms that feature historic furniture, pictures and even objects that show what daily life was like for Bath’s more elite residence, kids’ explorer packs and disabled access, it’s a brilliant place to visit with the whole family.
Address: 1 Royal Crescent, Bath BA1 2LR
4. Mary Shelley’s House of Frankenstein
If you’re a fan of Gothic fiction or want to visit an immersive museum, head to Mary Shelley’s House of Frankenstein.
This new Bath attraction opened in 2021 and tells the story of Shelley’s challenging life along with how her famous story developed into a cinematic classic. She actually wrote her incredible novel here in Bath during the dark autumn and winter of 1816, inspired by a nightmare she had when on holiday in Switzerland.
Located close to The Jane Austen Centre, you can play with interactive devices, watch movie incarnations of the famous monster then experience the monster-themed escape room.
Perfect for families and adults alike, Mary Shelley’s House of Frankenstein is a must-visit Bath attraction that is sure to leave you thinking.
Address: 37 Gay Street, Bath, BA1 2NT
5. Jane Austen Centre
By far, one of the top attractions in Bath is the Jane Austen Centre – the interactive museum telling the story of Bath’s most famous resident.
Attracting over 150,000 visitors every year, this gorgeous Georgian townhouse is located just a few steps away from where Austen lived between 1801 and 1806 and inspired novels like ‘Persuasion’ and ‘Northanger Abbey’.
This is where you can learn the story of Austen’s life and what it was like to live in Georgian England, including life in Bath, food, fashion, and society.
Visit to enjoy a friendly welcome talk then wander around soaking up everything this top Bath attraction has to offer. Dress up in Regency costume, taste period food and have your photo taken with the famous Jane Austen waxwork before treating yourself to something delicious at the Regency Tea Room, located on the second floor.
Address: 40 Gay Street, Bath, United Kingdom, BA1 2NT
6. The Circus
When you visit Bath, make sure you head to The Circus – the inspiring and stunning piece of Georgian architecture that has attracted the rich and famous over the years.
Designed by the architect John Wood, the Elder, it dates back to 1754 when construction first began and consists of three curved segments of Grade I listed townhouses that form a circle with three entrances.
Even if you’re not so keen on architecture, there are key facts that make this one of Bath’s top attractions for everyone. If you look at the stonework, you’ll see many serpents, acorns and nautical symbols, and interestingly, when seen from the air, the Circus forms a key shape (a masonic symbol) along with Queen Square and Gay Street.
Legend has it that the Circus is joined to the Royal Crescent by a druid ley-line (Brock Street – where you will find our Bath office) and that the design represents the sun and moon when viewed from above, or a question mark, depending on your point of view. But that’s not all that inspired Wood. It’s said that the Circus was also designed with the same diameter as Stonehenge to honour Bath’s druid past.
Address: Bath, BA1 2ET
7. Royal Victoria Park
Royal Victoria Park is just a short walk from the city centre and offers a calm and beautiful space to relax, unwind and let the kids burn off some steam.
With 57 acres of parkland, a beautiful botanical garden, wild meadows, a huge playground for kids, skatepark, crazy golf and even a cafe, the whole family is sure to love it here.
What could be better than soaking up some sunshine with the famous view of The Royal Crescent in the background?
Address: Marlborough Lane, Bath, BA1 2NQ
8. Pulteney Bridge
One of the most iconic pieces of Georgian architecture in Bath and reminiscent of the Ponte Vecchio in Florence, Italy, the Pulteney Bridge is one of the only bridges in the world that still feature buildings on top.
This bridge was completed in 1774 to connect both sides of the River Avon and features quaint shops and restaurants, some on top and others hidden underneath its beautiful arches.
Visit this stunning Bath attraction to step back in time, enjoy the views of Great Pulteney Street or even enjoy a fun trip up the river.
Address: Bridge Street, Bath, England
9. Bath City Farm
When you visit Bath with the family, make sure you put Bath City Farm on your list of must-visit attractions.
Popular with locals and much loved by the city, it’s a working farm that features farm animals, a children’s playground, woodland, nature trails, a farm shop and a community care.
Boasting 37 acres and with spectacular views over the city of Bath, it’s a great place to keep the kids entertained, enjoy some delicious seasonal meals and pet those friendly farm animals.
Address: Kelston View, Whiteway, Bath BA2 1NW
10. Sally Lunn’s Historic Eating House
Bath’s oldest house (built in 1483) and world-famous for its delicious Sally Lunn’s buns, this living museum and historic eating house lies just a stone’s throw from Bath Abbey.
Visit the cellar museum to discover how the site has been used since Roman times and enjoy artefacts, including the original kitchen, an oven dating from 1140, various remains of medieval Bath and other local historical facts.
This top attraction in Bath is the perfect place to soak up some history and then treat your tastebuds to one of the delicious cinnamon butter or lemon curd with clotted cream buns- our favourites here at Cobb Farr.
Address: 4 North Parade Passage, Bath, BA1 1NX
Summary
Whether you visit Bath for a day trip or come to look at a property, make sure you head to one of these top attractions.
The city offers something for everyone, including history and architecture fans, foodies, families and even celebrities who want to experience everything the city has to offer.
With its Roman Baths, Gothic cathedral, world-famous sweet treats and rich history, there’s something for everyone at this UNESCO World Heritage site.
Want to relocate to Bath, Bradford on Avon, Wiltshire or Somerset?
Contact our friendly team at Cobb Farr to find your dream property today.
