Find things to do in Bath, a UNESCO World Heritage city famed for its Roman Baths, natural hot springs, elegant Georgian architecture and timeless charm. But there’s much more to Bath than its famous landmarks, with a wealth of attractions, activities, experiences and things to see and do for visitors.

Bath's impeccable heritage is just part of the story. It's a lively, thriving city where ancient history and Georgian elegance sit comfortably alongside a decidedly twenty-first-century cosmopolitan buzz.

Bath's heritage and architecture

In many ways, Bath hasn’t changed much since the times of Georgian gentleman Ralph Allen and writer Jane Austen, both of whom fell under the spell of this city built for pleasure.

Take a tour through time and explore the only UK city designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You’ll travel centuries in just a few steps. Visit the Roman Baths dating back to AD 43 to see how our former settlers liked to unwind. Wander through the pages of one of Austen’s classic novels as you stroll past mellow architectural masterpieces like the Royal Crescent and the Circus, or celebrate Bath's most famous resident at the Jane Austen Centre. 

• Discover Bath's UNESCO World Heritage status
• Step inside the Roman Baths
• Discover Jane Austen's Bath

Tours & sightseeing

Bath is a compact city, making it easy to explore on foot with a friendly local guide on one of the many guided walks on offer, or at your own pace on a self-guided tour. Prefer to sit back? Hop on a bus, boat or cycling tour to take in the city and surrounding countryside, or promenade like a Bridgerton on one of Bath's popular Bridgerton-themed tours. For those keen to venture further afield, day tours from Bath reach nearby World Heritage Sites, market towns and picturesque villages.

• Browse all tours and sightseeing options

Museums and galleries in Bath

Visiting Bath for the first time? The city is home to an array of fascinating museums, such as No. 1 Royal Crescent, where you can experience life as a Georgian in Bath, or the unique Museum of East Asian Art, the UK’s only museum solely dedicated to the arts and cultures of East and South East Asia. 

For art lovers, Victoria Art Gallery offers free entry to its permanent collection, including works by Gainsborough, while the Holburne Museum, houses fine and decorative art in a grand setting with an ever-changing programme of temporary exhibitions. Science fans can trace the discovery of a new planet at the Herschel Museum of Astronomy, in the former home of astronomer William Herschel, or step into gothic territory at Mary Shelley's House of Frankenstein, exploring the story behind the world's most famous monster.

• Explore all Museums & Galleries in Bath

Taking the waters: Bath's thermal spas

No trip to Bath is complete without taking the waters. Relax and unwind in natural hot springs that have been a magnet to visitors for millennia. Visit Thermae Bath Spa for revitalising treatments, healing steam rooms and awesome 360-degree Bath views from the rooftop pool. Or treat yourself to a spa stay at the five-star Gainsborough Bath Spa, a luxurious hotel with its own naturally heated spa complex.

• Find spas in Bath

Sport in Bath

Enjoy thrilling sport in the heart of the city, from premiership rugby at Bath Rugby, to sunny racedays at Bath Racecourse, lively games at Team Bath Netball, or football from Bath City FC at Twerton Park.

• Find more about sports and activities in Bath

Shopping in Bath

Bath is a shopping superstar, boasting an unbeatable choice of independent retailers selling tempting one-of-a-kind items, alongside the full complement of major high street names.

• Find more shopping inspiration to plan your visit.

Nightlife, theatre & events

Head to Green Park Brasserie for free live jazz music and award-winning food and drink, catch a show at Theatre Royal Bath or enjoy after-hours entertainment at Komedia Bath. If that isn’t enough, there’s also a year-round programme of special events and festivals to plan your trip around.

• Find out more about evening activities and nightlife in Bath

Parks, gardens & outdoors

Bath is a green city, with plenty of parks and gardens to explore both in the centre and the surrounding countryside. Stroll through Parade Gardens and admire the view of Pulteney Weir, or follow in Jane Austen's footsteps through Sydney Gardens, one of the few remaining eighteenth-century pleasure gardens in the UK, out to the Kennet and Avon Canal. Pack a picnic for Royal Victoria Park, explore the Botanical Gardens and tropical glasshouse, or let little ones loose in the Beazer Maze near Pulteney Bridge. For sweeping views, climb up to Alexandra Park or walk to Prior Park Landscape Garden, a National Trust property where you can cross one of only four Palladian bridges in the world.

• Explore Bath's parks and gardens
• Find walking routes around Bath

Days trips from Bath

Bath is also the ideal base for exploring nearby sites, including the photogenic villages of Lacock and Castle Combe, and the mysterious megaliths of Stonehenge.

• More day trips from Bath

Frequently asked questions

What is Bath most famous for? Bath is best known for its Roman Baths, its Georgian architecture (including the Royal Crescent and the Circus), its UNESCO World Heritage status, and its connection to Jane Austen but there's so much more to Bath than that.

Is Bath suitable for a family visit? Bath is a great destination for families. It's a compact, walkable city with attractions that appeal to children, parks and open spaces, and an easy base for family days out at nearby attractions like Longleat and Wookey Hole Caves. Find more family-friendly things to do here.

What are the top things to do in Bath? Top highlights include the Roman Baths, Thermae Bath Spa, and Bath's museums and galleries, including the Holburne Museum and Victoria Art Gallery. Sports fans can also catch a Bath Rugby match at The Rec, right in the heart of the city. For the full top 10, see our guide to the top things to do in Bath.

Are there free things to do in Bath? Yes, landmarks like the Royal Crescent, the Circus and Pulteney Bridge cost nothing to see, and the city's parks and free walking tours offer plenty more at no cost. See our guide to free things to do in Bath for the full list.

When is the best time to visit Bath? Bath is a year round destination. Visiting midweek rather than at weekends generally means lower prices and quieter attractions, whatever time of year you go. Autumn has a particularly busy calendar of events to plan a trip around. Winter is generally quiet, with the exception of the Christmas Market period, which draws large crowds.

How many days do you need in Bath? If you wanted to, you can see the highlights in a day, but Bath is so much better with a longer stay. A two- to three-night break gives you time to add a spa visit, a museum or two, and a day trip to somewhere like Lacock or Stonehenge.

Plan your trip to Bath

There's so much more to see and do in this classic, cosmopolitan city than we've been able to cover here. You won't want to rush it, for the full experience, take your time and turn that day trip into a short break, or come midweek to beat the crowds.