Things to see in Bath
Attractions
The Roman Baths
The Roman Baths are the historical heart of Bath, tapping the hot springs that had prompted the Celts to create a shrine on the site of the future city over 2,000 years ago. The Romans, in turn, erected a significant temple and bathing complex that is one of the best-preserved Roman sites north of the Alps. July and August evenings offer a unique time to visit, when the complex is illuminated by torchlight.
Address: , Abbey Church Yard, Bath, BA1 1LZTelephone: +44 1225 477 785.
Opening times:
Daily 0930-1630 (Jan-Feb); daily 0900-1700 (Mar-Jun); daily 0900-2100 (Jul-Aug); daily 0900-1700 (Sep-Oct); daily 0930-1700 (Nov-Dec).
Website: http://www.romanbaths.co.ukAdmission Fees:
Yes
Disabled Access: YesUNESCO: Yes
Thermae Bath Spa
When Thermae Bath Spa opened its doors in August 2006, it had been 28 years since the last person had bathed in Bath's natural thermal waters. This modern spa and bathing complex offers several pools, including an open-air pool on the roof). It prides itself on being a municipal spa and the prices are reasonable.
Address: , The Hetling Pump Room, Hot Bath Street, BA1 1SJTelephone: +44 844 888 0844.
Opening times:
Daily 0900-2130.
Website: http://www.thermaebathspa.comAdmission Fees:
Yes
Disabled Access: YesUNESCO: No
Bath Abbey
The magnificent Abbey Church is the dominant edifice in Bath's city centre. The construction of the abbey that stands today began in 1499, although its history can be traced back to the 7th Century. Visitors who brave the steep climb to the dome are rewarded with views of Bath and the surrounding countryside.
Address: , Kingston Buildings, Bath, BA1 1LTTelephone: +44 1225 422 462.
Opening times:
Mon 0930-1730, Tue-Fri 0900-1730, Sat 0900-1800, Sun 1300-1430 and 1630-1730.
Website: http://www.bathabbey.orgAdmission Fees:
No
Disabled Access: YesUNESCO: Yes
Royal Crescent
The zenith of Palladian architecture in Bath, the stately arc of the Royal Crescent was built to the designs of John Wood the Younger between 1767 and 1774. Recently completed, No. 1 Royal Crescent has been transformed into a furnished replica of how an 18th-century residence might have appeared on this illustrious address.
Address: , Royal Crescent, Bath, BA1 2LRTelephone: +44 1225 428 126.
Opening times:
Mon 1200-1730, Tue-Sun 1030-1730 (Feb-mid-Dec).
Website: http://www.no1royalcrescent.org.ukAdmission Fees:
Yes
Disabled Access: NoUNESCO: Yes
The Jane Austen Centre
The Jane Austen Centre is a permanent exhibition devoted to Jane Austen and her relationship with Bath. The centre explores how her 1801-1806 residency affected her life and writing. Go the full Elizabeth Bennett and pay £10.50 to dress up and have your hair done Regency style. Book in advance.
Address: Queens Square, 40 Gay Street, Bath, BA1 2NTTelephone: +44 1225 443 000.
Opening times:
Daily 0945-1730 (Apr-Oct); daily 0930–1800 (Jul-Aug); Sun-Fri 1100-1630, Sat 0945-1730 (Nov-Mar).
Website: http://www.janeausten.co.ukAdmission Fees:
Yes
Disabled Access: YesUNESCO: No
Fashion Museum
Explore fashion throughout the last 400 years at this charming museum housed within the Assembly Rooms. Displays of colourful costumes demonstrate historical and contemporary fashions, showing us what garments our ancestors considered the 'in thing', and how trends have evolved and endured through the ages.
Address: Bennett Street, Assembly Rooms, Bath, BA1 2QHTelephone: +44 1225 477 789.
Opening times:
Daily 1030-1600 (Jan-Feb); daily 1030-1700 (Mar-Oct); daily 1030-1600 (Nov-Dec).
Website: http://www.fashionmuseum.co.ukAdmission Fees:
Yes
Disabled Access: YesUNESCO: Yes
Prior Park Landscape Garden
A 10-minute walk from the city centre, this elegant sloping garden was created in the 18th century and designed by the poet Alexander Pope and Lancelot 'Capability' Brown. Set in a sweeping valley with superb views of the city, the garden features a Palladian bridge (complete with 18th-century graffiti), lakes and a gothic temple, among other romantic features.
Address: , Ralph Allen Drive, Bath, BA2 5AHTelephone: +44 1225 833422.
Opening times:
Sat-Sun 1000-1600 (early Jan-late Jan); daily 1000-1730 (late Jan-Nov); Sat-Sun 1000-1600 (early Nov-late Dec)
Website: http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/prior-parkAdmission Fees:
Yes
Disabled Access: NoUNESCO: No
The Museum of Bath Architecture
Suitably housed in the architecturally striking Countess of Huntingdon's Chapel, this small but perfectly formed museum offers an insight into how Bath transformed into one of the architectural wonders of modern Britain. Video presentations enlighten on the techniques that shaped Georgian Bath, while the scale model of the city is worth the entry fee alone.
Address: The Vineyards, Countess of Huntingdon's Chapel, Bath, BA1 5NATelephone: +44 1225 333 895.
Opening times:
Tue-Fri 1400-1700; Sat-Sun 1030-1700 (mid-Feb to Nov).
Website: http://www.museumofbatharchitecture.org.ukAdmission Fees:
Yes
Disabled Access: YesUNESCO: Yes
Tourist Offices
Bath Tourist Information Centre
Address: Abbey Church Yard, Abbey Chambers, Bath, BA1 1LYTelephone: +44 906 711 2000.
Opening times:
Mon-Sat 0930-1730, Sun 1000-1600.
Website: http://www.visitbath.co.ukLocated plum in the city's main tourist vortex, this is a convenient one-stop-shop for maps, information on sites, and assistance from friendly staff.
Tourist passes
Pick up a Bath Visitor Card and enjoy three weeks of discounts across town – from meals and cocktails to city attractions. The card is available from the tourist information centre or online (www.visitbath.co.uk/special-offers/bath-visitor-card).
