One of the top places to visit in the UK is Bath. This UNESCO World Heritage city has a lot of historical sites to visit, from the Abbey to the Roman Baths. Even if you only have time to spend 1 day in Bath you’ll no doubt be able to see many of the main attractions. And if you visit Bath around Christmastime you’ll even be treated to a charming Christmas market in the historic centre.
For thousands of years Bath has attracted people for its natural hot springs, but where does its name come from? During the Anglo-Saxon period, the city was known as Akemanchester (“aching men’s city”) because of the healing properties of the water, and this was derived from the Roman name, Aquae Sulis, which stands for “the water of Sulis”.
From historic sites to beautiful shops and amazing restaurants, Bath is bursting with things to do and places to see. Here are some ideas about how you can spend 1 day in Bath.
What to do during 1 day in Bath
Pulteney Bridge
Pulteney Bridge was built in the 1770s and is one of only four bridges in the world to have shops spanning its full length on either side. The weir in the River Avon just in front of the bridge was used to prevent flooding in the late Middle Ages, and was rebuilt in the 1970s. This is a beautiful location, and one of the best areas to walk around while spending 1 day in Bath.
Browse the shops
Bath is full of amazing little shops and cafes, so make sure you take some time to walk around a few of them. There are a number of artisan shops with very unique and handmade things to purchase. You’ll no doubt pass by them walking between the main attractions, so if you’re only in spending 1 day in Bath you won’t need to go out of your way to find them.
Walk along the Royal Crescent
The Royal Crescent, built in the late 18th century, is an impressive display of Georgian architecture and a must visit during any trip to Bath. If you’re exploring Bath by foot, the Royal Crescent is easily accessible and not too far from other points of interest. No 1 day in Bath is complete without coming here.
No. 1 Royal Crescent
At the start of the Royal Crescent you’ll come across a house that has been fully furnished to reflect the Georgian period – No. 1 Royal Crescent. If you have time during your 1 day in Bath it’s an interesting place to visit, but tickets cost £15.50. If you’re visiting Bath on a budget, you might want to skip this one and spend your money elsewhere.
Walk around the Assembly Rooms
The Assembly Rooms are instantly recognizable from a number of Jane Austen’s novels and movie adaptations. There are 4 rooms in total that were opened in 1771 and the Ball Room is the largest 18th century room in Bath! Tickets for the guided tour of the Assembly Rooms cost £10.00 for non-National Trust members and must be booked in advance.
Make a quick stop at Sally Lunn’s
Sally Lunn’s is one of the world’s most famous eating houses. There’s a tiny museum in the basement which you can enter for free that shows the original kitchen where Sally Lunn created the first world-famous Bath bunn. This attraction takes less than 10 minutes to look at, unless you decide to have something to eat here. It’s located in the city centre, so during your 1 day in Bath try to make some time to pop in for a quick look around.
Stroll around The Circus
On your way to the Royal Crescent, don’t forget to admire another historic street – The Circus. It’s a famous street in Bath, which forms a circle of historic Georgian houses with three entrances, and was completed in the late 18th century. This is another free thing to do in Bath, and is a very popular area too.
Enjoy the Christmas markets
The Christmas market is beautiful in Bath so if you’re lucky enough to be in town when it’s on it’s definitely worth taking a look at. We visited the day before it officially started, but some of the stalls were open. If you’re planning a Bath day trip in the near future, I’d recommend going around Christmas time to help you get in the holiday spirit.
Bath Abbey
You can’t spend 1 day in Bath without visiting Bath Abbey. It’s located in the heart of the city and is absolutely stunning inside and out. It’s been a place of Christian worship for more than 1200 years, and you can climb to the top for some stunning views as well. Entry to the Abbey costs £7.50.
Explore the Roman Baths
The Roman Baths were constructed in the 1st century AD and are some of the best preserved Roman remains in the world. This is a must-do in Bath so if you can’t decide what the best things to do are during your 1 day in Bath, this needs to be at the top of the list.
If you’re brave enough you can taste some of the spa water and there are plenty of interesting exhibitions and rooms throughout the site that provide historical context for the baths. Tickets vary depending when you visit, but start at £19.00 per adult during the week. Since this is a very popular attraction in Bath I’d recommend buying your tickets ahead of time as they can sell out very quickly.
Enjoy exploring Bath’s historic centre
Everywhere you go in Bath there’s something interesting to see so take your time and enjoy yourself! Bath is a popular day trip from London so weekends can be very busy with visitors. I would suggest spending 1 day in Bath (or more) during the week when there are less likely to be crowds at the main tourist attractions.
Where to eat in Bath
Bath Pizza Co
If you love pizza you can’t spend 1 day in Bath without eating at Bath Pizza Co. It’s situated in the old station which provides you with a unique dining experience. It’s also a great place to stop if you’re visiting Bath on a budget, as the pizzas are very reasonably priced. And they’ve just ranked 2nd at the National Pizza awards so you know the pizza is good.
Amarone
As far as Italian food goes, Amarone is high on the list of the best Italian restaurants in England. Everything is perfect, and a lot of the dishes are made onsite such as the pastas and ice creams. So if you want to treat yourself after a tiring day in Bath, I’d recommend coming here and indulging a little bit.
Oak Restaurant
Oak Restaurant is an amazing plant-based restaurant in Bath that also doubles as a grocers. It’s situated in a very cozy building and is close to the Abbey, making it an ideal restaurant to visit during your 1 day in Bath. They’ve grown in popularity over the years so it’s now recommended that you book in advance to avoid disappointment.
Bath is a fantastic historical city to visit in England, with lots of incredible attractions to explore. Even if you only plan to spend 1 day in Bath there’s more than enough here to keep you busy. For those of you interested in tours of the city, the Bridgerton Tour of Bath or the hop-on-hop-off tour bus are popular options among visitors.
As I mentioned before, Bath is a popular day trip option from London. If you’re spending time in the country’s capital, here are some of the best areas to visit in London as well as a few tips about where to eat in London. And don’t forget to follow me on Instagram and get in touch if you have any questions!
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