How to get there
On average, there are 72 trains that run from London Paddington station to Bath Spa. The journey can take about 1 hour and 30 mins or if you take the fast train, you can get to Bath in just 1 hour and 15 minutes. Cost of the tickets can vary but aim to book in advance and you'd be paying just over £20 for one way journey.
You could also commute to Bath from London by car. The journey spans 115 miles, taking the M4 motorway and takes just over 2 hours to complete.
What's so special about Bath?
As the only UK city declared as a UNESCO world heritage site, Bath attracts 1.3 million visitors yearly, making it one of the ten most visited English cities.
Things to do
There is an abundant of things to do and see in Bath. And while it is possible to do it all in a day (with some considered planning of course), it may be worth taking two days to ensure you get the most out of your time in this historic, scenic city.
Roman Baths
The Roman Baths are the oldest Roman preserves in Britain. Step into history and follow along the paths that the old Romans took and look upon the hot springs of where people used to come to have their baths. While you marvel at the historic relevance there, bear in mind that the water cannot be touched or consumed as it can be harmful.
Thermae Spa
Bath is home to the only natural thermae spa in Britain. You can go for a day spa or you could book an hour massage. While they usually do have the capacity to accommodate walk-ins, it's best to book ahead to avoid any disappointment. Unfortunately when I went there, they were fully booked for the day. I was only there for the day so did not manage to get in some relaxation time. No big deal; it just goes onto my agenda for the next time I visit Bath.
Pulteney Bridge
Pulteney Bridge is one of four of its kind in the whole world. The bridge runs over River Avon and it houses shops and restaurants along both sides. And while you are there, don't forget to take a look at the river; there is a ripple to it which looks absolutely stunning.
Royal Crescent and Circus
The Royal Crescent and Circus lie a few minutes walk away from each other. And it is worth seeing both to marvel at the architecture delights of the city. Though they have a very similar facade, it must be said that they are not the same thing. The Royal Crescent, designed by John Wood the Younger, is a row of 30 terraced houses laid in a sweeping crescent and apparently, this is to represent the moon.
The Circus, designed by John Wood the Elder, is a ring of large historic houses. And apparently, the Circus represents the sun.
I am not sure how factual the representations of the sun and moon are. Perhaps, it is an interesting observation with no real basis. Either way, I found it too interesting of a fact to not mention here.
Sally Lunn Buns / Bath Buns
Bath has seen rivalry between Sally Lunn buns and Bath buns over the years. While you are in Bath, be sure to visit Sally Lunn's or Bath Buns or both as they are conveniently located just 2 minutes apart from each other. Pit them against each other; have one for lunch and one for dinner and see which one comes out on top. While I was in Bath, I didn't have a chance to try Bath buns as they were closed, but I did get to feast on Sally Lunn's savoury bun with salted beef and vegetable soup. It came with a pot of tea and followed by cinnamon apple cake.
Bath Guildhall Market
Across the road from Pulteney Bridge lies Bath Guildhall Market. This is the oldest indoor shopping venue in Bath. It is still in full operation today with a variety of different trades including jewellers, booksellers and sweet shops to name a few.
Victoria Art Gallery
Victoria Art Gallery is a public art gallery in the heart of Bath. It is free to visit or for a fee, you can meander around any exhibitions that they may have. If you are looking to get lost in the art world, then this gallery may be a disappointment as it is fairly small. But if you are looking to add a little extra something into what I can describe as a short itinerary, then this is something to add into your day trip.
Christmas Market
Bath Christmas Markets are the biggest in the country. They are held every year, with the events being scaled down in 2020 and 2021 of course. This year saw the Christmas markets run from 24th November to 11th December with 170 chalets. If you have not been this year or previous years, then keep this in mind as one to visit for future Christmas markets.
Five fun facts about Bath
Planet Uranus was discovered in Bath city by German astronomer, William Herschel in 1781. He lived in Bath at the time. His home can be visited today at the Herschel Museum of Astronomy.
Romance novelist Jane Austen lived in Bath between the years 1801 to 1806. She had such a fondness of the city that she used it as the set for two of her novels, Persuasion and Northanger Abbey.
Netflix series Bridgerton was set and filmed in Bath.
The first stamped mail was sent from Bath in 1840. The stamp featured an engraved image of Queen Victoria on a black background. This stamp is now known as a Penny Black.
Charles Dickens used to frequently visit Bath where he would stay at the city's oldest pub, The Saracens Head. Dickens portrayed the social life of Bathonians in The Pickwick Papers.
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