Bath Tourism And Travel Guide

The only city that has been designated as a UNESCO world heritage site in the UK, wandering through the bylanes of Bath is like going back centuries in a few steps, identical to one of Jane Austen’s classics, admiring the subtle architectural masterpieces or celebrating the city’s most popular resident or simply exploring some of the most photogenic villages of Lacock and mysterious megaliths like the Stonehenge. Tourism in Bath thrives on its heritage which is a living and fine example of its ancient past and Gregorian elegance that goes hand in hand with its 21st-century cosmo buzz. From dining at scores of eateries, cafes that serve everything under the sun from Michelin starred gourmet to simple street food, or unwinding in uber-chic cocktail bars, to dipping into pools of rich entertainment events that comprise theatre, live music or comedy, Bath will have you gasping for more, long after you’re done relaxing from its natural hot springs! Here’s a travel guide to help you get around in Bath.

By Air:

At an estimated cost of approx. 72,000 INR max with a duration of 14 hours roughly you can reach Bath with at least one stopover from New Delhi aboard, Air India, Brussels Airlines, Alitalia or a few other flights. One of the best ways of reaching here is to take a flight to the Bristol International Airport, and from there make the onward journey via a bus to the Bristol Temple Meads Train Station and then a train to Bath Spa Station.

By Train:

The nearest train station in Bath is the Bath Spa Train station which is serviced by the Great Western Railway and is well connected to some of the other major train stations like the Bristol Temple Meads, Cardiff Central, London Paddington and more. The train journey from Bristol Temple Meads to Bath Spa is all of 10 minutes, at an estimated fare of INR 450-850, with a train every 20 minutes.

By Road:

To travel by road to Bath, the best way would be to take a bus from Bristol Temple meads to the Bath City Centre, which is roughly 43 minutes. Buses operating on the route include First in Bristol Bath & the West with a bus every 30 minutes. You can also travel by cab at an estimated fare of INR 4,700 max., which will have you in Bath in approx. 32 minutes.

Getting Around:

Given that it is compact, it is best to explore this beautiful city on foot, which is convenient thanks to its innumerable pedestrian lanes, especially those in and around major shopping places. The city also has a significant bus service that spans the city center, countryside and more. Since the streets of Bath are considerably narrow and usually packed with traffic, it is best avoiding driving yourself in the city. You can also explore the option of cycling in and around Bath.

Spring (March-May):

With the combined levels of humidity and temperatures, March through May in Bath are relatively chilly, with the average temperature varying between 9°C-18°C and rainfall occurrence of 5 to 6 days in a month. This is also the slowest season for incoming tourist traffic.

Summer (June-August):

Summers in Bath witness cool weather with warm temperature but comfortably so with over a week to 9 days of rainfall, making it one of the busiest times of the year to visit the city. This would also mean that lodging and accommodation options are fairly expensive during this time.

Fall (September-November):

The average temperature during fall varies between 9°C-20°C, emitting a chill with over 4-11 days of significant snowfall or rains each month. The period of September through November is hence the second busiest time of the year when tourism is at its peak in Bath.

Winter (December-February):

Winters are really cold and not too welcoming for warm weather fans. The average temperature during December through February is typically 7°C-9°C with an average rain or snowfall of week-11 days each month. Winter in Bath is low on tourism.

Bath City Farm:

Located on a gorgeous 37-acre plot, the Bath City Farm is a welcome haven for families and kids with ample space for a playground, farm animals, walking trails and cafés. The Bath City Farm supports the less fortunate and specially enabled people in developing their confidence, picking up new skills that boost their physical, mental and emotional well-being, not to forget, enhance their social skills. With over 25000 visitors (approx.) who visited the farm last year, and over 292 people accessing projects that are focused on their social and other appropriate lifestyle skills, the Bath City Farm inspires environmental awareness, increases community engagement and educates people on farming.

Two Tunnels Greenway:

A shared-use path that’s apt for walking and cycling in Bath, the Two Tunnels Greenway is a national cycle route, following the discontinued railway track of the Dorset Joint & Somerset Railway from East Twerton through the suburbs of Bath from Oldfield Park to the Devonshire Tunnel. It is a picturesque route with an awe-inspiring view of the city’s Gregorian crescents through the 4-mile stretch.

Hands-on Experience:

Apart from its iconic views and fabulous tourist attractions, there’s plenty to experience first-hand in Bath. From getting your hands messy at the Makery with a variety of hands-on workshops like creating apparel, decorations, blinds, accessories, cushions & more to learning cooking in the city’s several cookery schools, to taking a short drive to a local vineyard and enjoying a wine tasting session or trying your hand at making cocktails and crafting your own gin, there’s so much to do in Bath. You can also explore pottery, ceramic workshops, floristry or wire sculpting here.

Entertainment & Nightlife:

With a contemporary culture, buzzing nightlife and live entertainment events, Bath’s cultural history and heritage bring a sense of vibrancy and zeal to its charming Gregorian facades. From musical shows to stand-up comedy events to theatre, the city brims with options to keep the entertainment scene & nightlife alive. Every Saturday night, the Krater Comedy Club comes alive with upcoming entertainers, while the bizarre Bath Comedy Walk takes you around the city, aimed at the hysterical side of its marvels. Amongst other entertainment options, you can also enjoy the thrill of visiting the Century Casino Bath.

The food and drinks scenario in the city of Bath has earned it the repute of being a delicious destination for the soulful foodies. From leading Michelin Starred/ AA Rosette winning restaurants to warm & welcoming gastro pubs, thriving local producers, cozy cafes and passionate artisans, feasting in Bath will open doors to an abundance of culinary skills, served with tempting delights. From French Gourmet to flavors of Italy, there’s a cuisine befitting every occasion in Bath. The best restaurants and gastro pubs include the Olive Tree, Country Living Lansdown Grove for a delicious country-style breakfast, lunch or dinner, the Good Day café for fresh serves of breakfast, pastries & cakes, Tagine Zhor, an authentic bistro with a Moroccan flavor.

One of the most popular eats in the city is the Sally Lunn Bun, a teacake taken with the quintessential afternoon British Tea at most eateries. Bath Olivers is a close second with a dry baked biscuit that is Dr. William Oliver’s creation (a physician), followed by Bath Chaps-a salted & smoked pig cheek and jawbone, available from the daily covered market, while Bath Ales is a local brewery in Warmley in the city.

There’s a wide array of hidden gin distilleries, classy cocktail bars and elegant wine bars with many lively night clubs spanning the city of Bath, among which the Le Vignoble in Milsom Place is one of the best for a refreshing glass of wine, the Canary Gin Bar for a sample Gin Bath or the Cork and the Bell Inn for a live DJ set.

The packed and tourist-friendly city center of Bath is filled with small and large retailers with chic, and unique independent boutiques and premium high-fashion stores, ranging from arts, crafts, fashion, food, antiques, vintage clothing, quirky buys, jewelry and more! Southgate is most likely to be your first stop for some of the biggest brands like Urban Outfitters, Topshop, Debenham, etc., followed by Bath Abbey with its captivating passages and scenic alleys, filled with glassware, accessories, confectionery and fashion items, also providing a milieu for the annual Christmas market with an assortment of joyful chalets and carolers.

For the ethnic touch, the Guildhall Market on High Street is covered with shops selling silverware, leather, cheese, flowers, ironmongery that goes back nearly 7 centuries, with George Street and atop the Milsom Street filled with eclectic shops, miniature antiques and more, not to forget first-edition books, vintage jewels, historic maps and antique textiles.