This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my Affiliate Disclosure and Privacy Policy for more information.
You’ve decided you want to spend a weekends in Bath, but where you you start? This is your guide to planning the best staycation in the city. Let’s get into it!
Why you should spend weekends in Bath
Bath is the only city to be a UNESCO World Heritage Site in its entirety is renowned for its Roman-built baths, Georgian architecture, and buzzy cultural scene. Spending a couple of weekends in Bath means you can really immerse yourself in the history, enjoy the best foodie spots, and explore its picturesque surroundings. The city’s small size makes it easy to navigate on foot, ensuring you can experience a lot in a short amount of time.
How to plan your trip to Bath
Get a local’s opinion
Before you visit Bath, use blogs like this one you’re reading, Betsy in Bath, or Visit Bath to gather inspiration for an itinerary that fits your exact interests.
Download local apps
Xplore: Earn cashback on many independents in Bath. You can spend the cashback instantly, getting a discount while supporting the local economy. Good Day Cafe is such a gem, the iced coffees are perfect for hot weekends in Bath.
FirstTable: This is such a useful app to use when exploring a new city. All you have to do is book one of the first tables at a restaurant through the app to receive a generous discount on the bill.
Check the reviews
I always provide my most honest reviews here on the blog. If you have specific requirements or accessibility needs, it’s best to see what others are saying on TripAdvisor before you go. I can’t cover everything in my writing, so please do a bit of research beforehand!
Touristy things you must do during weekends in Bath
Visit the Roman Baths
The Roman Baths are a must-visit attraction in Bath. While it is expensive, at least £20 per adult, its such a key part of Bath’s history and is an incredibly preserved Roman bath. I think everyone should do it once.
To avoid the crowds, visit early in the morning or take advantage of the Summer Lates if you’re visiting during the warmer months. You can book your tickets here: Roman Baths.
Explore Sally Lunn’s Historic Eating House
Sally Lunn’s is a brunch spot steeped in history, dating back to 1680, with an original oven still in place. As one of the oldest houses in Bath, it offers a glimpse into pre-Georgian times. Okay, it does have queues of tourists outside but it doesn’t take long to get inside and it’s very quaint once you’re in.
Plus, Jane Austen had connections to Sally Lunn’s, where buns were a breakfast staple, served with a sharp knife and butter. Visitors today can enjoy free museum entry after tasting a Sally Lunn bun.
Now, it’s best to visit early or book for dinner to avoid the 12-3pm rush, with generally short wait times for seating. On the menu, I’ve tried the basic cinnamon butter bun which is a standout sweet treat, while my partner had the ham and piccalilli bun and thought it was a great savoury option.
Discover Bath Abbey
You can’t miss Bath Abbey, it’s where the first ever coronation took place and religious activities have been happening here since 767AD!
The space is huge so it doesn’t generally get too busy, however, if you’d like to do a Tower Tour, where you climb the 212 steps to the top of the tower for some of the most incredible views in Bath, it’s worth booking ahead of time. There’s even an option to have a private tour where you can propose to your significant other (hint hint to all the partners out there!). So cute.
The cost to enter the Abbey is £7.50 for adults; but residents can get free entry with a Discovery Card. They often host events so please check the website before you go to see if there’s something fun you can get onboard with.
Tour Bridgerton locations
Fans of Bridgerton will love exploring the filming locations in Bath. You can visit them yourself or take a guided tour. Key spots to include on your tour are:
- The Royal Crescent
- Holburne Museum
- Abbey Deli (Abbey Green)
- Bath Street
Book a musical Bridgerton tour here: Bridgerton Tour.
Non-touristy things to do during the weekends in Bath
Enjoy afternoon tea
No visit to Bath is complete without indulging in an afternoon tea. My favourite top spots include:
- The Bird: For my sober friends, they have a delicious AF bubbles option, and were so accommodating when I was making double, triple sure it was definitely alcohol free because the AF bubbles tasted so real.
- The Pump Room Restaurant: For luxury glamour, loads of history and a live pianist!
- Montagu’s Mews: For a delightful summer afternoon tea on the terrace.
Walk to Sham Castle
If you’re on a budget, take the picturesque walk to Sham Castle which offers beautiful views and is a part of Bath’s history often missed by tourists. The folly (meaning fake) caste was originally built in the 1760s to enhance the view from the prominent Bath entrepreneur, Ralph Allen’s, townhouse, it’s a great spot to stop off at the start of the Skyline Walk, or just head up here at sunset for an incredible golden glow across the city.
Go shopping
If you’re not on a budget, Bath is known for its shopping so head to one of these districts to shop.
Walcot Street for artisan shops
The artisan quarter is quieter than the main city so it’s a slower pace to shop. You’ll also find some very niche shops that are just a joy to explore. Here are some of the highlights.
- Wolf Wine: Stop here for indie wine.
- Meticulous Ink: An utterly luxurious fine stationery retailer.
- Bath Aqua Glass: This is a fun activity and you can visit the cute shop and cafe after.
- Walcot House: Great food in the evening or a relaxed coffee during the day.
- Pomegranate: Amazing Mediterranean food.
SouthGate for high street brands
If you prefer high street brands, this chain shopping centre is located right next to Bath Spa station and is where you’ll find major high street brands including Zara, H&M, and Urban Outfitters. If you get hungry while you’re here, try try Juno or Bath Chocolate Company to support the independents in the area.
If you’re visiting Bath in summer, read this guide to find the best things you can do during the season.
Where to stay
The Queensberry
The Queensberry Hotel is known for its luxurious decor and unique rooms. Each room is furnished beautifully, offering a glamorous base for your weekend. It’s also home to Bath’s only Michelin-starred restaurant.
You can book The Queensberry hotel here.
Harington’s Hotel
Harington’s Hotel stands out for its private hot tub room and beautifully romantic accommodations. Its central location makes it a convenient and romantic choice for your weekend stay.
You can book Harington’s Hotel here.
Further afield: The Rumple Hut
If you’re looking to explore beyond the city, The Rumple Hut near Bradford on Avon is a quaint shepherd’s hut perfect for a short stay. Overlooking a vegetable patch and hosted by friendly owners, it offers a serene escape.
Book The Rumple Hut here.
All that’s left to do is enjoy your weekends in Bath. For more insights and listicles, subscribe to my email list below!
