Bath

Some towns impress you. Others stay with you. Bath, to me, does both effortlessly.

I have travelled around England, but Bath feels different. More refined. More harmonious. As a Greek, I couldn’t help but notice something familiar in its DNA: the reverence for water, for symmetry, for public spaces built not just to function, but to elevate everyday life. From Roman engineering to Georgian elegance, Bath feels like a dialogue between civilisations and one that is still ongoing.

If you only have a day, or perhaps one night, Bath is not a place to rush. It’s a place to walk, to look up, and to let history quietly tap you on the shoulder.

Morning: Where Roman Britain Still Breathes

Bath owes its very existence to water. Built around the only natural hot springs in England, the city began as a Roman settlement — Aquae Sulis — and that legacy remains its beating heart.

The Roman Baths

This is non-negotiable. If you see only one thing in Bath, make it this.

Dating back to around 70 BC, the Roman Baths are among the best-preserved Roman remains in the world. As a Greek, I found this especially moving: the Romans inherited so much from Greek civilisation — architecture, bathing culture, urban planning — and here it all comes together beautifully.

You can no longer bathe in the ancient pools, but walking around the steaming Great Bath, surrounded by stone columns and history, is powerful enough. The museum is interactive, well curated, and genuinely engaging.

Top tip: Book your ticket online in advance and choose a time slot. It’s worth every penny.

Bath Abbey: Grandeur Without Excess

Right next door stands Bath Abbey, elegant rather than overwhelming. Its history stretches back to the 7th century, and the interior — with its fan-vaulted ceiling and stained glass — rewards a slow visit.

If you can, climb the tower. The view over the honey-coloured rooftops is one of the best in the city. Just don’t do what I did and arrive too late — the regret is real.

Midday Wandering: Bridges, Circles & Georgian Perfection

One of Bath’s greatest luxuries is that it’s made for walking.

Pulteney Bridge

Possibly the most recognisable image of Bath. One of only four bridges in the world with shops built across it, Pulteney Bridge spans the River Avon with quiet confidence. Walk across it, then walk under it — the view from the riverbank is even better.

The Circus & Royal Crescent

If the Romans gave Bath its foundations, the Georgians gave it its elegance.

The Circus forms a perfect architectural circle — harmonious, balanced, almost mathematical. Just a short walk away, the Royal Crescent curves gently across the hillside, a masterpiece of urban design. Even if you’re not “into architecture”, you’ll feel why this place matters.

Bridgerton Fans, This One’s for You

If Bath feels cinematic, that’s because it quite literally is.

The city doubled as Regency-era London in Netflix’s Bridgerton, and many of its most iconic locations feature prominently throughout the series. Walking through Bath often feels like stepping straight into a period drama — corsets optional.

• The Royal Crescent appears frequently as the exterior of grand London residences, including the Bridgerton family home.

• The Holburne Museum (at the end of Great Pulteney Street) serves as Lady Danbury’s house (instantly recognisable to fans).

• The Abbey Green and surrounding streets are used for market scenes and social encounters.

Even if you’re not a die-hard fan, knowing this adds another layer of charm. And if you are a Bridgerton fan, Bath will feel like walking through a living set, just with better coffee and fewer scandals (sadly).

Lunch & Tea: Where Bath Gets Delicious

Sally Lunn’s Historic Eating House

This is not just a place to eat — it’s part of Bath’s story.

Sally Lunn Bath Buns are famous for a reason. Light, slightly sweet, and huge. I went for the Queen Victoria tea — bun and tea combo — and I still recommend it without hesitation.

Downstairs, you’ll find the small bread museum. It’s nothing fancy, but if you’re already there, it’s absolutely worth popping in. Something is charming about learning food history in the very place where it originated.

An Unexpected Favourite: Topping & Company Booksellers

Every city has its surprises. For me, in Bath, it was a bookshop.

Topping & Company Booksellers of Bath is not just a place to buy books; it’s an experience. Wooden shelves stretching upwards, rolling ladders, cosy corners, signed editions, gifts, and a building that feels like it belongs to another era entirely.

Even if you don’t buy anything (though you probably will), step inside. It captures the soul of Bath perfectly: cultured, calm, and unapologetically timeless.

Evening Options: Water or Wine

If you’re staying the night, you have choices.

• Thermae Bath Spa lets you experience the thermal waters properly — this time, from a modern rooftop pool overlooking the city.

• Or take the slower route: a pub, a wine bar, a relaxed dinner. Bath isn’t about wild nightlife. It’s about atmosphere, conversation, and unwinding — which suits the city perfectly.

Q&A

Is Bath worth visiting if I’m already in the UK?

Absolutely. Bath is ideal for a day trip or a relaxed overnight stay. If you enjoy history, architecture and beautiful cities with a human scale, Bath is a must.

Can I see Bath in one day?

Yes — very comfortably. The city is compact and walkable, and all major sights are close to one another. One night allows for a more relaxed pace, but even a day is enough to fall in love.

Is Bath an expensive city?

Slightly above average, mainly when it comes to attractions. Booking tickets in advance and planning your stops makes it manageable.

Is Bath only for history lovers?

Not at all. Whether you’re into period dramas (hello, Bridgerton), bookshops, food, spas or simply pretty streets, Bath has something for you.

What is Bath’s vibe in the evening?

Elegant and relaxed. Think cosy pubs, wine bars and good conversation rather than clubs and late nights — very much in tune with the city’s character.

Got more questions?

Drop them in the comments, and I’ll answer ASAP!

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