Bath makes it onto TIME’s World 100 Greatest Places list

30 July 2021

In an incredible honour for the city, Bath has been featured on the TIME World’s 100 Greatest Places list for 2021!

The annual list brings together the publication’s pick of unique and extraordinary destinations from across the globe, as a must-visit guide for tourists and travellers. And of course, for the residents of each destination, inclusion on the TIME list is a considerable source of pride.

Bath is only one of three locations in the UK to make it onto the prestigious list, along with the Design District in London. Also flying the flag for the UK is Edinburgh, with a particular focus on its refined food scene.

Bath is in illustrious company on a global scale too. The list also features far-flung, iconic and historic destinations like Antarctica, Hokkaido in Japan, Australia’s Gold Coast, the Okavango Delta in Botswana, Sicily and Canada’s art hub Winnipeg.

Giving his reaction to the good news, Councillor Richard Samuel, the Deputy Leader of Bath & North East Somerset Council told the Bath Echo:

“This is a fantastic accolade for the city and all those who work so hard to ensure our high-quality visitor experience.

“There’s no doubt the local tourism sector has been hit hard by the pandemic, but it is returning with many people opting to stay local this year and choosing Bath as a must-see destination.

“For the city to be so highly recommended to a such large global audience bodes well for the sector’s longer-term recovery when we are once again able to welcome back international visitors.”

Why did Bath make the cut?

Of course, residents and visitors to Bath already know that the city is an extraordinary destination – but what exactly is it about Bath that won over the panel for the 2021 World’s Greatest Places list?

According to TIME, Bath offers visitors a chance to “immerse themselves in the drama and scandal of the Regency-era romance” with everything from guided tours to period accommodation. Series like the hit Netflix show Bridgerton have made a huge difference to the city’s popularity, with tourists from all over the world flocking for themed walking tours and a chance to see iconic filming locations.

Along with mentions of ever-popular historic sites such as the Roman Baths, the TIME listing for Bath also showcases new attractions in the city such as House of Frankenstein. This immersive, hands-on venue set to open in 2021 explores the author Mary Shelley’s time in Bath, where she’s believed to have written at least some of Frankenstein.

This is no ordinary museum though, as House of Frankenstein has come up with creative, imaginative ways to tell old stories – including featuring escape rooms inspired by Victor Frankenstein’s laboratory. It also happens to be right around the corner from our Milsom Retreat apartment – perfect for visitors wanting to stay nearby.

Want to see what all the fuss is about in Bath? Take a look at our beautiful self-catering period properties in the city centre, just a short stroll from all of Bath’s best attractions.