Top attractions and things to do in Bath

Rich Roman heritage, honey-hued Georgian terraces, and peaceful public gardens combine in Bath to offer an enchanting city experience like no other. Famed for its Roman Baths, cobbled streets, and quintessential tea rooms; this UNESCO World Heritage Site immerses visitors with a vibrant culture, fascinating history, and most importantly, plenty of attractions and places to eat… 

If you’re looking for things to do in Bath, whether you’re visiting as a family, couple, or with the dogs in tow, our guide to Bath’s best attractions offers a perfect starting point ahead of your arrival to one of England’s prettiest cities.

Skip to: 

• Family activities in Bath
• Things to do in Bath for couples
• Dog-friendly things to do in Bath
• Shopping in Bath
• Walks around Bath

Family activities in Bath

There’s no shortage of family activities in Bath; the ancient city presents a wide range of charming attractions that appeal to visitors of all ages. See our favourite things to do in Bath for families below, and start planning your group trip by exploring our collections of family accommodation and large properties across the city.

The Roman Baths

What better way to discover the city’s history than exploring The Roman Baths? One of the best-preserved Roman remains in the world, this 2000-year-old site invites families to uncover its ruins and steaming baths, while its museum and guided tours allow you to dive into the city’s heritage. 

One of our favourite family activities in Bath, the Baths beckon children with a budding interest in history. Let your little ones follow ‘Hoot the Owl’ on interactive trails while older children stay entertained with a free audio guide designed just for younger visitors.

Bath World Heritage Centre

If you’re looking for things to do in Bath for families that quench your thirst for local history, look no further than the Bath World Heritage Centre. This free-to-enter attraction invites families and visitors alike to discover everything that makes the city so unique and world-famous. 

One of the best rainy-day family activities in Bath immerses visitors in the city’s reputation for Roman remains, Georgian architecture, and the fascinating Somerset landscape that surrounds it. For families with kids, we recommend downloading the Bath World Heritage app, which offers augmented reality characters, virtual trails, quirky facts, and plenty more engaging features.

Mary Shelley’s House of Frankenstein

Bath’s history isn’t all Roman! Did you know that the city is the official birthplace of Frankenstein? Mary Shelley wrote her renowned novel while living here in 1816, and families can learn all about her life and the origins of the world’s most famous monster at The House of Frankenstein. 

An award-winning, multi-sensory museum combines escape rooms, after-dark experiences, and special events to offer one of the most popular family activities in Bath for all those with a passion for science fiction and gothic horror.

Things to do in Bath for couples

Can’t decide between a city break or a romantic retreat? Combine the two with a getaway to Bath, where timeless beauty, narrow streets, and serene parks combine to offer a charming destination. Discover our favourite things to do in Bath for couples, and start planning your break by browsing our collection of romantic properties across the city.

Thermae Bath Spa

Looking to add some steam to your romantic break? The adults-only Thermae Bath Spa offers one of the best things to do in Bath for couples. Gaze out across the golden cityscape from the rooftop pool, unwind in the multi-sensory wellness suite, steam in the indoor Minerva Bath, and choose from a wide range of treatments and spa packages. 

Adding to the spa’s appeal is the Springs Café, which allows couples to dip and dine surrounded by beautiful Georgian architecture. Enjoy a selection of light bites complemented by natural soft drinks, carefully selected wines, and steaming cups of loose-leaf tea. Take a look at our full guide to the top spas in Bath for more inspiration. 

Bath Abbey

The magnificent Bath Abbey dominates the city’s pretty skyline, protruding 50 metres and inviting culture-seeking couples to step inside and uncover its breathtaking design and even more impressive history. 

Inside, beautiful flooring and famous stained-glass windows combine to offer one of the best things to do in Bath for couples seeking a break from the city’s buzzing streets. Climb the tower’s 212 steps for views of Bath and the surrounding countryside, walk through the Discovery Centre that brings the abbey’s history to life, and keep your eyes peeled for the abbey’s many events and concerts.

Pulteney Bridge

They say the best way to discover a city is on foot, and as one of Bath’s most famous landmarks, Pulteney Bridge offers the perfect starting point for a cost-effective, hand-in-hand day together. 

This masterpiece of Georgian architecture blends utility and beauty with its combination of honey-coloured stonework, graceful arches, and boutiques and cafes waiting to be discovered. Marvel at the bridge from the banks of the River Avon or join a boat cruise nearby to appreciate it from a unique perspective.

Dog-friendly things to do in Bath

Sniffing out dog-friendly things to do in Bath? Your four-legged friend will uncover a haven for hounds thanks to the city’s blend of scenic parks, abandoned historic structures, and riverside walks. Discover some of our favourite pup-welcoming spots and start planning your getaway today by exploring our collection of dog-friendly properties nearby.

Sham Castle Bath

While there are plenty of dog-friendly things to do in Bath’s centre, this interesting 18th-century folly offers a unique, rugged experience for both humans and hounds. 

Set on the verdant hills that surround the city, Sham Castle Bath offers an insight into life during the Georgian era. Set off on foot with Rover leading the way; turn a corner and you’ll find a collection of grand arches and turrets laying bare and ready for discovery. There aren’t many facilities to speak of here, presenting the perfect chance for a picnic overlooking Bath’s famous skyline.

Royal Victoria Park

Celebrate Bath’s regal history and gorgeous greenery in one visit when you explore Royal Victoria Park – a paradise for both dogs and humans alike. Spanning 57 acres and combining rolling lawns with leafy pathways, Georgian architecture, and botanical gardens; this is one of the best dog-friendly things to do in Bath – especially when the sun shines! 

It’s worth noting that some areas of the park are off limits to dogs – these include children’s play areas and the duck ponds, while some fields require dogs to be on the lead. Other than these areas, let Fido discover Bath until his tail can wag no longer.

Bath Skyline Walk

Bath sits in a natural bowl that offers a scenic 7.5-mile trail perfect for keen walkers and their furry friends. Managed by the National Trust, the Bath Skyline Walk is one of the best dog-friendly things to do in Bath thanks to its far-reaching views, fresh air, and opportunities for exercise. 

Pass through open fields along its course, enter historic woodland, and turn corners to uncover picture-perfect picnic spots overlooking the city. On your return to the centre, why not reward your pack with a bite to eat in one of our favourite dog-friendly restaurants in Bath?

Shopping in Bath

If you’re looking for things to do in Bath beyond family attractions and historical adventures, then you’ll be happy to hear that the city presents a paradise for shoppers. Bath combines bespoke boutiques with high-street favourites to provide a memorable shopping experience, showcased in sprawling malls and markets or hidden down narrow lanes.. 

Start by exploring the vintage shops in Bath – you’ll find no end of choice if you’re interested in sourcing retro clothes that are hard to find elsewhere. A trip to the city’s oldest shopping venue – Bath Guildhall Market – may also lead to undiscovered gems; expect traditional stores selling all things confectionery, exotic textiles, souvenirs, local produce, and bespoke jewellery. 

Modern style meets convenience in SouthGate Bath. Set in the heart of the city and beckoning you to explore its open-air walkways and arches, this vibrant shopping hub hosts high-street favourites, more of the best vintage shops in Bath, and plenty of spots to grab a bite to eat — find the perfect lunch stop in our guide to restaurants in Bath.

Walks around Bath

If river cruises and open-top buses aren’t your scene, then one of the best things to do in Bath is discover the city and surrounding landscapes at your very own pace. From historic walks through the centre to scenic trails in the countryside, below are three of our favourite Bath walking trails. 

Don’t fancy paying for a guided walking tour? The Historical Bath City Walking Tour leads you past the city’s most famous and postcard-worthy landmarks. This circular trail is generally considered easy thanks to its short distance and lack of hills to climb. 

Beautiful meadows, ancient trees, and hidden castle remains await along the Bushey Norwood, Bathampton Wood and Sham Castle circular trail. Considered easy, this route is ideal for families and couples planning leisurely strolls through Bath’s surrounding woodland and countryside. 

One of the most popular walking trails in Bath; the Bathwick and Claverton Down Circular is perfect for walkers seeking a challenging hike with far-reaching views. Its moderate difficulty stems from the climbs and descents that surround the city centre, but efforts are rewarded with stunning views of Bath’s skyline as well as plenty of spots to stop for a picnic or well-earned brew.

Start planning your Bath adventures

Now you’re clued up on the top things to do in Bath, why not start planning your city break today? Click the link below to explore our collection of holiday lets in and around the centre. From family-friendly homes to romantic apartments and historic townhouses – your perfect holiday base awaits.