On a tour of the UK's best cities, you can’t miss medieval Bath. Located in Somerset surrounded by rolling hills and lush countryside, Bath is full of rich history and beautiful Georgian architecture. We went to Bath to explore the city in 2 days, testing out the best sights and attractions, traditional food and the old bars and pubs in the city. Basing ourselves at the St Christopher’s Inns hostel in Bath, take some inspiration with our 48 Hour Guide to one of England’s most-loved travel destinations...
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DAY 1
FREE HOSTEL BREAKFAST
Time for a day of exploring Bath. Wake up and enjoy the free hostel breakfast at St Christopher’s Inns, centrally located in the heart of the Old Town. The continental breakfast includes boiled eggs, hams, cheeses, toast, cereal, coffee, tea, yogurts and more. You can also upgrade to a hot breakfast for a small fee (the Full English is delicious). Fill yourself up then it’s time to see what Bath is all about.
BATH ABBEY CATHEDRAL
First stop: Bath Abbey Cathedral. This Anglican Parish Church is the finest example of Gothic architecture in the city and it’s just a 4 minute walk from the hostel. You simply must go inside to admire the high ceilings, stained glass windows and incredible interior. Don’t forget your camera. Founded in the 7th century, the cathedral is one of the oldest and most significant sights in Bath. You can climb 212 steps to get to the top of Bath Abbey where you’ll be greeted by amazing views of the city once you reach the top. Take some change with you because to get inside the holy church, you’re required to make a donation of around £4.
ROMAN BATHS
Just a stone’s throw away from Bath Abbey is the next stop on your Bath itinerary. You can’t come to Bath and not see what it’s most famous for - and aptly what the city is named after. The Roman Baths are remarkably preserved remains of one of the greatest religious spas of the ancient world. The natural hot springs which can be found in Bath were built in the Iron Age
This well preserved Roman site is open to the public - as well as the Roman Baths museum where you can learn more about the site. You can even walk on the original Roman pavements. You will probably end up spending around an hour in the Roman Baths admiring the architecture and taking in the history.
AFTERNOON TEA AT THE REGENCY TEA ROOM
Now it’s time for some good old fashioned British hospitality. Experience an English afternoon tea in Bath at the Regency Tea Room, just a 6 minute walk from the Roman Baths. Located in the Jane Austen Centre, this museum is dedicated to the famous English novelist Jane Austen who once lived in Bath. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped right into a Jane Austen novel as your high tea is set down in front of you by staff dressed up in authentic olden-day England attire.
For a price of just £18, a Tea with Mr Darcy includes a selection of delicate finger sandwiches, bitesize cakes, warm scones with cream and jam and, of course, tea - in fact you’ll have 16 different real leaf teas to choose from. For a truly British afternoon tea experience in Bath, the Regency Tea Room is a fantastic and affordable option.
ROYAL CRESCENT
After an indulgent afternoon tea, burn it off and head to the Royal Crescent. This is Bath’s most iconic street and it’s just a 7 minute walk from the Regency Tea Room. The Royal Crescent is a sweeping curve of 30 Grade I Listed terrace houses and it’s pretty spectacular. It is one of the greatest examples of Georgian architecture in the country. Take a walk around the entire Crescent that looks over Victoria Park’s green.
WALK IN VICTORIA PARK
Continue your walk around the Royal Crescent through to Victoria Park.The Royal park has a rich history; in fact it was opened by the 11-year-old Princess Victoria in 1830. Spanning 57 acres, Victoria Park is a beautiful greenland in the heart of the city, perfect for long summer walks or picnics. It’s also home to a mini golf course and Bath’s Royal Botanical Gardens, so if it’s a sunny day there are plenty of fun things to do. Feed the ducks, stop for a coffee then head to your next stop.
LITTLE THEATRE, BATH
One of Bath’s hidden gems; if you’re a movie lover make sure to pay a visit to the Little Theatre, a 1930s theatre that shows classic films as well as the latest blockbuster hits. The perfect evening activity, this arthouse cinema is something special so make the most of it while you’re in Bath. Check out what movies are on, book your evening time slot and get comfy. Every Sunday the cinema shows vintage movies. After the movie, head out for dinner and drinks back at the hostels Belushi’s Bar.
DINNER AND DRINKS AT BELUSHI’S
Burgers, drinks, music and fun. That’s what Belushi’s is all about. Have a mouth-watering meal at the hostel bar where guests receive 25% off all food. The burgers are tasty, the sides are irresistibly more-ish and the playlist is always banging. Sweet potato fries, chicken tenders, saucy BBQ chicken wings and fat burgers - can you get more indulgent than that? Make the most of Happy hour and 2 for 1 drinks deals at the bar. At night, the atmosphere at Belushi’s is lively and fun with a real party atmosphere so you can decide whether you want a night out or early night. Whatever you choose, your bed is just upstairs above the bar waiting for you.
DAY 2
BREAKFAST IN TRUE BATH STYLE: THE BATH BUN
Wake up, get ready and head out into Bath to try a tasty local staple dish. This charming historic eating house is the spot where legendary baker Sally Lunn invented the famous ‘Bath Bun’, a delicious sweet bun - perfect for a late English breakfast. You can gobble down a Bath Bun and still be wanting more they're that good. We recommend the Light Breakfast which consists of half a toasted buttered Sally Lunn bun topped with homemade cinnamon butter, or marmalade, washed down with a pot of house tea. This place opens at 10am so get there for a nice late brekkie.
THERMAE BATH SPA
After your breakfast, walk 3 minutes down the road for some relaxation and pampering. That’s what being in a countryside city is all about right? The Thermae Bath Spa is a must-do in the Georgian town. The historic thermal spa has a stunning open-air rooftop pool where you’ll get views of Bath and its rolling hills. For £36 on weekdays, you can enjoy a 2 hour spa session (with a towel, robe and slippers provided), with access to two spectacular baths fed by naturally warm, mineral-rich waters.
COFFEE STOP
Time for a quick caffeine break. Stop for a coffee at The Bridge Coffee Shop and enjoy views over the River Avon. This quaint little coffee shops is located just at the entrance of the Pulteney Bridge so you can either take your coffee to go (as the bridge is the next stop on our itinerary) or enjoy your caffeine inside the cosy cafe.
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WALK OVER THE PULTENEY BRIDGE
Bath’s famous bridge is Pulteney Bridge is it’s perhaps one of the cutest bridges in the UK. Walk down the Pulteney Bridge and pop into the small, independent local shops and charity shops that line it. The Pulteney Bridge Flower Shop is one of the highlights. The bridge crosses over the River Avon and from it, make the most of beautiful views over the water and of Georgian architecture.
THE HOLBURNE MUSEUM
For your daily dose of culture, walk 7 minutes to the Holburne Museum on the other side of the bridge. The Holburne Museum houses a fascinating collection of fine art, family treasures and furniture formed by Sir Thomas William Holburne (1793-1874) who lived in Bath. The original collection is still present in the museum today - the only difference is that there are temporary exhibitions and a cafe added for visitors. Admission to the museum is free from 3 to 5pm every Wednesday and from 5 to 9pm last Friday in the month. Otherwise it’s £12.50 for entry or free if you’re under 18.
EARLY LUNCH AT A BRITISH PUB
You should have built up a good appetite by now so it’s time for lunch. Try a British pie and mash at The Raven, a traditional British pub in Bath in the Old Town close by to the hostel. Located on the corner of a cobbled street, this old family-owned pub is inside two Georgian houses. Specialising in British comfort food like sausages and hearty pies, as well as real ales and wines, fill yourself up on a delicious pub lunch. A big hot pie and buttery mustard mash will only set you back £12. There's even a vegan pie for you plant-based lovers.
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RELAX AT THE HOSTEL
Get back to the hostel to rest your feet and re energise for the evening ahead. St Christopher’s Inns is just a two minute walk from The Raven Pub so you don’t have to go far to get there. Make friends in the hostel bar, grab a drink or head back to the room for a quick nap. After enjoying some 2 for 1 drinks at the Belushi’s Happy Hour which starts at 5pm - 7.30pm, head out to explore some of Bath’s coolest bars.
DRINKS AT THE CANARY GIN BAR
If you’re a gin lover you’ll be happy to know that Bath has its own Gin! Head to the Canary Gin Bar in the city’s Old Town to taste some of the best gin cocktails, made in its very own distillery. The bar is also home to Bath’s first gin distillery for 250 years. This is our favourite place to enjoy gin and tonics in Bath, plus it’s super cosy and homely. The distillery are the official producers of ‘Bath Gin’ so check it out...
DINNER AT YAK YETI YAK
The last supper. End your last day in Bath with a fabulous meal at Yak Yeti Yak and indulge in traditional Nepalese food. The city has more than just British pubs and restaurants, it also excels at international cuisines. Book your table in advance because this is a popular spot for the locals. We recommend the tasty momo (Nepalese dumplings) at Yak Yeti Yak accompanied by a traditional Nepalese beer. Fresh, fragrant food and suitable for vegans vegetarians, you won’t regret dining here if you love curries, noodles, potatoes, daal, basmati rice and spice!