A 48-Hour Guide to Bath, Somerset
Nestled in southwest England, Bath is a stunning UNESCO World Heritage city combining historical charm and contemporary flair. It is perfect for a one-night, two-day getaway and offers an ideal mix of relaxation and culture. With accessible travel options and walkable attractions, it’s a destination worth the journey for solo travellers, friends, and family. My friend Clare and I decided on an autumn overnight stay to visit friends in this beautiful Georgian city.
Please also check out the VISIT BATH website for lots more information.
Getting There: Train or Car?
Bath is well-connected by train and road, making it easy to reach whether you’re driving or taking public transport.
- By Train: Direct train services from London Paddington take around 1.5 hours, while those from Bristol are only a 15-minute journey. Once you arrive at Bath Spa Station, the city centre and most key attractions are within walking distance.
- By Car: Bath is accessible from London (a 2.5-hour drive), Bristol (around 30 minutes), and other major cities. Parking can be limited in the city centre, so look for park-and-ride options on the city’s outskirts. We paid £18 for 24-hour parking at Charlotte Street Car Park, which is very central.
Whether basking in its history, relaxing, or simply wandering its cobbled streets, Bath promises an enriching experience for the discerning traveller.
Day one
After arriving just after midday, we checked into The Brooks Guest House, a cosy boutique hotel conveniently located in the heart of Bath. We were offered a friendly service and a hearty breakfast (the next day) and headed into town. It’s on a busy road, so you might need earplugs.
We had a quick sushi lunch and explored Bath Abbey, known for its beautiful architecture and stunning stained-glass windows. Climb the 212 steps of the abbey tower for sweeping views of the city (well worth it if you’re comfortable with heights). You may need to pay an additional fee to go up to the tower.
For all the Jane Austen fans out there (including me!), The Jane Austen Centre is a must. Dive into the life of one of England’s most beloved authors. Bath significantly influenced Austen’s work, and the centre offers interactive exhibits, period costumes (and bonnets to try on for some fun dress up!), and a lovely tearoom to experience the world where she lived with her family. There’s a fascinating 20-minute talk about the family tree and a little gift shop. All the staff are dressed up and speak like characters from her books, Mr Wickham was particularly dashing and caught our eye! Allow at least 90 minutes.
A short walk away is The Royal Crescent, an iconic, sweeping Georgian terrace of 30 houses that forms a graceful curve overlooking Royal Victoria Park. Built between 1767 and 1774 by architect John Wood the Younger, it is one of the finest examples of Georgian architecture in the UK. It offers a glimpse into the grandeur of 18th-century aristocratic life. Today, it remains a famous landmark and includes a luxury hotel, The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa, and No. 1 Royal Crescent Museum, which recreates the life of Bath’s high society in the late 1700s. The only irritating thing about the museum was the audio played in each room. Maybe I was getting old?
It was time to head back to our hotel to get changed for drinks at Brasserie Beau. Located on South Parade in Bath, it is a chic and contemporary brasserie known for its stylish ambience and inventive French-inspired menu. Set in an elegant, modern space, it offers a selection of seasonal dishes, fine wines, and expertly crafted cocktails. We then headed to friends for supper at their home.
Day two
I was lucky enough to get a press pass for the Thermae Bath Spa for 8.00 am before it opens to the public at 9.00 am; hence, photos of only myself and Clare as strictly no phones are allowed. This was by far the highlight of my Bath trip. I LOVED every minute of my three hours in the Spa and highly recommend it. Thermae Bath Spa is a modern wellness haven in Bath, famous for its natural thermal waters and luxurious spa facilities. Rooted in the city’s ancient history, the spa offers visitors the chance to bathe in the mineral-rich waters celebrated since Roman times. Highlights include the open-air rooftop pool, which provides panoramic views of Bath’s historic skyline, and the Minerva Bath, a spacious pool with invigorating whirlpools and a lazy river. In addition to its pools, the spa features an array of aromatic steam rooms, massage treatments, and wellness therapies, combining historic tradition with modern relaxation and a cafe. Bring flip flops and towels, gowns, shampoo, conditioner and body wash provided. The cost for a two-hour spa session is £41 per person Monday to Friday and £46 per person Saturday and Sunday.
Off to Sally Lunn’s Historic Eating House for lunch; a visit to Bath wouldn’t be complete without trying a famous Sally Lunn bun! This cosy, centuries-old tea shop is delightful, and there are savoury dishes on the menu, too.
Finally, a visit to the Roman Baths before heading home. A must-see attraction that gives a glimpse into the city’s Roman history, the audio guide (available in several languages) is excellent. To avoid queues, arrive early or pre-book with Bath’s Digital Pass. The Digital Pass gives discounted entry to several attractions, making it a budget-friendly option for exploring. Allow at least 90 minutes.
We chose a few key spots on this visit because we’ve been to Bath many times before, so please think about what you’d like to do and plan accordingly. You may also want to mooch around the city, taking in all the gorgeous Georgian architecture, the River Avon, a hop-on and hop-off bus, a walk around the top of the city on the skyline, and much more. We didn’t visit the Holburne Museum on this trip, but it is a favourite if you love art and architecture. With more time or another visit, I would also highly recommend walking the Bath Skyline. There is so much to see and do that it may require another visit. I’ve only shared a handful of the hundreds of photos I took of this beautiful city.
