A Weekend in Bath, England

Written By Jessica MacArthur

Why Bath, England Should Be Your Next Weekend Getaway

Bath, England has long been on my travel wish list. But when I told a friend I was finally visiting, she asked, “Oh, what do they have there?”—and I found myself momentarily stumped. Why was I here? Was it the centuries-old Roman Baths?

Then I remembered: Bath first called to me because of a little 2005 movie starring Keira Knightley and (of course) a pre-Succession Matthew Macfadyen. I’ve loved that film ever since, even reading the book multiple times. Now, spoiler alert, Pride and Prejudice was not made in Bath exactly, but the surrounding countryside was the setting for many scenes and you definitely get that vibe when you’re wandering the historical streets of Bath.

But it turns out Bath’s literary appeal runs even deeper. This charming town is full of unique bookstores, once home to Jane Austen and a refuge for Mary Shelley while she wrote Frankenstein. Even if you're not into bookish travel, Bath offers plenty: a stunning abbey, the famous Roman Baths (still flowing with hot mineral water), and modern thermal spas where you can soak like the Romans. Just outside town is Prior Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site with incredible views and one of the few remaining Palladian bridges in the world.

Still not sold? Bath was a key filming location for Bridgerton, and yes—there are even themed tours you can join.

Let me walk you through what I did in Bath, and why it’s the perfect weekend trip from London.

Day 1

After a smooth 1.5-hour ride on the Great Western Railway from London, I arrived in Bath. I recommend staying somewhere central like the Francis Hotel or the charming No. 15 Guesthouse. Drop your bags and kick off your visit with lunch at Noya’s Kitchen or The Scallop Shell for classic fish and chips.

Bookstore Crawl
If you’re a book lover, don’t miss Persephone Books, a woman-owned shop that republishes overlooked women writers. It's a joy to browse the handwritten book blurbs. Also pop into Mr. B’s Emporium, which is a four-story bookshop with cozy nooks and staff recommendations that never miss.

Evening at the Roman Baths
Book a late time slot for the Roman Baths. They say you need at least 2 hours to explore the baths, but I think arriving at 4:30 pm with a 6 pm closure is plenty of time to see what these historical baths have to offer. As evening falls, the flickering sconces around the baths give it a magical, almost eerie glow.

Dinner & Drinks
Head to Hall & Woodhouse for rooftop drinks. For dinner, try modern French at Wilks or keep it casual with Italian at Sotto Sotto. Cap the night at The Botanist, which often has live music.

Day 2

Morning Fuel
Start your day with coffee and a pastry at Cortado Café or enjoy a full breakfast at The Green Bird Café.

Historic Highlights
Visit Bath Abbey and find the exact square where Queen Elizabeth once knelt to pray. If you're up for it, book the Abbey Tower tour in advance. FYI the visit to the towers will last about an hour due to the narrow, one-way stairwell.

Lunch at Chequers
Make your way to Chequers for lunch, which is a Michelin Bib Gourmand spot and the best pub in Bath (IMO!). If you're there on a Sunday, don’t miss their incredible roast. Otherwise, enjoy a refined pub lunch and a cocktail.

What is Michelin Bib Gourmand? Check out this video where I explain why these are my favorite spots to visit.

Afternoon Options
You have choices:

I opted to walk (or rather hike) to Prior Park. It’s a 30-minute walk or a quick bus ride. If you aren’t interested in trekking up a steep hill to the park, opt for the bus, especially for the steep last stretch! This National Trust site is well worth the entry fee, the park’s staff are lovely, and the views of the park and unique Palladian Bridge are unbeatable.

Evening Wind-Down
Stop by Pulteney Bridge, built in 1774 and lined with shops. For a pre-dinner drink, check out 18 Green Street Wine Co. or sample local ciders at Bath Cider House.

Dinner
For Mediterranean flavors, head to OPA, or enjoy natural wine and small plates at Corkage Wine Bar.

Day 3

You can’t visit Bath without experiencing its famous thermal waters. Start the day with coffee from Colonna & Smalls, then head to Thermae Bath Spa for their first time slot. For around $50, you get two hours of bliss. Mineral thermal pools, a rooftop view, saunas, steam rooms, and even an ice room for contrast therapy. It’s the perfect way to unwind.

Final Exploration
After checking out of your accommodations, don’t miss a stroll to the Royal Crescent. It's one of Bath’s most iconic sights with its Georgian architecture, wide lawns, and even an appearance in Bridgerton (No. 1 Crescent is the Featherington home!). Treat yourself to a Mr. Whippy ice cream with a Flake while you soak in the view.

One Last Bite
Before heading out, grab a sandwich at Milk Bun for the train ride back.

Bath is the perfect blend of history, literature, architecture, and relaxation all within a short journey from London. I hope this inspires you to add Bath to your England itinerary!

Want my full Bath itinerary? Click here to get started.

Jessica MacArthur
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