Weekend breaks in Bath
11th November 2022
A beautiful spa town packed with history – it’s officially recognised as a Unesco World Heritage Site – Bath is one of the UK’s finest cities for a weekend break. River cruises, world-class theatres and, of course, spas and Roman ruins await.
We’ve pulled together an itinerary to help you plan your weekend, wherever you’re coming from. And on that note, Bath is very easy to get to by train, with regular connections from Reading, Bristol and London. Book your tickets with a Railcard and you can save 1/3 off most rail journeys.
Friday afternoon and evening
Drop your bags at the hotel and head out for a night of culture at the Theatre Royal. One of Britain’s oldest theatres, this magnificent Georgian showhouse offers a wide variety of plays, musicals and dance performances.
Fancy a laugh instead? Komedia will have you busting a gut. An award-winning venue with a reputation for big-name comedy, there’s a great bar here for dinner and pre-show drinks, too. If you’re looking for more entertainment, Bath’s city centre is filled with great venues for music, stand-up comedy and theatre.
Saturday all day
Bath is surrounded by scenic countryside and serene waterways, so start your day with a relaxing cruise along the River Avon. Many tours stop off at Bathampton, a pretty little village full of traditional pubs, independent shops and colourful narrowboats.
Back in the city, visit Bath’s biggest attraction, the Roman Baths. These spectacular baths date back to 70 AD when the Romans built them as a tribute to the goddess Sulis Minerva. Take an audio tour and discover the history of the city under the Romans.
Next, do as the Romans did, and take a relaxing dip at the nearby Thermae Bath Spa. The water here is naturally warm and rich in minerals, using the same spring the Romans would have used over 2,000 years ago. Book an evening session and watch the sunset over the city’s impressive skyline from the rooftop pool.
On holiday with the kids? Catch a film at one of Bath’s cinemas instead – the Odeon and the Little Theatre both play the latest blockbusters.
Once you’ve worked up an appetite, drop into one of Bath’s fantastic restaurants for dinner. Keep things casual with fish and chips at the Scallop Shell or go all-out with a table at the Olive Tree for a very British treat.
Sunday morning and afternoon
Get up early and take a stroll around the Unesco-listed city centre while the streets are quiet. Check out Bath’s gothic Abbey with its magnificent, intricately decorated facade before heading inside to see its soaring vaulted ceiling.
Afterwards, make the short walk to Pulteney Bridge, which is lined with shops on both sides. Eat your heart out Venice.
Of course, no trip to Bath would be complete without a snap of The Royal Crescent and The Circus, 2 of the finest examples of Georgian architecture in the country.
If you’re with the family, head down to Royal Victoria park. With a huge adventure playground and a mini golf course, this vast green space is a great place to keep the kids entertained.
In the afternoon, pay a visit to one of Bath’s most famous former residents, Jane Austen. The Jane Austen Centre tells the famed author’s story with the help of costumed actors and interactive exhibitions.
If you’ve got time, squeeze in a visit to the Fashion Museum to see how styles have changed over the decades. Its collection of clothing dates back to the 18th century, the period Austin was writing about.
Finally, take a stroll through Sydney Gardens, Bath’s meticulously maintained pleasure gardens. Dating back to 1795, it's one of the best examples of a Georgian pleasure garden in the UK. The gardens are also home to the Holburne Museum, a public art gallery in a Grade 1 listed building.
Even if you don’t have time to visit the gallery, the striking building is well worth seeing on its own. It’s just a 15-minute walk away from Bath Spa station, so the perfect way to end your weekend in Bath.
With a Two Together Railcard, you can get 1/3 off your train fares. Over a whole year, that could mean an average saving of up to £153!