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Bath- how to spend one day in the medieval city of Bath (England)

May 22, 2022 By Gabi Zec 20 Comments

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22.05.2022.

Bath is one of the prettiest towns in England, known by its Roman baths (as the name suggests). The enchanting atmosphere of its medieval charm invites even for one day. Just like rural atmosphere of Cotswolds, Bath is a fabulous day trip from London. The train takes 90 minutes from London but I was travelling around 3h considering the cheaper tickets by bus. If you get a chance, definitely stay 2 or more days.

Now entitled as an UNESCO World Heritage Site, Bath is a city that bursts with history and culture. More than that, it has a vibrant street atmosphere full of street performers. If you love the spa culture and are eager to visit some amazing spa towns in Europe, donโ€™t miss Bath.

Sitting on the river Avon Bath has a plenty of things to offer. Itโ€™s a birthplace of Jane Austen where you can absorb the vibes of her novels. Actually, I managed to see Priory Gardens, ancient Roman Baths, stunning Pulteney bridge and just absorb the atmosphere.

Priory Gardens, Bath

Priory Gardens in Bath are located withinh 30 minutes walk from the historical centre. When I arrived in Bath, I took a bus near the bus station (as I didnโ€™t know where to go) and returned by foot. You can easily go by foot all the way as the path is just straight. It was such a refreshment in the hot spring day, away from the Sun.

Several lakes decorate the garden, as well as the Gothic temple, Mrs Allenโ€™s Grotto, the ice house and the serpentine lake.

Bath Skyline within 5-minutes walk from the garden encompasses the stunning views. It includes woodlands, meadows, an Iron Age hill-fort and Roman settlements on the 10 km long trail.

Stunning views flow from the Garden to the city of Bath.

Priory Gardens, Bath
Priory Gardens, Bath

Briefly about the history

Following the vision of the local businessman Ralph Allen Priory Gardens were created in the 1700s. His aim was the possibility that everyone can admire Bath. The main idea came from the design that created poet Alexandre Pope. Nowadays the place in the ownership of the National Trust.

Covering several lakes the place is undoubtely romantic and tranquil. The most picturesque is the lake over Palladian bridge. The Palladian style actually originated from the Venetian architect Andrean Palladio (1508-1580). The Palladian bridge is one of the four in the world.

The Priory Gardens defined the English landscape garden. In 1100 the Garden was situated as the deer park. Priory Garden also surrounded Ralph Allenโ€™s house, which is now a private school and later became Priory Park College. Ralph Allen helped creating one of the most fashionable towns in England.

Roman Baths, the highlight of Bath

Magnifiscient Roman Baths represent the essence of this spa town. Located in the centre of Bath next to the Bath Abbey, going inside offers the stunning view of the Cathedral.

The Roman Baths were used untill the end of the Roman rule in Britain in the 5th century. Nowadays the public swimming is not allowed because the water became polluted. That happened due to the dangerous amoeba. A century later the Roman Baths experienced only the ruins untill they were redevoled in the Early and Late Middle Ages.

Roman Baths, the higlight of the city of Bath
Roman Baths, the highlight of the city of Bath
Amazing cathedral in the city of Bath, as seen from the Roman Baths

Whatโ€™s included in the Roman Baths

The Roman Baths consist of the Sacred Spring, the Roman temple, the Roman Bath house and a museum.

Visiting the Roman Baths allows you to absorb the ancient atmosphere and excellent views of Bath. The main source of water flows under the large spa. The Romans believed that it was a sacred source of Minerva Sulis. The thefts of their clothing were happening pretty usually.

If youโ€™re interesting in bathing, go visit Therme Bath Spa. They offer the splendid views of the cathedral but are pretty expensive.

Pulteney Bridge, Bath

Pulteney Bridge upon the river Avon was constructed in 1774. Designed by Robert Adams in the Palladian style, itโ€™s one of the Bathโ€™s attractions. It covers shops on both sides which is pretty unusual and rare to see in the world.

Pulteney Bridge, Bath
Pulteney Bridge, Bath

Boat tours leave regularly to Bathampton. The street over the bridge is closed to the traffic but this excludes buses, taxis and cycles.

Jane Austen Center, Bath

Unfortunately, I didnโ€™t read Jane Austenโ€™s books and I havenโ€™t visited this place. Elegant Georgian building transfers you back in time of her novels. You will see costumed actors in this permanent exhibition. You will also get the opportunity to take some recipes and dress up in Regency costumes.

The annual Jane Austen festival celebrates the novels of Jane Austen by theatre performances, dance, music, readings and the famous costumed promenade. Itโ€™s happening during the ten days in September.

Final thoughts- The marvelous city of Bath in England

In one day I saw Priory Gardens, Roman Baths, Pulteney bridge and the amazing atmosphere this city offers. I love the street performers and the vibe is fantastic.

The street atmosphere of Bath
The street atmosphere of Bath

Definitely I wish that I could get more like Jane Austenโ€™s centre. Absorbing medieval historical charm of Bath is just magical. If you can, allow yourself at least two days to explore and enjoy Bath. I even saw the caffe bar from Bridgerton series as some locals told me but I donโ€™t know much about this show. If youโ€™ll visit one city in England in one day, definitely choose Bath. One day Iโ€™ll come back and explore more.

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Filed Under: Europe, Garden and Travel stories, UK Tagged With: "Bath, #England Travel, #Jane Austen, #London Day Trips, #UK Travel

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Comments

  1. Lisa says

    May 23, 2022 at 10:09 am

    You certainly packed in a lot for a one-day visit, Gabi! Love that you enjoyed my hometown so much and yes, I hope you can come again, there is plenty more to see!

    Reply
    • admin says

      May 23, 2022 at 3:42 pm

      Thanks, glad about it. I would love to visit you one day so we can explore more possibly..

      Reply
  2. Jenny says

    May 23, 2022 at 11:33 am

    This was a really helpful post! Iโ€™d love to visit Bath one day so Iโ€™ll definitely be taking these recommendations on board!

    Reply
  3. Katy Gilroy says

    May 23, 2022 at 5:45 pm

    Iโ€™m dying to go to Bath it looks so pretty! Itโ€™s on my wishlist for sure ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
  4. readandreviewit says

    May 23, 2022 at 6:31 pm

    Ooh I love this! Iโ€™ve been to Bath a couple of times recently and it truly is such a charming town. I havenโ€™t had the chance to visit the Priory Gardens yet though, so Iโ€™ll have to fit it in next time I visit! Thank you so much for sharing.

    Reply
  5. Tracy McHugh says

    May 23, 2022 at 9:18 pm

    I went to Bath once years ago, great city! Loved seeing the pictures and reminiscing.

    Reply
  6. Tiffany says

    May 23, 2022 at 11:15 pm

    Iโ€™ve never had a chance to see Bath or England but I would love to one day, I really loved all the pictures that show off all the architecture, itโ€™s all so beautiful and amazing! ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
  7. Fadima Mooneira says

    May 24, 2022 at 2:17 pm

    I visited Bath long time ago. I really love the city. I wish to visit there again in the future. Thank you for sharing.

    Reply
  8. Emma T says

    May 24, 2022 at 7:50 pm

    Itโ€™s a really beautiful city. We didnโ€™t have time to do priory gardens when we visited there โ€“ my son wasnโ€™t keen either. But maybe next time

    Reply
  9. Tigs says

    May 25, 2022 at 11:50 am

    I absolutely love bath!

    Reply
  10. Helen Story says

    May 26, 2022 at 4:38 pm

    Can you believe I only live an hours drive away from Bath and yet Iโ€™ve never been? I really must make the trip! The priory gardens look beautiful.

    Reply
  11. Rocking Specter says

    May 26, 2022 at 10:09 pm

    This is a great post. Bath is one of the most interesting cities in England. You have definitely piqued our interest in checking it out. Thank you for sharing!

    Reply
  12. Cassie says

    May 28, 2022 at 3:36 pm

    I can see why you recommend spending more than 1 day there. Iโ€™m impressed that you managed to do so much in such a short amount of time. I would need more time, especially visiting places of such beauty and history. I am always amazed when I see the old architecture that is the foundation of England/ UK. Thank you for sharing your travels with us.

    ~ Cassie | letsgrowmom.com

    Reply
  13. Jeanine says

    June 1, 2022 at 11:45 am

    Love this post Bath is on my DO list thank you for so much information

    Reply
  14. Tammi Kaeberlein says

    June 2, 2022 at 1:25 pm

    Adding Bath to my list, thanks! Iโ€™m super curious what that man was writing on the ground???

    Reply
  15. Riyah Speaks says

    June 3, 2022 at 12:47 pm

    I love medieval towns! Iโ€™m definitely adding this to my travel bucket list.

    Reply
  16. Benny says

    June 4, 2022 at 4:40 pm

    Thank you, Gabi. This post brought back many lovely memories of my visits to Bath. I must say that I missed some of the sights, such as the Priory Gardens. Good reason to go back.

    Reply
  17. Miriam Jones says

    June 5, 2022 at 9:15 pm

    Roman towns around the UK are so interesting! Iโ€™d love to see all this history in Bath. Thanks for showing us around

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Amazing spa towns in Europe - says:
    December 12, 2022 at 4:56 pm

    [โ€ฆ] historic city of Bath lies in southern England, in Somerset. Itโ€™s the only UK town that holds the title of UNESCO World [โ€ฆ]

    Reply
  2. Cotswolds- visiting a charming English countryside in one day - says:
    October 24, 2023 at 8:47 pm

    [โ€ฆ] Other day trips from London: Bath, charming spa town [โ€ฆ]

    Reply

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