10 things to do in Bath

Last week, I wrote a blog post featuring 15 reasons why you should spend your holiday in the UK and a little longer ago, I wrote an ode to Somerset, one of my favourite regions in the country. As part of the #PostcodePride campaign by https://www.pcapredict.com, I thought I’ll share with you 10 things to do in Bath, and tell you why should definitely visit the secret capital of Somerset.

While I have never lived in Bath, it’s definitely a place that we have visited a lot as a family. It’s only a 30-minute drive away from Bristol and a great place to visit as a couple, with a group of friends or as a family traveling with children. There’s so much to do and see there and if you’re planning a trip to Bath, here are some top tips from me:

10 things to do in Bath

Things to do in Bath: Roman Baths

[instagram url=https://www.instagram.com/p/BSdtto0lkNV width=850]

No trip to Bath is complete without visiting the legendary Roman Baths located in Bath’s city centre. They’re a World Heritage Site and one of the most popular tourist attractions in the UK. Find out more about Roman life in Britain, see the majestic temple and visit the sacred spring at the heart of the site. Kids love chatting to the customed characters and hear their stories about life in Roman Britain. The audio-guide for kids is exceptional. It’s one of my all-time favourites and if you check out my friend Melissa and her husband Marcus’ blog post on getting steamy at the Roman Baths you’ll know exactly why this destination is an absolute must when visiting Bath.

Things to do in Bath: Fashion Museum Bath

[instagram url=https://www.instagram.com/p/BV__Xxhh_nI width=850]

If you love clothes and accessories, Bath’s Fashion Museum should definitely be on your itinerary. The museum houses a world-class collection of contemporary and historic dresses dating back from the 1600s. Passionate about art? Visit the museum on the first Saturday of the month and join in with one of the free Saturday Sketching sessions.

Things to do in Bath: Bath Umbrellas

[instagram url=https://www.instagram.com/p/BIKPt3qANEY width=850]

A thousand umbrellas are suspended around South Gate, Bath’s number one shopping destination, creating the perfect colourful backdrop for your selfies. Make sure to take a snapshot and share it on Instagram using the #bathumbrellas.

Things to do in Bath: Royal Crescent

[instagram url=https://www.instagram.com/p/BXAghqGAEah width=850]

The city’s most iconic architectural landmark is celebrating its’ 250th birthday this year and definitely worth a visit. Built between 1767 and 1774 and designed by John Wood, the Younger, the Grade I listed building is one of the greatest examples of Georgian architecture in the United Kingdom. The 500-foot-long crescent is made up of 11 full-sized townhouses, numerous flats, the Royal Crescent Museum and the Royal Crescent Hotel in the centre of the building.

Things to do in Bath: The Real Italian Ice-Cream Co.

[instagram url=https://www.instagram.com/p/6-HdaVLP4S width=850]

For some of the city’s best ice-cream head to The Real Italian Ice-Cream Co on York Street. Located just a stone throw away from Bath Abbey, the ice-cream parlour with the bright pink marquee is the perfect pit stop after a long morning of sightseeing or shopping. Don’t fancy ice-cream (what’s wrong with you?)? Try their super creamy milkshakes or homemade waffles instead.

Things to do in Bath: Jane Austen Centre

[instagram url=https://www.instagram.com/p/BWSNGrvlvHr width=850]

Jane Austen lived in Bath between 1801 to 1806 and has based two of her famous novels here. Find out more about the author’s life and work in the city and speak to the costumed ‘character’ guides to learn about Bath’s influence on Austen’s writing. The centre is also home to the Regency Tea Room, so why not pop in for a visit and let the staff, dressed in full Regency regalia, serve you some delicious treats in a period atmosphere?

7. Pulteney Bridge

[instagram url=https://www.instagram.com/p/BWPi_ZYlT44 width=850]

Pulteney Bridge is probably one of the most photographed sites in Bristol. The arch bridge, designed by Robert Adam, crosses the river Avon and was built using Bath Stone, a special limestone found in Somerset and giving Bath’s historic buildings their unique look. The bridge overlooks the weir and houses shops built across its full span on both sides, with a wonderful little restaurant at the end of it. If you want to eat some fantastic food in a relaxed atmosphere, make sure to check it out. It’s one of my favourites in the city.

Things to do in Bath: Bath Boating Station

[instagram url=https://www.instagram.com/p/BWVvThoH00S width=850]

If after all the sightseeing and good food, you feel like you want to get some exercise in, I’ve just got the idea for you. Hire a Thames Skiff (that’s a rowing boat for us non-experts), Canadian canoe or punt and discover Bath’s waterways leaving from Forester Road in Bathwick. You might even meet some otters and kingfishers along the way.

Things to do in Bath: Bath Abbey

[instagram url=https://www.instagram.com/p/BU-GKGJDlzu width=850]

There are dozens of things to do in Bath but an absolute must is a visit to Bath Abbey. The Anglican parish church and former Benedictine monastery dates back to the 7th century and is located directly next to the Roman Baths.

Look out for the angels climbing up the West Front on their way to heaven and take a moment to enjoy the magnificent glass windows of the cathedral. For a behind-the-scenes look at the Abbey, take one of the Tower Tours. Climb up 212 stairs, visit the ringing and bell chamber, stand on top of the Abbey’s fan vaulted ceiling and enjoy spectacular views of Bath and the surrounding countryside.

Things to do in Bath: Royal Victoria Park

[instagram url=https://www.instagram.com/p/BWfBErphWUc width=850]

If you’re visiting Bath with children, you will earn some serious brownie points if you take them to Royal Victoria Park or Vicky Park as the locals call it. Opened by 11-year-old Princess Victoria in 1830, it was the first park to carry the young royal’s name.

The 57-acre park is overlooked by the Royal Crescent and features a skateboard ramp, tennis, bowling and putting green and a 12 and 18 hole golf course. But that’s not all, you can have fun on the boating pond, enjoy open-air concerts, a children’s play area or visit the 9-acre botanical garden. Did I promise too much?

Are you living in Bath or are you a regular visitor? What are your top tips for things to do in Bath - for couples, groups or families?

Collaborative post with images by Eric Cooper and Neil Howard via Flickr.