Palladian arch with Bath Abbey in background. Photo © Akabei
A green countryside setting and regal buildings make Bath feel a world away from the traffic-packed streets of bigger cities. But it’s no rural backwater.
Bath’s world-famous architecture is a real highlight for sightseers and photographers.
If you’re planning a weekend trip, the Bath Central Travelodge on George Street puts you just a quarter of a mile from the Roman Baths and the Abbey. It’s in a historic Bath Stone building, fitting in with the city’s elegant feel.
Or to be closer to transport links, but still in easy reach of the sights, book the modern Bath Waterside Travelodge. It’s just half a mile from the train station, and within 1 mile of the architectural hot spots and the Jane Austen Centre.
To help you plot your visit, here’s our list of buildings you shouldn’t miss.
1. The Roman Baths
Perhaps most famous of all are the Baths, the best-preserved Roman Baths and Temple in Western Europe.
Built around a hot spring. Photo © villorejo
Built around a natural hot spring, the original remains offer fascinating insights into Roman engineering, while the beautiful stone buildings that house the baths are from the 18th century.
The Grand Pump Room is a wonder in itself. Its light glass-domed centre, built by J.M. Brydon in 1897, is a typical example of the fine architecture that can be found in Bath. During your visit, you’ll want to take a free guided tour or an audio guide for £14.
And remember to sample the healing waters too!
2. Bath Abbey
Round the corner, Bath Abbey is another must-photo spot.
It was founded in 1499, and it’s history is particularly interesting because of the long battle to rebuild after it was devastated by fires.
The unique ladders of Angels on the West front are a real spectacle. They were designed after the Bishop of Bath had a dream about angels ascending and descending from Heaven.
In 1874 the interior of the Abbey was completely transformed by Sir John Gilbert Scott, who replaced the wooden ceiling with fantastic stone arches. These are typical of Victorian Gothic architecture and particularly dramatic to see today.
Access to the Abbey is free, but donations are kindly accepted and a Tower Tour is definitely worthwhile at just £6.
3. Pulteney Bridge
From the Abbey, turn onto High Street and right towards the River Avon and you’ll see the Grade I-listed Pulteney Bridge.
For the best photos, cross the bridge (you might want to shoot the shops built all along it) and you’ll have a much better view of scenic Bath and the waters of the weir.
Pulteney Bridge and weir. Photo © Snowshill
You can get breakfast or lunch at the Riverside Cafe under the bridge arches for a super view. They also have gluten-free chocolate cake if you’re tempted.
4. The Circus
Bath’s Georgian architecture is among its most beautiful, and wandering through the Georgian centre of town is a refreshing way to spend an afternoon.
If you fancy a bite to eat, The Circus Cafe and Restaurant is the place to stop for lunch or dinner. They serve seasonal British dishes such as roasted free-range guinea fowl and Pimms sorbet.
John Wood the Elder and John Wood the Younger designed most of Bath as we know it today, and The Circus is seen as the best of their work.
The three long curved terraces surround a circular central space inspired by the Roman Colosseum, and the columns that can be found on the houses also reference Roman design.
