Photo: Unknown · Public domain, Wikimedia Commons
Bath
Roman hot springs and the grandest Georgian streets in England.
A small honey-coloured city in a green valley, built around Roman hot springs and laid out in grand Georgian crescents. Easy to see on foot in two days; Stonehenge is a day trip by tour or bus (check).
Places to see
Roman BathsMuseum · A steaming green pool lined with Roman columns and statues, with the abbey tower rising…≈ A$55
Bath AbbeyChurch · A tall late-Gothic church with huge windows and a fan-vaulted ceiling; outside, stone…Free
Pulteney BridgeSight · A bridge lined on both sides with small shops, crossing the river Avon above a…Free- Royal Crescent
When to go
- Jan8° / 2°Often wetQuiet
- Feb9° / 2°Some rainQuiet
- Mar11° / 3°Some rainQuiet
- Apr14° / 5°Some rainBusy
- May17° / 8°Some rainBusy
- Jun20° / 11°Some rainBusy
- Jul22° / 13°Some rainVery busy
- Aug22° / 13°Some rainVery busy
- Sep
Staying and getting around
Good areas to stay
The centre. The Roman Baths, the Abbey and the shopping streets, a few minutes from the station; most hostels and budget rooms are here.
Flying in
Bristol (BRS): Airport bus to Bath, about 1 h, ≈ A$20. A direct bus runs from the airport to Bath bus station near the train station (check fare and times).
London Heathrow (LHR): Coach to Bath, about 2 h 40 min, ≈ A$51. Direct coaches are usually cheaper than the train via Reading if booked ahead (check).
Flewaway's estimate for the usual budget way into Bath; check times and fares before you fly.
Getting around
You can walk everywhere. A single ticket is ≈ A$6. The centre is compact and walkable, though the streets up to the Royal Crescent are steep. Buses cover the outskirts; Stonehenge is a day trip by tour or bus (check).
Tourist tax
No tourist tax in Bath for now; the council has talked about a visitor levy, so check before you go.
