A Day Trip To Bath From London: One-Day Itinerary + Map

A day trip to Bath from London is one of the best ways to experience English culture combined with fascinating Roman history. Our itinerary covers all the main highlights you can see in one day with an easy-to-follow walking route and tips for getting the most of your Bath day trip.  

In Northanger Abbey, Jane Austen wrote of aristocrats negotiating a day trip to Bath ‘to see and be seen’.

Little has changed today. Bath is a refined and classy town which draws people to its honey-coloured streets, independent stores and remarkable Georgian architecture.

As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Bath has several world-class locations including the most-preserved Roman baths in the world and a towering abbey.

Our one-day itinerary helps you plan the perfect day trip to Bath from London. We have included the main highlights we think you shouldn’t miss and some hidden gems full of Britishness. You’ll also find tips on where to eat and a map to help you get around.

If you have longer, read our guide on the best things to do in Bath.

FOUR THINGS NOT TO MISS IN BATH

As Londoners, Mark and I head to Bath every time we’re looking for an escape from the city that’s full of grand English charm. Here are four things we think you really shouldn’t miss on your day trip from London.

1. ROMAN BATHS

Roman Baths are one of the best-preserved Roman ruins outside the Mediterranean. Built in 70 CE as an elaborate bath complex around the spring of Aquae Sulis, its healing powers have attracted visitors for two millennia.

Today, the excellent audio guide transports you back to Roman times. You can walk on a Roman Pavement and see archaeological finds from pre-Roman times.

2. BATH ABBEY

Bath Abbey is an ostentatious gothic structure with an extraordinary fan-vaulted ceiling. The towering stained-glass window at the end of the nave is a breathtaking combination of engineering and art.

3. GEORGIAN ARCHITECTURE

While the Roman Baths and Abbey are most the important sites in the city, the beauty of Bath comes from sweeping Georgian architecture. The best examples are the Royal Crescent and Circus, which you can see on our itinerary below.  

4. TEA & BUNS

In 1680 Sally Lunn escaped persecution in France and found her way to Bath. Working as a baker, she created a brioche bun similar to the traditional French festival breads, and so created the Bath Bun.

Sally Lunn’s Historic Eating house is believed to be the oldest house in Bath where you can try the original Bath Bun at lunch or dinner.

MAP – BATH DAY TRIP

Below is a map of our suggested Bath day trip itinerary including the major attractions, train and bus stations, cafes and restaurants.

Bath is a small city, and the highlights can easily be visited by walking. Just follow the guide below and the route marked in red on the map.

GETTING TO BATH FROM LONDON

Bath is very accessible from London with regular rail services, making it easy to see on a day trip. The train is the most convenient way to get to Bath, but there are also bus and tour options.

TRAIN

Rail services from London Paddington to Bath Spa Train Station take around 1 hour and 20 minutes. The train station is in the centre of town with many sights less than a 10-minute walk away. This is by far the most convenient way to get to Bath from London.

BUS

The bus is much slower but cheaper. National Express Coaches run from London Victoria Coach Station taking 2 hours and 45 minutes. The bus station is in the centre of town but getting there and back in the day is very time-consuming, so we wouldn’t recommend going by bus if you are visiting Bath for a day trip.

DRIVE

There are several car parks in the city centre, although parking in Bath for the entire day can be costly. There are three Park & Ride locations on the edge of the city. It’s free to park for up to 18 hours in the Park & Ride; the bus ride to the centre is £3.50 per adult.

It takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes to drive from central London to Bath.

ORGANISED TOUR

You could also take an organised tour from London to Bath. Most tours last 10 to 12 hours and stop at either Stonehenge or Windsor Castle (and sometimes both) enabling you to see many of Britain’s iconic sights in one day.

We wouldn’t recommend doing both Stonehenge and Windsor Castle on the same day trip as you’ll be far too rushed.

But there are some good options on both Get Your Guide and Viator.

COFFEE & BREAKFAST

If you want to start your day with a coffee, we recommend heading to The Columbian Company on Abbey Gate Street. They do a mean brew with some good cakes.

Another good option is the Society Cafe on the High Street.

ROMAN BATHS

After coffee, head straight to the Roman Baths. The Roman era remains are captured in the Sacred Spring, the Roman Temple, the Roman Bath house and numerous artefacts (including the Gorgon Head) housed in the museum.

It’s a compact sight and the audio-guide does a remarkable job of bringing it to life.

The highlight is the original spring which today is surrounded by a terrace that was built in the 18^th century.

It’s advisable to book tickets in advance especially for weekends and during summer holidays. You can book standard admission with the audio guide or a 1-hour guided tour. Allow a total of around 90 minutes for your visit.

BATH ABBEY

Bath Abbey is right beside the Roman Baths. You can admire the abbey from the outside for free, but it’s well worth going inside.  

The most impressive aspect is the fan-vaulted ceiling which was restored between 1864 and 1874. The 52 towering stained-glass windows which make up 80% of the interior wall space, are some of the most impressive in the country.

Tickets (£7.50 + £3.50 for audio guide) can be purchased at the Welcome Desk on arrival. Another great way to see the Abbey is on a tour which includes climbing the 212 steps to the top of the bell tower for views over Bath. Book the Bath Abbey tour in advance.

LUNCH

After the baths and the Abbey it should be about time for lunch. Here are a few suggestions that are unique to Bath.

Sally Lunn’s Historic Eating House – Set in the oldest house in Bath dating back to 1482, Sally Lunn’s Historic Eating House serves sweet and savoury Bath Buns, High and Cream Teas, and set lunches. There can be a bit of a queue for lunch, but it usually turns over quickly. You can reserve for dinner. 

The Pump Room – Built as part of the Roman Baths, the Pump Room is a grand neo-classical restaurant. It’s a classic venue with a resident pianist, ideal for a special occasion. They serve brunch (10 am or 10.15 am), or afternoon tea (12 pm, 2 pm or 4 pm). It’s advisable to book in advance.

The Courtyard Cafe – Tucked into historic Lilliput Court, the Courtyard Café has been independently owned for 30 years. They specialise in quick bites and moreish cakes.

Charlotte Brunswick Chocolates – If you have room for something sweet after lunch, Charlotte Brunswick Chocolates has an excellent selection of handmade, gourmet chocolates.

PULTENEY BRIDGE

After lunch, it’s time to explore the Georgian architecture that helped Bath become the only UNESCO World Heritage-listed city in the UK.

Start at, Parade Gardens to admire the view over the River Avon, then head up to Pulteney Bridge.

The bridge is an excellent example of Georgian architecture and one of only four bridges in the world to have shops across its full span on either side.

THE CIRCUS

Next, make your way to the Circus. This historic ring of large townhouses is divided into three segments rather than the usual four, so whichever entrance is taken a clean façade is presented opposite.

The interiors are a little plain (and we suggest you skip them), but if you want to explore book a tour at the National Trust-run Assembly Rooms right next to the Circus.

ROYAL CRESCENT

The Royal Crescent is a magnificent sweep of Georgian architecture and some of the most impressive residences in England. It’s been renovated several times over the years, but the original stone façade remains from the 18th-century construction.

The centre of the arc is the Royal Crescent Hotel, a luxurious 5-star spa hotel. The terrace is open for non-guests and is a lovely spot for a drink.

The other highlight at the Royal Crescent is No 1. Royal Crescent, a restored town-house museum set up as it would have been in the 18^th century. Tickets are £15.50 which you can pick up at the door.  

JANE AUSTEN CENTRE

Next, head through Victoria Gardens and back towards the city centre.

Along the way you’ll pass the Jane Austen Centre. The interactive tours can be a lot of fun or a little cheesy depending on your view. The centre has costumed guides, waxwork mannequins and you can dress up in period costume.

You can book a timeslot in advance, although they usually have availability on the day so you can keep your itinerary flexible.

CITY CENTRE

Back in the centre, spend some time pottering around the independent stores that make Bath the city that it is.

Many cities in the UK are dominated by chain stores, but Bath is slightly unique in this perspective. Independent retailers have managed to hold on, providing a much more interesting shopping experience.

The best streets to explore are Milsom Street, Union Street and Stall Street.

EVENING

It might be time to get back on the train to London but if you plan on extending your time in Bath into the late afternoon and evening here are some ideas:

Thermae Spa // Thermae Bath Spa is the only place in Britain you can bathe in naturally warm mineral-rich waters. It’s not cheap, but its a very relaxing way to end a day walking around the town. Bring your swimming costume. Towels are included in the price.

Dinner (option 1) // Set in an old bakery, Walcot House is a lively restaurant and bar with live music. Choose between swing and jazz in one room or disco, soul and R&B in another.

Dinner (option 2) //  For something more sedate, head to the cosy but classy Circus Restaurant, where Mark and I have had a number of great meals.

Dinner (option 3) // If you’d like to try traditional English Fish & Chips while visiting the country, Scallop Shell is the place to try it. They do all the classics, plus plenty of other great options.

English Gin & Tonic // It’s not just the thermal waters that run freely in Bath. The Bath Gin Bar, part of the Bath Gin Distillery, has an inspiring list of gin-based cocktails we could easily work our way through.

Late Night // For a late-night cocktail, Opium Bar is a richly decorated hangout that hits the quirky/vintage stylings just right.

WHERE TO STAY IN BATH

There are plenty of things to do in Bath for a second day. The city can also make a good base to explore Castle Combe and the Cotswolds.

So, if you’re tempted to hit the spa, grab a few cocktails and extend your visit, here are some hotel suggestions for spending the night.

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BEST TIME TO VISIT BATH

The best time to visit Bath is from June to the end of September when the weather will be pleasant, and the city will look beautiful.

However, the peak tourist season is also July and August when things will be busy, so book ahead if you plan to visit over this time.

From March to May the weather is starting to pick up from the winter cold but tourism is still relatively slow. So this is a great time to visit Bath and snap up a bargain.

MORE DAY TRIPS

• Pick from one of our 20 curated day trips from London.
• See the achievable highlights on our 1-day Cambridge itinerary.
• Enjoy a medieval weekend break with our Rye day trip.
• Hit the beach on a relaxing day out in Brighton.
• Explore the rich history on our Canterbury day trip from London.
• Scoff the freshest oysters with our Whitstable day trip.
• Enjoy the regal side of life with our Bath day trip itinerary.
• Pick from one of our 10 Cotswolds day trip ideas.
• Hike the white cliffs on our Seven Sisters day trip.