7 Hours in Bath, England 🇬🇧

How to spend a day in Bath and leave wanting more. In this shorter iteration of my weekend-long guide, we’re sticking to a low budget.

Jul 06, 2023

My husband and I recently hosted some friends over from Spain who came to spend a long weekend in London. One of their wishes was to spend a day out together in Bath, one of the UK’s most popular destinations. So, as the incredibly good hosts we are (pats on one’s back), we put together a list of must-visit spots which I’d love to share with you.

The full guide is on my Thatch travel profile, which I recommend you check out if you or someone you know are visiting soon.

🎟️ The full guide here.

As a big thank you and token of my appreciation. All my substack subscribers get 30% off current and future city guides with ‘SUBSCRIBER30’

You’ve arrived in Bath, now where to begin? Well, that’s easy! I like to work my way up the hill so let me take you on a walk, remember we only have 7 hours (spoken like a true type-A). In this shorter iteration of my weekend-long guide, we’re sticking to a low budget.

Why is Bath so special?

It’s the only city in the UK to be designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as a whole.

“Founded by the Romans as a thermal spa, Bath became an important centre of the wool industry in the Middle Ages. In the 18th century, under George III, it developed into an elegant town with neoclassical Palladian buildings, which blend harmoniously with the Roman baths.” — UNESCO1

1. Topping & Company Booksellers

Whether you are or would like to be an avid reader you have to stop by this beautiful bookshop. Covering two floors and a gallery, floor to ceiling, wall to wall, you’re bound to find the book you are looking for, maybe even a book you didn’t even know you were looking for. In fact, I dare you to walk out empty-handed. Beautifully put together and with staff that will gladly help you with a smile on their face.

2. Victoria Art Gallery

Next up for a bit of art, this gallery has a free-to-visit collection upstairs but regularly hosts exhibitions that are accessible with a paid ticket. The permanent collection is beautiful and very much worth a visit.

3. Pulteney Bridge

“One of the most photographed examples of Georgian architecture in the city and one of only four bridges in the world to have shops across its full span on both sides, Pulteney Bridge was designed in 1769 by Robert Adam.
The bridge is named after Frances Pulteney, wife of William Johnstone Pulteney. William was an important man in Georgian Bath, owning a lot of land in the surrounding area. He had grand plans to create a 'new town' to rival that of John Wood's on the west side of the city.
His grand scheme needed a new bridge and he didn't want just any old bridge, he wanted a spectacular bridge, one which everyone would talk about. The architecture is classical, with pediments, pilasters and tiny leaded domes at either end.” — Visit Bath2

4. Cortado Cafe

Righ back across the bridge we go to grab a quick flat white (decaf for me). I have a place in mind for lunch but just thought I’d let you know they serve some lovely food and drinks here, including Argentinian empanadas. With a couple of tables outside, it’s a great central spot for a quick break.

5. The Royal Crescent and No.1 Royal Crescent

We made it to the Royal Crescent. Built between 1767 and 1775 (Georgian style) by John Wood, the Younger. The Crescent is made up of 30 Grade I* Listed terrace houses arranged in a crescent shape, and it’s one of Bath's most famous and iconic landmarks.

*Grade I listings are "landmarks of exceptional national, architectural, or historical importance". There are also Grade II and III listings, which means there are extra controls over what changes can be made to a building's interior and exterior.

Just in case you were wondering, more about that here.

The No.1 Royal Crescent Museum lets you experience what it would have been like to live in the Royal Crescent during 1776-1796, with the rooms all setup and decorated according to the period. Featuring historic furniture, pictures, and objects. Tickets are £15.

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6. Berdoulat

Couldn’t miss a chance to swing by one of my favourite shops in Bath. Berdoulat is a beautiful old-style shop where you can grab a quick bite to eat and a drink or shop their selection of fine wines, teas, loose herbs and spices, and homewares.

Learn more about the building and the owners here:

7. The Fine Cheese Co

We’re making our way back to the station but before we stop for lunch, let’s pick up some cheese to take home. The Fine Cheese co stock a large selection of cheeses, both British territorials (I beg you to get some Lincolnshire Poacher) and European favourites, as well as cured meats, drinks, crackers, and everything else you might need. Their staff will be able to help you with any questions or suggest a particular cheese if you are not sure what to grab.

8. Late Lunch at Corkage

This place came from a Topjaw recommendation, I love those guys, they sure know where to eat! And I have to say it massively delivered. Their covered terrace is the perfect place to sit and relax for a bit before venturing out. Their wine list doesn’t disappoint and the food, well, the food is excellent.

Sharing plates size, that’s 2-3 plates per person. Locally sourced ingredients. Don’t underestimate the veggies (my favourite dish was the grilled Hispi Cabbage with a sweet/savoury cherry sauce).

9. Comins Tea

Last but not least, tea house and tea school Comins Tea serves and sells fine single-estate loose-leaf teas as well as a hand-picked selection of teaware. The perfect souvenir to take home.

Have anything to add? Let me know in the comments.

High ☁ Hopes