Originally a Roman settlement, Bath has been drawing visitors since the 18th century when many of its most exquisite buildings were erected. With honey-coloured architecture lining winding streets and historic sites at every turn, a weekend break in Bath promises to be truly memorable.
As well as its fine architecture, Bath is home to many wonderful independent shops and eateries, as well as an entertainment and nightlife scene that’s sure to delight. With so much to see and do, you’ll need a couple of days. Book a weekend break in Bath and allow yourself to unwind. Spend your evening relaxing and your days exploring Bath’s unmissable historic buildings – here are five of our favourites:
Where: Roman Baths, Abbey Church Yard, Bath, BA1 1LZ
Opening hours: 9.30-17.00
Ticket price: weekend tickets £18 on the door
The Roman Baths are one of the most popular tourist attractions in the UK, located at the heart of the World Heritage Site. The well-preserved remains are among the most breathtaking religious spas in the world. The Baths make use of the city’s thermal springs, and flow with the natural hot water even today.
A visit to the Roman Baths means you’ll be walking in the footsteps of an ancient civilization. Even though you can’t bathe in the waters today, you can unlock the mysteries of the past in this peaceful, historic space.
Where: 1 Royal Crescent, Bath, Avon BA1 2LR
Opening hours: 10.00-17.00
Ticket price: £10.60
One of the city’s most iconic works of architecture, the Royal Crescent, has stood in Bath since 1767. It’s uniform Palladian design and principal façade have stood the test of time, and still impress visitors to this day.
The Bath stone building has been well maintained and, though it’s residents may have modernised the interior of some of the spaces, No. 1 Royal Crescent has been preserved as a Georgian townhouse museum, allowing visitors a rare glimpse into the past. Each room is furnished with historic furniture, artwork and ornaments, which represent what life was once like for Bath’s most wealthy inhabitants.
3. Bath Abbey
Where: Bath Abbey, Bath, BA1 1LT
Opening hours: Monday 9.30-17.30, Tuesday-Friday 9.00-17.30, Saturday 9.00-18.00, Sunday 13.00-18.00
Ticket price: a suggested donation of £4
The city’s mesmerising architecture culminates in its Abbey, which boasts soaring stained-glass windows, towering columns of honey-hue stone and intricate fan vaulting.
Bath Abbey has stood in the city centre since 1499 and is an acti
Where: Great Pulteney Street, Bath, BA2 4DL
Opening hours: not applicable
Ticket price: not applicable
Great Pulteney Street is not a historic building in the same sense as the rest in this list. The 1,000-foot-long street is lined with lined with stunning Georgian properties, and is considered the grandest thoroughfare in the city.
The street was completed in 1789 in line with the designs of architect Thomas Baldwin. At one end is Laura Place and the iconic fountain, while at the other is Holburne Museum, Bath’s most historic art gallery. If you’re looking to get a true feel for the city, you can’t go wrong with a stroll along Great Pulteney Street.
Where: Bridge Street, Bath, BA2 4AT
Opening hours: not applicable
Ticket price: not applicable
Pulteney Bridge was designed and erected in 1769, and is named after Frances Pulteney, wife of William Johnstone Pulteney. Thanks to its historic romance and reflection in the waters of the River Avon, Pulteney Bridge is one of the most photographed works of Georgian Architecture in Bath.
When In Bath Stay at MGallery Francis Hotel
If you’re planning a weekend break in Bath, make time to see these five unmissable historic buildings. For luxury and comfort throughout your stay, base yourself in MGallery’s Francis Hotel and enjoy the conveniences of its unbeatable city centre location.
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