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Day Trip from London to Bath Itinerary: How to Spend a Day in Bath [2024]

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Bath is often said to be one of the most beautiful cities in the UK, thanks to its fascinating blend of Roman and Regency history.

Named a UNESCO World Heritage site for its perfectly preserved architecture, this uniform city of yellow-stone Georgian buildings makes for a very cultural visit.

But make no mistake – this city isn’t a stuffy museum come to life: Bath somehow manages to be a thriving cultural destination of pubs and restaurants too.

But with so much to see and do it’s hard to know where to start, especially trying to fit it all in a day trip before the last train home.

Luckily, we’ve got you – this day trip from London to Bath itinerary features all the tourist hotspots and lesser-known gems that you need to visit. Let’s go!

This article is written by Faraway Lucy writer, Kate Andrews.

08:00: Travel from London to Bath

paddington-station-arrivals-and-departures-board

Address: Praed St, London W2 1HB

Phone number: 0345 711 4141

Your day trip from London to Bath obviously has to start with your transport.

And the best way to get to Bath from London is by train.

Arrive at Paddington Station, having pre-booked your 8:13 am super off-peak daytime return ticket on the Trainline app.

(£63, and less with a railcard – if you book far in advance, you can get tickets as low as £40 return.)

Grab a takeaway breakfast and cup of tea at the station to carry on board.

You don’t need to pack much, just layers for the unpredictable South West weather (a raincoat or umbrella is a must!), comfortable shoes for a day of exploring, and a camera to capture all of Bath’s beauty.

Board your morning train, and bring your book or iPad loaded with the latest Netflix for a fuss-free 1 hour and 19 minutes.

09:40: Visit the Roman Baths

roman-baths-day-trip-from-london-to-bath

Address: Abbey Churchyard, Bath BA1 1LZ

Phone number: 01225 477785

Arrive at Bath Spa Station.

As you come out of the station and cross the road into Bath’s largest shopping centre, you may be thinking that Bath doesn’t quite look like Jane Austen and Bridgerton would have you believe…

Well, stay with us.

Walk through SouthGate Shopping Centre, trying not to get too distracted by the overwhelming choice of shops, and up to Stall Street, where you’ll start to see the more authentic parts of the city.

Spot the old red phone boxes repurposed as urban gardens and filled with bright flowers, worth a quick stop for a photo

As the streets become pedestrianised, on your right you’ll see the famous Roman Baths.

At £22.50 per person for a weekend ticket, this is a pricey tourist spot, but getting a look at the blend of Victorian and Roman history is well worth the money.

Give yourself an hour and a half here to really make the most of the ticket and soak up one of the most unique spots in the UK.

You’ll quickly see just how Bath earned its UNESCO status!

11:00: Check out Bath Abbey

exterior-of-bath-abbey-on-sunny-day

Address: Bath BA1 1LT

Phone number: 01225 422462

Feeling smug from your cultural morning, circle through the impressive columns of the Pump Room to see the grand view of Bath Abbey.

This charming square usually has buskers to add to the lively atmosphere.

Moreover, there’s plenty of appealing cafes around the square, but once you’ve taken the inevitable tourist photos through Kingston Parade, carry on past the Abbey for a lesser-known spot.

Enjoy the impressive archway view before continuing through the alleyways until you come out to Abbey Green.

Sitting adjacent to the Abbey and Roman Bath, you’ll see an ancient oak tree at the heart of the Green.

This green giant is one of the oldest architecturally planted trees in the world!

11:20: Have a tea break at The Bath Bun

people-dining-outside-the-bath-bun-tea-shop

Address: 2A Abbey Grn, Bath BA1 1NW

Phone number: 01225 463928

Under the shade of the giant oak, you’ll find Bath’s best tearoom, The Bath Bun, in a picturesque courtyard.

Around the square, you’ll see The Bath Sweet Shop with its glass jars of coloured bonbons, and Charlotte Brunswick Chocolates shop with its ornately decorated boxes of confectionary.

Pop into both for some souvenirs to take back at the end of the day.

Then, take a much-needed rest at The Bath Bun.

Come rain or shine, try to sit outside if you can to soak up the peaceful atmosphere of this perfectly preserved square.

At The Bath Bun, I recommend having a cup of English Breakfast tea, served in beautiful blue willow print China (giving you real Jane Austen vibes), while soaking up the atmosphere of the courtyard.

12:00: Eat a Bath bun at Sally Lunn’s

exterior-of-sally-lunns-historic-eating-house-and-museum

Address: 4 N Parade, Passage, Bath BA1 1NX

Phone number: 01225 461634

After a morning of travel and learning, follow the alleyways through Parade Passage, behind the Abbey.

This beautiful little street has plenty of regency facades, iron railings, and Victorian lampposts for the perfect photo.

You’ll pass Sally Lunn’s Historic Eating House & Museum on your left which is one of the oldest houses in Bath, dating back to 1680.

Sally Lunn’s Bath buns are famous across the world for being the authentic regional delicacy.

So of course, they had to feature in this day trip from London to Bath itinerary.

They are thick, fluffy, and somewhere between a scone and a brioche.

Sally Lunn’s offers a wide range of servings, but the breakfast bun comes much recommended.

Plus, it will fill you up for a day of sightseeing ahead!

12:45: Explore Pulteney Bridge, Pulteney Tea Shop and Great Pulteney Street

pultenay-bridge-over-the-river-avon-day-trip-from-london-to-bath

Continue around the back of the Abbey and walk alongside the river to reach the famous Pulteney Weir.

With the delicate Pulteney Bridge and the backdrop of rolling hills covered in honey-stone terrace houses, this is one of the best views in Bath.

Cross Pulteney Bridge, spotting the gorgeous Bridge Coffee Shop.

And if you have room after Sally Lunn’s buns, grab a snack from Pulteney Tea Shop.

A cheese twist will allow you to take a photo out of the coffee shop window for some of the best views down the weir.

Afterwards, cross Pulteney Bridge and walk down one of the best-preserved regency streets in the world, Great Pulteney Street.

Take in the old-fashioned pharmacy and shops, and walk past the grand facades of the Georgian townhouses.

It’s not hard to imagine the street without the cars lining it.

Instead, picture bustling regency fashion and horse-drawn carriages!

1:30: Pass Holburne Museum, Sydney Gardens and the Canal

the-holburne-museum-day-trip-from-london-to-bath

Next, follow the road to the grand Holburne Museum at its end.

You might recognise the stunning Grade 1 columned exterior from Bridgerton, as it was used as Lady Danbury’s home.

Occasionally, there are market stalls at the front of the museum featuring local artists’ work or produce.

Once you’ve had a nosey, continue through to Sydney Gardens, a beautiful, landscaped park dotted with Georgian follies and bridges over the canal.

Take the stone stairs down to one of the canals and get ready for a gorgeous riverside walk along this popular route.

Follow the clear path (signed – you can’t miss it!) and enjoy the views of narrowboats lazily moored along the Kennet & Avon canal.

This is also a great route to dreamily house-hunt, with the gardens of the Georgian townhouses descending to charming decking with picturesque rowboats – what a life!

2:00: Walk to Lyncombe Hill and Alexandra Park

basketball-hoop-in-alexandra-park

This half-hour walk along the water will eventually lead you past several canal locks to Claverton Street.

Just south of Bath city centre, this street has a charming village feel.

Follow your way along this little high street until you reach Lyncombe Hill.

These seemingly never-ending stairs may feel like a trek, but I promise you they’re worth it.

Follow the route, and eventually, you’ll come out at Alexandra Park.

2:15: Soak up the city at Bath Lookout

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Any day trip from London to Bath would be incomplete without seeing the city from afar.

Well, that’s where Bath Lookout comes in…

With the best views of the city, Bath Lookout at Alexandra Park is one of the most scenic spots in the city, and not well known amongst tourists.

Grab a tea or coffee from one of the cafés-in-a-van usually parked at the spot, grab a seat, and enjoy the feeling of enjoying Bath as if you were a resident.

Seeing the uniform regency architecture feels like looking down on a miniature city, dotted with parks and church steeples.

You can really appreciate just how preserved and beautiful Bath is from this view.

A visit here is one of the best free things to do in Bath, that’s for sure!

2:30: Browse the markets at Green Park Station

market-stalls-inside-green-park-station

Address: Green Park station, London W1J 9DZ

Phone number: 01225 787 910

The walk down from Alexandra Park will take you through the more suburban areas of the city.

It’s not quite as picturesque as the canal route, but you’ll eventually come to Green Park Station.

This quaint old train depot has been converted into a market hall with artistic independent cafes and shops.

Enjoy stopping at the market stalls with vintage records and silver jewellery, and then make your way up to Kingsmead Square.

3:00: Have a rest in Kingsmead Square

shops-and-cafes-surrounding-kingsmead-square

You can be forgiven for thinking that you’ve somehow teleported to rural France when you reach the provincial Kingsmead Square.

Bustling with locals buying produce at the farmer’s market and surrounded by independent cafes, this is a delightful area to take it all in.

If the weather’s good, grab a seat outside Society Café where you can enjoy an artisan coffee, and fresh-baked cake.

The interior is bright and lively with eclectic artwork on the walls, and the baked goods are sourced from independent local bakers.

Soak up the buzzing atmosphere of this courtyard – it truly feels like the heart of the city.

If you haven’t fallen in love with Bath already, you will do here.

3:30: Visit the Circus

ring-of-historic-townhouses-the-circus

Address: Bath BA1 2EU

Once you’re fed and watered, head up through the city, past Queen’s Square and up the impressively grand Gay Street until you come to The Circus.

Any day trip from London to Bath is incomplete without a visit to the famous Circus!

Arguably more impressive than the famed Royal Crescent (don’t worry, we’ll get there soon!), the Circus has iconic regency houses curved around a circle grassy area in the centre, perfectly uniform.

Take your time enjoying the majesty of the impressive architecture and the grand, regency atmosphere.

4:00: Visit the Royal Crescent

terraced-georgian-houses-of-the-royal-crescent

Address: Bath BA1 2LR

Follow Brock Street towards the Royal Crescent.

On your way, stop and enjoy the little pedestrianised passage of shops and cafes, including Bath Old Books, a magical antique shop.

With the old-fashioned lampposts and hanging shop door signs, this makes for a lovely photo spot.

Continue back along Brock Street until it opens out onto the impressive Royal Crescent, the most famous and photographed place in Bath.

The curving yellow-stone Georgian buildings open out onto a sprawling lawn with green views over Royal Victoria Park.

There’s no denying that this historic street has earned its grand reputation.

The upper lawn is open to residents of Royal Crescent only, but the lower lawn is perfect for midsummer picnics.

If you visit during July or August, you’re also likely to see hot air balloons flying overhead.

They certainly add to the serenity and magic of the historic area!

4:30: Go book shopping at Mr B’s Emporium Bookshop

exterior-of-mr-b's-emporium-of-reading-delights-bookshop

Address: 14-15, John St, Bath BA1 2JL

Phone number: 01225 331155

Once you’ve taken in all the majesty of the Crescent, head back down Gay Street and turn left before Queen Street, down the small Old King Street.

Here you’ll find Mr B’s Emporium Bookshop, a strong contender for the best bookshop in the world.

Inside the shop, you’ll find the distinctive book display on top of a repurposed roll-top bath, homage to the location.

Take time to browse and lust after a carefully curated selection of novels.

Mr B’s do a wonderful book subscription service too.

Customised reading picks are delivered to your door in either paperback or hardback for the time of your choice.

If you want to take the magic of Bath home with you, this could be a wonderful way to do it!

5:00: Enjoy a drink at Hall & Woodhouse

hall-and-woodhouse-rooftop-bar-and-restaurant-day-trip-from-london-to-bath

Address: 1 Old King St, Bath BA1 2JW

Phone number: 01225 469259

Once you’re finished browsing, turn the corner of the street to Hall & Woodhouse, one of the best rooftop bars in Bath.

This grand pub has a sweeping spiral staircase in the centre.

Try to get a table on the rooftop for a late afternoon drink!

Sadly, they don’t serve food on the rooftop due to overly aggressive seagulls.

However, a glass of wine overlooking the patchwork rooftops of the city with the Abbey’s spire in the distance makes this the perfect spot to relax after a long day of exploring.

6:00: Listen to live music at The Grapes

wine-glasses-and-food-in-the-grapes-pub

Address: 14 Westgate St, Bath BA1 1EQ

Phone number: 01225 727060

Once you’ve finished, head down John Street, past the numerous cosy pubs and bars, and down towards Queen’s Street.

You’ll soon see an impressive stone arch framing the bottom of the street.

By this point, you already know that there’s a picture-perfect spot down every Bath street, and this is no exception.

Continue down the road until you come to The Grapes, a beautiful pub with cosy low ceilings and a real fire.

You’ll hear live gypsy music coming from inside, where local bands play most nights of the week for added charm.

Depending on your taste, pop inside for a local ale and soak up the live music or follow the road round to the famous Thermae Bath Spa.

6:00: Or relax at Thermae Bath Spa

thermae-bath-spa-rooftop-pool-day-trip-from-london-to-bath

Address: The Hetling Pump Room, Hot Bath St, Bath BA1 1SJ

Phone number: 01225 331234

So you’ve decided to pay a visit to Bath Thermae Spa? Great choice!

Evenings tend to be less busy than the daytime – which can feel crowded and distinctly unrelaxing at weekends – so it’s worth waiting to visit.

You get a two-hour session at the weekend for £42, which is pricey.

You’re mainly paying for reputation and name here.

But if that’s still appealing you can enjoy the open-air rooftop pool at dusk before exploring the numerous wellness rooms.

These include steam rooms, an ice chamber, a celestial relaxation room, and an infrared room.

All the rooms are decorated to blend the historic heritage of Roman and Georgian periods with a modern state-of-the-art spa.

Finish up at the Minerva Bath before drying off and heading back out to the city.

Whether spa or live music, you should be feeling well-rested after your day exploring the city.

It’s easy to see why Bath is one of the best UK city breaks for couples, right?

7:30: Dinner at La Perla

la-perla-spanish-restaurant-and-tapas-bar-day-trip-from-london-to-bath

Address: 12a N Parade, Bath BA2 4AL

Phone number: 01225 463626

But your day trip from London to Bath isn’t over quite yet!

First, it’s time for some dinner.

Cross the city and pass the Abbey to get to La Perla, the best dinner spot in Bath.

Along North Parade, with its views towards Pulteney Bridge, you’ll find this unassuming tapas restaurant down the stone stairs into the vaults of a Georgian house.

Once inside, the room opens up to a modern, stylish restaurant with warm, atmospheric lighting and enticing smells.

By this point, you’ve earned delicious and filling food from all the walking, so enjoy the extensive selection of tapas on offer.

Surprisingly affordable considering the incredible standard of food and atmosphere, this is an unmissable spot.

Grab a bottle of house red, order 3-4 plates per person (around £40 per person) and reminisce over the beautiful sights you’ve seen in the city.

9:00: Travel from Bath to London

entrance-to-bath-spa-train-station

Address: Bath BA1 1SU

Sadly that’s your day trip from London to Bath over.

Take the short walk back to Bath Spa Station.

The train back to Paddington runs approximately every hour.

Enjoy the sleepy evening train back to Paddington, feeling fully accomplished having visited all the best sights in Bath.

So there you have it: a day trip from London to Bath itinerary!

I’d say I hope you enjoy your day trip from London to Bath but I know you will as this city is just so great.

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