8 of the Best Historical Bath Attractions

Come and explore Bath Attractions, as it’s an excellent destination for any history buff or lover of Jane Austen. From the Roman era to the Regency times of Jane Austen, Bath has something for everyone.

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All prices and times were accurate when this was written or updated, but please verify the information on the websites before your visit.

Bath Attractions

The following are the attractions I visited in Bath during my day there. I hope that you are inspired to visit after reading about them.

Roman Baths

If you love Roman History, then the Roman Baths are the place for you. Walking through them, you feel fully immersed in Roman times and learn more about their lives through video and artefacts.

I arrived just after it opened in the morning, which is the best time to come if you prefer not to deal with crowds, as this is a very popular attraction.

An audio guide is included in your ticket price, allowing you to spend a couple of hours exploring the site and learning about how the Romans lived.

The Temple Courtyard is now in ruins, although a suspended walkway will take you over it.

The Courtyard was where sacrifices were made at the great altar, and prayers to Sulis Minerva were made.

Videos are projected against the walls, helping you to imagine what life was like during Roman times in most rooms.

This is an interesting attraction; you could spend a couple of hours or more here. To avoid the crowds, get there early, which should also give you time to take it all in.

Hours

The Roman Baths are open daily from 9 am to 6 pm (last entry at 5 pm), every day of the year except December 25 and 26.

Over the Easter weekend, from 18 to 21 April 2025, the Roman Baths are open until 8 p.m. (last entry is at 7 p.m.). 

We also offer extended evening openings during the Summer holidays. 

Prices

Check their website for prices when you are visiting.

Bath Abbey

Restorations are underway inside and outside Bath Abbey, but that doesn’t mean you can’t see the magnificence of what is inside.

While I was there, only half of one side was under restoration, but there was still plenty to see.

This is the last of three churches built on this site. Sir George Gilbert Scott restored the present Abbey between 1864 and 1874. He also replaced the wooden ceiling with the superb stone fan vaulting that is there today.

Bath Abbey is well worth a look if you love architecture.

Hours and Prices

Click here to see opening times and prices.

Pulteney Bridge and River Avon

Designed by Robert Allan in 1770, the Pulteney Bridge is one of only four bridges worldwide with shops spanning it.

It is not only a shopping destination but also one of the most photographed spots in Bath, as it spans the River Avon.

There are riverside walks where you can enjoy the views along the river. A private garden is on the city side, but you must pay to walk through. If you go closer to the bridge on the city side, you get a better photo from the footpath.

Victoria Art Gallery

The Victoria Art Gallery is a free museum across the road from the Pulteney Bridge. Admission is free, but you can purchase an online museum-saver ticket to access special exhibitions.

Two galleries are upstairs on the first floor. In the large gallery, you can find paintings from the 15th Century through modern art.

The main gallery offers a free guided tour on Wednesdays once a month. During this tour, you can learn about the stories behind the works of art.

The small upper gallery has a collection of Georgian and Bohemian glasses, British porcelain and pottery dogs.

Downstairs is where you can find exhibitions that require a fee to view. They change regularly, and some are for sale.

Hours

Tuesday to Sunday, 10:30 am – 5:00 pm. Last entry 4.30 pm. 

The Gallery is closed on Mondays, except Bank Holiday Mondays. 

The Upper Gallery is closed for conservation work. 

Prices

To view the exhibition prices and book, click here.

Fashion Museum and Assembly Rooms

The Fashion Museum and Assembly Rooms show what Bath fashion was like during Jane Austen’s time and how fashion has changed over the past 300 years.

The collections of men’s and women’s clothes held here are incredible. Even the gowns from the 1700s look as though they were made yesterday.

Men’s, women’s, and children’s clothes, gloves, shoes, bonnets, and hats are represented throughout the ages. The audio guide, which is part of the ticket price, details all the garments in the collection. You can also dress up and see what you would like in a period costume.

Free guided tours also give you a more detailed description of the collections and last 30 minutes.

You can walk through the Assembly Rooms admiring Georgian architecture and stunning chandeliers. No wonder two of Jane Austen’s books and many more period films were made here.

I wouldn’t say I’m particularly interested in fashion, but I did enjoy walking through this museum. Although I appreciate all the work and detail that went into the day’s clothing, I am even more thankful that I live comfortably in jeans and a T-shirt today.

Hours

The Fashion Museum is closed for refurbishment until 2030.

Number 1 Royal Crescent: The Georgian House

No. 1 Royal Crescent is an excellent example of Georgian architecture and an upper-class home.

When you first enter the house, you are greeted by a video about Henry Sandford and his life here.

Volunteers are present in every room, sharing their in-depth knowledge of Georgian times and Henry Sandford.

Every detail of the furnishings is authentic to the late 18th Century, even the decorative food.

There are three floors to explore, as well as the basement, which has the servants’ hall, kitchen, and housekeepers’ room.

You are afforded the best views of the Royal Crescent from Henry Sandford’s bedroom.

This is an excellent way to see how the aristocrats lived. The volunteers’ enthusiasm is infectious, and you feel you’ve stepped back in time.

Hours

Tuesday – Sunday
10 am – 5.30 pm
Last entry 4.30 pm

Prices

To book a tour or find one, click here.

Jane Austen Centre

I left the best for last, and if you’re a fan of Jane Austen and her time in Bath, then the Jane Austen Centre is the perfect place for you.

A detailed talk and exhibition await you, where you will learn all about the life of Jane Austen, especially her time in Bath. From paintings and sketches to information boards, you can immerse yourself in Regency England, even getting to dress up in Regency costume. If dressing up is not your style, perhaps writing with a quill and ink is something you’d like to try before you leave.

On the top floor is the Regency Tearoom, where you can enjoy tea, coffee, cakes and sandwiches. The staff are dressed in Regency period dress, adding to the atmosphere of a refined afternoon outing in Bath when Jane Austen would have been there.

If you choose, you can enjoy the Tearooms without paying for the exhibition. To find the menu, click here.

Hours

Spring:
(5 Apr- 31 June)
Daily 9.45 am-5.30 pm

Summer:
(1 July- 21 Sept)
Daily  9.45 am-6.00 pm

Autumn:
(22 Sept – 2 Nov)
Daily 10 am-5.30 pm

Winter:
(3 Nov- 4 Apr)
Sun – Fri 10 am – 4:30 pm
Saturday 10 am – 5:30 pm

Prices

You can find the link here to book online.

Where I Stayed

If you love Jane Austen and Roman and Georgian History, Bath is the city for you. YHA Bath is conveniently located just a short walk from all the city’s attractions.

It was a drizzly couple of days when I arrived, but inside, it was warm, comfortable, and welcoming.

You do have to keep an eye out for the driveway, as it is hidden, but when you do, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the grounds and house that greet you.

Facilities

• Café
• Contactless payments
• Cycle store
• Dining room
• Evening meals
• Free on-street parking
• Garden/grounds
• Intermittent mobile coverage
• Kitchenette
• Near the airport/bus/train
• Outdoor seating
• Restaurant/Licensed bar
• Shared drying room and laundry
• Shared lounge/TV
• Unlimited breakfast
• Vending machines
• Water refill station
• Wheelchair accessible
• WiFi

How To Get Here

YHA Bath is on Bathwick Hill in Bath. It’s a half-hour walk to the Roman Baths from here, all downhill.

How To Book

If you’d like to stay at the YHA Bath, click the link and get ready to start your adventure in the historic city of Bath.

Conclusion

Bath is a beautiful city rich in history that appeals to everyone, especially those who are fans of Jane Austen. You can spend as little as a day seeing your favourite spots or longer exploring more of Somerset.

Just an hour away is Cheddar Gorge, with its caves and prehistoric history. You can read more about my time in Cheddar Gorge here.

If you want to learn about UK passes and what you should get for where, read my blog on Save Money and Explore the UK with an Attraction Pass.

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Links

If you’d like to read more about my travels in the UK, click on the following links to the countries: England, Scotland, and Wales.

You can learn about UK passes and what you should get for where you read my blog on Save Money and Explore the UK with an Attraction Pass.

If you’d like to read more of my blogs about Australia, you can find them at the following links: Queensland, South Australia, New South Wales, Victoria, Camping, and Silo Art.

You can also click on the links for New Zealand, the United Kingdom, or Photography.

Travel Resources

• Flights & Accommodation—You can search for the cheapest flights and accommodation using Booking.com, Tripadvisor, and WayAway, which offers 5% cashback.
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• Travel Insurance is the number one thing to pack when you’re travelling. Cover-More Australia, Cover-More New Zealand, EKTA, Travel Insurance Master, and Insubuy provide insurance coverage during your travels.
• Attractions—buy before you leave home with these great sites: Big Bus Tour, Get Your Guide, GoCity and Viator.
• Visa Applications—apply online for your visa requirements with iVisa.
• SIM cards—Try Airalo, the world’s first eSIM store, which solves the pain of high roaming bills by giving travellers access to eSIMs (digital SIM cards).
• Power Stations—Bluetti Australia and EcoFlow Australia Power Stations are your choices for sustainable, eco-friendly power on the go or at home.

• For more tips, try my Travel Links and Resources page.

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