Discovering Royal Bath
England's Most Elegant City
Bath is one of England's most captivating cities, and one of the few in the country to hold UNESCO World Heritage status in its entirety. Grand Georgian architecture, Roman history, literary heritage and natural hot springs sit side by side, creating something truly unique. Whether you are drawn by the ancient Roman Baths, the sweeping crescents of Regency-era stone, or the independent boutiques and riverside cafés, Bath rewards every kind of visitor. Compact enough to explore on foot yet rich enough to fill a full day, it makes for an extraordinary addition to any tour of Southern England.
A UNESCO World Heritage City
Roman history dating back 2,000 years
Iconic Georgian architecture
Jane Austen connections
Independent shops, cafés & restaurants
Places to Discover
Bath History & Heritage
The Roman Baths
At the heart of the city lies one of the best-preserved Roman spa complexes in the entire world. Built around a natural thermal spring that the Romans dedicated to the goddess Sulis Minerva, the baths date back nearly 2,000 years and remain a genuinely awe-inspiring sight. Walking around the Great Bath, with its steaming green waters and ancient stonework, is an experience unlike anything else in England.
The site also includes a fascinating museum where you can see offerings thrown into the sacred spring by Roman worshippers — coins, curse tablets, and personal objects — giving a surprisingly intimate connection to everyday life in ancient Britain.
The Royal Crescent
Few streets in England are as instantly recognisable as the Royal Crescent — a sweeping arc of 30 Georgian townhouses that has graced countless films, TV dramas and novels. Built between 1767 and 1775, it remains one of the finest examples of Georgian architecture anywhere in the world, and the open parkland in front of it makes for a perfect stroll.
Just a short walk away, The Circus is equally impressive — a circular arrangement of grand townhouses inspired by the Colosseum in Rome. Together, these two landmarks give you a real sense of Bath's extraordinary 18th-century ambition and elegance.
Pulteney Bridge & River Avon
One of only four bridges in the world to have shops built across its full span on both sides, Pulteney Bridge is a defining feature of Bath's skyline. Modelled loosely on the Ponte Vecchio in Florence, it is best appreciated from the riverside weir below — a view that has become one of the most photographed in England.
The riverside walk along the Avon is a lovely way to slow the pace of the day, with independent cafés and restaurants lining the water's edge. It connects naturally to the beautiful Parade Gardens, making it an ideal spot for a quiet break mid-visit.
Jane Austen's Bath
Bath has a deep literary connection to Jane Austen, who lived in the city in the early 1800s and set two of her novels — Northanger Abbey and Persuasion — here. The Jane Austen Centre on Gay Street brings this connection to life with exhibitions and costumed guides exploring her years in the city and the influence Bath had on her writing.
Beyond the centre itself, much of the city feels like stepping into an Austen novel. The Assembly Rooms, where Bath's Georgian society gathered to socialise and dance, still stand and are open to visitors, giving a vivid sense of the world she wrote about so brilliantly.
Bath Abbey
Standing at the very heart of the city, Bath Abbey is a magnificent example of late Perpendicular Gothic architecture, with an elaborate fan-vaulted ceiling and vast windows that flood the interior with light. Known locally as the "Lantern of the West" for the sheer number of its windows, it has stood on this site in various forms since the 7th century.
The Abbey's tower tours are a highlight for those who want a bird's-eye view over the city's rooftops, and the surrounding abbey churchyard is a pleasant place to sit and take in the atmosphere of the city square around you.
Shopping, Cafés & Boutiques
Bath has a wonderful mix of independent boutiques, artisan shops and well-known names, all set within beautifully preserved Georgian streets. Milsom Street is the city's most elegant shopping address, while the quirky lanes and passages around the centre are perfect for discovering independent traders, vintage finds and locally made gifts.
When it comes to cafés and restaurants, Bath punches well above its size. From traditional tea rooms serving cream teas, to relaxed riverside cafés and restaurants built around local produce, there is something to suit every taste. Whether you want a quick coffee between sights or a long leisurely lunch, the city makes it very easy to stop and soak it all in.
YOUR TOUR, YOUR WAY
A Bespoke Way to Experience Bath & Cotswolds
Rather than a fixed route, our private tours are designed around what interests you most. Choose between a multi-day tour or one-day tours, depending on your pace and how many stops you'd like to make.
Meet & greet at arrivals/hotel
Travel at a relaxed, comfortable pace
Enjoy insights from a knowledgeable local guide
Stop for lunch, cream tea, antique shops & hidden gems
Perfect for couples, families and small groups