Bath City: Royal Crescent, Pulteney Bridge, Hot Springs
Bath is a city in southwest England, just 13 miles from Bristol, which you can reach via a traffic-free old railway line. Home to natural springs, it’s often called one of the world’s most beautiful cities.
Not least due to Royal Crescent, a sweeping set of buildings overlooking a park, said to be influenced by Stonehenge.
Always follow the Countryside Code, to keep all creatures safe.
Stroll Through Royal Victoria Park
Royal Victoria Park is a centrepiece of Bath. Opened in 1830 and named after Princess Victoria before she became queen, this park stretches across 57 acres.
Locals and visitors fill the lawns with picnics, outdoor games and lazy afternoons.
Marvel at the Royal Crescent
The Royal Crescent is one of Bath’s most famous sights. This sweeping row of 30 Georgian houses is built in a perfect curve, framing a wide lawn. Designed by John Wood the Younger and finished in 1774, it’s a classic example of Bath’s architecture.
You can explore the Crescent’s gardens or visit No. 1 Royal Crescent, a house museum that shows how people lived here in the 18th century.
Relax at the Roman Baths
The Roman Baths are at the core of Bath’s story. Built around natural hot springs, this ancient site has drawn people for nearly 2,000 years. Walk on original Roman paving, listen to water bubbling from deep underground, and learn about the city’s origins.
The museum displays artefacts found on site. The warm, mineral-rich water is still a draw today. While you can’t swim here, the nearby Thermae Bath Spa lets you soak in similar waters with rooftop views of the city.
At the heart of the complex is the Sacred Spring, where natural hot water bubbles up from deep underground. The Romans believed this was the work of the goddess Sulis Minerva.
Wander the Bath Skyline Walk
The Bath Skyline Walk is a six-mile circular path that gives you a full view of the city and surrounding countryside. The trail starts just outside the city centre and climbs up to reveal open fields, woodlands, and some of the best photo spots in Bath. A
long the way, find wildflowers, ancient woodlands, and hidden valleys. The walking is easy to moderate, with clear signs and spots to stop for a drink or snack. The city always feels close but you’re surrounded by nature.
Visit the Avon Canal Towpath
The Kennet and Avon Canal runs through Bath, offering a peaceful route along the water. Walk or cycle from Sydney Gardens. Stop for coffee at one of the waterside cafes, or watch the locks at work as boats pass through. The towpath is flat and easy, making it good for all ages and fitness levels. Early mornings are quiet, with just the sounds of nature.
Read our post on protecting historic canals.
Take in Bath Abbey’s Tower Views
Bath Abbey towers above the city with its stunning stonework and fan vaulting. Climb the tower for sweeping views over the rooftops, green hills, and rivers that make Bath special. Guided tours share stories of the city as you climb narrow spiral stairs.
At the top, the breeze and the sight of the Royal Crescent, parks and gardens bring Bath’s natural beauty into focus. The abbey sits beside the Roman Baths, making it easy to pair these experiences.
Pulteney Bridge: The Historic Heart of Bath
Pulteney Bridge sits right in the middle of the beautiful city of Bath. Often called the world’s most beautiful city, the bridge (which was built on the River Avon in the 18th century) attracts many visitors for its elegant Georgian style and riverside views.
It was built by Robert Adam, who was one of England’s leading architects, during the Georgian period. It took him 5 years to complete the bridge, from 1769 to 1774.
If you think that the bridge resembles Ponte Vecchio in Florence (Italy), that’s because the latter was an inspiration. Quite rightly, this beautiful bridge has Grade I listed status, so it’s now one of England’s most protected historic buildings. Not only can nobody knock it down, but the look of the bridge is protected by strict laws.
The reason that Pulteney Bridge is so unique, is that it has a gentle curve, and three elegant arches (most bridges are straight). This subtle ‘bend’ helps the bridge to line up with both the street and the riverside.
Unlike many bridges, the shops on Pulteney Bridge are not simple stalls. These are working independent shops, from booksellers to bakeries to cafés. The windows at the back of the shops open up onto the river, offering one of the best views in the city of Bath.
