Travel Guide Bath
Listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, the spa town of Bath is a gem. A small town in the Somerset countryside, in the southwest of England, it is a very popular tourist destination. In 50 A.D., the Romans, valuing its hot springs, turned it into a spa site with baths and a temple. Bath became a posh resort and developed during the Georgian period, acquiring prestigious buildings that are now part of its splendor. The Royal Crescent, in the city center, is one of the most picturesque streets on the island. Another must-see is Bath Abbey, which attracts many visitors. The Roman baths also mark the urban landscape as well as the Circus, a huge building in the shape of a rainbow. Bath, bathed by the Avon River and its canals, has a special charm that is appreciated by British and foreign tourists alike. Among its cultural attractions are the Fashion Museum, the Jane Austen Centre, the South East Asian Art Museum and the Victoria Art Gallery. Climb up to Alexandra Park for a panoramic view of the city. Finally, you won't miss the Sally Lunn bun, a round bun that is served hot and buttered at tea time.
What to visit Bath?
When to go to Bath?
Bath is busy all year round. There is no real low season. Tourist facilities and attractions remain open all year round. Summer is the most popular time of year for tourists, with cultural events and the spa season. The end of year festivities, with the famous Bath Christmas market and magnificent illuminations, are the other tourist season. The magic of Christmas is particularly strong in this city with its rich medieval heritage. Summer or winter, be sure to bring an umbrella and a raincoat. Rain is frequent throughout the year and can come unexpectedly, even on a good day. Also, in winter, the temperature drops close to 0°C and warm clothing is required. Music lovers flock to Bath International Music in May, one of the country's major cultural events. Book your stay well in advance for this period. At the last minute you'll only have luxury accommodations available.
Weather at the moment
Bath has a temperate climate, although it is wetter and milder than the rest of the country with an average temperature of 10°C. The proximity of the sea softens the climate of Bath. The windiest period is from November to March. The winter has about ten snowy days. A few thunderstorms occur in August.
As the English have refused to join the Eurozone, the currency in Bath, as in the rest of the island, is the pound sterling (£). The cost of living is slightly higher than in France. You can stay in a youth hostel in downtown Bath for less than 250 euros per week, but in high season, places are scarce. For a luxury hotel, during the music festival, the bill can be as high as 2,000 euros! You can find cheap flights from Paris to London for less than 100 euros. Often cheaper than the TGV. The ferry is an interesting alternative.
To get to Bath, as to the rest of the island, you need your passport because since the UK left Europe, an identity card is no longer sufficient. No visa is required, however. If you plan to drive, you should know that a French license is valid in the UK.
In Bath, as in the rest of Great Britain, sanitary conditions are similar to those found in France and hygiene is generally respected in most establishments. The tap water is drinkable. Better still, the thermal waters of Bath are known for their therapeutic virtues.
Practical information
- When to travel?
- Weather forecast
- Budget
- Formalities
- Health
- How to travel by yourself?
- How to get organized?
- Getting around
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How to go to Bath? Our advice & tips
Many organized trips are offered by travel agencies, turnkey or custom-made. From music festival trips to cultural and linguistic stays, from heritage trips to spa treatments, the options are endless. You can get good rates by joining a group.
There is no need to worry about going to Bath on your own and organizing your stay in this spa town. The tourist infrastructures are numerous, of good quality and generally open all year round. Of course, mastering the language of Shakespeare will facilitate your logistics. You can book directly on the websites of the hotels and hostels or get information from the Bath tourist office. The same applies to the purchase of concert tickets.
Every hour a train connects London to Bath in 1h30 or 2h. Reach Bath from London in one hour by bus or train. A good way to see Bath is on the sightseeing bus which offers a guided tour linking the main points of interest upstairs. For a single trip to the first floor, the fare is minimal. Cabs are available near Bath station, the baths and the abbey.
