With Covid-19 restrictions still in place, lots of us will be taking staycations this year. Here is our pick of the top five best things to do in and around our beautiful city of Bath
After more than a year of staying home, many of us are eager to get out into the world again: to eat in restaurants, discover new places and to sleep in a bed which is not our own. But with the uncertainty around travel abroad this summer, it seems like the ideal time to explore a little closer to home. And we can think of nowhere better to visit than Bath.
Most famous for its… well, baths, Bath is a city of history and wonder, with plenty to do, no matter your budget. In summer months, Bath can be crowded with tourists, so why not take a few days off work and come for a visit mid-week? You’ll still see a bustling city but without standing shoulder to shoulder at every tourist attraction.
So what are you waiting for? Come to Bath today and experience the best of the South-West! Here is our list of all the must-sees in Bath:
1. Visit The Roman Baths
A visit to Bath would be incomplete without a visit to the Roman Baths from which the city takes its name. Here, you can imagine yourself swanning around in a toga before your weekly visit to the bath. With each step on the floor of the 2000-year-old construction, you can feel the history of the place come alive. The interactive exhibits are great too!
This summer, the Roman Baths are hosting a series of torchlit summer evenings, staying open until 10pm. What’s more, weekday visitors get a discounted ticket. Just make sure that you book in advance, as Covid-19 restrictions mean that fewer people are allowed in at one time.
This summer, the Roman Baths are hosting a series of torchlit summer evenings, staying open until 10pm. What’s more, weekday visitors get a discounted ticket. Just make sure that you book in advance, as Covid-19 restrictions mean that fewer people are allowed in at one time.
2. Take a free walking tour
If you’re on a tight budget, a free walking tour is a fantastic way to learn more about the history of the city without spending a penny. Follow the knowledgeable guides commissioned by the Mayor of Bath and be transported in time. Period drama fans: look out for your favourite spots from films, including Netflix’s much-loved Bridgerton.
The walking tour leaves twice a day from outside the Roman Baths, except on Saturdays where it runs only once. Rain or shine, the tours take place every day of the year excluding Christmas Day – but we don’t begrudge the guides their Christmas turkey. Although the tour is free, booking is essential, because there is a limited number of places on each walk.
3. Get a bit of culture
Bath is packed with wonderful galleries and museums, many of which host talks and cultural events. We could easily spend a day at The Holborne Museum which was the city’s first public art gallery and currently houses art ranging from Gainsborough to Canaletto. If you’re a fan of fashion, you can’t miss a visit to the Fashion Museum Bath. A current exhibition is Shoephoria!, which explores how shoe style has developed over the past 300 years. Unfortunately, all items have a security tag (damn!).
Our absolute favourite museum is the American Museum & Gardens which is truly a hidden gem, set in a gorgeous park, and only a 20-minute drive from the city centre. The museum has an amazing series of events and exhibitions lined up for the summer. Forest of Imagination? Yes please!
In keeping with government requirements, most museums and galleries require visitors to book tickets in advance, so as to not overfill the venues. Credit cards at the ready? Let’s get booking!
4. Take a day at the races
If you are visiting midweek, a trip to Bath Racecourse is essential! Race fixtures are taking place throughout the summer, almost always on a weekday. This is a wonderful opportunity to get dressed up (there’s no formal dress code, but who needs an excuse for a statement hat?) and have a flutter.
Of course, you must book your tickets in advance, so plan carefully. Once at the races, you can look forward to the excitement of the racing alongside a nice cold drink or two. This is truly a day out with a difference and can’t be missed.
5. Solve the mysteries of Stonehenge
5000 years ago, the people of the Neolithic and Bronze Ages famously fashioned a monument from stones – but why? And how? There are still lots of questions to answer about Stonehenge, but you’ll certainly have a better chance to contemplate the answers if you visit the site itself.
Located an hour’s drive from Bath, we recommended making this a day trip, or even visiting on your way to or from Bath. However you get there, it’s certainly unmissable. As with many of the other attractions on this list, make sure you book your ticket in advance to guarantee your spot.
This is just the beginning…
Our top five picks of things to do in Bath is just the tip of the iceberg. There is so much more to see, whatever you are interested in. Lover of literature? There’s a Jane Austen Centre. Lover of gin? Go and taste Bath’s finest.
Clearly, you will need more than one day here to get the best out of Bath, so why not come and stay with us? We are located right at the heart of this special city, in walking distance to most major tourist attractions. We also have a range of rooms available, from family rooms to dorms, all of which are priced to suit any budget.
In line with government guidance, we have upped our cleaning and we are completely COVID safe. After a long, lonely stint without guests during the national lockdown, we are so excited to welcome you back to YMCA Bath Hostel and to help you plan the perfect stay. See you soon!
