Bath Top Tips

The American Museum & Gardens opened in 1961 and showcases American decorative arts from the its earliest settlers right through to current times.

If you are into folk art then this is a must visit and they always have wonderful exhibitions happening.  It is the only museum of Americana outside the US, and was founded to bring American history and culture to Britain and Europe.

An absolute gem about this place is the gardens which are stunning and have beautiful views. The 30 acres around the house have been developed to include a replica of George Washington’s garden at Mount Vernon, trails and arboretum, amphitheatre and more, with the added joy that much of it is accessible.

Visit Website

Come and explore the fascinating world of Mary Shelly and her best-known fictional character. House of Frankenstein blurs the line between museum and immersive experience, offering numerous floors of multisensory environments, an escape room, and more. Many do not know that Mary Shelley wrote Frankenstein in 1816 whilst residing in Bath. During your visit, you’ll learn about the life of Mary Shelley and meet Frankenstein’s Monster!

House of Frankenstein is a great place to visit if you are looking for a fun and quirky experience while staying in Bath.

Visit Website

The Royal Crescent is without doubt one of Bath’s most well known and recognised landmarks. It was designed by John Wood (the Younger) was built between 1767 and 1775. 

The 30 houses in the crescent are all Grade 1 listed and No 1 is open as a Museum of Georgian life. In the middle of the crescent is the very splendid and luxurious The Royal Crescent hotel.

The rest are all privately owned and offer a very prestigious address.

Royal Crescent, Bath, BA1 2LS

Bath was built upon natural hot springs and the Roman Baths were built in approximately 70 AD as a communal bathing and socialising centre. The Romans believed in the steaming waters were from the Gods and had healing powers.

Bath was founded upon natural hot springs with the steaming water playing a key role throughout its history. Lying in the heart of the city the Roman Baths were constructed around 70 AD as a grand bathing and socialising complex. It is now one of the best preserved Roman remains in the world.

There is the opportunity to visit the Great Bath and walk among extensive ruins. A recently enhanced interactive museum is now open to the public and offers a glimpse into the lives of the Aquae Sulis people

Roman Baths, The Pump Room, Abbey Church Yard, Bath, BA1 1LZ

A museum with everything from the gowns worn by Jane Austen and her friends through to modern classics.

A wonderful way to spend a few hours with dressing up boxes (more great photo opportunities)  and remembering clothes your parents wore!

Housed in the Assembly Rooms – a group of rooms where people used to gather to socialise, play cards, dance etc. Still used today as a venue to major events and ceremonies.

Assembly Rooms, Bennett Street, Bath, BA1 2QH

This consists of three curved segments of Grade 1 Georgian townhouses that come together to form a circular shape and was designed by John Wood the Elder. However it was his son that completed the build of the Circus in 1768.

If you study the stonework you will notice that it is adorned with many emblems such as acorns and what many believe to be masonic symbols.

In the centre is grassed area with magnificent trees – a great photo opportunity.

The Circus, Bath.

At the top of Great Pulteney Street, The Holburn Museum was originally designed as a hotel but now houses beautiful art collections.

The Grade 1 listed grand building is surrounded by gardens and park land offers something for all the family.

Great Pulteney Street, Bathwick, Bath, BA2 4DB

Thermae Bath Spa is an award-winning Natural Spa where you can now bathe in Britain’s only naturally warm, mineral-rich waters. 

Not only is there the indoor Minerva Bath but also the open-air rooftop pool – perfect views as you relax in the warm waters. There is also a Wellness Suite offering a range of treatments.

The Cross Bath is accessed separately and has a smaller open air thermal bath and can be booked exclusively.

Hetling Pump Room, Hot Bath Street, BATH, BA1 1SJ

Pulteney Bridge is truly stunning – a bridge with shops built into it much like the Ponte Vecchio in Florence.

It overlooks the crescent weir and is best seen from the river path next to the Rugby ground or from Parade Gardens.

Bridge Street, Bath, Avon, BA2 4AT

A magnificent building in the centre of the city with the iconic tower that you can climb for spectacular city views. Well worth a visit the stained glass windows and stunning Bath stone create an entrancing place of Christian worship.

Outside the West Doors of the Abbey visitors can note the ladder of Angels – with some Angels ascending and others descending.

The Tower Tours (every day except Sunday) offer the chance to go behind the scenes, sit behind the clock face and stand on top of the vaulted ceiling and see the Abbey below.

The Abbey invites a donation in lieu of an admission fee.

Enter into the world of Jane Austen at this wonderful centre and see for yourself what it was like to live in Regency times.

Based in a Georgian town house you will be given an introduction and then time to wonder around the exhibition in your own time. There are more photo opportunities with Regency costumes to try on!

There is also the Regency themed Tea Rooms which offer a lovely treat in a unique setting.

40 Gay Street, Queen Square, BATH, Bath, BA1 2NT

Based at the Rec in the centre of Bath, this famous centre for rugby is over 150 years old. 

Bath is passionate about its team and rugby generally and on match days the city is awash with supporters.

We regularly host visiting fans and rugby groups playing in and around Bath – the Rec is a 5 minute walk from our hostel and we are within easy reach of other rugby events and schools / groups in the surrounding area.