Half a day in Bath

How to make the most of a half a day in Bath

Whether you choose the "morning" or "afternoon" option below, you only have time to hit the biggest highlights.

08:45

Tour the ancient Roman Baths at the heart of town.

Time: 90 min.

09:00
★★★
The Great Bath pool at the Roman baths (Photo © Reid Bramblett)

The ancient ruins of a Roman-era bath under the 18C and 19C spa

 
10:30

Be on the Abbey Church Yard in front the of The Pump Rooms by 10:30am for an amazing free walking tour of Bath, during which you'll see lots of architectural highlights, including The Royal Crescent, The Circus, and Pulteney Bridge.

Time: 120 min. 

10:30
★★★
Bath offers free guided walks (Photo courtesy of VisitBath.co.uk)

The city of Bath offers free guided Mayor's Walks daily

 
12:30

Pop into the marvelously gothic Bath Abbey.

Time: 10 min.

12:40
★★☆
The fan-vaulted ceiling in Bath Abbey (Photo © Reid Bramblett)

A gorgeous Gothic church in the heart of Bath

 
12:41

Have a proper afternoon tea (in lieu of lunch) in the elegant Pump Rooms.

Time: 60 min.

12:42
★★★
Afternoon tea at the Pump Room (Photo © Reid Bramblett)

An elegant 18C hall for an elegant tea or luncheon

 
12:00

Check into your Bath hotel—but just stay long enough to drop you bags and splash some water on your face so you can head right back out again to begin enjoying Bath.

12:15
Room Five at the Leighton Townhouse B&B (Photo courtesy of the hotel)

The best hotels, B&Bs, and other places to stay in Bath

 
12:30

Have a proper afternoon tea (in lieu of lunch) in the elegant Pump Rooms.

Time: 60 min.

12:31
★★★
Afternoon tea at the Pump Room (Photo © Reid Bramblett)

An elegant 18C hall for an elegant tea or luncheon

 
13:30

Visit the marvelously gothic Bath Abbey.

Time: 20 min.

13:31
★★☆
The fan-vaulted ceiling in Bath Abbey (Photo © Reid Bramblett)

A gorgeous Gothic church in the heart of Bath

 
14:00

Tour the ancient Roman Baths at the heart of town.

Time: 90 min.

14:01
★★★
The Great Bath pool at the Roman baths (Photo © Reid Bramblett)

The ancient ruins of a Roman-era bath under the 18C and 19C spa

 
15:30

Visit the Victoria Art Gallery.

Time: 45 min.

 

15:45
★☆☆
The main Large Gallery (Photo courtesy of the museum)

Bath's small public art museum has a nice collection including Gainsborough oil pantings

 
17:45

Time to hit the Bath Spa! Spend two hours soaking in the waters and taking treatments like an ancient Roman or Georgian grandee.  

Time: 120 min.

18:00
★★☆
The thermal rooftop pool (Photo courtesy of Visit Britain)

Take the waters at the modern Bath spa

 
20:00

Have a late dinner and call it a night.

20:10
Bath buns (Photo courtesy of the restaurant)

Where to eat in Bath, from restaurants to pubs, Indian take-out to afternoon tea

 
What the grey and blue time bubbles mean

Since this itinerary takes into account travel time (walking, taking the Tube, driving, whatever):

  • The times in grey circles are the times by which you need to start moving in order to go to the next stop.
  • The times in blue circles are the times by which you should arrive at that stop to begin the fun.
Activities, walks, & excursions tours
Bath tourism info links