What To Eat, See & Do In Bath
Elegant, compact and steeped in history, Bath is one of England’s most atmospheric cities. Known for its honey-coloured Georgian architecture, literary pedigree and of course, the Roman baths, it’s a place that rewards slow wandering. But beyond the postcard views, you’ll find a thoughtful food scene, characterful pubs, independent cinemas, lovely markets, a vibrant theatre scene and pretty luxury hotels.
If you’re looking to step out of London and see the sights, or you’re a TV buff keen to see some gorgeous Bridgerton filming locations, Bath is a stunning spot for a weekend getaway. Here’s where to eat, drink, stay and discover when in Bath:
Where to eat
Olive Tree
Tucked beneath the Queensberry Hotel on Russell Street, the Olive Tree stands as one of Bath’s longest-established independent restaurants. In 2018, its quietly assured cooking was recognised with a Michelin star, a distinction that complements its position as Somerset’s only four-rosette restaurant.
Locally sourced seasonal British menu with Mediterranean influences in a small and elegant setting.
Expect seasonal British menus and locally sourced ingredients with Mediterranean influences in a cosy and elegant setting.
where: 4-7 Russell St, Bath BA1 2QF
website: www.olivetreebath.co.uk
Sydney’s Bar & Kitchen
Sydney’s is a venture from the family-run team behind The Scallop Shell, set just next door in the former New Inn. The restaurant centres on simple, well-executed sharing dishes, complemented by classic cocktails, an elegant wine list, and a thoughtful selection of beer, cider and spirits. Open five days a week throughout winter, the menu is served all day from Wednesday to Saturday, with a much-loved Sunday roast rounding out the week.
where: 23-24 Monmouth Pl, Bath BA1 2AY
website: www.sydneysbath.co.uk
The Circus Restaurant
Set just moments from the Georgian Circus, this independent neighbourhood restaurant focuses on British, seasonal produce with simple, elegant execution. It’s relaxed yet polished, ideal for an unhurried lunch or early evening dinner. Look forward to modern European food, accompanied by old-world wines.
The winter menu can take you from sweet potato miso coconut soup and Sri Lankan samosa to flat iron steak and pork tenderloin.
where: 34 Brock St, Bath BA1 2LN
website: www.thecircusrestaurant.co.uk
Look forward to modern European food, accompanied by old-world wines.
Clayton’s Kitchen
Look forward to modern European cooking with French at the lovely Clayton’s Kitchen. The menu balances comforting flavours with refined presentation, and the central location makes it perfect for pre-theatre dining. On the menu, we spotted dishes like Pembrokeshire little haven crab, salmon rillette, honey roasted duck breast, mushroom risotto and more.
where: 15A George St, Bath BA1 2EN
website: www.claytonskitchen.com
Where to drink
Bath Gin Distillery
Gin lovers, this one is for you. Nestled within a historic Georgian building at 2–3 Queen Street, right in the heart of Bath, the bar serves award-winning small-batch gins. (Don’t miss the Gin Austen, a nod to Bath’s iconic literary past). Beyond the Bath gin collection, the bar has an impressive selection of 230 different gins from around the world.
where: 2-3 QUEEN STREET, Bath BA1 1HE
website: www.thebathgincompany.co.uk
Walcot House
Walcot House promises a cellar full of good wine and the “best Guinness in Bath”, which sounds like reason enough to visit. House classics include cocktails like Dilly Girl with melon, cazcabel blanco, walcot dill liquor, melonade, lychee, lime and absinthe mist or try the Mango Martini with eristoff vodka, monin mango syrup, king’s ginger, lime and pineapple sherbet.
where: 90B Walcot St, Bath BA1 5BG
website: www.walcothousebath.com
The Hideout
You’ll find The Hideout hidden in the historic lanes of Tudor Bath. A gem for any whisky lover, the bar explores flavours from around the world – and has a pretty banging hip-hop playlist too. With moody interiors, the cocktails are uncomplicated and delicious.
With moody interiors, the cocktails are uncomplicated and delicious.
where: 1 Lilliput Court, Bath BA1 1ND
website: www.hideoutbath.co.uk
The Dark Horse
A cocktail bar with a moody, speakeasy feel, The Dark Horse is known for its meticulously made drinks and intimate atmosphere. It’s small, stylish and ideal for lingering conversations.
The menu includes local products and ingredients wherever possible, and you’ll find many English wines, liqueurs, spirits and beers behind the bar. Even the fruit and herbs are sourced from as close to Bath as possible, and many are foraged from the hills nearby.
where: 7A Kingsmead Square, Bath BA1 2AB
website: www.darkhorsebar.co.uk
Where to stay
No15 by Guesthouse
While this boutique hotel may look like an unassuming Georgian townhouse from the outside, don’t let that fool you. Inside, you’ll be transported forward in time with its slightly more modern interiors, where you’ll find eye-catching artwork, freestanding copper bathtubs and record players in the bedrooms. Home to 36 rooms, each one is completely unique; from the snug to the vast, grandly designed, relaxing retreat, each one is peppered with art and objects that tell a story.
Where: 15 Great Pulteney St, Bathwick, Bath BA2 4BS
Website:www.guesthousehotels.co.uk
Dukes
Nuzzled in the centre of Bath, spread across two Georgian townhouses, Dukes is the quaint city bed and breakfast you’ve always dreamt of staying at. It’s located on Great Pulteney Street, whose famous former residents include the likes of Jane Austen, and is dotted with high ceilings, sash windows and four-poster beds.
where: Dukes Bath, Great Pulteney Street, Bath BA2 4DN
website: www.dukesbath.co.uk
The Pig Near Bath
A stay at a Pig Hotel is all about indulgence, and The Pig Near Bath is no exception. Each room has a larder (think country garden minibar) stocked with vintage treats and locally-sourced snacks, and combines luxury with home-away-from-home charm. Room choices range from Snug Rooms with walk-in monsoon showers to The Hide, a detached cabin with a wood-burning stove, freestanding bath, and views of an 80-strong herd of deer right outside your window.
Where: Hunstrete House, Hunstrete, Pensford, Bath BS39 4NS
Website: www.thepighotel.com
The Yard in Bath Hotel
A former coaching inn, this newly restored hotel continues to offer refuge to guests across 14 king-size bedrooms. Home to a central courtyard and a wine bar that doubles as a coffee bar by day, a charm like The Yard’s is hard to beat. The rooms have been lovingly restored, with period features and locally designed fabrics. However, they’re not without their modern luxuries. Think REN toiletries, Roberts Radios, Netflix and Nespresso coffee machines.
where: 1 Monmouth Pl, Bath BA1 2AT
website: www.theyardinbath.co.uk
Things to do
Visit the Roman Baths
These are one of the best-preserved Roman spa complexes in the world, with remarkable stonework, sacred pools and ritual spaces which reveal the rhythms of historic Roman life. The baths contain thousands of archaeological finds from pre-Roman and Roman Britain, and if you’re keen to learn more, sign up for one of the guided tours where you can see the Sacred Spring, where the naturally hot water has bubbled up from for thousands of years, and see historic photos of the Roman Baths.
Go on a Bridgerton walking tour
Fans of the series will recognise many of Bath’s streets and crescents as filming locations. Guided tours take in key spots while offering insight into the city’s Regency history, blending pop culture with architectural context. Visit the Royal Crescent (which serves as the exterior of Featherington House), The Holburne Museum (Lady Danbury’s estate), and Abbey Deli (The Modiste).
Fans of the series will recognise many of Bath’s streets and crescents as filming locations.
Shop at antique and vintage stores
Green Park Station, once Bath’s main railway station, is a restored building that hosts local businesses and monthly markets. There’s a lovely farmer’s market on Saturday mornings where you can shop for local cheeses, organic fruit and artisanal breads. At the flea market at Bath’s Artisan Quarter, you can shop for preloved bargains, and get your hands on crockery, clothes, books and trinkets.
Take in the historical sites
Exploring Bath’s historic sites offers a clear sense of the city’s development from Roman settlement to spa town. At its centre are the Roman Baths, while Bath Abbey dominates the skyline, and beyond it, landmarks such as Pulteney Bridge and the grand sweep of the Royal Crescent and The Circus are must-visit sites. Explore No. 1 Royal Crescent and the Holburne Museum to go deeper into the ancient culture of this historic town.
Explore Jane Austen’s Bath
Jane Austen famously spent several years living and writing in Bath, and two of her novels, Northanger Abbey and Persuasion, are set in the city. At the Jane Austen Centre, you can dive into the Regency era and celebrate her much-adored writing by dressing up in the centre’s collection of dresses, bonnets and coats and even enjoy a themed afternoon tea. Plus, don’t miss the Jane Austen festival that will take place in September this year.
Enjoy some theatre
Theatre lovers will not be disappointed. Head to the iconic Theatre Royal Bath, one of the oldest theatres in the country, which has an excellent programme in place for 2026. Killing Eve star Jodie Comer is performing in Suzie Miller’s Olivier award-winning play Prima Facie this February, the smash hit musical SIX is on in April and towards the end of the year, you can watch a new adaptation of T.S. Eliot’s drama Murder in the Cathedral.
