A Day Trip to Bath from London | Complete Itinerary

Follow this itinerary for an easy and successful day trip to Bath from London. I’ll walk you through how to get there, the best places to visit, my favorite coffee shops, and more. Bath is one of my favorite day trips from London, and it’s an easy one to do on your own!

Every time I visit London, I try to plan at least one day trip to get out of the city and experience something a little different. But narrowing down the options isn't always easy.

When researching the best day trips from London, I usually find one of two things: lists with 10+ destinations or articles that don't provide enough information to decide whether a place is actually worth the trip. The last thing you want to do is spend hours traveling somewhere only to find out it's just so-so.

If you're in the same boat and considering a day trip to Bath, you've chosen well. Bath is easy to get to from London and is just the right size to fill a day without feeling rushed.

It's one of my favorite day trips from London, and I can't recommend it enough!

It's also a MUST for Bridgerton fans, as much of the show was filmed here. You'll quickly see why once you start wandering Bath's picturesque streets. And don't worry—I include a list of the best Bridgerton filming locations in Bath toward the end of this post.

Now let's get into the fun stuff! Follow this Bath day trip itinerary and you'll hit all the top attractions without missing a beat.

This map shows the top places to visit in Bath, England. Click the icon in the top-left corner to view a list of each pinned location. Select the top-right button to enlarge the map (it will automatically save it to YOUR Google Maps). To access this map once saved, open Google Maps (on your phone/computer/tablet), tap the "You" icon at the bottom, scroll to the bottom, and select "Maps". Your newly saved map should be listed at the top.

• Blue - must-visit Bath sights
• Red - coffee shops, lunch, cream tea

Is Bath Worth Visiting?

First things first...is Bath worth visiting? My answer is YES!

Bath is about as picturesque as a city can get. The Georgian architecture gives the city a beautiful, well-preserved, and stately feel, while the city itself is clean, walkable, and charming.

Yes, Bath can get crowded with day trippers, but it's still a nice change of pace from busy London.

It's also the perfect size for a day trip. You can easily see the top sights in one day without feeling like you're rushing from one attraction to the next. You'll even have time to sit down for lunch and squeeze in a few coffee breaks.

Of all the London day trips you can easily do on your own by train, Bath makes my top three. Cambridge, Windsor, and Bath are my favorites.

Getting To Bath From London

Getting to Bath from London is quick, painless, and easy. Direct trains run from London Paddington to Bath Spa, with the fastest services taking around 1 hour and 15 minutes.

The Bath train station is right in the city center, just about a 5-minute walk from the Roman Baths and Bath Abbey. It's an easy and straightforward walk, so you won't need to worry about taking an Uber or taxi once you arrive.

If you buy your train tickets early (you can book 12 to 24 weeks in advance), you can find them for around £60 round trip.

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How Much Time To Spend In Bath, England

A day trip to Bath from London will take up most of your day. I'd plan on spending at least 6 hours in Bath, but 8 hours is even better.

This gives you enough time to see the top sights below, wander the picturesque streets, enjoy a leisurely lunch, and squeeze in one or two coffee stops without feeling rushed.

Places To Visit On A Day Trip To Bath From London

Roman Baths

The first stop on this Bath itinerary should be the Roman Baths. They're one of the most popular things to do in Bath and, well, they're what gave the city its name!

The original baths were built around 70 AD and are some of the best-preserved Roman remains in the world.

I recommend buying your tickets online (around £30) in advance so you don't waste time waiting in line. Plan to spend around 2 hours here, and be sure to use the included audio guide. It's very well done and adds a lot of context to what you're seeing.

The Roman Baths tend to get busiest in the afternoon, particularly between 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. I book the earliest train from London so I can arrive as close to opening time as possible. Opening hours vary throughout the year, so be sure to check the schedule when planning your trip.

AWA Tip: The Georgian Pump Room, which is connected to the Roman Baths, is a fun spot for breakfast before or after your visit. It was once the social heart of Bath and hosted famous visitors including Jane Austen and Charles Dickens.

Sip your tea beneath the chandeliers while listening to the live pianist. It's definitely a little fancy, but don't let that stop you—most people were dressed pretty casually when I visited since many were fellow tourists.

I did the Morning Pastry for £12.50, which included a pot of tea (or coffee), toasted teacake, and either a slice of cake or chive scones.

You'll want to book your spot in advance through the Pump Room, especially if you're visiting during a busy time of year.

Walking Tour

Bath is a stunning and wonderfully preserved Georgian city, and a walking tour is one of the best ways to appreciate its architecture, history, and hidden corners.

The Mayor of Bath Honorary Guides offers free 2-hour walking tours of the city. Tips aren't accepted, and the quality of the guides and information is top-notch.

Tours typically run at 10:30 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., although Saturday usually has just one morning tour. Double-check the schedule before your trip, as times can change. The meeting point is conveniently located right outside the Roman Baths, marked with a sign that says "Free Walking Tours Start Here."

The tour takes you through some of Bath's prettiest streets and neighborhoods, and you'll likely pass a few places you'll want to come back to explore later. It's a great introduction to Bath and one of the first things I'd do once you arrive.

The downside to a free tour is that you never know how large your group will be. You don't sign up in advance, and the guides can't limit how many people show up. If you'd rather have a smaller group or guarantee your spot, consider booking a tour in advance:

• Walking Tour of Bath with Blue Badge Tourist Guide - max of 25 people
• Roman Baths and Bath City Walking Tour - max of 15 people
• Best of Bath Walking Tours - Georgian Tour - max of 12 people

Bath Abbey

The site of Bath Abbey has a long history, as it’s been a place of Christian worship since 757 AD. The current Abbey you see today is actually the third to be built here. Its biggest claim to fame? King Edgar, the first king of all England, was crowned here in 973.

The service used for King Edgar’s coronation set the precedent for the coronation ceremony we still see today for the Kings and Queens of England.

Along with the Roman Baths, Bath Abbey is one of the top places to visit in Bath.

If you have the time and don't mind climbing stairs, I highly recommend the Tower Tour (around £18). The guided tour lasts 50 minutes and takes you up 212 steps into parts of the Abbey that aren't normally accessible, including the ringing chamber and clock mechanism, before continuing to the top for beautiful views over Bath.

Regular admission to the Abbey is currently £9 for adults, with an additional £3.50 for the audio guide.

Book your tickets and time slots in advance online.

Sally Lunn's Historic Eating House And Museum

Now is the perfect time to stop for lunch or a cream tea as you make your way through this Bath day trip itinerary. For a traditional Bath experience, there’s really no better place than Sally Lunn’s.

Housed in one of Bath’s oldest buildings, Sally Lunn’s is famous for its Sally Lunn Bunn, a large, brioche-like bun that you can order sweet or savory.

For a classic English experience, I recommend the Sally Lunn cream tea, which comes with a toasted and buttered Sally Lunn Bunn, strawberry jam, clotted cream, and tea.

It’s touristy, but honestly, this is one of those stops that’s worth doing at least once when you’re in Bath.

No. 1 Royal Crescent And The Circus

Next up on our day trip to Bath itinerary is a visit to the No. 1 Royal Crescent Museum. It’s about a 13-minute walk from Bath Abbey or Sally Lunn’s to the Royal Crescent.

The museum gives you an inside look at how wealthy residents lived during the 1700s. No. 1, as its name suggests, is the first house in a crescent of 35 Georgian townhomes — and some of the most desirable real estate in Bath.

The rooms are decorated and furnished to look as they would have between 1776 and 1796. Wander through the bedrooms, servants’ quarters, kitchen, and parlor to get a feel for what everyday life was like during the Georgian era.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions and chat with the docents. They’re filled with information about how people lived during this time and can share some of the fascinating quirks and details of Georgian life that you might otherwise miss.

No. 1 Royal Crescent is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10:00 am to 5:30 pm, and tickets are £16. While walk-in visits are available, they’re extremely limited, so I recommend booking your time slot in advance.

Don’t forget to step outside when you’ve finished your visit to take in the entire crescent and admire its impressive symmetry.

From here, it’s just a 3-minute walk to The Circus, another beautiful example of Georgian architecture. Similar to the Royal Crescent, The Circus is made up of elegant Georgian townhomes — except here, they’re arranged in a circle rather than a crescent.

Pulteney Bridge

From The Circus, walk 10 minutes to Pulteney Bridge. Cross the bridge and walk down the steps and along the river for the best views of Bath.

The bridge is (kind of) similar to the Ponte Vecchio in Florence with shops and buildings along both sides. If you’re looking for that Instagram shot, this is your spot. 

Parade Gardens

Another beautiful view of Pulteney Bridge can be found from Parade Gardens. While the £2 entrance fee is a little annoying, the gardens are well manicured and make for a nice spot to relax and enjoy the views.

Best Coffee Shops In Bath, England

I'm sure you'll want a few coffee breaks during this day trip to Bath itinerary, so I've made sure to include spots near popular sights so you don't have to go out of your way.

These are some of my favorite coffee shops in Bath and are perfect for grabbing a coffee and a snack:

• Society Café – I love the location at Kingsmead Square, where you can sit outside in the pretty square. The other location on High Street is close to Bath Abbey and the Roman Baths.
• The Colombian Company – A convenient stop close to the Roman Baths.
• Pulteney Bridge Coffee Shop – The coffee is just so-so, but the location is fun since it's actually inside Pulteney Bridge.
• Boston Tea Party – A good option if you're looking for brunch rather than just coffee and a snack.

*Thermae Bath Spa

Looking to take a dip in the same thermal waters that the Romans enjoyed over 2,000 years ago? You have two main options in Bath.

Thermae Bath Spa, is the only natural thermal spa in the UK, but it will cost you a pretty penny to enjoy it. A two-hour weekday visit costs £44, while a weekend visit is £49.

You'll have access to the open-air rooftop pool, the indoor Minerva Bath, and the Wellness Suite with a steam room, infrared room, ice chamber, and more.

I'd skip the Cross Bath. It's £40 for 1.5 hours to sit in a small, open-air, circular pool — think a large hot tub.

Is it worth your time and money? My personal travel style says no, but I completely understand why some people make this a priority. Just keep in mind that squeezing the thermal baths into a day trip to Bath from London, rather than an overnight stay, will be pushing it time-wise.

If you decide to take a plunge in the mineral waters, you'll most definitely have to cut out a sight or two from above.

Shopping - Milsom Street

Those that whirled through this Bath itinerary and have extra time to shop will want to check out Milsom Street. This is the go-to shopping street in Bath and is also very picturesque.

Bridgerton Filming Locations In Bath

For my fellow Bridgerton fans, these are the most popular and worthwhile Bridgerton filming locations in Bath. Even if you aren't into the show, these are all beautiful areas that are worth a quick look. All are located within the city center and walking distance from each other.

Trim Street - this tiny street (specifically 12 Trim Street) stands in for Gunter’s Tea Shop.

The Abbey Deli - Modiste dress shop.

Abbey Gate Street (archway by Columbian Coffee Company) - several scenes were filmed here including where Siena (the Opera singer) lives.

No. 1 Royal Crescent - home of the Featheringtons. The Royal Crescent also stands in for several back drops throughout the show.

National Trust - Bath Assembly Rooms - stand in for several balls and formal events in Bridgerton, making this a fun stop for fans of the show.

As of 2026, the Assembly Rooms are closed for renovations and the creation of a new visitor experience. They are expected to reopen in 2027. Check the National Trust website for the latest updates.

Other notable streets include Bath Street, Edward Street, Beauford Square, and Alfred Street.

Should You Take A Bridgerton Tour?

While you can easily visit these filming locations on your own, serious fans may want to consider joining a tour for behind-the-scenes stories and fun details about filming.

There are several guided walking tours I recommend: Bath Walking Tours offers a 2-hour Bridgerton Tour and Bath Insider Tours offers a two-hour PRIVATE Bridgerton filming-locations tour. Another fun option is a Bridgerton tour featuring music from the show by Brit Insider Tours.

With limited time on a day trip to Bath, I only recommend these tours for avid fans, as you'll already see many of the filming locations while exploring the city.

If you want to fit several sights into one day trip, there are plenty of tour companies that combine a day trip to Bath from London with one or two other stops.

I’ve visited Bath both on my own and with a combined tour. In a perfect world, you would spend an entire day in Bath, but if you’re short on time and want to fit a few more sights into your itinerary, a small-group bus tour is a great option.

A combined tour will give you a quick taste of Bath. You won’t have time to see all the sights, but it’s a good option if visiting one of the stone circles, like Stonehenge or Avebury, is important to you.

I would stick with tours that operate with smaller vans, like The English Bus or Rabbie’s. These tours typically have a maximum of around 16 people, versus the big bus tours that can easily have 30, 50, or more tourists.

I would also skip tours that include Windsor Castle. Windsor Castle deserves its own trip and more time than a quick stop on a combined bus tour. Plus, being just 30 minutes from London by train, it’s an easy half-day trip to do on your own.

If you don't have time for a separate day trip to Windsor, then I recommend this group tour Small-Group Day Trip to Stonehenge, Bath and Windsor from London or this private tour Windsor Castle, Stonehenge & Bath Private Car Tour from London.

It makes more sense to pick a tour that combines Bath with the Cotswolds and/or Stonehenge/Avebury. This combination gives you the most time in each location without trying to squeeze several big, time-consuming sights into one trip. Otherwise, you’ll end up rushing through each destination instead of having enough time to actually enjoy it.

I did the Small Group Stonehenge, Bath and Secret Place Tour from London and can't recommend it enough. Probably one of the best day trips I have ever joined. 

The below tours are with companies I like/have used before and combine worthwhile stops:

• Small Group Cotswolds Village, Stonehenge and Bath Tour from London (same company as the tour I did).
• Small-Group Day Trip to Bath, Lacock and Stonehenge from London
• PRIVATE TOUR OPTION: Stonehenge & Bath Private Day Tour from London

In Summary

I hope this day trip to Bath itinerary helped you decide whether Bath is right for you and gave you a better idea of how to plan your time.

Bath is an easy day trip to do on your own and a nice change of pace from London. The entire city feels historic, with its beautiful Georgian architecture, charming streets, and grand buildings.

A day trip to Bath will reward you with picturesque streets, quaint cafés, fascinating sights, and a surprisingly interesting history. It won’t be hard to fill an entire day with sightseeing, good food, and plenty of things to do!

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A Day Trip to Bath from London | Complete Itinerary

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