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A snapshot of the highlights over a short break to Bath

Interview by: Graham Allchurch: Owner @ Golf Jobs & YU Golf

29th January 2026

Tucked into the rolling hills of southwest England, Bath is a city that feels effortlessly timeless. From the moment you arrive, honey-coloured Georgian terraces curve gracefully around you, hinting at stories shaped by Roman ingenuity, literary brilliance, and centuries of elegant leisure. It’s a place where ancient history bubbles up—quite literally—through steaming thermal waters, while modern cafés, independent shops, and cultural venues keep the city vibrant and alive.

Whether you’re wandering along the River Avon, tracing Jane Austen’s footsteps through the Assembly Rooms, or soaking in the warmth of Britain’s only natural hot springs, Bath invites you to slow down and savour every detail. Compact yet richly layered, the city offers the perfect blend of relaxation, history, and understated luxury. Visiting Bath isn’t just a trip—it’s a step into a beautifully preserved moment in time.

Places to go in Bath:

Discover Bath’s rich history at the Roman Baths, dating back to AD 43, before wandering elegant Georgian streets like the Royal Crescent and the Circus, stepping into the world of Jane Austen at the Jane Austen Centre, and finishing with a visit to the magnificent Bath Abbey—perhaps climbing the tower for sweeping city views

The Theatre Royal is one of the oldest and most historic theatres in England, offering drama, musicals, opera, comedy and more in its Main House and smaller spaces like the Ustinov Studio and the egg. Whilst we are about theatres, a slight divergence is Mary Shelley’s house of Frankenstein – as far as places to go in Bath are concerned, this one Is a great choice especially if you have the kids in tow.

Pulteney Bridge in Bath is one of the city’s most iconic and photographed landmarks. Built in 1774, it crosses the River Avon and is famous for shops sell their wares along both sides of its span, one of only a handful of such bridges worldwide. Its elegant Georgian design makes it a centre-piece of Bath’s architectural heritage and it’s a great place to take a stroll on a lazy Sunday afternoon.

There is a myriad of places to go in Bath. “The Circus” is an extraordinary circular Georgian architectural landmark, which must be seen. Such a beautiful space, despite, unfortunately, having a dark history of slave trade owners, this “street” occupies beautiful curved town house living. Today it’s a place which exudes calm and is an incredibly interesting example of Georgian architecture. Number 1 Royal Crescent is an incredible restored Georgian home which was built in the 18^th Century. This city is a world UNESCO heritage site and visiting this street alone, it’s easy to see why.

Shopping

No short break to bath would be complete without pounding the shops in this beautiful town. Walcot street is excellent for weird and wonderful shops. A vibrant, eclectic collection of characterful independents offering everything from vintage clothes to designer homewares. Two amazing bookshops, which could while away many an hour, Mr B’s and Topping & co. – both of which will get you pulled into a time warp in no time at all. The Yellow Shop is a great place to dig out some vintage clothing – make time to explore as this area of town is a vibrant hub of independent shops, arts, and history with unique boutiques, galleries, and eateries

Taking A stroll in Bath

Bath short breaks are often centred around the city and the beautiful architecture to behold within the city walls but… “The Bath Skyline Walk” is a must when visiting this town. It’s a 6-mile National Trust circular route offering panoramic views of the city and surrounding countryside, featuring woodlands, meadows, and historical sites like the Iron Age hill fort. The walk is dotted with stunning views, a mix of open fields, woodlands, and historic landmarks. Moderately easy, this walk takes around 3.5-4 hours at a reasonably fast pace. Another Place to enjoy elevated views of the city, is Alexandra park. The park is incredibly peaceful, a scenic green space on top of Beechen Cliff just south of Bath’s city centre. It’s one of the best places in the city for sweeping, panoramic views over Bath and the surrounding countryside. So, if you need a bit of time out from pounding the Georgian streets, head here for a bit of a breather and a slow coffee on a Sunday morning.

Other popular walks include the riverside paths along the Kennet & Avon Canal, connecting Bath with nearby villages, and the longer Circuit of Bath, a 20-mile trail with varied sections.

Independent Coffee shops

One of the best things about Bath is that it’s one of the rare places which hasn’t been over-run with soulless chain eateries and coffee shops. There is an independent spirit about the entire city, and this applies to its coffee culture to.

Society Café is situated very near the train station and it overlooks the stunning Bath Abbey so it’s a great place to stop for a drink if you’ve just got off the train This place offers everything you could ask for in the way of coffee types – so if you can get it in London, you’ll also be able to get here.

Colonna and Smalls, A beautifully modern and light filled interior, the baristas can talk you through the coffees they have on offer, what’s available to take home, and discuss the intricacies of the wonderful world of coffee! This place really does take what it does seriously and has won multiple awards as a result.

Beyond the Kale is a rustic vegan cafe with an array of colourful yummy options to feast your eyes on as soon as you walk through the door.

Bath boat trips

A short break in bath is simply not complete without a boat trip. Many of the boat trips start at Pulteney bridge so this is a great place to get a spot of lunch before hoping on a leisurely ride down the river Avon.

Swan, Herons, kingfishers, and otters are often spotted along this stretch of water alongside great views of the cities architecture offering an eclectic sample of sights and sounds – it’s a great way to take in views of the city if you haven’t visited before to get your bearings. Bath boat trips are carried out by a few different operators so the best plan is to head down to Pulteney bridge to assess times and operators before making your choice. However, if floating down the river isn’t your thing, Bath bus tours is another way to see more of the sites around the city than you could possibly reach by foot. For approximately £20 you can get an all-day ticket which allows you to hop on and off the bus at your leisure – making an enjoyable day of planning and discovering in equal measure

More food & drink

You’re on a city break after all so when your Bath boat tour is done, head off to one of the many independent restaurants for a late lunch or early dinner.

Che Dominique is a lovely, small, independent bistro style restaurant just off Pultney Bridge

Corkage is a great go-to for dinner. Corkage in Bath embodies the rustic charm of a continental neighbourhood bistro, exuding cosy intimacy and encouraging conviviality.

It’s a wine bar fore mostly, which does a great line in light small plates

The Star is another notable place to go for a drink or some food. This locally famous pub is on the CAMRA National Inventory. First licensed as a pub in 1759, the historic interior was fitted out by Gaskell and Chamber and exudes so much history and charm in its authentic in

In conclusion, visiting Bath is a memorable experience that brings history, culture, and beauty together in one place. From its famous Roman Baths and elegant Georgian architecture to its peaceful streets and surrounding countryside, the city offers something for everyone. Bath not only provides insight into Britain’s past but also creates a welcoming and relaxing atmosphere for visitors. Overall, a visit to Bath is both educational and enjoyable, making it a destination well worth exploring.