architectural tour bath

Bath Walking Tours

Explore the magic by foot.

Expert guided tours of Bath, join us on a magical journey around this historic and enchanting city.

Call or  Whatsapp  + (44) 07955 482 637

Call or Whatsapp  + (44) 07955 482 637

Uncover the Timeless Beauty and History of Bath

Bath Walking Tours offers a unique way to experience the splendour of this historic city. Our meticulously crafted tours take you through the heart of Bath, revealing its rich heritage, stunning architecture, and vibrant culture. With our expert guides, you’ll explore famous landmarks and hidden gems, gaining a deeper appreciation for what makes Bath one of the most cherished cities in England.

Our guides are not only knowledgeable but also passionate about Bath’s history. They provide engaging and insightful commentary that brings the city’s past to life.

Engaging Experiences: Each tour is designed to be more than just a walk. You’ll experience Bath through stories, anecdotes, and fascinating facts that highlight the city’s unique character.

Historical Insights: Bath is a city with a rich tapestry of history, from its Roman origins to its Georgian grandeur. Our tours delve into these periods, providing a comprehensive understanding of how Bath has evolved over the centuries.

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Walk Through Bath’s Timeless Beauty with Expert Guides

Bath is home to some of the finest examples of Georgian architecture in the world. Our tours highlight these architectural treasures, explaining their historical significance and the stories behind their creation.

Historic Landmarks: From ancient Roman baths to grand Georgian crescents, our tours cover all the major landmarks that make Bath a UNESCO World Heritage site. You’ll learn about the significance of these sites and their roles in Bath’s history.

Cultural Highlights: Bath has a rich cultural heritage, with connections to famous literary figures, artists, and musicians. Our tours explore these cultural links, offering a deeper understanding of the city’s artistic and literary contributions.

From Cobblestones to Crescents: Discover Bath’s Secrets

Each of our tours uncovers bath’s timeless tales with every step.

Beautiful Historic Sites off the Beaten Path

Explore Bath’s hidden treasures with our walking tours, designed to showcase beautiful historic sites away from the crowded tourist paths. Our typical route spans various lengths and times, depending on your preferences. The default tour covers approximately 5 miles, taking around 3 hours of walking time plus 1.5 hours for lunch and sightseeing stops. Wander through stunning scenery and charming streets on quieter routes, providing an immersive experience of Bath’s unique heritage and architecture.

Flexible cancellation booking policy

Plus Tours in Other Destinations: In conjunction with VisitOxfordTours.com

Unique guided walking tours of Oxford and beyond

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Special requests available for custom-made tours.

All the tours have the same meet point as follows:

Meet your guide outside main entrance to Bath abbey, next door to the Roman Baths, Bath Lane, BA1 1LT  Alternatively, please make known your preferred meeting point in Bath city centre, when you book the tour.

Notice: if the given start times offered don’t suit your schedule, please just contact us before you book, to request an alternative start time for your tour.

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Contact us and start your Bath adventure. Join us for an unforgettable day of exploration and discovery, experiencing the Historic City of Bath in a way that is both exhilarating and enriching.

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Self-guided walking tour of Bath (3.1 miles circular)

By Author Lucy Dodsworth

Posted on Last updated: 6 August 2024

Follow in the footsteps of Jane Austen on this self-guided walking tour of Bath , which takes you through the highlights of its UNESCO World Heritage listed historic centre, with spectacular Georgian architecture, leafy garden squares, thermal baths, museums and churches.

The route takes in some of Bath’s best-known sights, including the Royal Crescent, Bath Abbey, Pulteney Bridge and the Roman Baths. It starts at the Holburne Museum on the edge of Sydney Gardens and crosses the River Avon, running past the Abbey and through Royal Victoria Park to the Royal Crescent before climbing up through Bath’s quieter, hillside Georgian terraces.

This Bath walking tour covers 3.1 miles/5km and takes around 1–1.5 hours to walk straight through. But you could easily spread it out over a day or more if you want to visit some of the attractions along the route, browse the shops or stop off at Bath’s cafés, pubs and restaurants.

The walk is easy to moderate, with some hilly and cobbled sections – though there is a shortcut available if you want to avoid the steepest climbs, which cuts it down to 2.5 miles/4km.

Self-guided walking tour of Bath details and map

• Distance : 3.1 miles/5km.
• Time : 1–1.5 hours.
• Elevation : 184 feet elevation gain.
• Difficulty : Easy to moderate.
• Paths : Mainly pavements and concrete paths, with some cobbled sections.
• Accessibility : A few fairly steep up- and downhill sections in the second half.
• Map : 155 Bristol & Bath *
• Toilets : There are public toilets in Sydney Gardens (BA2 4DB) near the start of the walk. You can also find toilets along the route in the Parade Gardens, at the Roman Baths and in the Charlotte Street Car Park on the edge of Royal Victoria Park, near the Royal Crescent.
• Facilities : There’s a wide selection of shops, cafés and restaurants in Bath.

Click on the map above to be taken to Wikiloc , a free app where you can download a map and GPS directions for this self-guided walking tour of Bath.

Start/finish point

The starting point for the walk is the Holburne Museum on the edge of Sydney Park, to the northeast of the city centre. The finishing point is Pulteney Bridge, but if you want to end up back at the museum, just retrace your steps back down Great Pulteney Street (8 minutes’ walk).

If you’re travelling by car, there’s a small car park at the museum (BA2 4DB) which costs £7 for 3–4 hours. But Bath is notorious for its slow traffic, so another option would be to use one of the Park and Ride car parks around the edge of Bath and take their shuttle bus into the city.

Or it’s easy to reach Bath by public transport . From Bath Spa railway station it’s an 18-minute walk to the Holburne Museum. Or you could extend your walk by following the towpath of the Kennet and Avon canal from the station to the Bath Locks and then walk across Sydney Park to reach the museum, which would add on an extra 1.3 miles or 30 minutes’ walk to the route.

Self-guided walking tour of Bath route

Stage 1: holburne museum to the royal crescent.

Start your Bath walk in front of the Holburne Museum . The museum is located in a grand former hotel on the edge of Sydney Park, former haunt of Jane Austen who lived across the street at 4 Sydney Place. Bridgerton fans might recognise the museum as Lady Danbury’s townhouse from the Netflix series. And inside there are 18th-century artworks, porcelain and silver on display.

With the museum behind you, walk down Great Pulteney Street . It was built in 1789 for Sir William Pulteney and is Bath’s widest street, lined with impressive Georgian townhouses. You pass through Laura Place, named after Pulteney’s daughter, with a pretty fountain in the centre.

At the end of the street, cross over Pulteney Bridge . It’s one of Bath’s most iconic sights and one of only four bridges in the world with shops built into each side (if you look through the windows on the left you’ll see how narrow they are). The bridge was built for William Pulteney to help drive up land prices on the other side of the River Avon, and was inspired by classical design.

Once you’ve crossed the bridge, turn left down Grand Parade. If you look behind you there’s a great view of Pulteney Bridge and the horseshoe-shaped weir beneath it – this was used as a location for the 2012 film Les Misérables , with Javert jumping to his death into the weir.

Follow the road as far as the Parade Gardens , built on the site of an 18th-century pleasure garden and known for their beautiful floral displays. Cross the road with Bath Abbey in front of you, and walk down Terrace Walk, taking the pathway between The Abbey Hotel and The Huntsman.

Walk along North Parade Passage past Sally Lunn’s , one of the oldest houses in Bath from around 1482. It’s the home of the Sally Lunn bun, a kind of brioche brought to Bath by a 17th-century French emigrant – you can see her original kitchen in a small museum in the basement.

At the end of the passage, turn right down Church Street and you’ll see Bath Abbey ahead. The abbey was built in 1499 on the site of an older church, and has impressive fan-vaulted ceilings and stained-glass windows – you can also climb the tower for great views over Bath. Look out for the stone roundel in the Abbey Churchyard too which marks the end of the Cotswold Way .

Opposite the abbey are the Roman Baths , built in 70 BC on the site of Britain’s only natural hot springs with water heated to 46°C. They were part of a large Roman site which also included a temple to the goddess Sulis Minerva. And next door are the Pump Rooms , built in 1776 for visitors coming to take the waters and still a popular spot for a traditional afternoon tea.

Go under the arches at the end of the Abbey Churchyard and turn left onto Stall Street, taking the first right down Bath Street. At the end of the street you’ll see the Cross Bath ahead. This is part of the Thermae Bath Spa complex to your left, where you can soak in Bath’s naturally heated spring waters – you can just see their rooftop pool as you walk round to the left of the Cross Baths.

Turn right down Hetling Court, then right at the end and follow Westgate Buildings uphill. Carry straight on along Saw Close and then Barton Street. On your left you’ll see Queen Square , surrounded by elegant Georgian buildings with a stone obelisk in the centre. This was erected in 1738 by Beau Nash, the dandy and socialite who helped Bath become a fashionable resort.

Carry on past Queen Square along Gay Street, passing two museums dedicated to authors who lived in Bath in the 1800s – the Jane Austen Centre and Mary Shelley’s House of Frankenstein . Then turn left down Queen’s Parade Place, taking the steps on the right into the park.

Royal Victoria Park was dedicated to Princess (later Queen) Victoria, who opened it in 1830 on her one and only visit to Bath. It covers 57 acres, with botanic gardens, ponds, tennis courts and an adventure playground. Follow the Gravel Walk which runs along the edge of the park.

Look out for the Georgian Garden through a doorway in the wall on the right. This tucked-away garden recreates what it would’ve looked like around 1760–1770. Excavations uncovered the original position of flower beds and paths, and it’s been planted with species popular at the time.

At the end of the path you’ll emerge into a grassy area with the Royal Crescent to your right. Follow the path ahead for a great view of the whole crescent. Then turn right at the end and walk along Marlborough Buildings before turning into the crescent to take a closer look.

One of Bath’s most iconic landmarks, the Royal Crescent was built between 1767 and 1775, and is made up of 30 houses. It’s been seen on screen in period dramas like The Duchess (2008) and Persuasion (2022). In the middle is the luxurious, five-star Royal Crescent Hotel, and No 1 Royal Crescent is a museum showing what life would’ve been like for its Georgian residents.

Stage 2: The Royal Crescent to Pulteney Bridge

When you reach the end of the Royal Crescent, go straight on down Brock Street. At the end of the street is another of Bath’s most impressive addresses – The Circus . This circular street was designed by architect John Wood the Elder, and completed by his son in 1768 after his death.

Wood was fascinated by druids, and designed the Circus to have the same diameter as Stonehenge. If you look closely at the stonework you can see carvings of animals, plants and symbols, and there are plaques showing where famous residents like painter Thomas Gainsborough once lived.

Follow the Circus around to the left, and then turn off down Bennett Street. On your left is the Museum of East Asian Art , and on your right is the Bath Assembly Rooms . This was where members of Georgian high society would gather to be entertained with ballroom dancing, card games and concerts. They’re now open to the public when not being used for events.

If you want a shorter walk (and to avoid the hills), you can turn right down Saville Row at this point, crossing the road to pick up the route at Milsom Street, cutting off 0.5 miles.

Turn left up Russell Street after the Assembly Rooms, then cross over the road and walk along the left-hand side of Christ Church towards the Museum of Bath at Work . This museum reconstructs different workplaces from Bath’s history, from stone mines to an ironmonger’s shop.

Walk up the steps towards the museum and go around to the left walking through the gateway onto Morford Street and climbing uphill. At the end of the street, cross over Lansdown Road (watch out for traffic as it can be busy) for a short diversion along Camden Crescent .

The crescent has beautiful Georgian houses – but if you look closely you can see that the central buildings with the pillars aren’t actually in the middle, as a landslide knocked down nine houses originally at the east end. Partway along there’s a bench with views out over Bath (though note that the leaves on the trees in Camden Meadow below can obscure the view in summer).

Retrace your steps back to the start of Camden Crescent and turn immediately left down Upper Hedgemead Road. Turn off into Hedgemead Park and walk through the park, passing the bandstand and children’s playground. The park was originally covered in houses, but a series of landslides made it unsafe so it was turned into a terraced pleasure gardens in 1889.

At the south end of the park, cross over Guinea Lane and walk down the steps next to the nursery to join The Paragon. Follow this wide street of Georgian houses to the right, passing the Countess of Huntingdon’s Chapel which houses the Museum of Bath Architecture .

At the end of The Paragon, cross over Broad Street and take the next left down Milsom Street (shorter version of the walk rejoins at this point) . Milsom Street is a popular shopping street with high-end stores, including Jolly’s which has been serving Bath shoppers since 1830.

When you reach the end of Milsom Street, carry on straight ahead, following Burton Street then Union Street. Turn left down pedestrianised Northumberland Place, which has a few good places to stop for food and drink, including the Victorian Coeur de Lion , Bath smallest pub.

At the end of Northumberland Place, go through the archway and you’ll see the Guildhall in front of you. Walk through the Guildhall Market , an indoor market selling food and drink, hardware, pet supplies and arts and crafts. There’s been a market here since 1284. The exit on the other side of the market takes you back out onto Grand Parade, with Pulteney Bridge in front of you.

If you want to return to the starting point at the Holburne Museum, cross Pulteney Bridge and walk straight ahead down Great Pulteney Street. Just behind the museum are the Sydney Gardens – Bath’s oldest park. They were built in 1795 and a popular place for Bath’s fashionable set to stroll, including Jane Austen. And you can still enjoy their lawns, flowers and canal views.

Otherwise there are lots of cafés, pubs and restaurants near Pulteney Bridge where you can finish off your self-guided walking tour of Bath. Or why not explore further by taking a boat trip along the River Avon, which departs from Pulteney Weir and takes around an hour?

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Tailor Made Trails and Tales

Bath Architectural Tour

90 minute walking tour.

This Tour describes some of the benefactors, entrepreneurs and great architects who together helped create this fashionable city - the place to be and be seen in the 18th Century. Men like John Wood (Elder and Younger), Richard Beau Nash, Ralph Allen, Richard Gay, Dr. Oliver, John Palmer and David Garrick.

We stroll around many of Bath’s unique Buildings and explain about the materials they are made from. This Tour is of interest to those who want to get to know more about classical architecture and monuments. ​

£150.00 for a private Tour up to 10.

£20.00 extra per person for entry into one / two of Bath’s many historical Museums.

Afternoon Tea could be included at The 5 Star Royal Crescent Hotel at an extra charge.

• United Kingdom
• A Walking Tour Of Baths...

A Walking Tour of Bath's Architectural Landmarks

Beautiful Bath is famed for its enchanting Georgian architecture. Widely considered a jewel in the West Country’s verdant crown, the city has some stunning buildings which were surely a key factor in the decision to name it a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987. Though hot air balloon rides are a popular way to chase a fine view of this unique town, a less costly option is to discover the place on foot.

Here’s our guide to the perfect walking tour of Bath’s architectural landmarks:

Start the day right with breakfast at The Wild Cafe . With its unpretentious menu and pretty blue door, this is a perfect spot to tuck into an energy-boosting plate of goodness. Over coffee, whip out the map and begin to familiarise yourself with the route for your architectural oddessey.

Wild Cafe, Queen Street, Bath

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Smoothies and fry-ups demolished, leave the café turning left along Queen Street, and you’ll soon reach reach the historic Trim Street, which has many listed buildings to feast your eyes on. General Wolfe’s House at Number 5, built by Thomas Greenway, is of particular architectural note, and the smart aesthetic of these early-1700s houses and shops makes a pleasant start to your tour.

General Wolfe’s House, Trim Street, Bath

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Returning to the crossroads with Queen Street, follow Trim Bridge until you reach Upper Borough Walls, where you’ll see the Royal National Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases. This Grade-II-listed space remains active and is still known locally as the Mineral Water Hospital, originally built to cure Bath’s Georgian population with a splash or two from the city’s allegedly healing springs.

Royal Mineral Water Hospital, Bath

Now head left along Upper Borough Walls, which takes its name from the medieval remains of the old city wall still standing today. Take in the many impressive listed buildings here, including the Full Moon Hotel and Gascoyne House.

Upper Borough Walls, Bath

Now at the end of Upper Borough Walls, head past the Victoria Art Gallery to take in Pulteney Bridge and Weir .

Here you’ll find many cute coffee spots for your caffeine fix, including Bath Coffee House , perched on the bridge itself.

Heading back along the bridge, breeze past the Guildhall Market (potentially another excellent snack-stop, with plenty of hearty cafés to help you refuel). Follow Grand Parade around until it meets the Orange Grove, where you’ll spot the triumphant gothic turrets of Bath Abbey.

Guildhall Market, Bath

After a pause to breathe in the cathedral’s magnificent interior immersed in silence, step back out onto the bustling street and look southwest towards the legendary Roman Baths.

Roman Baths, Stall Street, Bath

Give yourself time to contemplate the building’s remarkable façade, resisting the urge to reach for your smartphone with a good long stare. The majestic Roman columns are far too grand for a couple of camera clicks.

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Next on our tour is the Grand Pump Room, another resplendent historic building fashioned in buttery-yellow Bath stone. Finished in 1799, the Pump Room’s exterior features Corinthian half-columns and impressive colonnades.

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Heading west now, along Bath Street, stroll along until you reach the Hospital of John the Baptist. This is one of Bath’s better-kept architectural secrets but worth a peek since it outdates much of the town’s Georgian structures by a long way. Built in 1180, it’s another Grade-I-listed building in Bath’s collection.

Hospital of John the Baptist, Bath Street, Bath

Now it’s time for lunch. Head north along Westgate Buildings and nip into Boston Tea Party for a filling and colourful meal to enjoy as you watch the world go by.

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Once re-energised, stride north again up Saw Close, where to your left you’ll see the Theatre Royal (a noted example of one of the finest surviving Georgian theatre buildings).

Theatre Royal, Saw Close, Bath

Follow Barton Street, pass through pretty Queen Square and head along Gay Street until you reach the Circus. This terraced row of listed buildings making a perfect circle has been home to the likes of David Livingstone and Hollywood actor Nicholas Cage.

The Circus, Bath

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Mosey along Brock Street to Bath’s crowning architectural glory: Royal Crescent. This elegant curve of houses is a sight to behold; designed by architect John Wood the Younger and built between 1767 and 1774, it is among the best-loved examples of Georgian architecture in England. Stand back into the Royal Victoria Gardens for the most memorable view.

Royal Crescent, Bath

Finally, make a beeline for the Marlborough Tavern and settle down for a sophisticated feast and a serious debrief of Bath’s inspiring design, accompanied by a well-deserved pint.

The Marlborough Taven, 35 Marlborough Buildings, Bath

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Self Guided Bath Walking Tour (12 Places Not To Miss!)

The city of Bath in Somerset, England is renowned for its incredible Georgian architecture. Many tourist from all over the world flock to Bath to admire this truly unique city. Here is the perfect Bath walking tour if you want to see all of the top architectural sights on a short visit.

In this guide you will discover the top things to see in Bath and how you can explore them on a self-guided Bath walking tour. This post outlines directions for the walking tour and incudes historic information about the sites, plus additional optional stops.

This post contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. Find out more  here .

Bath Walking Tour

Bath is a city that is renowned for its striking Georgian architecture. And if you visit the city, you don’t want to miss spotting some of the most incredible and inspiring buildings Bath has to offer. This self-guided Bath walking tour will take you through the city on foot so that you can see the best sights in a short space of time.

The tour will take you approximately 1 hour to complete, however, there are some additional, optional stops highlighted on the route if you want to fill a whole day in Bath. As you will be on your feet, make sure to wear comfortable shoes and don’t forget your camera!

The tour starts in the centre of Bath in Abbey Churchyard (BA1 1LY). If you would like a great audio tour to narrate your route, Visit Bath have a wonderful free World Heritage Audio Tour that you can download to accompany your journey.

12 Unmissable Things To See In Bath

Here are the top 12 unmissable things to see in Bath. These are the sights you’ll be visiting on this Bath walking tour. So grab your audio guide and get ready to explore!

Roman Baths

• Thermae Bath Spa and Cross Bath

Queen’s Square

The king’s circus, the royal crescent.

• Assembly Rooms

The Paragon

Milsom street, pulteney bridge, great pulteney street, grand parade, bath walking tour: the sights.

If you’ve only got a few hours in Bath, here is a self guided Bath walking tour so you can see the main sights. The route includes some recommended bonus attractions if you have more time in the city. The walking tour will take you approximately 1 hour to complete.

To begin the tour, head to Abbey Churchyard (BA1 1LY).

Start your tour facing the ornate West front of the Abbey. The Abbey was the heart of the medieval city. In the late 9th century, King Alfred built medieval Bath over the original Roman city, so there is very little evidence of the Roman inhabitants today.

The Bath Abbey that you see today is a Tudor Abbey that was rebuilt in 1502. It was one of the last Abbey’s built in England before the dissolution of monasteries.

Services still take place in the Abbey today throughout the week. You can go inside the Abbey to admire the impressive stained glass windows and incredible vaulted ceilings. You can also take a tour up the tower to see Bath from above!

Before you move on to the next stop on the tour, be sure to glance over at The Pump Room . It was a popular place to be seen in the 1790s, and was where you came to take the natural spa waters for your health. You can still try a glass of spa water from the fountain today.

With your back to the Abbey, walk towards Stall Street then turn left. Follow the street until you reach the entrance to the Roman Baths on your left and the large UNESCO seal on the floor.

The Roman Baths in Bath is one of the finest thermal spas of the ancient world. It was built about 2000 years ago around England’s only hot springs. If you have time, you can enter the Baths and enjoy audio guides and interactive displays, following in the Roman’s footsteps.

Outside the Roman Baths you will see a brass UNESCO symbol on the floor. The city of Bath is recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. This is due to the creative genuis of the architecture in the city.

If you stand with your back to the Baths and look down Bath Street, you can see a good example of this. Almost all of the buildings in Bath are built using the yellow Bath stone, which was considered a prestigious building material and gives the city a cohesive look.

With your back to the Roman Baths, walk straight ahead down Bath Street, until you reach The Cross Bath at the end.

Thermae Bath Spa and The Cross Bath

The Cross Bath was a popular venue to swim in the healing hot waters during the 18th Century. Today, it stands across the road from its more modern counterpart, Thermae Bath Spa . This building was built between 1999-2003 and is an example of a modern building in the middle of the historic city.

Before you move on, take a look at the building behind the Cross Bath. This is St John’s Hospital and it is an early example of palladianism architecture in Bath. It was built by the architect John Wood the elder. He was the first architect to introduce the palladianism style to Bath and it defined the way the rest of the city would look.

With The Cross Bar on your left, stay with the curve of Bath Street. Pass by The Little Theatre and continue on to Westgate Street. Turn left on Westgate Street and follow the road as it becomes Saw Close, Barton Street and ultimately Gay Street. Turn left into Queen’s Square, a square park with an oblisk at the centre.

Queen’s Square was the first great development by John Wood in the city. It began in 1729 and was completed in 1736.

Queen’s Square was designed as four rows of terraced houses around a central square garden. The goal was to make a row of terraced houses look like a country house as a means of attracting the wealthy to stay in the city.

Optional stop: The Herschel Museum of Astronomy is located just a short walk from Queen’s Square. It is dedicated to the many achievements of brother and sister William and Caroline Herschel, who were celebrated astronomers and talented musicians. William discovered the planet Uranus in 1781. Find it at 19 New King Street, Bath BA1 2BL.

Leave Queen’s Square via the same way you entered. Continue to follow Gay Street uphill until you reach The Circus.

The King’s Circus or simply, The Circus, as it is known, is an impressive and imposing set of three crecent buildings built to create a central circle. It was a creation undertaken in 1754 by John Wood and completed by John Wood the younger after his father passed away.

The design of The Circus echoes the colosseum, with its three tiers. It is another example of the palladianism architecture design in Bath. However, The Circus is also inspired by ancient British architecture including druid stone circles such as Stonehenge, which is indicated by the acorns along the top of the buildings.

Exit The King’s Circus via Brock Street, one street to the left of where you entered. Follow Brock Street until you reach the Royal Crescent.

The Royal Crescent is possibly the most iconic building in Bath. This sprawling crescent-shaped building is fronted by a beautiful park. This sweeping building was designed and built by John Wood the younger between 1757 and 1765.

Although built by John Wood the younger, the concept was likely created by his father. The idea was to create a row of terraced houses that felt like a country house. Unlike The Circus, this building is far less enclosed and feels like a stately home with a sprawling lawn, rather than an inner city appartment.

This building was designed for the wealthy who would visit for ‘the season‘. They would normally stay for a couple of months each year and could rent an entire house or a series of rooms.

Optional stop: No. 1 Royal Crescent has been restored to reflect what a Georgian house would have looked like during 1776-1796. You can book a ticket to take a glimpse inside and get a taste of how Bath’s wealthy visitors lived.

From Royal Crescent, return back down Brock Street, then take the far exit from The Circus, Bennett Street. Shortly after you leave The Circus, enter the pedestrian square on the right to find the Assembly Rooms.

Optional stop: As you exit The Circus on Bennett Street, you will pass the Museum of East Asian Art . It is the only museum in the UK dedicated to the art and culture of East and South East Asia. Their impressive collection consists of nearly 2,000 sets of objects.

The Assembly Rooms

As the city expanded, Bath required new assembly rooms. The Assembly Rooms were a place for social entertainment such as dancing and live performances. They were originally built by John Wood the younger, but were bombed during the second world war so have experienced significant restoration.

Optional stop: Inside the Assembly Rooms you will find the Fashion Museum . It features a world-class collection of contemporary and historic dress. Discover the evolution of fashion through the ages in these beautiful displays.

Return onto Bennett Street and follow it to the end where you turn left onto Lansdown Road. Cross the road and take Guinea Lane on your right, then turn right again onto The Paragon.

Optional stop : You can add a slight detour to your route to visit the Museum of Bath at Work . This museum tells the story of Bath’s working class at the centre of industry. It includes displays on Victorian ironmongers and engineering works, a soft drinks factory and even the story of mining that famous Bath stone.

The Paragon is an imposing row of 21 Georgian town houses built between 1768-1775. This road was one of the key entrance and exits into Bath, and it really sets the scene for visitors when they arrive in the city.

One building that really stands out on The Paragon is The Countess of Huntingdon’s Chapel. It is one of the few buildings in Bath in the gothic revival style. The Countess of Huntingdon was a Methodist who built the chapel as a means of eradicating sin from the city she felt had become far to decadant.

Optional stop: Inside The Countess of Huntingdon’s Chapel you will find the Museum of Bath Architecture . This museum delves into the history of Bath’s Architecture from the Romans, right through to modern structure and explores how they have been designed to complement each other.

Continue to follow the Paragon as it curves to the right, and cross the road onto George Street. Here, take the first left onto Milsom Street.

Shopping was a popular Georgian pastime. Laid out in 1761, Milsom Street was a key commercial area of the Georgian city, giving the wealthy visitors an opportunity to enjoy some retail therapy. Shoppers could pick up their essentials from milliners, drapers, and dressmakers, or visit a library of portrait artist.

Follow Milsom Street to the end and continue on as it becomes New Bond Street and curves to the left. When you reach Northgate Street turn right, then take the first left onto Bridge Street to reach Pulteney Bridge.

Optional stop: Victoria Art Gallery is a free public gallery that houses Bath and North East Somerset’s collection of paintings, sculpture and decorative arts. It houses over 1500 objects of art including a collection of oil paintings from British artists dating from 1700 onwards. It is located on Bridge Street (BA2 4AT).

There are very few buildings in Bath that were designed by architects who didn’t hail from the city. Pulteney Bridge is one of them though! It was designed by architect Robert Adam and is one of the very few bridges of its type in the country.

Pulteney Bridge is a rare example of a bridge with shops along either side. If you were stood on the bridge, it would be easy to think you were just on any regular street! Across the bridge is the new expansion to the city and the start of the neoclassicist architecture that began to develop in Bath.

Cross Pulteney Bridge, continue straight down Argyle Street and continue straight ahead at Laura Place to find yourself on Great Pulteney Street.

Optional stop: as you cross Pulteney Street, take the stairs down on the right-hand side. It will bring you out into the recreation ground. It is another great green space in the city to unwind and it gives you another beautiful view of Pulteney Bridge.

Great Pulteney Street is a wide street that was designed for promenading. These buildings reflect the newer style of architecture in the city; they are cleaner with fewer columns or decorations. However, they also mark the end of inner city development in Bath.

As the years went on, people were now wanting to live in Bath, rather than just visit. And residents wanted detached or semi-detached properties with gardens, rather than terraced houses.

Great Pulteney street was designed by Robert Adam as a set of streets for new area town, however it was built by Bath architect Thomas Baldwin. It was complemented by Sydney Gardens at the far end, a pleasure garden for daytime walking and evening entertainment such as fireworks.

Optional stop: you cannot help but spot Holburne Museum as you walk down Great Pulteney Street. This grand building sits at the far end of the street at the entrance to Sydney Gardens. It is home to the personal collection of Sir William Holburne, Bath resident and avid collector of silver, paintings, glass, porceline, furniture and more. As you pass, you can pop in and admire the grand collection in person.

Retrace your steps back down Great Pulteney Street, across Pulteney Bridge and take the first left onto Grand Parade, alongside the river.

This final stop on the tour is an opportunity to admire the landscape surrounding Bath. As the middle classes grew in Bath, they wanted to have detached and semi-detached houses and their own land. This saw the townhouse terraced buildings die out, to be replaced by urban villas on the hillsides surrounding Bath.

Bath is one of the few UNESCO World Heritage Sites to incorporate the whole city. The main reason for this is due to the unique way that Bath seamlessly incorporates the surrounding landscape.

Bath Walking Tour: Know Before You Go

When you visit Bath and take this Bath walking tour, there are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind. Here are my top tips for visiting Bath:

• Wear comfortable shoes! There is a lot of walking and Bath is a hilly city so you’ll spend a lot of time walking up and down hills. I learned the hard way and left with some pretty impressive blisters!
• Car parking in the city is expensive and gets busy. If you are travelling by car, arrive early to avoid disappointment. We parked in Avon Street Car Park (BA1 1UF) which was only a short walk from the city centre.
• When you end the tour on Grand Parade, follow it along the river and past the park to discover Dr Gelato . This impressive ice cream store has a great range of classic and experimental flavours. Make sure to try out their charcoal cone!

For more Bath inspiration for planning your trip, check out these resources:

Guided Tours of Bath

If you want to see even more of Bath following your self-guided tour, a guided tour from a local expert is a fantastic way to learn the hidden secrets of a city!

Bath has a wonderful selection of guided tours for you to try. Each one will show you a different aspect of the city – whether it is the dark, haunted back street or a fascinating stroll through the history of Bath.

Here are the best guided tours of Bath for you to enjoy:

• City Walking Tour with Optional Roman Baths Entry
• 1.5-Hour Walking Tour with Blue Badge Tourist Guide
• Bath Guided Ghost Tour
• City Sightseeing Bath: Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus Tour
• Short Orientation Walking Tour
• Ghost Hunters Silent Disco Guided Tour
• The Bad of Bath Walking Tour

Where To Stay In Bath

If you want to spend more than one day exploring the city, here are some great accommodation options for your stay.

Things To Do Near Bath

If you are planning an extended visit to the area, here are some of the other things to do near Bath to get the most out of your visit:

• Beckford’s Tower : is an impressive gold topped tower just outside of Bath. It offer stunning panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
• Cotswolds villages: Bath sits on the edge of the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). This region is made up of beautiful countryside and quaint villages that have a storybook feel. Read this guide to discover the prettiest villages in the Cotswolds .
• Castle Combe: when it comes to pretty Cotswold villages, Castle Combe takes the crown. In fact, Castle Combe is often described as the prettiest town in England! Read this guide to discover the perfect way to spend a day in Castle Combe.
• Malmesbury: this pretty market town in Wiltshire is your quintessential English country town. Complete with historic market cross, grand Abbey and sprawling gardens, it is well worth a visit to admire Malmesbury’s charm. Read this guide to discover the top things to do in Malmesbury.
• Dyrham Park: this stunning country house set in ancient deer park is a beautiful place for a gentle stroll. Dyrham Park is maintained by the National Trust and is just a short drive from Bath.

So if you are visiting Bath, be sure to bookmark this page or pin it using the pin below so you can visit these top sights on your trip!

Have you visited Bath? I’d love to hear about your visit! Let’s connect on  Instagram  and send me a DM and tell me what you loved most about this fascinating city!

Until our next adventure,

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If you like this Bath walking tour, be sure to follow  Get Lost on Pinterest . That’s where I’ll be sharing all my great  UK travel guides .

Hello, I’m Hannah! I’m a writer and photographer who loves experiencing the wonders of Yorkshire. My guides will help you escape from your daily routine by showing you that you don’t have to go far to find an adventure.

70 thoughts on “Self Guided Bath Walking Tour (12 Places Not To Miss!)”

I loved my trip to Bath two years ago, it’s such a magical city to walk around on foot. This is a fantastic guide that hits up all of the main attractions!

I’m so glad you like the guide! It is an incredible city and you definitely see the best of it on foot!

This post has brought back so many wonderful memories. Bath was one of my first solo travel trips when I decided I really needed to see more of my home country. I definitely should go back!

Bath is such a great city for a first solo trip! There’s definitely a lot to see and do there, I think you could easily fill multiple trips to Bath and still not see it all!

I’ve been to Bath before but missed a lot of great things to see. This guide is so detailed. I’ve saved it to refer back to when I get to visit again. Thank you so much!

There is so much to see in Bath, I think it definitely takes more than one trip to take it all in! I’m already dreaming of going back to see more of the city! I hope you’re able to visit again soon!

We are adding so many spots to the UK driving trip we want to plan. This self guided walk through Bath sure will give us a great look at the beautiful Georgian architecture. At the speed we go taking pics, we would probably need to plan more than one hour for sure. We would certainly want to see the inside of the Royal Crescent to see how the wealthy lived. Probably good to stay in Bath and do some day trips from there.

Haha I know what you mean about taking pictures! I faff for ages taking photos! i think we were speedier than usual because we met my brother while we were there and he didn’t have the patience to hang around while I took hundreds of photos! Bath is definitely a great place to stay while exploring the area. It’s really close to the Cotswolds, Stonehenge, Oxford and plenty of other great places to see. A UK driving trip sounds wonderful! I hope you have an amazing time!

I have been to Bath, but I missed many of these places so need to go back for sure! Thanks for this useful list, well done! 🙂

What a great excuse to go back! There is definitely a lot to see in Bath, I think it takes more than one trip to really take it all in. I’m already dreaming of going back for another visit. I hope you get back there someday soon!

What a great and comprehensive tour! Looks like a beautiful spot to explore 🙂

I’m so glad you like the tour! Bath is such an interesting city and the architecture is stunning!

I loved Bath so much! Whilst the entry fee to the Roman Bath is rather expensive, there are so many amazing spots to visit for free which is amazing! I’ve never tried a walking tour though that’s one thing I should try next time i visit a new place. I also totally missed that ice cream place, so that’s another reason to return 🙂

I was gutted because unfortunately the Roman Baths were closed when we visited due to Covid restrictions so that’s my excuse to go back! And for the ice cream…the charcoal cone was surprisingly delicious!

Bath is so beautiful. I didn’t get a chance to do many of these things especially the spots outside of bath. Thanks for the tips 🙂

It’s such a beautiful city! I could have spent much longer there! There is definitely a lot more than I managed to see! The surrounding area is so beautiful too, it’s hard to pick what to see when you’re so spoiled for choice!

This is so detailed!! Thank you so much. With this article I’d definitely be happy to do a self-guides tour 👏🏽

Thanks Elyse! I’m so glad you like it! I hope you get an opportunity to take a self-guided Bath walking tour soon!

I visited Bath a couple years ago but haven’t been able to go since – but with this post, I’m sure I’ll find a whole bunch of new things to see and do!!

Bath is a beautiful city isn’t it? There’s so much to see and do…I’m itching to go back too!

I visited Bath for 1 day only so I indeed missed most of these! I will pin your post for my next visit, thank you so much!

There is so much to see in Bath isn’t there! I’d love to go back too so I can see more of the city! Thanks for reading!

Bath looks like an awesome spot to visit! I’d love to check out some of these spots one day. Thanks for sharing!

Bath is such a beautiful city! I’d love to go back because many of the museums weren’t open when we visited due to the restictions. It would be nice to spend more time admiring the city, but it was lovely to walk around and take in all of the beautiful architecture! I hope you get an opportunity to visit soon!

It’s been so long since I visited Bath. I was a kid and probably not the best age to appreciate how truly beautiful a city it is. I’d love to go back now and explore and this is such a helpful guide to see all the major sites and everything that makes the city unique

I think I visited Bath as a kid once but I have no memory of it at all. It is definitely a city that we appreciate more as adults! I hope you get a chance to go back and see the sites!

I always thought Bath, was just the name of the hot springs there. I didn’t realize it was the name of the whole town! I also didn’t realize it was so close to the Cotswalds. We visited that area back in 2016, but went straight from the Cotswalds to Oxford. I would love to go back and tour this UNESCO site!

Ooh you will have been super close to Bath if you went from the Cotswolds to Oxford! It is a really beautiful city and well worth a visit. What a great excuse to come back and visit! I hope you get an opportunity to visit soon!

I love the idea of a walking tour… great opportunity to get your steps in!

Yes! You’ll definitely hit your daily step goal with this one! It’s such a walkable city and it is the best way to see the beautiful architecture!

I am really looking forward to visiting Bath someday and this post will be so helpful in planning our trip. Thanks!

I hope you get an opportunity to visit someday soon, Bath is such a beautiful city!

All I can think of is pride and prejudice! Lol thanks for sharing!!! This is a great walking guide!!

Haha! There are several Jane Austen tours in Bath too if you want a true Pride & Prejudice experience! I’m so glad you like the guide, thanks for reading!

I’ve heard so many good things about Bath! I’ll definitely reference this when I visit one day!

It’s a beautiful city, I definitely recommend visiting when you’re in the area! I really want to go back and spend more time there! I hope you have a wonderful visit when you go!

I appreciate your walking tour guides, so detailed with historical snippets included. A couple of photographs are particularly eye-catching: the one of The Pump Room with Bath Abbey in the background, and the second one of Pulteney Bridge. Awesome!

I’m so glad you like the walking tour! I always find the history of places fascinating and a tour was definitely the best way to take it all in! It’s such a picturesque city, the photos don’t even do it justice!

Thank you! I have been meaning to visit Bath for a long time and now I have a great list to start. I just love the historical origins of the city, can’t wait to explore it 🙂

Bath was on my list forever too before I finally managed to get there! I’d love to go back and spend more time there as we only had about half a day in the end. It was fascinating learning about the history of the city and its architecture. I hope you get a chance to visit soon!

I haven’t been to Bath, England yet but I *love* self-guided walking tours. I pinned this for later – thanks!

Ah I hope you get to Bath soon! It’s a beautiful city and well worth exploring. Thanks for reading!

When my husband & I travel we love walking everywhere. And I think we’d love to do this self-guided walking tour of Bath! That architecture is transporting!

Ah I love walking around destinations too…it is definitely the best way to see them and you often stumble on little gems you would otherwise miss! Bath definitely has some incredible architecture, I’ve visited plenty of pretty UK cities but none of them are like Bath!

I’m crazy for UNESCO World Heritage sites and your article makes it easy to see why Bath is one! Even back in the 1700’s there were some brilliant tourism minds developing this destination. I can’t wait to petsit my way back to Europe because Bath has now moved a few notches higher on my Bucket List. Thanks for the inspiration!

You always know you’re in for a treat with a UNESCO World Heritage site, don’t you! I love visiting them too and Bath is definitely worth exploring! If you end up pet sitting your way over to England I’ve got two fur-babies who would love to spend some time with you I’m sure!

I absolutely adore Bath! When I went I’m pretty sure I just aimlessly walked around but I no doubt missed some places.. wish I had this guide back then to have made sure I saw all the wonderful buildings and highlights of such a pretty place..

It’s such a beautiful city, isn’t it? Unfortunately, we only had about half a day in Bath so a walking tour was a great way to see the main sights in a short space of time. It was so interesting uncovering the history of these incredible buildings!

I actually much prefer doing a walking tour on my own rather than with a guide! Thanks for the comprehensive (and easy to follow!) post! I’ll def be using this whenever I get over the pond!

I completely agree! I love an audio tour as, between tracks, I can move at my own pace, pause to take photos and just do my own thing! It feels a lot less pressured than a group tour! I hope you get an opportunity to visit soon!

Can’t believe I missed walking along the Paragon when I was there! The abbey was also surrounded by scaffolding when I visited which was a shame. You definitely cover all of the main attractions in Bath!

The Paragon is definitely a little out on a limb in the city but it is well worth looping around that way to see it! What a shame you couldn’t admire the Abbey! It still had plenty of scaffolding on it, but luckily it was all around the side and back from the main entrance this time. What a good excuse to come back and see it properly though!

Bath looks so beautiful and I adore all of the points of interest you’ve included. Super helpful how you’ve shared the optional stops as well!

Bath is such a stunning city and I’m so glad you like the guide! I really want to go back and visit the optional stops and many attractions were closed during our visit due to Covid restrictions. The walking tour was a great way to see the main sights though in a short visit! It was a wonderful little ‘taster session’ for what Bath has to offer!

Bath always reminds me of Pride & Prejudice (the movie and the book!). Would love to visit someday!

There is a Jane Austen audio tour of the town too if you love Pride and Prejudice! Unfortunately we didn’t get time to try that one out but hopefully on our next visit! I hope you get a chance to try it out too!

Wooow. The architecture here is beautiful! The paragon was my favorite spot.

I hope to visit the UK soon! Definitely adding this city to my list!

Bath is such a beautiful city and the architecture is stunning. I hope you’re able to visit soon to see it in person!

I’m headed to England for a three-week workation this fall. I definitely want to visit Bath so this top 12 list and walking tour guide is perfect!

Ooh I hope you have a wonderful time while visiting England! Bath is such a beautiful city to visit, I hope you get the opportunity to soak up all these sights!

Bath really is such a beautiful town and for a walking tour! I’ve been to Bath but didn’t get the chance to see as many of these points of interest. I only saw the Roman Baths and Thermae Spa. I need to go back and spend more time here!

There is so much to see in Bath, isn’t there? I’m keen to go back as it was a bit of a whirlwind tour for us too and there are many other things we still want to see. Thanks to the lockdown regulations at the time we didn’t get the chance to visit inside the Roman Baths and I was gutted! I’m hoping to get back there again soon to see even more!

I have been to Bath so many times and yet have missed some of these every time! Will definitely be saving for when I go back.

There is so much to see in Bath, isn’t there? I’m keen to go back and explore even more of the city – there’s a lot that we didn’t get the chance to see the first time around!

Bath is definitely on my bucket list! What a beautiful destination, wow! 🙂

Bath is such a beautiful city, isn’t it? The architecture is spectacular!

I wish I had seen this a couple of weeks ago when we found ourselves exploring this area after one of girls got Covid and all of us were denied boarding for our cruise. We spent a day in Bath and had to do a lot of last minute research to find things to do.

Oh no! How disappointing you weren’t able to board your cruise! Although I think there are worse places to be stuck than Bath! It is such a beautiful city! I’m keen to go back soon and explore more of it!

Bath is one of my absolute favourite towns in England! Thanks for sharing such a detailed guide – this walking tour covers so much! Would love to go back and try out the route soon 🙂

Bath is such a beautiful place, isn’t it? I love the architecture! I’m eager to go back and explore even more! Thanks for reading!

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The BEST tours of Bath, England

Founded by the Romans as a thermal spa city, Bath has evolved over the centuries, leaving behind a legacy of stunning architecture, Georgian crescents, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site designation. The city's history is palpable, and our tours from London offer a gateway to understanding its unique significance. Step back in time as you explore the legendary Roman Baths, a testament to the opulence and sophistication of Ancient Rome. Marvel at the well-preserved bathhouse complex, complete with the Great Bath, ancient chambers, and intricate artifacts. Imbibe the atmosphere that once echoed with the laughter and conversations of Roman bathers, making this site a must-visit for history enthusiasts. Bath isn't just a city; it's a living testament to centuries of history, culture, and architectural marvels. Whether you're captivated by the Roman Baths, charmed by the Georgian architecture, or eager to explore the vibrant city life, it has something for every traveler, blending the old with the new, and offering a unique and enriching experience. You'll be able to maximize your exploration by combining your visit to Bath with other iconic destinations: in fact, our tours allow you to seamlessly blend the allure of Bath with the mystical atmosphere of Stonehenge or the regal grandeur of Windsor, creating a comprehensive and unforgettable day-trip experience. Indulge in the beauty of diverse landscapes and historical wonders, all in a single, curated itinerary.

Explore the rich history and cultural heritage of Bath, England, as you wander its picturesque streets and marvel at its iconic landmarks. Immerse yourself in this UNESCO World Heritage city, renowned for its Roman baths, Georgian and architecture.

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Small Group Day Tour of Bath, Windsor Castle, and Stonehenge from London

Explore the rich history of England with an ultimate historic experience covering three iconic sites

Full-Day Stonehenge and Bath Tour from London

Journey back in time to experience the mysteries of ancient stones and historic Roman baths

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Architecture of Bath - Queen of Georgian cities

A survey of Bath’s architectural landmarks and some lesser-known gems.

The tour can be combined with West Country Choral Festival , 7–11 July 2019.

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Bath first became a resort town in Roman times, but its modern reincarnation dates from the eighteenth century. It was then that a succession of architects and entrepreneurs, most of them from the city itself, succeeded in creating one of the supreme achievements of European architecture and urban design, inspired by the memory of the Roman past but adapted to satisfy the taste and desires of the Georgian aristocracy and merchant classes.

The city owes much of its character to its riverside situation, within a bowl of limestone hills from which the honey-coloured stone of its eighteenth-century buildings was quarried. Several of the finest of these buildings will be visited - Queen Square, the Circus and the Royal Crescent; Great Pulteney Street with the recently-expanded Holburne Museum at its far end; the Pump Room and Assembly Rooms – and we will also explore some of the lesser-known but equally attractive corners of this most fascinating of cities.

Meet outside Bath Abbey at 1.15pm. Bath Abbey is one of the handful of great late-medieval religious buildings completed in the first thirty years of the 16th century. Visit the Abbey focusing particularly on its 18th-century monuments. No.1 Royal Crescent (interior), then the Circus and Assembly Rooms (interior: Ballroom, Card Room and Tea Room). Walk via Great Pulteney Street and Pulteney Bridge to the hotel.

Walk through Sydney Gardens, the only remaining 18th-century pleasure gardens in the country. Visit the Holburne Museum home to Sir William Holburne’s excellent 18th-century collection of fine and decorative arts. Continue to the Circus, glancing briefly at the restored garden of one of the houses here. Walk through Victoria Gardens to Queen Square then the Theatre Royal (exterior) and the Cross Bath (exterior) via Kingsmead Square. Finish at the Guildhall at c. 1.30pm. The rest of the day is free before the festival begins in the Assembly Rooms at 3.30pm.

Some appointments cannot be confirmed until early 2019.

Price, per person

Two sharing: £420. Single occupancy: £480.

Hotel accommodation; breakfast; 1 dinner with wine, water, coffee; all admissions; all tips; all taxes; the services of the lecturer and tour manager.

Accommodation

Macdonald Bath Spa : An attractive amalgam of Georgian, Victorian and modern buildings set in an expansive landscaped grounds with views across the city. The hotel is a picturesque 20-minute walk to the city centre through the grounds of the Holburne Museum. Bedrooms are spacious and recently renovated. Good restaurant, bar, lounges, air-conditioning, swimming pool, spa facilities. Single rooms are doubles for sole use.

How strenuous?

Most of the tour is spent outside and on foot, both standing and walking. Unless you enjoy entirely unimpaired mobility, cope with everyday walking and stair-climbing without difficulty and are reliably sure-footed, this tour is not for you.

Are you fit enough to join the tour?

Between 10 and 22 participants.

West Country Choral Festival Cathedrals and churches in Gloucestershire, Somerset and Devon – eight concerts, eight outstanding choirs

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