The Perfect Weekend in Bath

What could be a more perfect weekend away than spending 48 hours here in Bath? Renowned throughout the UK and beyond for its rich history and stunning architecture, this compact city is ideal for a relaxing and rejuvenating trip. Alongside the globally-famous spa culture, you’ll also find a vibrant nightlife and plenty more exhilarating things to do.

If you’re looking for an unforgettable city break in 2023, here’s everything you need to know about enjoying the perfect weekend in Bath.

Where to Stay

Bath is home to a wide range of places to stay that will suit all budgets and tastes. If you really want to experience the city’s rich culture up close, you simply have to splash out on a room or suite in one of the Royal Crescent’s gorgeous Georgian buildings.

The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa is one of the most luxurious hotels in the city. Set in the centre of the sprawling Royal Crescent with views across the lawns and Victoria Park bandstand, this converted 18th-century townhouse has everything you need for a weekend of pampering, including an award-winning Spa and Bath House.

If you’re looking for a more purse-friendly option, St Christopher’s Inn, situated just a stone’s throw away from Pulteney Bridge, offers reasonably-priced hostel accommodation.

Nightlife

Evening entertainment in Bath is as rich as its history, wide a wide range of bars, clubs and venues to cater to every taste, as well as the Grade II Theatre Royal.

Given the city’s heritage, there’s no shortage of unique, Instagrammable venues to check out for pre-show drinks. The Botanist, situated on Milsom Street, is one of the chicest bars and restaurants in the city. Set in a unique, octagonal-shaped building, it’s the perfect venue in which to be seen, and its small plates and unique beverages are delicious too.

If you’re looking to spend the evening in a place that’s a little more low-key, the Bath Brew House is the place to hole up in. This traditional English pub serves locally brewed beverages alongside a classic, locally-sourced menu. The Brew House also runs regular pub quizzes and live music nights, making it a great place to spend a relaxed evening.

Casino enthusiasts may be disappointed to learn that the Century Casino has recently closed down, meaning you’d need to head into Bristol for brick-and-mortar gaming. However, with a wifi or mobile data connection, you’re never far away from an online gaming platform. PokerStars, for instance, specialises in high-quality poker experiences that are playable on both desktop and mobile. This means you can even play from the comfort of your hotel room.

Bath also has a vibrant nightlife scene that will see you dancing until dawn. The glittery Second Bridge on Manvers Street is the hottest club in town. It regularly draws in a VIP crowd, with the stars of reality TV hits like Made In Chelsea often being seen on the dancefloor.

Experience

Top of the list of things to do in Bath has to be a visit to the famous Roman Baths. Take a trip back in time to this wonderfully preserved thermae, sample its healing waters, and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere in the ancient ruins.

Due to its former status as a notable leisure town for the Georgian elite, the city is also filled with picturesque parks and gardens to while away the hours in. The Royal Victoria Park is one of the most popular, with its boating lake and vivid botanical garden. If you’re lucky, you might even be able to time your trip with one of the numerous events that are held on the bandstand.

If you’re looking for culture, Bath has it in droves, and the Victoria Art Gallery is a must-see. The gallery houses a distinguished collection of British oil paintings, watercolours and sculptures dating from the 15th century right up until the present day. It’s also where you can see the intriguing Lichfield Clock up close, while one-off exhibitions and events are held throughout the year.

Of course, no trip to Bath would be complete without heading to the Jane Austen Centre. The celebrated novelist spent several years living in Bath, and the centre provides the opportunity to learn more about her life in the city and her world-renowned novels. Don’t forget to check out the Regency tearoom for a spot of high tea – Emma Woodhouse would certainly approve!