Bath in summer: 7 places for the perfect 1-day trip
Bath is a city that wears its history beautifully, from the iconic Roman Baths to the sweeping Georgian crescents that define its skyline. While these landmarks are definitely worth a visit (as is the Thermae Spa where you can actually bathe in the local waters in a roof top pool), we prefer to take you away from the usual tourist crowds and point you to the less obvious spots that hopefully will surprise and delight you. Bath in the summer is a city of secret gardens, riverside retreats, and panoramic vistas (as well as drink and food!) – the perfect setting for discovering hidden gems that most visitors overlook. Let's explore a side of Bath that will leave you with memories as unique as the city itself.
The 7 places you should see in Bath in 1 day:
1 | Early Morning: Bath Skyline Walk
A folly on the Skyline walk (Credit: DMR)
Start your day with a refreshing dose of nature on the Bath Skyline Walk. This peaceful 6-mile trail offers stunning views of the city and the surrounding countryside. It's an ideal morning hike for those who relish the quiet of dawn and the chance to see Bath from a whole new perspective, high above the hustle and bustle. And you even get to see the odd cow if you’re lucky.
Free
2 | Mid-Morning: Prior Park Landscape Garden
Credit: Karen Roe, CC BY 2.0
Rather than the busy Roman Baths, escape to the serene Prior Park Landscape Garden. Managed by the National Trust, this 18th-century garden is a haven of tranquillity. Stroll through lush greenery, admire the elegant Palladian bridge, and take in sweeping views of Bath – all in a setting that feels a world away from the city's busier spots. To reach the garden, it is best to either take a bus or to gently stroll up the hill. There is no parking.
Free for National Trust members, otherwise £10 per adult
3 | Late Morning: Pulteney Bridge and Weir
Credit: Alison Day, CC BY-ND 2.0
Take a leisurely walk over the charming Pulteney Bridge, one of the rare bridges lined with shops across its span (only other one like this in Europe is in Florence!). Pause by the Pulteney Weir, there’s a great photo or selfie oppo here. Depending on the time of day and day of the week, you may find this place can get quite busy, but it is worth it. And if you find the crowds too annoying, just drop into the Guildhall Market.
Free
4 | Lunch: The Green Rocket Café
For lunch, treat yourself to the fresh, flavourful offerings at The Green Rocket Café. This centrally located gem serves up a delightful array of vegetarian and vegan dishes, with seasonal salads, wraps, and freshly squeezed juices that are perfect for a light yet satisfying midday meal.
Dishes from £6.95 ($9 / €8)
5 | Afternoon: Holburne Museum and Sydney Gardens
Back of Sydney Gardens (Credit: Plumbum64, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons)
Spend your afternoon immersed in art and nature. The Holburne Museum, with its collection of fine and decorative arts, is a feast for the eyes, while the adjacent Sydney Gardens provides a peaceful escape. Once a favourite haunt of Jane Austen, these gardens are perfect for a gentle stroll or quiet reflection amidst the greenery and they back on to the Bath and Kennet canal.
Entry to Sydney Gardens is free,
Holburne Museum entry is £11 per adult ($14.50 / €13)
6 | Late Afternoon: Bath Boating Station
See Bath from a different angle by renting a rowboat, canoe, or punt from the Bath Boating Station. Drift along the River Avon, soaking up the summer sun as you glide past Georgian architecture and picturesque landscapes. It's a delightful way to unwind and enjoy Bath's natural beauty.
Allow £10 per adult for 1 hour ($13 / €12)
7 | Evening: Bath on the Beach
Yes, you read that right! Head to Bath on the Beach at Royal Victoria Park for a little tropical getaway. This pop-up event brings sand, deck chairs, street food, cocktails, and live music right into the heart of the city. It’s a fun, quirky way to enjoy a summer day or evening in Bath, perfect for relaxing with friends or family.
Your Bath challenge | Wild Swim in Warleigh Weir
Wild simming in Warleigh Weir (credit: Tom Edgington CC BY 2.0)
For every city we go to, we like to set a challenge for the more adventurous traveller. So, how about a spot of wild swimming? Warleigh Weir is a gorgeous spot along the Avon, about 3 miles from the city centre (you can get there by bus) and it offers one of the most picturesque wild swimming experiences in England. The weir itself creates a natural pool, perfect for the more adventurous swimmers to dive in, but for those who are not quite sure about wild swimming, you can sit back, relax and take in the beautiful surroundings. It is worth noting that the water quality can get quite bad after a storm or heavy rain (due to sewer over spill - lovely!), so do check reports before swimming and cover up any cuts and don’t swallow the water!
Challenge Rating: 2/3 (not massively physically challenging but still takes some guts to swim in a river!)
Travel essentials: getting in and around Bath
Bath is small and, despite its many hills, it is very walkable. You can rent ebikes/scooters if you get a bit tired or to get up to Prior Park Gardens. There are also local buses. Getting to Bath is best done by train (from Wales, Bristol or London) as driving can be a bit of a nightmare due to the sheer weight of traffic makes it all very snarly and also parking is limited. If you must come by car, consider using one of the three Park & Ride car parks (Lansdown if approaching from the M4, Newbridge if coming in from Bristol and Odd Down if coming from the south.
Enjoy the quieter corners of Bath…
Bath is a city that rewards those who venture beyond its well-trodden paths. From hidden gardens to quiet riverside retreats, these recommendations offer a chance to experience the city’s unique charm in a more intimate and memorable way. Fair warning, Bath is busy regardless of when you visit, but the summer months are even busier, so, as you explore, take the time to uncover Bath’s quieter corners – you might just find that they become your favourite parts of the city.
